Thousands of car collisions occur in Miami-Dade County, where Coral Gables is located, every year. In many cases, people are the victim of a motor vehicle accident due to another driver’s negligence, making them eligible to file a claim.
Trying to navigate a car accident claim on your own can be very confusing and difficult to understand. That’s why many people opt to hire a personal injury attorney when filing a lawsuit. The triple-board certified lawyers at Florin|Roebig are a fantastic choice for their experience as well as their positive reputation and track record.
“Our legal team has dedicated its time to helping people like you win the compensation they deserve after getting in an accident. We want to make sure justice is served and do everything we can to help improve your quality of life following your accident.”
There are countless legal terms and concepts that can come up during the filing process, so it’s important to have a basic understanding of these ideas. Read on to learn about car accident claims in Coral Gables including how to file a claim, practical tips for after an accident, relevant laws, and more.
What To Know About Coral Gables Car Accident Claims
When making the decision to file a vehicle accident claim in Coral Gables, it’s important to understand factors unique to the filing process in Coral Gables.
For example, there are Florida state laws that can play a role, insurance requirements, liability and negligence standards, and more that may play an integral role in your case. Below, you’ll learn a bit about each of these factors.
It’s also a great idea to call the offices of Florin|Roebig to set up a free case evaluation and ask any questions you may still have after reading this article. Our personal injury attorneys are experts in the field, so they’ll be able to provide clarification for any confusion you may be experiencing.
Coral Gables Auto Accident Rates
Coral Gables is home to one of the most famous Venetian pools that are carved into a rock quarry. The Fairchild Tropical Botanical Garden includes a tropical rainforest and a butterfly display. As of 2021, Coral Gables has a population of 48,375. Like other parts of Florida, Broward County can have its fair share of unsafe driving conditions. Coral Gables experienced these traffic accidents in 2021:
- 44,696 total accidents this year, including automobiles, bicycles, and motorcycles.
- 20,662 people reported injuries after their accident. This number has also risen since 2020.
- Of these accidents, 243 resulted in death.
- Of these accidents, 13 were the result of alcohol and/or drug consumption.
Coral Gables Worst Intersections
All roads can contain hazards that make things difficult for even the most experienced driver. While no roads can guarantee 100% safety, there are roads in Coral Gables that residents should proceed with caution. Be sure to obey any and all traffic laws. Coral Gables contains some of the most dangerous intersections in Miami-Dade County.
- US-1 and Red Road (SW 57th Avenue): This intersection has been known for its heavy traffic, especially during rush hours. The combination of high traffic volumes, complex traffic signals, and multiple lanes can make it challenging for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians alike. Drivers turning left across oncoming traffic can also pose risks, as well as impatience and aggressive driving behaviors during peak times.
- Le Jeune Road (SW 42nd Avenue) and Alhambra Circle: This intersection is near a school zone, which can lead to an increase in pedestrian and bicycle traffic during the morning and afternoon hours. The combination of high vehicle traffic and vulnerable road users, such as children walking or biking to school, can create dangerous situations. Additionally, drivers may become frustrated and impatient during peak times, which can lead to risky maneuvers.
- Coral Way (SW 22nd Street) and Ponce De Leon Boulevard: The intersection of Coral Way and Ponce De Leon Boulevard sees a high volume of traffic, which can make it difficult for drivers to navigate safely. The area has a mix of commercial and residential properties, which can lead to increased pedestrian activity. This, coupled with a lack of clear crosswalks and signage, can contribute to the potential for accidents.
How to File a Coral Gables Car Accident Claim Step-by-Step
Knowing where to start when filing an auto accident claim can be a bit convoluted. We’ve put together a step-by-step list to follow when filing a claim to ensure as smooth a filing process as possible.
1. Preserve and collect evidence
The most important part of a car accident claim is the evidence. This can help prove your innocence and help prove the negligence of the other driver. This can look like pictures, videos, and even witness accounts. Going forward, make sure to keep all of your evidence in one place to keep it easily accessible.
2. Set up a free case review with a Florin|Roebig lawyer
Call Florin|Roebig to set up a free consultation with one of our highly experienced attorneys. We’re happy to go over your case with you to determine the best plan of action and answer any questions you may have about the filing process.
3. Contact your insurance provider
After gathering your evidence and relevant documents and getting legal representation from Florin|Roebig, it’s time to call your insurance company and get your claim started. They’ll be able to help you review your insurance policies as well to determine what may already be covered.
If you follow these three basic steps, you’ll be well on your way to a strong car accident claim. Once you’ve filed your claim, Florin|Roebig is here to help support you along the way and troubleshoot any obstacles you may run into.
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Coral Gables Laws For Car Accident Cases
An important factor in most car accident cases is relevant laws. In this case, Florida state laws as well as Coral Gables laws are essential to have a grasp on.
Florida laws that may come up during your claim filing process include:
- The statute of limitations: In Florida, there is a four-year statute of limitations for vehicle accidents.
- Insurance requirements: All motorists in Florida are required to have $10,000 of both property damage liability and personal injury protection (PIP) coverage.
- Comparative negligence standards apply in Florida.
- Reporting requirements: Accidents that cause injury or death or at least $500 of damage must be reported to the police.
- No-fault standards: Florida is one of the few U.S. states that is a no-fault state. Essentially, this means no matter which driver is considered liable, insurance companies will cover the cost of injuries up to a certain amount.
As a disclaimer, these are not the only Florida laws that may play a role in your accident. The attorneys of Florin|Robeig will be able to address any other laws that may affect your case after reviewing the details of your accident. They’ll also be able to provide any context as to how the above laws may impact your case.
Fault in Coral Gables Car Accidents
Fault is an important part of any car accident claim. But what is it? And how does it play a role in the claim filing process?
The at-fault party in an auto accident claim is the driver who is found responsible for the accident. In Florida, this can be both drivers at different percentages of fault. This is because the state recognizes comparative negligence standards. An important note about comparative negligence is that drivers who are found partially at fault can still file a claim, but their compensation is often reduced based on the percentage of fault.
Insurance adjusters are usually the ones responsible for determining fault and will review the details of your case to do so. Relevant details can include if any laws were broken, if a driver was distracted or reckless, or even if a driver was under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Another important factor regarding fault in Florida car accident cases is the no-fault standards the state observes. Whether or not you are at fault in your accident, your insurance company is required to cover injuries through your PIP.
Basic coverages include:
- 80% of medical expenses
- 60% of lost income due to injuries
- $5,000 in death benefits, for wrongful death claims
The legal team at Florin|Roebig can help you understand the nuances related to fault and even explain how fault can play a role in your specific claim. Give us a call and set up a free case review for more information.
Liability in Coral Gables Car Accident Cases
Liability and negligence are also terms that you’ll hear frequently in your car accident claim filing journey.
Liability refers to the motorist who is legally responsible for an accident. In cases in which both drivers are at-fault, both drivers are liable at different percentages.
There is also strict vs. vicarious liability. Strict liability means a driver is responsible for damages regardless of their intentions or negligence. On the other hand, vicarious liability means a vehicle owner is responsible for damages even if they weren’t driving the car.
Negligence on the other hand refers to any action made by a driver that demonstrates a failure to operate their vehicle with caution. This can include breaking laws, driving dangerously, or driving under the influence, all of which are common causes of accidents.
When proving negligence, there are four theories of negligence that must be considered:
- Duty of care
- Breach of duty of care
- Causation
- Damages
Liability and negligence can be confusing concepts, especially when considering how they affect your case. Florin|Roebig can help provide guidance when navigating terms like these throughout the claim filing process.
Ways Your Accident May Affect Your Life
The impacts of a car accident can leach into many areas of your life and in many cases, cause permanent effects. Understanding the ways in which a crash can affect your life can help you determine what to seek compensation for when filing your claim.
The most immediate effect of most car accidents is physical injuries. Injury victims often require immediate and prolonged medical attention.
Common injuries associated with vehicle crashes include:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Whiplash
- Concussions
- Sprains
- Strains
- Soft tissue injuries
- Organ injuries
- Broken bones
- Lost limbs
- Paralysis
- Spinal cord injuries
- Wrongful death
Keeping the above in mind, it’s vital to note that there are countless other ways your accident can impact your life. This can be the direct cause of the accident or an indirect cause due to an injury.
Other effects many car accidents experience include decreased quality of life, lost wages, lost property, loss of companionship, loss of loved ones, loss of independence, financial strain, and emotional trauma.
Trying to identify all of the ways an accident has impacted your life can be a bit confusing. However, when you talk to Florin|Roebig, your attorney will be able to help you determine the ways in which your life has changed.
Attorney Tommy D. Roebig says,
“We have many car accident victims come in who are eligible for compensation and don’t realize just how much their auto accident has taken from them until we discuss their case with them.”
What To Do After A Car Accident in Coral Gables
After you get in a car accident, you may be in shock and not know what to do. There are several steps we recommend keeping in your back pocket to refer to if you ever find yourself in the aftermath of a crash.
- Move your vehicle. If possible, move your vehicle away from the scene of the accident to avoid secondary crashes and additional danger.
- Seek medical care. Identify any injuries on yourself or your passengers and seek medical treatment if needed.
- Exchange information. Talk with the other motorists involved as well as any bystanders to exchange contact information.
- Report your accident. Call the police to report the crash if necessary by state law.
- Preserve evidence. Take pictures and videos of any damage, injuries, or other relevant items.
- Call Florin|Roebig. Call our legal offices to set up a free consultation with one of our well-qualified lawyers.
- Call your insurance provider. Review your insurance policies and call your company to get a claim started.
Don’t hesitate to call Florin|Roebig for legal guidance early on. We’re here to help you navigate this difficult time and can provide legal advice to strengthen your claim and increase your chances of getting the money you’re entitled to.
How Florin|Roebig Can Help With Your Car Accident Claim
Choosing a law firm for your car accident claim can be an overwhelming and difficult choice to make. Luckily, once you learn all of the ways Florin|Roebig can help you with your lawsuit, the choice will be easy.
Winning the Compensation You Deserve
When you file a car accident claim, insurance companies will do everything they can to avoid paying large sums of money to victims. This is because they want to protect their bottom line and will find loopholes to pay you less compensation.
Florin|Roebig can help make sure you receive the compensation you deserve by advocating for you and getting ahead of the tricks many of these companies try to pull.
Strengthening Your Claim
As mentioned above, insurance companies will try to poke holes in your claim. Additionally, the other motorist’s legal team may try to do the same. Having a strong claim is priceless when it comes to a car accident case.
When you have a Florin|Roebig personal injury lawyer on the case, you can count on having a foolproof claim that not only spells out what you’re entitled to but rightfully proves the negligence of the other driver.
Great Experience and Track Record
Lastly, our personal injury law experience and track record speak for themselves. Our legal team has over 40 years of experience in advocating for our clients and making sure you know your legal rights.
On top of that, we have some of the most impressive jury verdicts in the state of Florida, particularly for car accident claims. With these two factors combined, you can have peace of mind when choosing Florin|Roebig.
Practical Advice for After a Car Accident
After an accident, you’ll have countless people in your ear telling you what to do and who to talk to. It’s important to get solid legal guidance from an experienced attorney at Florin|Roebig, but we also recognize the importance of having practical and realistic advice, too.
Here are some practical tips to keep in mind following an automobile accident:
- Prioritize and save evidence. Though your health and safety are the number one priority following your accident, make sure to also prioritize gathering evidence at the scene of the accident if possible. Having strong evidence will only help your claim and increase your chances of a higher payout.
- Hire an attorney you can trust. There are countless law firms out there that will claim they can get the job done. However, it’s important to have an attorney that you can rely on in more ways than one. Florin|Roebig lawyers are hands-on and will be there to support you every step of the way.
- Seek medical attention ASAP. From a practical standpoint, some injuries can go unnoticed without a proper medical evaluation, so it’s important to get checked out even if you think you’re fine. That being said, it’s also a good idea to get medical care early on as proper documentation of your injuries can help support your claim.
- Talk to your insurance provider. You’ll want to let your insurance company know about your accident to get the filing process started. They can also start the process of getting coverage through your PIP and other policies.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can you sue for bodily injury in Florida?
Yes, you can sue for bodily injury in Florida. When it comes to car accidents, there are several damages you can cite in your claim that can qualify you for compensation.
These can include property damages, pain and suffering, lost wages, disfigurement, non-economic losses, etc.
How much do personal injury lawyers charge in Florida?
The amount an attorney charges in Florida differs between law firms and individual lawyers.
However, Florin|Roebig lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. This means they don’t get paid until they win your case, so you can count on them putting their all into your lawsuit.
How much can someone sue for a car accident in Florida?
The amount of money you can sue for a car accident in Florida varies from case to case. This is because the details of your case greatly affect the compensation you are eligible for.
Some relevant factors in determining maximum compensation include the extent of injuries, extent of damages, negligence from either motorist, the extent of lost wages, and more.
How much personal injury protection do I need in Florida?
In Florida, you’re required to have $10,000 in PIP by state law. It’s important to have PIP for when you get in an accident as it helps cover injuries and medical bills.
Your PIP will only cover injuries to a certain extent though. As a result, those with extensive medical costs should file a personal injury case with the help of Florin|Roebig to ensure they receive compensation.
List Of Top-Rated Car Accident Attorneys Serving Coral Gables
Florin|Roebig is a team of dedicated, knowledgeable car accident lawyers in Florida, who are ready to provide legal representation to those who are struggling after a crash. Our personal injury attorneys know the local laws and understand injury victims’ rights, so we are ready to help you seek the compensation you deserve while taking measures to protect your rights.
As you seek legal advice for your car accident claim in Coral Gables, consider contacting our personal injury attorneys:
- Wil H. Florin, B.C.S.
- Tommy D. Roebig, B.C.S.
- Chase P. Florin, B.C.S.
- John J. Hart
- Parker Y. Florin, LL.M.
- Taylor D. Roebig
- Nollys R. Solarte, O.C.
- Lawrence J. Najem, O.C.
- Andrew M. Leone, O.C.
For every year since the inception of the honor in 2010, the law offices of Florin|Roebig have been selected as one of the “Best Law Firms in America” by “US News and World Report” and “Best Lawyers in America.”
Other practice areas Florin|Roebig specializes in which are available to the South Florida region include:
- medical malpractice
- motorcycle accidents
- truck accidents
- pedestrian accidents
- wrongful death claims
We Are Nationally Awarded Lawyers
How to Get Help from Florin|Roebig Attorneys
Now that you have a basic understanding of how to file your car accident claim, it’s time to contact Florin|Roebig to get the process started. We offer legal guidance throughout Florida, not just Miami-Dade County including Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, and Broward County.
There are several ways for our Coral Gables clientele to contact us, several of which are listed below.
- Call us at anytime
- Fill out a form at florinroebig.com
- Email at [email protected]
- Contact one of our Florida law offices
Florin|Roebig: Top-Rated Coral Gables Car Accident Attorney
Being the victim of a Coral Gables car accident can leave you feeling traumatized, shocked, and completely overwhelmed. There are countless ways an accident can negatively impact your life and even permanently alter it. Filing a car accident claim can help recoup some of the finances and property you’ve lost due to your crash and the best way to do so is to hire an experienced attorney from Florin|Roebig.
