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Are You Eligible for a Personal Injury Lawsuit?

The state of Florida has special regulations intended to reduce the number of crash-related lawsuits. As such, drivers are required to carry at least $10,000 in Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance that will cover up to 80% of their injuries and 60% of their lost wages in the event of an accident. Unfortunately, this coverage is often not enough to cover the full cost of their medical bills and lost wages, nor does it account for pain and suffering, property damage, and other losses.

Fortunately, you may still be eligible for a personal injury lawsuit that allows you to collect compensation beyond the coverage provided by your insurance if the victim of the crash either died or suffered a serious injury, such as:

  • brain damage
  • a serious head injury
  • paralysis
  • permanent scarring
  • disfigurement
  • broken bones

If you or your loved one has suffered from any of the above injuries, you may be eligible to take additional legal action to compensate for your losses. In these cases, our team of among the best motor vehicle and auto accident lawyers Miami has available will review your case and help you prepare your claim, ensuring you’re successful in obtaining the settlement you deserve.

What Are the Types of Car Accident Legal Claims?

The direction of your case, as well as the compensation you’re entitled to, will depend on your specific car accident claim. Here are the four most common types:

Negligence

The vast majority of South Florida car accident claims are based on negligence, when the responsible party acted in a thoughtless and/or careless manner that caused injury, death, or harm to another individual. To win a negligence lawsuit, your auto accident attorney must be able to prove that the other party acted with negligence, the negligence caused the accident, and the accident caused your injuries or losses.

Manufacturer Liability

In many cases, car accidents are caused by a vehicle defect, such as faulty design, labeling, or manufacturing practices. When this occurs, you may be able to bring a claim against the manufacturer of the vehicle or the manufacturer of the vehicle’s faulty parts. Expert testimony and analysis are required to win this type of case and prove that the manufacturer of the car part or vehicle is responsible.

Road Design

In some cases, dangerous issues on the road may contribute to an accident. For example, a steep embankment, poorly placed guard rails and barriers, poorly positioned signs, and improperly placed or malfunctioning traffic control signals can all cause a serious accident that results in injury or death.

Wrongful Death

If you’ve lost a loved one in a car crash, you may be entitled to financial and punitive damages through a wrongful death lawsuit. To win this type of case, you will need the assistance of a car accident attorney in Miami, whom we have, to help prove that another person’s negligence caused the death of your loved one.

Miami, Florida, Car Accident Statistics

The consistently beautiful weather in Miami draws visitors from across the globe to enjoy the waterways, beaches, and countless recreational activities. With a population of approximately 460,000 and an annual growth rate of 1.47 percent, the city has a reported 15.86 million visitors who arrive in the city and spend at least one night between January and December. While this influx of visitors is a vital part of Miami life, it also contributes to the staggering number of vehicle accidents in the area. In a recently reported year, the statistics for Miami-Dade County reveal these facts:

  • Total Crashes: 65,986, an increase of 2.99% over the earlier reported year
  • Total Fatalities: 285, a decrease of 3.06% from the prior year
  • Total Injuries: 32,389, a decrease of 3.03% from the prior year

Alcohol and drug use in Miami are often contributing factors in the high numbers of car accidents in the area:

  • Alcohol Confirmed Crashes: 343, with a three-year average of 360
  • Alcohol Confirmed Fatalities: 11, with a three-year average of 18 deaths
  • Alcohol Confirmed Injuries: 178, with a three-year average of 180
  • Drug Confirmed Crashes: 9, with a three-year average of 11
  • Drug Confirmed Fatalities: 7, with a three-year average of 8
  • Drug Confirmed Injuries: 10, with a three-year average of 11
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What Are the Leading Causes of Car Accidents in Miami, FL?

Distracted driving conduct has become one of the leading underlying causes of serious or fatal car accidents. The Miami Herald reports that South Florida’s distracted drivers rank second-worst in America, coming in at 49 out of 50 states and 39th overall in driver safety. With Miami-Dade and Broward counties topping the list of the most dangerous counties in which to operate a vehicle in Florida, the causes of a large majority of the dangerous or deadly collisions include:

  • Drug or alcohol impaired drivers
  • Distracted driving
  • Poor weather conditions
  • Speeding

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What Injuries Are Common After a Car Accident?

Car accidents can cause a wide range of injuries, many of which lead to long-term physical and financial consequences. Some injuries appear minor at first but worsen over time. Here are a few examples of the injuries many car accident victims suffer:

Traumatic Brain Injuries and Soft Tissue Damage

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), for example, can affect memory, mood, and cognitive function long after the initial impact. Whiplash and other soft tissue injuries may not show symptoms immediately, but can lead to chronic pain and limited mobility.

Back, Spinal, and Internal Injuries

Back and spinal cord injuries often require months of rehabilitation and can result in permanent disability. Internal injuries like organ damage or internal bleeding are especially dangerous because they may not be obvious right away.

Broken Bones, Facial Trauma, and the Importance of Early Care

Broken bones and fractures can require surgery and long-term physical therapy. Facial injuries, including burns or lacerations, may result in scarring or the need for reconstructive procedures. Even if you feel okay after a crash, you should seek immediate medical attention. Prompt diagnosis helps build a strong legal case and protects your health.

A skilled car accident lawyer in Miami can use your medical records and expert testimony to link your injuries directly to the accident and pursue full compensation for your current and future needs.

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Do You Know What to Do if You're in a Car Accident?

If you have been in a collision, the actions you take after the fact can affect how a claim or lawsuit is resolved. After a car accident, follow these steps to protect your rights and interests:

Large-Scale Accidents

A multi-car collision, or an accident involving a commercial truck, bus, or other large-scale accident, often results in serious or catastrophic injuries or loss of life. If you have been involved in such an accident, following these steps can save lives and help to protect your right to fair compensation:

  • Evaluate the condition of others in your vehicle
  • Call emergency services
  • Do not attempt to move an injured person unless they are in danger of suffering further injuries due to the circumstances
  • Attempt to stop any excessive bleeding with a tourniquet or pressure while waiting for emergency services to arrive
  • Do not admit fault
  • Be respectful to EMT personnel and law enforcement
  • Get medical assistance and inform the doctor that you have been involved in a vehicle accident
  • Undergo all prescribed tests and treatments
  • Retain all copies of medical bills and other costs incurred
  • Contact a car accident attorney in Miami to assist you in filing a claim or lawsuit

Small-Scale Accidents

  • Evaluate your passengers and your own physical condition to ensure no serious injuries have occurred
  • Move your vehicle to the side of the street, road, or highway if possible
  • Take photographs of the vehicles, their position on the roadway, and any skid marks
  • Remain calm, and do not admit fault
  • Get all insurance information, name, address, and phone number of all others involved in the collision
  • Gather contact information for any eyewitnesses to the accident
  • Have a medical evaluation after the collision and inform the doctor that you have been in an auto accident
  • Contact a car accident lawyer to assist you in case of filing a claim or lawsuit

Is Florida a No-Fault State?

The reason it is difficult to obtain meaningful compensation when involved in a car accident in Florida is that there is a No Fault law in place regulating insurance claims. This basically means that everyone pays for their own damages no matter who was at fault. The state requires everyone carry enough insurance to cover their losses but this doesn’t always occur.

The No Fault law works reasonably well in minor accidents where damages are very small. For many Miami car accidents, the damages are not minor and they far exceed insurance coverage limits.

What Compensation Can You Recover After a Car Accident in Miami?

Your Goldberg & Rosen car accident attorney in Miami will work to help you obtain maximum compensation. This compensation will likely include:

Economic Damages

You may be entitled to several types of compensation after a Florida car accident, depending on your injuries and losses. The law allows you to recover both current and future damages to help you rebuild your life. Economic damages cover your financial losses. These include medical bills, hospital stays, physical therapy, prescription costs, lost wages, the cost of future care, and lost earning potential.

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages compensate you for the emotional impact of the accident. These include pain and suffering, emotional distress, anxiety, loss of enjoyment of life, and the impact of disfigurement or disability on your quality of life.

Punitive Damages

Punitive damages may be awarded in cases involving extreme recklessness or intentional wrongdoing. For example, if a drunk driver caused your injuries, the court may award punitive damages to punish that behavior and deter others from doing the same. Your lawyer will review all possible damages in your case and fight for the full amount you deserve.

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Overcoming Obstacles to Meaningful Compensation

In order to receive proper compensation, there are several legal avenues open should insurance payments fall short. An auto accident lawyer familiar with the regulations can help Miami, Florida, clients overcome the obstacles to receiving compensation that actually pays the bills.

One aspect of No-Fault legislation in Florida is that victims cannot launch a lawsuit unless their injuries are permanent or unless there is permanent and significant scarring or disfigurement. This is not as dire as it sounds because a permanent injury can mean many things.

For example, injury to a finger or toe that puts it permanently out of alignment may be a permanent injury. Back injuries that cannot be repaired without surgery can be classed as permanent injuries. These injuries do not have to be so severe that you cannot work to be classed as permanent, according to NOLO.

Insurance Companies Love the No-Fault Law

Florida has tried to simplify the process for obtaining meaningful compensation after a car accident but unfortunately only the insurance companies are benefiting from the No Fault law. Many states that adopted similar No Fault legislation have since repealed it.

Our top auto accident attorneys are fully aware of the process for obtaining compensation when involved in an accident in Miami and other Florida cities. A large part of winning a lawsuit or being successful at a settlement negotiation is properly documenting injuries, property damages, and related losses arising from car accidents and putting a dollar value to these losses.

Our legal team will help you assess the amount of money the accident has caused you to lose. These items can include:

  • Vehicle damage
  • Medical bills
  • Loss of earnings
  • Rehabilitation: physical therapy, etc.
  • Pain and suffering
  • Lost opportunities

Florida legislation does not level the field for everyone involved in a car accident. Miami has a stellar team of motor vehicle accident lawyers at Goldberg & Rosen ready to take your case and push as hard as necessary to get you and your family fair and meaningful compensation from those responsible for your losses. Our goal is to obtain full damages for all losses associated with your car accident.

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Why Choose Goldberg & Rosen to Handle Your Car Accident Case in Miami, Florida?

At Goldberg & Rosen, car accident cases receive direct, hands-on attention from a dedicated legal team. From the outset, you work closely with an experienced car accident attorney in Miami and a paralegal who handles every aspect of your claim, keeping you informed and supported at each stage. We are committed to clear communication and thorough preparation while aggressively pursuing the compensation you need after a serious motor vehicle collision.

Our firm’s results and advocacy have been recognized by leading legal organizations, including:

  • Super Lawyers
  • Best Lawyers
  • Membership in the Million and Multimillion Dollar Verdict Clubs
  • National Trial Lawyers Top 100 Plaintiff’s Lawyers (2019)
  • National Trial Lawyers Top 40 Under 40

If you were injured in a car accident, contact Goldberg & Rosen today to schedule a free consultation and put our trial-tested team to work for you.

Car Accident FAQs

How do I know if I have a valid car accident claim?

You may have a valid claim if you suffered injuries, property damage, or financial losses due to someone else’s actions. A lawyer can review the details and advise you on the strength of your case.

What should I avoid saying to the insurance company after an accident?

Do not admit fault or speculate about what happened. Avoid giving recorded statements without legal advice. Stick to the facts and let your Goldberg & Rosen Miami car accident lawyer handle the communication to protect your rights.

How much does it cost to hire a car accident lawyer in Miami?

Most car accident lawyers, including those at Goldberg & Rosen, work on a contingency fee basis. This means you don’t pay anything upfront. We only get paid if we recover compensation for you.

What if the other driver doesn’t have any car insurance?

If the at-fault driver is uninsured, you may still be able to recover damages through your own uninsured motorist (UM) coverage, if you have it. We can review your policy and help you explore all available options for compensation.

How long do I have to file a car accident claim in Florida?

In most cases, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit in Florida. Missing this deadline could mean losing your right to compensation.

Can I still recover damages if I’m partially at fault?

Yes. Under Florida’s modified comparative fault rule, you can recover damages if you’re found to be less than 50% at fault. However, your compensation will be reduced based on your percentage of fault.

How long will it take to settle my car accident case?

The timeline varies. Some cases resolve in a few months, while others take longer, especially if the injuries are serious or the case goes to trial. Our attorneys will keep you informed every step of the way.

What if the insurance company denies my claim?

A denial doesn’t mean the end of your case. We can challenge the insurance company’s decision, gather stronger evidence, and—if necessary—file a lawsuit to fight for your compensation.

What is my car accident case worth?

It depends on factors like the severity of your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, and how the accident has impacted your life. Our team will evaluate all damages to pursue the maximum compensation possible.

Will my case go to trial?

Most car accident cases settle out of court, but if a fair agreement can’t be reached, our car accident lawyers are fully prepared to take your case to trial and fight for the compensation you deserve.

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Free & Confidential Case Evaluation

If you or a loved one has been the victim of negligence or misconduct, please do not hesitate to contact some of the most effective attorneys Miami has available at Goldberg & Rosen today to receive guidance about your legal options with a free and confidential case evaluation.

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