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Florida Personal Injury Lawyer
Florida Personal Injury Lawyer
We Know How Insurance Companies Think — Because We Used to Work for Them.
Florida Advocates represents accident victims throughout Broward County, Miami-Dade County, and Palm Beach County. When you have been injured in a car accident, motorcycle crash, truck collision, slip and fall, or any incident caused by someone else’s negligence, you need an Lawyer who understands how insurance companies evaluate claims — and exactly how to defeat the arguments they will make to reduce your recovery.
Susan Brown spent years as a bodily injury insurance adjuster before becoming a trial Lawyer. She knows from the inside exactly what the insurance company is going to argue against your claim — and she begins building the counter-evidence from day one.
Results That Prove What We Do
| Result | Case Type | What We Did |
| $2,500,000 | Motorcycle Accident | Client was cited at scene. We proved the ambulance driver was at fault. |
| $190,000 | Car Accident | Insurer offered $55,000 citing prior injuries. We proved the crash exacerbated those conditions. |
| $100,000 | Premises Liability | Finger amputation while assisting a FedEx employee. We proved vicarious liability. |
Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Every case is evaluated on its individual facts.
These are not exceptional outcomes reserved for a handful of cases. They represent how we approach every personal injury claim — with the precision, evidence-gathering, and strategy that insurance companies hope you never encounter.
Susan Brown Is Not a Typical Personal Injury Lawyer
Most personal injury Lawyers have only ever worked one side of a claim — the plaintiff’s side. Susan Brown worked on both sides before she ever set foot in a courtroom as a trial Lawyer.
Before law school, Susan worked as a bodily injury insurance adjuster. She evaluated claims, reviewed medical records, identified prior injuries, and developed the valuation arguments that insurers use to justify low offers. She was selected as the designated adjuster for her company’s largest insured, managing complex claims under specialized handling procedures. She was then recruited by the state’s largest personal injury firm — which is where she decided to pursue her law degree to do that work herself.
When Susan takes on your case, she is not guessing what the insurance company will argue. She already knows. And she begins building the counter-argument from day one.
Susan earned her J.D. with Honors from the University of Florida College of Law, is admitted to all three federal district courts in Florida, has argued and won cases before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit, and is a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum — a designation reserved for Lawyers who have achieved million-dollar-plus verdicts and settlements.
Learn more about Susan Brown →
Florida Personal Injury Statistics — Why Legal Representation Matters
Florida consistently ranks among the most dangerous states for drivers, motorcyclists, and pedestrians. According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, in 2023:
| Statistic | Number |
| Broward County crashes | 40,304 |
| Broward County injuries | 24,540 |
| Broward County fatalities | 219 |
| Florida traffic fatalities (state total) | 3,539 |
Beyond Broward County, Florida statewide recorded:
- 9,398 motorcycle crashes resulting in 590 motorcyclist fatalities — more than any other state
- 2nd highest traffic fatality total in the nation
- Over 1 million Americans treated annually in emergency rooms for slip and fall injuries
Behind every statistic is a person dealing with medical bills, lost wages, pain, and an insurance company working to minimize their claim. The adjusters and defense Lawyers on the other side are experienced professionals with significant resources. You deserve representation that matches their level of preparation.
What Insurance Companies Do After a Florida Injury
The insurance adjuster assigned to your claim is not working for you — even if it is your own insurance company. Their job is to resolve your claim for as little money as possible. Common tactics we see across all personal injury cases include:
- Requesting a recorded statement before you understand the extent of your injuries
- Using your own words to minimize your pain and suffering
- Making a fast lowball offer before you have completed medical treatment
- Arguing prior injuries or pre-existing conditions caused your current limitations
- Disputing the medical necessity of your treatment
- Claiming you were partially or fully at fault for your own injury
- Allowing surveillance footage and critical evidence to be deleted
- Delaying the claim until financial pressure forces a lower settlement
- Hiring “independent” medical examiners paid to minimize your injuries
- Monitoring social media for content that can be used against your claim
The moment you retain Florida Advocates, all communication with the insurance company goes through us. You will not be recorded, pressured, or misled. We handle the insurance company while you focus on your recovery.
Personal Injury Practice Areas
Vehicle Accidents
Car Accidents
The most common personal injury claim in Broward County. We handle rear-end collisions, T-bone crashes, hit-and-runs, and multi-vehicle accidents on I-95, I-595, US-1, and local roads throughout South Florida.
Motorcycle Accidents
Florida is the deadliest state in the nation for motorcyclists. We understand the bias riders face and the tactics insurers use to shift blame. We have recovered millions for motorcycle accident victims — including $2.5 million in a case where our client was cited at the scene.
Truck Accidents
Commercial trucking cases involve federal regulations, multiple liable parties, and evidence that can disappear within hours. We send preservation letters immediately to protect ELD data, driver logs, and inspection records.
Premises Injuries
Slip and Fall Accidents
Florida Statute 768.0755 requires proving the property owner had actual or constructive knowledge of the hazard. We know exactly how to gather the surveillance footage and maintenance records that prove these cases.
Premises Liability
Property owners owe duties to visitors based on their status — invitee, licensee, or trespasser. We handle negligent security, swimming pool accidents, elevator injuries, falling objects, dog bites, and dangerous conditions in commercial and residential properties.
Catastrophic Injuries and Wrongful Death
Wrongful Death
When negligence causes the death of a loved one, surviving family members may pursue compensation under the Florida Wrongful Death Act. These cases require sensitivity, precision, and immediate evidence preservation. We guide families through the legal process while they focus on grieving and healing.
Traumatic Brain Injury
TBI can result from any type of accident — vehicle crashes, falls, workplace incidents. The long-term consequences are often severe and require comprehensive damage calculations including future medical care and lost earning capacity.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Herniated discs, nerve damage, and paralysis require extensive medical treatment and permanent life adjustments. We build cases that account for the full spectrum of current and future damages.
Product Injuries
Products Liability
When a defective product causes injury — a vehicle component, medical device, appliance, or consumer product — the manufacturer, distributor, and retailer may face liability. We investigate design defects, manufacturing defects, and failure-to-warn claims.
Defective Drugs
Dangerous medications and undisclosed side effects can cause serious injury or death. We handle pharmaceutical liability claims throughout Florida.
Insurance Disputes
Insurance Claim Denials
UM/UIM disputes, PIP denials, bad faith claims. When your own insurer refuses to honor your policy, we hold them accountable.
Florida Personal Injury Law — What You Need to Know
Modified Comparative Negligence — Effective March 2023
Florida follows a modified comparative negligence rule under Florida Statute § 768.81. If you are found more than 50% at fault for an accident, you cannot recover any damages. If partially at fault below that threshold, your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault.
Insurance companies aggressively argue comparative fault to reduce their exposure. Building the evidentiary record that defeats these arguments is a core part of what we do.
Statute of Limitations — Two Years
You have two years from the date of injury to file a personal injury lawsuit in Florida. Missing this deadline permanently eliminates your right to compensation. Surveillance footage, witness recollections, and physical evidence deteriorate quickly. Contact us as early as possible.
No-Fault Insurance (PIP) — 14-Day Rule for Auto Accidents
You must seek medical care within 14 days of a car accident to preserve PIP benefits. Miss the deadline and you forfeit your PIP coverage — even if your injuries are real and documented.
Florida requires drivers to carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage. To access your PIP benefits after a car accident, you must seek medical care within 14 days. Motorcyclists are not covered by PIP and must pursue the at-fault driver’s liability coverage directly.
Damages You Can Recover in a Florida Personal Injury Case
- Medical expenses — emergency care, surgery, hospitalization, rehabilitation, and future treatment
- Lost wages — past and future
- Reduced earning capacity from permanent disability
- Pain and suffering — physical pain and discomfort from your injuries
- Emotional distress — anxiety, depression, PTSD
- Permanent disability or disfigurement — including scarring, amputation, or loss of function
- Loss of enjoyment of life — inability to participate in activities you previously enjoyed
- Loss of consortium — impact on your relationship with your spouse
- Wrongful death damages when a loved one does not survive
What to Do After an Injury in Florida
- Seek medical attention immediately — even if injuries seem minor (and remember the 14-day PIP rule for auto accidents)
- Document everything — photographs of the scene, your injuries, and any hazards or vehicle damage
- Obtain official reports — police reports, incident reports, medical records
- Get contact information from witnesses
- Do not give recorded statements to any insurance company before speaking with an Lawyer
- Do not sign anything presented by an insurance representative
- Do not post about the incident on social media — insurers monitor social media for content they can use against your claim
- Contact Florida Advocates for a free consultation
Do not give recorded statements. Do not sign anything. Do not post on social media. Insurance companies use all of these against you.
About Lawyer Susan Brown
Susan Brown oversees the Personal Injury Department at Florida Advocates. Before becoming an Lawyer, Susan worked as a bodily injury and workers’ compensation insurance adjuster. She was then recruited by the state’s largest personal injury firm — which is where she decided to pursue her law degree. That inside knowledge of how insurance companies evaluate, delay, and undervalue claims is what sets her apart from Lawyers who have only ever worked one side of a case.
Education
- J.D. with Honors — University of Florida College of Law (1999)
- Book Award in Legal Drafting
- Trial Advocacy Scholarship (won written competition)
- Teaching Assistant — Appellate Advocacy and Legal Research & Writing
- B.S. — Florida State University
Court Admissions
- Florida
- U.S. District Court, Southern District of Florida
- U.S. District Court, Middle District of Florida
- U.S. District Court, Northern District of Florida
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit
Appellate Experience
- Argued and won cases before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit
- Argued and won cases before the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida
Professional Memberships
- Million Dollar Advocates Forum
- Broward County Trial Lawyers Association
Insurance Insider Background Worked as an insurance adjuster (workers’ compensation and bodily injury) before law school. Recruited by Florida’s largest personal injury firm. Throughout her legal career has represented both plaintiffs and insurance companies — which gives her a perspective most personal injury Lawyers simply do not have.
Learn more about Susan Brown →
Frequently Asked Questions — Florida Personal Injury Claims
How much does it cost to hire a personal injury lawyer?
Nothing unless we recover for you. We work on a contingency fee basis and advance all costs (filing fees, expert witnesses, medical records). You pay nothing unless we win your case.
How long do I have to file a personal injury claim in Florida?
You have two years from the date of injury to file a lawsuit. Product liability claims have a four-year statute of limitations. Wrongful death claims must be filed within two years of the date of death. However, evidence deteriorates quickly — surveillance footage may be deleted within days, witnesses forget details, and physical evidence is lost. Contact an Lawyer as early as possible.
What if I was partially at fault for my injury?
Under Florida’s modified comparative negligence rule, you can recover compensation as long as you were not more than 50% at fault. Your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault. Countering blame-shifting arguments is a core part of what we do.
How long does a personal injury case take to resolve?
Most cases that settle through negotiation resolve within 6 to 18 months. Cases requiring litigation can take longer. The timeline depends on injury severity, complexity of liability, the number of defendants, and the willingness of insurers to negotiate fairly.
Do I have to go to court?
Most personal injury cases resolve through negotiated settlement without going to trial. However, we prepare every case as if it will go to trial — because insurers settle for more when they know the opposing Lawyer is genuinely prepared to litigate.
What should I do if the insurance company calls me?
Do not give a recorded statement. Politely decline and contact an Lawyer. Insurance adjusters are trained to get statements that can be used to minimize or deny your claim. Once you retain us, all communication goes through our office.
What is the 14-day rule in Florida?
Florida requires you to seek medical treatment within 14 days of a car accident to qualify for Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits. If you miss this deadline, you forfeit your PIP coverage — even if your injuries are real and documented. Motorcyclists are not covered by PIP and must pursue the at-fault driver’s liability coverage directly.
Florida Personal Injury Local Resources
Hospitals & Trauma Centers (Broward County)
Broward Health Medical Center
(Level I Trauma Center — Adult & Pediatric) 1600 S Andrews Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
Phone: (954) 355-4400
Website
Memorial Regional Hospital
(Level I Trauma Center) 3501 Johnson Street, Hollywood, FL 33021
Phone: (954) 987-2000
Holy Cross Hospital
4725 N Federal Highway, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308
Phone: (954) 771-8000
Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital
(Level I Pediatric Trauma) 1005 Joe DiMaggio Drive, Hollywood, FL 33021
Phone: (954) 265-5324
Law Enforcement
Florida Highway Patrol (Troop L)
Phone: (954) 837-4150
Broward County Sheriff’s Office
Phone: (954) 831-8900
Fort Lauderdale Police Department
Phone: (954) 828-5700
Courts
Broward County Courthouse (17th Judicial Circuit)
201 SE 6th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
Phone: (954) 831-6565
Website
Why Choose Florida Advocates for Your Personal Injury Claim
You may have seen billboards, TV commercials, and online ads promising fast settlements and big payouts. Many of these are “settlement mills” — high-volume firms that push for fast settlements rather than maximum recovery.
At Florida Advocates, we take a different approach:
- Direct Lawyer involvement — Susan Brown personally oversees your case
- Insurance insider knowledge — we know how adjusters think because Susan used to be one
- No rushed settlements — we build cases for maximum value, not quick turnover
- Federal court experience — we can litigate at any level
- Immediate evidence preservation — preservation letters go out the same day you retain us
- Resources for complex cases — we advance all expert witness costs (economists, accident reconstructionists, medical experts)
You deserve more than a billboard. You deserve an advocate who will actually pursue your full recovery.
No Fee Unless We Win
We work on a contingency fee basis. That means:
- Free consultation — no cost to speak with us about your case
- No upfront fees — we advance all case costs (filing fees, expert witnesses, medical records, accident reconstruction)
- No Lawyer fees unless we recover for you
You will never receive a bill from us while your case is active. We only get paid when you do.
About Florida Advocates
Florida Advocates is a personal injury law firm headquartered in Dania Beach, Florida — in the heart of Broward County. We represent accident victims throughout Fort Lauderdale, Broward County, and all of Florida.
Office Locations:
Dania Beach (Broward County) — Headquarters
45 E Sheridan Street Dania Beach, FL 33004
North Miami (Miami-Dade County)
13499 Biscayne Blvd #107 North Miami, FL 33181
Tampa (Hillsborough County)
238 E Davis Blvd #210 Tampa, FL 33606
Phone: 754-290-3803
Email: info@fladvocates.com
Hours: Monday – Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Available by phone 24/7 for emergencies
Serving Personal Injury Victims Throughout South Florida
Florida Advocates Personal Injury Lawyers represents injury victims throughout Broward County, Miami-Dade County, Palm Beach County, and Hillsborough County, including:
- Fort Lauderdale
- Dania Beach — Headquarters
- Hollywood
- Pembroke Pines
- Coral Springs
- Plantation
- Hallandale Beach
- Miramar
- Weston
- Pompano Beach
- Boca Raton
- Miami
- Miami Beach
- Hialeah
- North Miami
- Tampa
If you were injured anywhere in Florida, we can help.
Contact a Florida Personal Injury Lawyer
If you or a loved one has been injured in any kind of accident in Florida, contact Florida Advocates today for a free, confidential consultation. You pay nothing unless we recover for you.
Phone: 754-290-3803
Email: info@fladvocates.com
Call us for a free consultation. You pay nothing unless we recover for you. After all, isn’t that what family would do?
Our Offices
Contact Us
Fill out the contact form or call us at 754-290-3803 to schedule your free consultation.
Free Consultation 
Available 24/7 
No Fees Unless You Win