Broward Sheriff’s Deputy Among Three Injured in Tamarac Crash

A Broward Sheriff’s deputy and two other individuals were hospitalized following a late-night crash in Tamarac that left multiple vehicles heavily damaged and temporarily shut down a local intersection.

According to authorities, the crash occurred shortly before midnight near Northwest 31st Avenue and West Prospect Road, just west of Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport.

Emergency crews responded to the scene and found:

• A Broward Sheriff’s Office patrol vehicle with significant front-end damage and deployed airbags
• Another vehicle flipped onto its side and resting against a pole
• Debris scattered across the roadway

Tamarac Fire Rescue transported three people to the hospital, including the deputy. The extent of their injuries has not been publicly released.

A witness at a nearby convenience store reported hearing vehicles traveling at high speed just before a loud crash.

Both damaged vehicles were removed from the scene early the following morning. The crash remains under investigation.

Crashes at intersections often result in significant vehicle damage and severe injuries, particularly when speed or failure to yield may be involved.

Common causes of intersection collisions include:

• Speeding or aggressive driving
• Failure to yield the right of way
• Distracted or impaired driving
• Running red lights or stop signs
• Limited nighttime visibility

When law enforcement vehicles are involved, investigations may examine both civilian driver conduct and the actions of emergency personnel at the time of the crash.

Legal Considerations When a Law Enforcement Vehicle Is Involved

Accidents involving government vehicles—such as sheriff’s deputies or police cruisers—can raise complex liability issues.

Under Florida law, government agencies may be held liable in certain circumstances if negligence contributed to a crash. Potential claims may involve:

• Negligent operation of a government vehicle
• Failure to follow traffic safety protocols
• Third-party driver negligence
• Vehicle maintenance or roadway hazards

Claims involving government entities are subject to specific requirements under Florida’s sovereign immunity laws (§768.28), including notice provisions and damages caps. However, injured victims may still have the right to pursue compensation.

Compensation for Injured Crash Victims

Individuals injured in serious motor vehicle crashes may be entitled to compensation for:

• Emergency medical treatment and hospitalization
• Ongoing care and rehabilitation
• Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Long-term disability or impairment

Determining liability and available insurance coverage is essential to understanding legal options.

Why an Independent Investigation Matters

While law enforcement agencies investigate crashes to determine traffic violations or criminal liability, they do not evaluate civil claims for compensation.

A separate legal investigation may include:

• Reviewing crash reports and body camera footage
• Analyzing vehicle damage and crash reconstruction
• Identifying surveillance or nearby business footage
• Interviewing witnesses
• Determining all available insurance coverage

Early investigation can help preserve key evidence and protect the rights of injured individuals.

Representation for Injured Victims Across Florida

At Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury & Wrongful Death Law Firm, we represent individuals injured in serious motor vehicle crashes throughout Florida, including cases involving government vehicles and complex liability issues.

Our firm:

• Conducts thorough independent investigations
• Identifies all responsible parties
• Handles communications with insurers and government agencies
• Pursues full compensation under Florida law

We intentionally maintain a small caseload so clients work directly with experienced attorneys.

There are no upfront costs, and we only get paid if compensation is recovered.

If you or a loved one were injured in a crash in Tamarac or anywhere in Florida, contact Flanagan & Bodenheimer for a free, confidential consultation.