Not far from Miami, the city of Homestead is located in South Florida, which much like countless other U.S. cities, has its fair share of motor vehicle accidents.
Often, auto accidents are caused by the negligence of one or more drivers. Because car crashes can be detrimental to many areas of an individual’s life, some car accident victims choose to pursue compensation to cover their damages.
That’s where Florin|Roebig comes in. Our attorneys fight auto injury cases in Homestead and throughout Florida.
What To Know About Homestead Vehicle Crash Cases
While having a Florin|Roebig auto injury lawyer on your side will help you understand the complexities of a car accident claim, we always recommend doing a bit of your own research to become familiar with the basics.
For example, making sure you’re up-to-date with local laws, Florida insurance requirements, relevant terms and concepts, and your legal rights can be immensely helpful.
Attorney Shaun Cummings says, “The average U.S. driver may not be familiar with some of the concepts that come up in a car accident lawsuit. But our team is here to answer any questions you may have and make all the complex information digestible for you.”
Homestead Car Accident Claim Filing Process
Filing an automobile crash claim can be intimidating, especially if you’ve never done it before. To get started, follow the steps below, Florin|Roebig will help you with the rest.
1. Collect and preserve evidence
Right after your crash, make sure to take pictures, videos, and even witness accounts if needed to provide evidence for your claim.
2. Document injuries
Save medical bills, medical records, and pictures to prove any car accident injuries and medical costs.
3. Hire Florin|Roebig
Set up a free consultation with one of Florin|Roebig’s Homestead auto injury lawyers to determine whether or not you should pursue a claim.
4. Call your insurance company
Gather your evidence, review your insurance policies, and give your insurance company a call to start filing your injury claim.
Homestead Laws For Car Accident Cases
Being familiar with local laws can be super helpful during your car accident lawsuit. They may direct how and when you file your claim or the compensation you pursue.
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Comparative Negligence
Florida observes comparative negligence standards, which essentially means the maximum compensation you can receive is affected by your share of fault.
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Insurance Requirements
Florida motorists must have at least $10,000 of personal injury protection (PIP) and property damage liability coverage.
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Accident Reporting
Florida law requires accidents to be reported to the police if they cause at least $500 of damage, injury, or death.
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Statute of Limitations
Car accidents have a two-year statute of limitations for automobile accidents.
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No-Fault Standards
No matter who is found at fault, insurance providers are required to cover medical bills in Florida, up to a certain extent.
There may be other relevant laws for your unique case, which is something your Florin|Roebig lawyer can discuss with you during a free case evaluation.
Fault in Homestead Car Accidents
The first concept you may want to familiarize yourself with is fault. Fault is essentially responsibility when it comes to a car accident. When you file a claim, insurance adjusters will determine who the at-fault driver or drivers are which can greatly affect your claim.
Because Florida is a no-fault state, no matter who is considered responsible, insurance companies will be responsible for medical expenses up to a certain amount.
For more information on fault and how it relates to your car accident, call Florin|Roebig today.
Liability in Homestead Personal Injury Lawsuits
Similar to fault is liability, which refers to legal responsibility. After fault determination, liability is usually determined based on fault percentages.
There are also different subsets of liability:
- Vicarious liability: Vehicle owners must pay for damages caused by their automobile, even if they weren’t driving it.
- Strict liability: Motorists must pay for damages they have caused regardless of their negligence or intentions.
Florin|Roebig lawyers are well-versed in auto injury law, so they’ll be able to answer any questions you have about liability.
Negligence in Homestead Vehicle Accidents
The third concept you’ll come across during the claim filing process is negligence. Driver negligence can be defined as any actions that result in a driver operating their vehicle without caution. For example, breaking laws, being distracted, driving recklessly, driving high, or drunk driving can be considered negligent.
In a car accident lawsuit, negligence must be proven by duty of care, breach of duty of care, damages, and causation, which are the theories of negligence.
As mentioned previously, Florida also observes comparative negligence. This means you can still file a claim if you were found partially responsible for your accident, but your maximum compensation will be reduced based on the percentage of fault. The legal team at Florin|Roebig can review your case and determine how comparative negligence may pertain to your accident.
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What to Do After a Homestead Car Accident
Keeping calm and making rational choices can be challenging after an accident, but the steps below will make it easy to do everything necessary to set yourself up for success.
- Move your vehicle. If functional, move your vehicle away from oncoming traffic to avoid secondary accidents.
- Check for injuries. Look for signs of injury in yourself and your passengers and seek medical attention if needed.
- Talk to others. Exchange contact information with the other driver and any bystanders that may be able to provide a statement.
- Call the police. Report your accident to the police if necessary (see above requirements).
- Gather evidence. Take pictures and videos, and save any documents or police reports to serve as evidence for your personal injury lawsuit.
- Call Florin|Roebig. Give us a call to schedule a free case review with one of our highly qualified attorneys.
- Call your insurance company. File your claim by calling your car insurance provider. Make sure to have your evidence on hand. Ways The Accident Can Impact Your Life
Car accidents can have many far-reaching consequences that can go beyond the immediate aftermath of your accident.
Ways a Crash Can Affect Your Life
For many people, the first consequences of a vehicle crash that come to mind are injury and bills, but this is just the tip of the iceberg. It is vital to be able to identify how your life has been impacted by your accident.
You may experience the following as direct or indirect consequences of your crash:
- Decreased quality of life
- Pain and suffering
- Mild to serious injuries
- Disfigurement
- Wrongful death
- Emotional trauma
- Financial stress
- Lost wages
- Loss of companionship
- Loss of a loved one
- Loss of independence
- Property damages
After reviewing your case, Florin|Roebig may be able to identify additional effects of your car accident to cite in your claim.
How Much Compensation Can You Win?
One of the most common questions car accident victims ask before filing a claim relates to the amount of money they can hope to collect. Because every claim is unique, it can be difficult to determine the exact value of a claim.
However, some of the factors that may impact your claim’s value include:
- the type of injury you sustained
- whether you are expected to recover
- the medical bills you paid
- the value of your lost wages
- the impact of the accident on your mental health and personal life
For guidance and advice specific to your case, contact a car accident lawyer.
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Types Of Damages Awarded In Car Accident Claims
If your car accident claim is successful, your settlement may include several different types of damages.
Some of the most common types of damages awarded in these settlements include:
- payments for medical bills
- compensation for future estimated medical expenses
- damages related to chronic pain and disability
- compensation for lost wages and lost ability to earn
- damages for emotional trauma and impact on quality of life
- punitive damages
An experienced car accident attorney can help you find out which types of damages you are most likely to receive in your car accident case
Homestead’s Most Dangerous 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 Homestead that residents should proceed with caution. Be sure to obey any and all traffic laws. Here is a list of Homestead’s most dangerous intersections.
- SW 312th Street and US-1: This intersection has been identified as one of the most dangerous intersections in Homestead. According to the Florida Department of Transportation, there were 15 crashes at this intersection in 2019. The high number of crashes is attributed to the fact that this intersection has multiple turn lanes, which can be confusing for drivers. Additionally, drivers may speed through the intersection because they are trying to make the traffic light.
- SW 288th Street and US-1: The intersection is dangerous because it has a high volume of traffic and there is a lack of turn lanes. Drivers may make sudden lane changes or fail to yield the right of way, resulting in accidents.
- Campbell Drive and Krome Avenue: This intersection is considered dangerous due to a combination of factors. The high volume of traffic passing through the intersection, the lack of turn lanes, the difficulty in navigating the intersection, poor visibility, and the proximity to schools and businesses have all contributed to accidents and increased risk of injury or fatalities. Drivers must exercise caution when driving through this intersection, especially during rush hour or when pedestrians are present.
List Of Car Accident Lawyers Serving Homestead
Florida law does not require you to hire an attorney in order to file a auto injury claim in Homestead. However, hiring an experienced attorney is always in your best interest. The right attorney will be able to review your case and make sure you have all the information and resources you need to file a successful claim.
Your attorney will also be by your side every step of the way, offering guidance and representation.
Some of the attorneys at Florin|Roebig who service the Homestead area include:
- Wil H. Florin, B.C.S.
- Tommy D. Roebig, B.C.S.
- Luca G Esposito
- John J. Hart
We Are Nationally Awarded Lawyers
How Florin|Roebig Can Help With Your Car Accident Lawsuit
Having a hard time choosing a firm? Read on for a few reasons you should choose Florin|Roebig to represent your case.
Win Fair Compensation
There are many parties involved in a car accident lawsuit that will be working against you. At Florin|Roebig, our job is to make sure you receive enough compensation to truly cover the damages you’ve incurred.
Experience and Track Record
Rated Best Law Firm by U.S. News & World Report for several years in a row, Florin|Roebig is a reliable and reputable law firm. We have some of the highest-paying jury verdicts in the state of Florida and over four decades of experience.
Build A Strong Claim
Putting together a claim on your own can often result in a weak case, but Florin|Roebig attorneys are highly knowledgeable in building a strong claim that other parties can’t poke holes in.
“Florin|Roebig is the best choice for legal representation for so many reasons,” Lawyer Shaun Cummings says, “But what is most important is how we prioritize the attorney-client relationship through the duration of the claim filing and litigation processes.”
Practical Advice for Auto Crashes
Now that you’re familiar with the legal side of a car accident claim, it’s time to review some practical tips.
- Seek medical care early. Even if you don’t notice any injury symptoms, try to get a medical evaluation early on. This can help support your case and catch any injuries that have gone under the radar.
- Manage your expenses. Stay organized when it comes to expenses and documents related to your accident. This can make claim filing easier and costs less overwhelming.
- Prepare to call your provider. Review your insurance policies and have your evidence close by when you call to file your claim.
- Trust your legal team. When you hire Florin|Roebig for legal advice, you can count on our lawyers to give your case their all. That being said, try to relax and let us do the hard work.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Should I get a lawyer after a car accident in Florida?
Yes, you should absolutely get a lawyer after a car crash, especially if it was the result of driver negligence. Florin|Roebig attorneys can help you build a strong claim, advocate for you, and win you the payment you deserve.
How long does it take to settle a car accident case in Florida?
The amount of time it takes to settle a car accident case in Florida differs. More complex cases can take months or even years whereas simpler cases can take weeks to months. The type of accident such as truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, or pedestrian accidents can also affect settlement time.
How much does an attorney charge for a car accident in Florida?
Attorney rates differ between firms and different lawyers. This can also change based on the complexity of your case and how long it takes to settle. That being said, Florin|Roebig lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, so they don’t get paid until they win your case.
How long does an insurance company have to pay a settlement in Florida?
Insurance providers have 20 days following settlement to pay what is owed. If they do not do so within 20 days, they’ll owe 12% interest. If you’re having trouble getting your compensation, Florin|Roebig can help out.