The skilled legal team of Florin|Roebig car accident attorneys has the expertise and knowledge to provide the guidance needed when car accident victims want to pursue compensation through a personal injury claim.
Accident Statistics for Miami-Dade County, Florida
The following are accident statistics for the county of Miami-Dade, where Miami Beach is located.
- In 2023, there were a total of 63,840 reported accidents in Miami-Dade County.
- As a result of these accidents, 29,770 injuries were reported and treated.
- There were 362 fatalities from all crashes reported.
- There were a total of 1,290 motorcycle accidents.
- 21,346 hit-and-run accidents occurred in Miami-Dade County in 2023.
Most Dangerous Intersections in Miami Beach, FL
While it is true that any road can be vulnerable to accidents, the following intersections have been reported as being the most dangerous in Miami Beach:
- Alton Road and Dade Boulevard: This intersection has experienced a high number of accidents over the years. Factors contributing to its danger include heavy traffic volumes, frequent pedestrian crossings, and a high number of turning vehicles. The layout of this intersection can create confusion for drivers who may struggle to navigate the multiple lanes and turn lanes safely.
- Collins Avenue and 41st Street: This intersection has seen numerous accidents in the past. Factors that contribute to its danger include heavy traffic, poor visibility, and a high volume of pedestrians and cyclists. The presence of multiple lanes, turn lanes, and bus stops can make it difficult for drivers to predict the movements of other road users, increasing the risk of collisions.
- Washington Avenue and 5th Street: Accidents have occurred at this intersection in the past. Factors that make this intersection dangerous include high traffic volumes, complex traffic patterns, and inadequate or obstructed signage. The presence of multiple lanes, turn lanes, and nearby businesses can create confusion for drivers, increasing the risk of accidents.
The Car Accident Claim-Filing Process
If you have been affected by an accident in Miami Beach, Florida, you can pursue compensation for damaged property and injuries, no matter how serious.
This is known legally as a car accident claim, which accident victims can file to obtain damages. Damages can be either financial or non-financial in nature.
Misunderstandings surrounding car accident claims can include the following:
- An attorney is not necessary if you have insurance
- Only victims with serious injuries can file car accident claims
- The at-fault driver’s insurance will cover the damages
- You can file a car accident claim whenever you want
- It is way too expensive to hire a car accident attorney
- You must accept whatever settlement you are offered
- The only way to receive compensation is to file a lawsuit
“The purpose of having insurance is to ensure that, should the worst happen, you can receive financial assistance to replace your property or pay your medical bills. Unfortunately, insurance providers do not always want to cooperate, which is why a car accident attorney should be consulted,” says Chad K. Florin, an esteemed attorney of Florin|Roebig.
When you are ready to file a claim, the following are steps you can take:
- Collect evidence for your claim: Photographs and videos make great evidence when you are building your case; be sure to include everything at the accident scene.
- Review your insurance policy: Take a few moments to review your insurance policy so that you can ensure you understand everything that it covers.
- Contact a Florin|Roebig accident attorney: Contact a Florin|Robin car accident attorney to schedule a free consultation and evaluation.
- Get a copy of the police report: Contact the police department to obtain a copy of the police report; this will help your insurance company determine fault.
- Call your insurance representative: Call your insurance representative to begin the process of filing a claim. Complete and return any paperwork quickly.
Miami Beach, Florida Laws For Car Accident Cases
Residents of Miami Beach need to know about Florida’s car accident laws, but two laws are the most important to remember: the statute of limitations for personal injury claims and the law surrounding fault.
The first law to know is that Florida is a no-fault state. This means every documented Florida driver is mandated by law to have personal injury protection insurance (PIP). This type of insurance covers medical expenses and property damage, regardless of who caused the accident.
The second law Miami Beach drivers should know about is the statute of limitations, which refers to the time frame in which you can bring your accident claim against the at-fault driver. The Florida statute of limitations for personal injury claims is four years, and missing this deadline means you may lose the right to compensation.
Fault and Liability in Car Accident Cases
Residents of Florida also need to understand the term negligence, which occurs when a driver acts in a way that directly causes an accident.
Factors that can determine fault in car accidents include:
- A negligent driver
- A motorist driving under the influence of a substance
- Condition of the roads
- Weather conditions
- The occurrence of a vehicle malfunction
If a car malfunctions due to defective or flawed brakes caused by a manufacturing error that consequently caused the car to brake improperly, the driver would be at fault but not liable. In this case, strict liability would be given to the brake manufacturer.
“It is possible for someone to be responsible for an accident but not liable for it, which can be a confusing concept to grasp. If you have questions about your accident, liability, or fault, contact an accident attorney who you can trust,” advises Chad K. Florin.
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Consideration Of Negligence, Degree Of Fault
Negligence, as used in car accident claims, is any conduct or action that directly leads to injury, property damage, or other consequences.
Varieties of negligence in car accident claims filed by victims include the following:
- Gross negligence: This is characterized as a severe indifference to the well-being of other drivers and an absence of respect for the laws of traffic.
- Comparative negligence: This type of negligence system assigns each motorist a degree of fault, with the damages granted adjusted accordingly.
- Contributory negligence: A negligence system that states a claim cannot be filed to pursue compensation if you are found to be even 1% at fault for the accident.
Auto accidents seldom occur due to just one driver’s negligence, so in most cases, courts will give each driver at least some portion of fault for the collision.
Important information to know about fault in auto accidents:
- Drivers may still be able to recover damages in no-fault states.
- Your degree of fault may decrease your settlement.
- Fault can stop you from claiming damages in some states.
What To Do After A Car Accident in Miami Beach
If you or someone you love has been in a car accident in Key Largo, Florida, the following steps should be taken immediately.
1. Seek Medical Care
Contact 911 so they can quickly dispatch an ambulance and medical technicians who will need to examine each person in the accident. Symptoms of serious injuries may not appear immediately, but a medical professional will know what to look for.
2. Collect Contact Information
The type of information you should gather includes:
- The names of all parties involved
- The phone numbers of everyone in the accident
- Driver’s license numbers
- Driver’s insurance information
- License plate numbers of all vehicles
3. Call The Police
In Florida, all accidents that result in property damage or injuries must be reported to the police. Filing a report also ensures you receive an official police statement, which is advantageous in an insurance claim.
4. Get Photos Or Videos
Take photos and recordings of the accident scene immediately to get the most accurate details, such as weather, road, and traffic conditions. When recording videos, you should verbally include the date and time of the accident.
5. Report The Accident To Your Insurance Company
Once you have been cleared to leave by the EMTs and the police, you need to call your insurance agent. By filing your insurance claim quickly, you ensure that it is processed more quickly and a check is sent your way.
6. Contact A Florin|Roebig Car Accident Lawyer
There are many important deadlines and laws that surround car accidents, which can be confusing. Not understanding the laws will not give you a reprieve, so it is important that you contact a Florin|Roebig car accident lawyer as soon as you can.
Ways The Accident Can Impact Your Life
Auto accidents can have many far-reaching impacts past the initial accident. Other ways a collision can affect your life include:
- Loss of your job
- Losing your ability to make money
- Pain and suffering costs
- No longer being able to be independent
- Loss of a spouse or partner
- Having to adapt your home to suit your injuries
- Loss of your car
- Developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
How Florin|Roebig Can Help With Your Car Accident Claim
Hiring a car accident attorney after being in an accident is one of the most important decisions you can make and can have a major impact on your claim. With over forty years of experience representing car accident victims, the lawyers of Florin|Roebig have what it takes to help your claim, too.
Benefits you can gain by employing a Florin|Roebig car accident attorney include:
Car Accident Case Experience
With four decades of experience working with insurance companies and the court system, the car accident attorneys of Florin|Roebig know what you need to gain maximum compensation for your claim.
A Strong Personal Injury Claim
Our attorneys have a long history of successfully assisting their clients in receiving more than adequate settlements to cover their medical bills and the cost of repairing their damaged property. By contacting a Florin|Roebig attorney, you are on the right track to building a strong, solid claim.
Negotiating A Fair Settlement
While most claims cases are straightforward and, therefore, can be settled quickly and easily, some require more negotiating and, in some cases, even court-decided settlements. Our attorneys have experience in and out of the courtroom and will work to make your claim process as smooth as possible.
Practical Advice for After a Car Accident
Car accidents can be very overwhelming and often cause a state of shock in accident victims. The following are practical steps to take when handling the aftermath of a car accident:
- Seek medical attention immediately. By calling 911, you ensure the operator will dispatch an ambulance to the accident to provide medical attention to everyone involved.
- Collect evidence immediately: Record and photograph everything you can at the accident scene. Try to get pictures and videos of injuries and vehicle damage, and record witness statements if possible.
- Contact your insurance company: Before contacting your insurance provider, make sure you have the police report, your policy information, and any of the evidence you gather at the accident scene. It is crucial that you begin the claims process as soon as possible.
- Protect your legal rights: If you say or do anything that implies you are responsible for the accident, you can severely damage your claim case. Hiring a Florin|Roebig attorney can help you avoid any costly mistakes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much can someone sue for a car accident in Florida?
In Florida, there is no limit to how much someone can be sued for a car accident.
What should I do if someone sued me after a car accident in Florida?
You need to immediately contact a Florin|Roebig car accident attorney and notify your insurance company as well.
How long does a car accident lawsuit take in Florida?
The average car accident lawsuit in Florida can take 9 months to a year to be settled.
List Of Top-Rated Car Accident Attorneys Serving Miami Beach
The experienced car accident attorneys at Florin|Roebig have the skills and expertise to help injured parties navigate their way through the often-complex legal system. The law firm provides services throughout the United States, including Miami Beach and the surrounding South Florida areas.
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.”
Below are six members of the Florin|Roebig legal team who is available to assist anyone who wants to speak to auto injury attorneys serving Miami Beach:
- Wil H. Florin, B.C.S.
- Tommy D. Roebig, B.C.S.
- Chad K. Florin, M.B.A., LL.M.
- John J. Hart
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.
We Are Nationally Awarded Lawyers
How to Get Help from Florin|Roebig Attorneys
If you or a loved one have been in an accident in Miami Beach, Florida, and you are interested in hiring the best car accident attorneys in Florida, below are the best ways to get in touch with our offices:
- You can call our phone number 24/7
- Our website, florinroebig.com, has an option for requesting more information.
- Inquiries can be emailed to our offices at [email protected]
Find Help Filing A Car Accident Claim
A Florin|Roebig attorney can help provide a person injured in an auto accident with the advice, clarity, and help needed to be successful in their claim. Our experienced legal team offers outstanding service, extensive experience, and compassion for people, all of which make us stand out.
Contact Florin|Roebig now to speak to one of our esteemed auto accident attorneys.