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    Drivers in Florida trust that the highway designs city planners come up with put safety first. Unfortunately, even the best intentions don’t always result in truly safe streets. Properly designed highways and medians can help prevent accidents and related injuries, while poor designs can increase the risk of driver harm.

    After an accident on one of Florida’s highways, talk to a vehicle collision attorney at David I. Fuchs, Injury & Accident Lawyer, P.A. about your eligibility for financial compensation from the government or another party. Even after a single-vehicle crash, a Fort Lauderdale road defect car accident lawyer could help you prove that dangerous road conditions were to blame.

    Types of Dangerous Highway Design Defects

    Florida has several major highways and interstates running through it, including I-75, I-275, I-10, I-4, and I-95. In most cases, it is up to the government to design, repair, and maintain state highways. This must be done with due care, smart planning, and a mission to prevent foreseeable traffic hazards. Failure to use proper care in designing a highway can lead to many unnecessary risks, including:

    • Unreasonably dangerous medians
    • Overgrown plants blocking road signs
    • Construction hazards and failure to warn of construction zones
    • Lack of guardrail on curves or steep embankments
    • Unnecessarily sharp curves or lack of warning
    • Series of utility poles or trees too close to the roadway
    • Bridge without a sidewalk for safe pedestrian travel

    The number of defects a highway’s design can have is limitless. A flaw in the design can be virtually anything that presents an unreasonable risk of harm to drivers and motorcyclists. A risk might be unreasonable if a reasonable and prudent design team would have noticed and avoided the hazard. To prove that a road was defective in a car accident claim, you need an experienced lawyer in Fort Lauderdale like attorney Fuchs.

    How an Attorney Can Help

    The lawyer you retain after being injured by dangerous road can make an enormous difference in how much you receive for your suffering and property damages. Claims against the government are especially complex, dealing with special rules and filing requirements. You’ll need legal assistance if you want to sue a state or local government entity for dangerous highway design, as these claims aren’t always easy to win. Retaining a good team of attorneys can give you peace of mind, as well as the upper hand in insurance claim negotiations.

    To bring a personal injury or wrongful death claim against a government body in Florida, you must prove the government body caused the harm through an act of negligence. One cannot hold a government employee individually liable for a car accident unless the employer intentionally caused the crash. Instead, one must file a claim against the government agency that employs the individual. In the case of highway design defect, the government body liable might be the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT).

    If FDOT or another government body is responsible for designing a dangerous and defective highway, an injured party could sue for damages up to the $200,000 damage cap against government agencies ($300,000 if multiple government entities are liable). You have three years from the date of your accident to notify the designer of the highway of your intent to sue. To learn more about these complex lawsuits involving dangerous road conditions, get in touch with David I. Fuchs, Injury & Accident Lawyer, P.A, here in Fort Lauderdale

    What Hazards are Common on Local Roads?

    As a knowledgeable attorney can explain, car accidents in Fort Lauderdale are all too often caused by road hazards. Potholes, road debris, construction areas, dangerous intersections, obstructed views, overgrown vegetation, and poor or antiquated design are all common examples of hazardous conditions on the road, which may cause or contribute to a traffic collision.

    Veteran lawyer David I. Fuchs understands there are frequently multiple causes or contributing factors in determining fault in the wake of a serious or fatal accident. A thorough investigation must identify and assign fault to negligent parties comprehensively, in order to best protect the rights of accident victims and provide comprehensive means of recovery.

    At David I. Fuchs, Injury & Accident Lawyer, P.A., we are committed to each and every client we accept the responsibility of representing. By choosing a law firm built on individual relationships, we believe you can best assure your case will be approached with similar diligence.

    Statistics about Local Road Dangers

    The Palm Beach, Broward and Miami-Dade area is the nation’s eighth-largest metro area and is home to more than 5.6 million residents. Millions of winter residents, tourists, and visitors descend each winter and federal, local and private infrastructure projects continue to struggle to keep up with the pace of expansion.

    Sovereign immunity laws across the state often protect government entities from a lawsuit and generally limit recovery to a maximum of $200,000. However, in other cases, a homeowner’s association, construction contractor, or other entity may share the blame. Pursuing a third-party liability lawsuit may be one option to recover damages.

    In any case, the facts and circumstances should be well documented following an accident of any significance. Taking photographs, making diagrams, and gathering the names and contact information of any witnesses will help ensure such information is available should a personal injury lawsuit or wrongful death lawsuit be filed.

    Sharing this information with your legal representation in Fort Lauderdale is equally critical. Regardless of whether it becomes an issue in your plaintiff’s suit, it may be an issue raised in defense by the insurance company or at-fault party.

    Cyclists and Pedestrians Face a Heightened Risk

    Few places in America are bicyclists and pedestrians more at risk than in the greater Fort Lauderdale area.  Transportation for America ranks the Miami-Fort Lauderdale-Pompano Beach area the nation’s 4th deadliest metro area when it comes to pedestrian accidents. Florida also frequently leads the nation in the number of cyclists killed.

    In fact, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles continues to report an increase in pedestrian and bicyclist deaths. In 2011, the agency reported 120 riders were killed – up 58 percent from the previous year. About 500 pedestrians were killed that year in Florida.

    Bicyclist and pedestrian accidents are caused by an alarming array of road hazards, from dooring to sidewalk sales, outdoor cafes, and street festivals. Inoperative or missing street signs or signals may also lead to a serious or fatal collision. Poorly placed bus stops or crosswalks may also be a contributing factor.

    Take Your Case to a Fort Lauderdale Road Defect Car Accident Attorney

    At David I. Fuchs, Injury & Accident Lawyer, P.A., we build cases for the courtroom. By conducting a thorough review of the facts and circumstances surrounding your accident, we will be in the best position to identify all of the parties responsible. By committing to a comprehensive approach on behalf of each client, we are best able to negotiate from strength and force a fair and equitable settlement on your behalf.

    Call a Fort Lauderdale road defect car accident attorney today to get started on your case and the process of recovering financial compensation.

    Client Testimonials

    “…the settlement I received was much higher than anticipated”

    Fuchs was my car accident attorney and was very responsive from the first call. I had medical care the next day and the whole process was smooth. They handled everything with the insurance companies and coordinated all of the necessary medical information. It was a long process and in the end the settlement I received was much higher than anticipated I am more than happy and grateful for the outcome.

    Sean O.
    Google Review
    “Not only did I get the medical attention I needed but I was compensated handsomely.”

    It’s been a long bumpy road to recovery but with David and his office’s help, we finally got it done! Through a great network of professionals, David Fuchs makes a good experience out of what could’ve been quite a headache. Not only did I get the medical attention I needed but I was compensated handsomely. Thank you!

    Giovanni G.
    Google Review
    “…they didn’t settle for anything and my boyfriend and I got what we deserved.”

    I got in an accident in December 2021 when everyone was short staffed and insurance companies was not responsive. My boyfriend reached out to David F. and what a life changing experience. We had the pleasure of having all our worries handed to professional help. They worked diligently on our case, answered questions when asked and kept us updated on changes. More importantly they didn’t settle for anything and my boyfriend and I got what we deserved. I have dealt with others in the past but David got me the most according to the facts presented and never backed down when the insurance companies tried to make us settle for less. Thank you David, Jessica and the team for all your effort and hard work. I will recommend them to family and friends. [They’re] the best in town!

    Sheila N.
    Google Review
    “Best lawyer in Broward County”
    Evans P.
    Google Review
    “Mr. Fuchs and his staff were very helpful.”

    I highly recommend Law offices of David Fuchs. Mr. Fuchs and his staff were very helpful. The case was handled in a timely manner and I was always informed if there were any changes or updates with my case.

    Velouse G.
    Google Review
    “Mr. Fuchs is one of the hardest working attorneys that I know.”

    Mr. Fuchs is one of the hardest working attorneys that I know. He is really good at what he does and puts 110% in you case. I have been using him for 19 years now and refer all my friends to him. I can leave him alone with my case and not call him all the time. I know he is working hard in my case. When he has any information he calls me and we go from there. There are not a lot of attorneys I can do that with! If you have any Personal Injuries please do call him. You won’t be disappointed!!

    Libby E.
    Google Review
    “I would definitely refer to this firm as the go-to Florida personal injury gurus.”

    At first I was afraid…I was petrified! I truly was! But the extensive knowledge, patience and professionalism I received brought me not only such peace and assurance that I was in good hands, but we got through my case like shining stars! David made sure I understood exactly what, when, where, why and [answered] whatever question I had. I would definitely refer to this firm as the go-to Florida personal injury gurus.

    Donna M.
    Google Review
    “They have a wonderful team.”

    …took care of my well-being [and were] very informative about my situation. [T]hey were on the ball when it came down to settling…I highly recommend David.

    Nicholas G.
    Google Review
    “My experience with David Fuchs was awesome.”

    I got a really good return… thank you David Fuchs and staff for being so helpful and working so hard to help us, you are appreciated.

    Yvette W.
    Google Review
    “This is a great law office.”

    The David I Fuchs law office is a group of excellent people that helped to their fullest potential. They treated me with respect and I really appreciate that. This is a great law office.

    Jonathan Z.
    Google Review
    “Never did I imagine myself getting into an accident.”

    It has been an unexpected journey since stepping foot in Florida. Never did I imagine myself getting into an accident. I just want to thank the staff and all the support. The Therapy the doctors; you guys were awesome and made me feel better in my situation. This the first time I ever experience such a thing but I’m blessed , thankful and behind it all DAVID FUCHS who made it happen for me.

    Sade P.
    Google Review
    “They helped tremendously!”

    I would totally recommend David to everyone. They’re extremely professional and work in a timely manner. They helped tremendously!

    A Boone
    Google Review
    “I highly recommend this man.”

    A good man knows, his law 35 years experience. Will get the job done and help you and your family get compensated for you pain and damages. I highly recommend this man. I want to revisit my review and say that Mr. Fuchs always picks up his phone and answer any questions that may pertain to my case. Thank you, David.

    N. Hit
    Google Review
    “He was able to settle my case with little to no trouble and did so in a very professional manner.”

    David Fuchs was my car accident attorney. He was able to settle my case with little to no trouble and did so in a very professional manner. I would highly recommend him to others.

    Samantha D.
    Google Review
    “…all went good and successful. thank you so much for all your help.”

    I got into an accident for the first time and I didn’t know what do or how things works, but I was lucky to find a professional and helpful people to guide through this experience.
    They did take care of my case all went good and successful thank you so much for all your help.

    Karen G.
    Google Review
    “Very professional. Had no problems with communication”
    Zuberi L.
    Google Review
    “He was there every time I called and got me a great settlement.”

    I was in a car accident and looking for a professional, caring attorney.I was fortunate to find Mr. Fuchs, who helped me through the whole process. He was there every time I called and got me a great settlement.

    Joan K.
    Google Review
    “My settlement was fast, fair and professionally handled.”

    Had a car accident and needed an advocate to communicate my concerns through my insurance provider. The law office of David Fuchs, was efficient and thorough. My settlement was fast, fair and professionally handled. Would highly recommend giving this office a call if you need legal assistance.

    Willie M.
    Google Review
    “A+++++ recommended.”

    I want to thank the office of David Fuch’s. A+++++ recommended.

    J. Hernandez
    Google Review
    “I could not have asked for a better team by my side.”

    They were very helpful. I could not have asked for a better team by my side.

    S. Rodriguez
    Google Review
    “They got me my settlement pretty quickly and worked hard on my case for me.”

    I was in an accident mid last year and Mr. Fuchs handled my case and his case manager[s] Yessi and Jessica were very informative as to the process. They got me my settlement pretty quickly and worked hard on my case for me. Mr. Fuchs was extremely knowledgeable and informed me of everything that would happen in my case. I will recommend this firm to my family and friends and i will be using their services in future if need be.

    Pastor D.
    Google Review