The second-largest city in Broward County, Miramar is a city known for its beautiful beaches, outdoor recreation, and nearness to Miami, but it also suffers from frequent auto accidents. In 2023, Broward County saw 40,234 crashes, which led to 24,517 injuries and 210 deaths.
The losses you experience after an accident can leave you dealing with physical and emotional pain, disability, and financial problems. If your accident was the result of someone else’s negligence, you may be able to file a claim to cover the costs you incurred during the accident.
Read on to learn more about filing an auto accident claim in Miramar and how an experienced attorney can help maximize your compensation.
The Car Accident Claim-Filing Process
To file an effective auto accident claim in Miramar:
- Document injuries and damages by taking pictures of your injuries and vehicle damage, as well as the accident scene as a whole.
- File a police report by calling the cops to the scene of the accident and cooperating with their investigation. They will file a report on your behalf.
- Notify your insurance company that you were in a car accident as soon as possible.
- Gather evidence to help prove what happened and the impact it had on you, such as photos, your accident report, and medical bills.
- Seek legal advice by getting a case evaluation from a reputable law firm. This often free service can help you understand the facts of your case and what to do next—including whether or not you should hire a lawyer.
The Importance of Hiring a Car Accident Lawyer
Hiring an experienced lawyer after a car accident in Miramar can result in much more take-home compensation for victims, especially for those who’ve been seriously injured.
Hiring a car accident attorney can help you:
- Navigate complex legal issues
- Maximize compensation
- Help negotiate medical bills
- Protect your legal rights
Attorney Chad K. Florin, M.B.A., LL.M. says, “At the end of the day, insurance companies are a business trying to maximize profits They’re invested in paying out as little as they can. They look at a complex variety of factors to calculate a range of acceptable compensation and will usually offer far less than they ought to. Car accident attorneys know what compensation to expect based on a client’s circumstances and how to get insurers to come to the negotiation table.”
Filing a claim to collect compensation after a car accident can be an overwhelming experience for victims, especially when you are already dealing with financial issues and other consequences related to auto accidents.
With a long history of successful trial judgments, including a $42 million drunk driving accident in Florida, we are prepared and equipped to go to trial and win rather than settle as other attorneys do. Don’t hesitate to reach out to our experts for a free case evaluation.
State Laws For Car Accident Cases
Miramar follows Florida state and Broward County laws, which can factor into your car accident case in several ways.
Fault Determination Rules
Fault describes someone’s responsibility for causing an accident. In Florida, someone can be ruled partially or entirely at fault, which is usually determined by negligence—failure to take proper care while doing something. Common examples of negligence in car accident cases include texting and driving, drunk driving, and speeding.
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
Miramar car accident cases are subject to Florida’s no-fault system, which requires all state-registered vehicles to have insurance coverage and for drivers to turn to that insurance (a first-party claim) to pay for comparatively minor injury treatments, regardless of fault.
However, car accident victims can file claims against an at-fault driver’s insurer (a third-party claim) for vehicle damage and if they suffered more serious injuries.
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
Miramar car accident victims can seek compensation in a few ways.
- First-party personal injury claims: You can get comparatively quick but limited coverage for injury-related expenses like medical bills.
- Third-party personal injury claims: Available to compensate victims for property damage and more extensive injuries if another party was at fault. These claims can be worth much more and can compensate for many losses, such as pain and suffering. However, they are much harder to get.
- Personal injury lawsuits: If you can’t reach an agreement with insurers, you may need to file a lawsuit with the Broward County court to get the insurance company to come to the table. Most lawsuits will end in a settlement, but if it goes to trial, compensation will be decided by a judge or jury.
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Fault And Liability In Car Accidents
Under Florida law, more than one party can be at fault for an accident. Fault is usually determined by negligence. Insurers or courts will consider evidence of reckless driving, distracted driving, and other indications of negligence to determine fault.
Liability describes who’s legally responsible for compensation when someone is harmed in an accident.
Car accident cases in Miramar may use the following to help determine liability:
- Negligence: If someone is more than 50% negligent in a car accident case, they’re generally liable for compensation.
- Strict liability: When an entity like a manufacturer is deemed liable regardless of their intent or lack of negligence. This usually happens when their product malfunctions and causes an accident or worsens injuries, like a defective tire or seatbelt.
- Vicarious liability: When one party is responsible for compensation because of someone else’s actions. Vicarious liability often comes into play when an employee harms someone on the job due to negligence and their employer is responsible for the victim’s compensation.
“This is one area where car accident attorneys can greatly increase a client’s total compensation. Crash victims often don’t know they can hold manufacturers and employers responsible for their injuries or how to negotiate with lawyers representing these entities,” says Chad Florin.
Consideration Of Negligence And Degree Of Fault
The state of Florida uses a policy of modified comparative negligence as of March 24, 2023. This means that car accident victims can file claims to collect compensation even when they did something that may have contributed to the accident.
If the court finds that you are partly at fault for your accident, any settlement you win will be reduced based on your level of fault up to 50%. If you’re more than 50% at fault, you cannot collect compensation. For example, if you’re found to be 20% at fault, you could only collect 80% of your total compensation.
Ways The Accident Can Impact Your Life
Car accidents can severely impact your life, leaving you with long-term injuries that affect your physical, mental, and financial well-being.
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 Miramar 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 injury attorneys
While no amount of money can return your life to the way it was before the accident, a successful claim can cover the costs you incurred, help make up for less tangible losses, and bring some justice to the parties responsible. If you have questions about your accident, the experts at Florin|Roebig are here to help through a free case evaluation.
What To Do After A Car Accident
It can be hard or even impossible to act in the direct aftermath of a car accident, especially in a high-traffic area like Miramar. However, if you’re able to do so, taking certain actions can improve the outcome of both your recovery and your car accident claim down the road.
After a car accident in Miramar:
- Check for injuries and seek medical attention: Before anything else, make sure you and your loved ones are safe. Get out of the way of oncoming traffic and seek medical attention immediately if needed.
- Contact law enforcement: The police will file an incident report, which can serve as vital evidence for your claim later.
- Gather information: If you can, collect witness contact information.
- Document the accident scene: Take pictures of the accident and any injuries or damage.
How Florin|Roebig Can Help With Your Car Accident Claim
Throughout the history of the firm, Florin Roebig’s cases have attained worldwide press coverage on all of the major national news networks and internationally-read newspapers such as The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal. When you sign your case with Florin|Roebig, you will be working with board-certified seasoned attorneys who can navigate the most challenging cases and win in court if need be.
Florin Roebig car accident lawyers offer many services, including:
- Case evaluation
- Legal representation
- Negotiation with insurance companies
- Litigation support
Over the past 30 years, Florin|Roebig is proud to have won more than $1 billion in compensation for our clients.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does an attorney charge for a car accident case in Miramar?
Most car accident attorneys charge between 25-40% of your compensation. If you don’t get compensation, they won’t charge.
Should I get a lawyer after a car accident in Miramar?
It’s usually a good idea to hire a lawyer to maximize your car accident claim. Contact a trusted law firm for a free case review to get expert advice.
What is the average compensation for a car accident in Miramar?
Florin|Roebig’s clients average over $1 million in compensation, but amounts vary greatly for car accidents depending on several factors like the severity of your injuries and how much the other party was at fault. Contact legal experts for a free case evaluation to get a better idea of how much compensation your case may be worth.
List Of Car Accident Attorneys Serving Miramar
Filing a car accident claim is the best way to recover compensation when you have been involved in an accident. However, the process of filing and litigating these claims can be complicated.
To give yourself the best chance of success in court, you need a dedicated attorney on your side. The legal team at Florin|Roebig is comprised of experienced attorneys who are proud to serve clients throughout Florida, including those in Miramar.
Some of the members of our staff who handle car accident claims in this area include:
- Wil H. Florin, B.C.S.
- Tommy D. Roebig, B.C.S.
- Luca G Esposito
- Chad K. Florin, M.B.A., LL.M.
- Shaun M. Cummings
We Are Nationally Awarded Lawyers
How to Get Help from Florin|Roebig Attorneys
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.
Palm Beach Office
777 South Flagler Drive
Suite 800 – West Tower
West Palm Beach, Florida 33401
Filing a car accident claim is the best way to recover compensation when you have been involved in an accident. However, the process of filing and litigating these claims can be complicated.
You need to move quickly to protect your right to collect compensation. Because the laws surrounding these cases are complex, it is best to consult an experienced attorney for assistance. Please contact Florin|Roebig today to learn more about filing a personal injury claim.
