Miami-Dade County, Florida, where Kendale Lakes is located, is notorious for its traffic and car accidents. In 2023, 63,829 crashes occurred in the county, causing 29,758 injuries and 362 deaths. While many accidents aren’t severe, some cause long-lasting injuries. If you were injured in an accident where someone else was at fault, you may be entitled to compensation, which you can get by filing a car accident claim.
Read on to learn more about filing a claim in Kendale Lakes and how car accident attorneys like those at Florin|Roebig can help you win the compensation you deserve.
What To Know About Kendale Lakes Car Accident Claims
To collect compensation after a car crash in Kendale Lakes, you must file a car accident claim. However, it’s important to understand the laws and regulations that govern this Miami suburb so you know what kind of claim you can pursue in your case.
Insurance Requirements
Florida’s no-fault law, which requires all Florida-registered vehicles to be covered by certain types of insurance, heavily impacts Kendale Lakes accidents. The law also requires anyone in a car accident to first turn to their own insurance policy for medical expenses. Only in more serious cases can a driver file a claim against another party’s insurance company.
Statute of Limitations
The Statute of Limitations in Florida limits the time someone has to file a personal injury lawsuit. Generally, you have two years to file, starting from the day of the accident.
Comparative Negligence Standards
Florida follows modified comparative negligence standards, which means anyone involved in an accident can be found partially at fault and have their compensation reduced as a result. For example, if someone is 10% at fault, they would have their compensation reduced by 10%. Anyone found more than 50% at fault cannot get compensation.
What Causes Car Accidents in Kendale Lakes?
Just west of Miami, Kendale Lakes is known for being a charming family-friendly suburb, but its residents still struggle with the heavy traffic and car accidents that are common in the Miami-Dade area.
Common Kendale Lakes-specific car accident risks include:
- High hurricane risk: Located so close to Florida’s southwest coast, Kendale Lakes is vulnerable to hurricanes, which can contribute to accidents by causing road debris, heavy rain, and traffic congestion from fleeing residents.
- Frequent rain: Fall in Kendale Lakes brings frequent rain, which often contributes to car accidents by lowering drivers’ visibility and ability to safely brake.
- Commuter traffic: This suburban area relies heavily on cars and many residents commute to and from Miami in the mornings and evenings, causing extreme traffic congestion and a much greater risk of accidents.
- Dangerous Intersections: Certain intersections and roads are especially dangerous in Kendale Lakes, Florida, such as the intersection of SW 152 Street and 117 SW Avenue.
The Car Accident Claim-Filing Process
Typically, filing an auto accident claim in Kendale Lakes will involve the following steps.
- Document injuries and damages by taking pictures of bodily harm, vehicle damage, and the accident scene.
- File a police report by calling the cops while you’re at the scene of the accident if you can. Answer any questions they ask.
- Notify your insurance company immediately, telling them you were in an accident.
- Gather evidence like photos you took at the scene, your accident report, and medical bills. Keep everything in one safe, easy-to-remember place.
- Seek legal advice from a car accident attorney. Many attorneys offer free advice via a case review, which can help you figure out what to do next—including hiring a lawyer if it makes sense for you.
Triple board-certified attorney Tommy D. Roebig says,
“Reputable car accident attorneys will only take your case if they genuinely feel they can help you. Most of the time, we’re dealing with cases where our client was seriously harmed and the insurance company of the person responsible is trying to avoid paying fair compensation.”
If you need guidance on your case, don’t hesitate to contact one of the experts at Florin|Roebig with a free case evaluation.
Kendale Lakes, Florida Laws For Car Accident Cases
Accidents in Kendale Lake fall under the jurisdiction of Florida and Miami-Dade County, which will affect the outcome and process of your case in many ways.
Fault Determination Rules
Fault in Florida car accident cases is almost always determined by negligence. Drivers involved in crashes while distracted, under the influence, driving recklessly, etc. are far more likely to be considered at fault.
Insurance Coverage Requirements
All Florida-registered vehicles must have the following car insurance coverage:
- Personal Injury Protection (PIP): PIP covers 80% (up to $10,000) of all “necessary and reasonable” medical expenses for an injury covered under the plan.
- Personal Damage Liability (PDL): PDL covers $10,000 of another driver’s vehicle or property damage in an accident if you’re at fault.
The No-fault System
Kendale Lakes car accidents are subject to Florida’s no-fault law, which means anyone seeking to file a claim against someone else or their insurance company (a third-party insurance claim) must have injuries that meet certain criteria.
Third-party car accident claims require injuries that cause at least one of the following:
- Severe and permanent loss of an important bodily function
- Permanent injury
- Severe and permanent scarring or disfigurement
- Death
Legal Remedies Available To Accident Victims
Kendale Lakes car accident victims can seek compensation in a few ways.
- First-party personal injury claims: These claims usually come from your own insurance coverage and although limited in amount and scope (they’re for injury-related expenses), receiving compensation is generally quick and straightforward.
- Third-party personal injury claims: If you have more serious, long-lasting injuries due to an accident that wasn’t your fault, you may be able to seek these claims, which can lead to much larger compensation amounts for many different losses, such as pain and suffering.
- Personal injury lawsuits: You or your lawyer may file a lawsuit with the Miami-Dade County court if you can’t agree on a compensation amount in a third-party claim. Lawsuits may go to trial, where your case will be decided by a jury or judge.
Fault In Car Accidents
“In Florida car accident cases, the “at-fault” party is the one found responsible for causing the crash. Your lawyer will do everything they can to prove the other party’s negligence, using evidence to show they committed traffic violations, were driving recklessly—whatever the facts of the case are.”
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Liability In Car Accident Cases
The liable party is whoever is legally responsible for compensating the injured party in an accident.
Someone may be held liable in car accident cases in the following ways:
- Negligence: In most cases, if one party is found negligent, they’re liable for compensating the injured party.
- Strict liability: Sometimes an entity like a manufacturer may be held liable despite no intent to harm and no negligence. This usually happens when they create products like a defective engine or airbag that lead to harm.
- Vicarious liability: Sometimes a party is liable for compensation because of the harm caused by someone else, such as a business that’s vicariously liable for an employee who caused an accident while on the job.
Ways The Accident Can Impact Your Life
Car accidents can cause much more than physical harm. They may lead to lasting trauma and mental health struggles, financial setbacks, and more.
Some common struggles after a car accident include:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
- Loss of intimacy with a spouse or partner
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
- Death of a loved one
Car accident resources in Kendale Lakes may include:
- Emergency services
- Medical care providers
- Insurance companies
- Therapy and support groups for accident survivors
- Victim advocacy services
- Government agencies
- Nonprofit community safety organizations
- Car accident personal injury attorneys
If you are the victim of a car accident in Kendale Lakes, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. Car accident attorneys in your area can be a vital ally in helping you file a claim successfully and get your life back on track. The experts at Florin|Roebig are here to answer your questions with a free case evaluation.
What To Do After A Car Accident in Kendale Lakes
You’re not always able to follow best practices after a car accident, but if it’s safe to do so, you could have a much easier time filing a successful claim.
After a car accident in Kendale Lakes:
- Check for injuries and seek medical attention immediately to give yourself the best chance to recover fully and to get proof of your injuries.
- Contact law enforcement about the crash to file an accident report.
- Gather information like witness phone numbers while at the scene of the crash.
- Document the accident scene by taking pictures.
How Florin|Roebig Can Help With Your Car Accident Claim
If you have been injured in a car accident, you need to file a claim to recover compensation. This process can be complicated, but having the right personal injury attorney on your side can improve your chances of success.
At Florin|Roebig, we have a team of experienced professionals who have represented clients across the state of Florida. For every year since the inception of the honor in 2010, Florin|Roebig has been selected as one of the “Best Law Firms in America” by US News and World Report and “Best Lawyers in America”.
Florin Roebig car accident lawyers offer many services, including:
- Case evaluation
- Legal representation
- Negotiation with insurance companies
- Litigation support
With over 30 years of experience, our law firm has successfully won over $1 Billion in settlements from personal injury cases by providing our clients with high-quality legal representation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average settlement for a car accident in Kendale Lakes, Florida?
Most settlements range in the tens of thousands, but Florida has no cap on the amount victims can receive. Florin|Roebig has won many multi-million-dollar verdict cases. Contact a car accident attorney to get an idea of how much your case is worth.
How much does an attorney charge for a car accident in Kendale Lakes?
Most car accident lawyers in Florida charge 25-40% of your compensation as payment. If you don’t receive compensation, they won’t charge you.
Should I call a lawyer after a car accident in Kendale Lakes?
Yes. Calling a law firm that offers free consultations can help you better understand your legal options and what to do next.
We Are Nationally Awarded Lawyers
Contact Florin|Roebig Attorneys Today
To ensure that your claim is filed appropriately and that you receive the maximum settlement amount, you need representation from experienced car accident attorneys, such as those at Florin|Roebig.
Our car accident lawyers serving clients in Kendale Lakes include:
- Wil H. Florin, B.C.S.
- Michael A. Ossi, O.C.
- Tommy D. Roebig, B.C.S.
- Chase P. Florin, B.C.S.
- Luca G Esposito
- John J. Hart
If you are interested in seeking legal advice from our legal team, you can contact our offices to schedule an appointment.
- Our website, florinroebig.com, has an option for requesting more information.
- You can call our phone number 24/7
- For more information regarding our services and free consultations, you can email us at [email protected]
- Or you can reach us at an office near you below:
Miami-Dade Office
777 S. Flagler Drive
Suite 800
West Palm Beach, FL 33401
Dealing with the aftermath of a car accident may not be easy. However, with the help of the right attorney, you can file a successful car accident claim and get the compensation you deserve. To learn more or to schedule a free consultation, please contact Florin|Roebig today.