In North Miami Beach, Florida, auto accidents can cause injuries, which can lead to medical bills, emotional trauma, and other undesirable consequences. A majority of these auto accidents are caused by negligence.
If a negligent driver or another irresponsible party caused an auto accident that injured you or someone you love, you may be able to file a claim to collect a settlement for damages.
Accident Statistics for Miami-Dade County, Florida
The following are accident statistics for the county of Miami-Dade, where North Miami Beach is located.
- There were a total of 26,461 accidents reported in Miami-Dade County in 2023.
- Of these accidents, 121 were fatal and resulted in 127 deaths.
- 13,299 injuries were caused by a car accident in Miami-Dade.
- 619 motorcycle accidents were reported in 2023 Miami-Dade.
- There were 8,429 hit-and-run accidents reported in 2023.
The Car Accident Claim-Filing Process
In North Miami Beach. Florida, you are allowed to seek compensation if you received any injuries or had your property damaged. In legal terms, this is known as an auto accident claim and can be filed by car accident victims to receive damages, which can be either financial or non-financial.
Misunderstandings surrounding car accident claims can include the following:
- Car accident attorneys are not necessary if you have insurance.
- Claims can only be filed by car accident victims with serious injuries.
- The insurance of the at-fault driver will cover everything
- You can take as long as you need to file an accident claim
- Personal injury attorneys are too expensive to hire
- You have to accept whatever settlement you are offered
- You have to file a lawsuit to receive compensation
“Insurance companies can make a car accident more stressful by making it difficult to file your accident claim. If you hire a car accident attorney at the beginning of the claim process, we can help ensure your insurance company cooperates,” 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:
- Compile evidence for your claim: Photograph and record everything you can while at the car accident scene.
- Review your insurance policy: When you have a moment, look over your insurance policy. Ensure you understand what it covers.
- Contact a Florin|Roebig accident attorney: When you are preparing to file your claim, contact a Florin|Roebig attorney and request a free consultation.
- Get a copy of the police report: It is important that you receive your copy of the police report before you call your insurance company.
- Call your insurance representative: When you are prepared, call your insurance agent to begin your claims process so you can hopefully receive your payment quickly.
North Miami Beach, Florida Laws For Car Accident Cases
There are a few car accident laws the citizens of North Miami Beach should be aware of, but two are the most important to understand: the statute of limitations for personal injury claims and the law surrounding fault.
The first thing drivers should know is that Florida is a no-fault state. Every registered Florida driver is required to have personal injury protection insurance (PIP), which covers medical costs and property damage, regardless of who caused the accident.
The second thing motorists in North Miami Beach should understand is the statute of limitations, which, for car accident claims in Florida, is four years. The statute of limitations is the time frame in which you can bring your accident claim against the at-fault motorist. Failing to file your claim by this deadline could forfeit your right to file.
Fault and Liability in Car Accident Cases
Negligence, which is when a driver does something that directly causes an accident, is another important legal term that car accident victims will become familiar with.
Factors that can decide fault in auto accidents include:
- Negligence by a driver
- A motorist driving under the influence of a substance
- Condition of the roads
- The weather conditions when the accident happened
- Whether or not a vehicle malfunction occurred
A person can be at fault for an accident but not liable for it. If a car malfunctions because faulty brakes were defective due to a manufacturing error, thus causing the car to brake improperly, in this scenario, the driver would be at fault but may not be liable for the accident.
The driver may be at fault, but the brake manufacturing company will be held strictly liable.
“A car accident can leave you feeling shaken up, which is not helped by hearing new legal terms and phrases. A car accident attorney can be of great help in navigating the aftermath of a car accident,” explains Chad K. Florin.
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Consideration Of Negligence, Degree Of Fault
In car accident claims, negligence is any conduct or action that directly results in injury, damage to property, or other consequences.
Types of negligence in auto accident claims that are filed by car accident victims include:
- Gross negligence: This happens when a driver has a serious disregard for the safety of other drivers and does not respect traffic laws.
- Comparative negligence: Each driver is given a percentage of fault and granted damages accordingly.
- Contributory negligence: This claim system states a claim cannot be filed to seek payment if a person is found to be even 1% at fault for the accident.
It is rare that a car accident happens due to just one driver’s negligence, therefore, in most cases, courts will allocate each driver at least some share of fault for the accident.
Critical information to know about fault in car accidents:
- It may still be possible for drivers to seek damages in no-fault states.
- Your settlement may be decreased by your percentage of fault.
- In some states, fault can prevent you from seeking damages.
What To Do After A Car Accident in North Miami Beach
If you have been involved in an accident in North Miami Beach, Florida, the following are important steps that should be taken immediately.
1. Seek Medical Care
Call 911 as soon as you can so that emergency medical technicians can be dispatched to the accident scene to check out everyone who was involved in the accident. Some serious injuries have symptoms that do not show up immediately.
2. Collect Contact Information
Information you need to collect includes:
- The names of everyone involved in the accident
- Phone numbers for everyone who was in the accident
- The driver’s license numbers for the drivers
- Insurance information for all drivers
- The license plate numbers for the cars involved
3. Call The Police
In Florida, if you have been in an accident that has resulted in injury or property damages, you are required by law to report it to the police. The police will generate a report that will be important to your insurance company and your car accident lawyer.
4. Get Photos Or Videos
When you are able, you need to begin taking pictures and videos of the accident scene. You should try to get pictures of:
- Traffic flow
- Injuries
- Vehicle damage
- Weather conditions
- Record witness statements
5. Report The Accident To Your Insurance Company
As soon as you are able, you need to contact your insurance company to report the accident. The sooner you begin the claims process, the sooner your claim can be processed, and your settlement check can be sent your way.
6. Contact A Florin|Roebig Car Accident Lawyer
It is not uncommon for people to run into trouble when they are trying to get a payment from their insurance company. Insurance companies are notorious for doing whatever they can to save money, including denying rightful claims. By hiring a Florin|Roebig accident attorney, you can help make sure your claim is treated fairly.
Ways The Accident Can Impact Your Life
For those who have been involved in a car accident, far-reaching impacts can touch many aspects of their lives.
Various ways an accident can affect your life include:
- Loss of your job
- Loss of your ability to make money
- The cost of your pain and suffering
- Losing your independence
- The loss of your spouse or partner
- Having to make changes to your home to accommodate your injuries/disability
- Losing your transportation
- The development of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
How Florin|Roebig Can Help With Your Car Accident Claim
After a car accident, deciding which car accident attorney to take care of you and your claim is an important decision that should be made with care. The attorneys of Florin|Roebig have been representing their clients with compassion for forty years.
Benefits that you can gain by hiring a Florin|Roebig auto accident lawyer include:
Car Accident Case Experience
The team of Florin|Roebig car accident attorneys has been representing car accident victims both in and out of court for forty years. During this time, our attorneys have seen everything insurance companies can throw their way, so they are ready to champion your claim.
A Strong Personal Injury Claim
With a long history of successfully representing many car accident victims, our Florin|Roebig attorneys know exactly what it takes to build a strong, winning claim. From the evidence you collect to how you fill out your paperwork, our attorneys know how to build a strong personal injury claim.
Negotiating A Fair Settlement
In most cases, car accident settlements can be handled quickly and easily outside the court system. However, when your insurance does not cooperate or you cannot get the at-fault driver to pay your damages, your Florin|Roebig attorney is prepared to explain your claim to a judge.
Practical Advice for After a Car Accident
If you have been in an auto accident, you may be feeling shocked and unsure of what to do next. The following are helpful steps to take in the aftermath of a car accident:
- Seek medical attention immediately. Contact 911 to ensure everyone is checked out by a medical team.
- Collect evidence immediately: Collect as much evidence by photo and recording as you can.
- Contact your insurance company: Notify your insurance company so they can begin your claim as soon as possible.
- Protect your legal rights: Hiring a Florin|Roebig lawyer can help ensure you avoid costly mistakes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I hire an attorney after a car accident in Florida?
While you are not required to hire an attorney, if you are facing legal repercussions or have an uncooperative insurance company, it will be in your best interest to have an attorney on your team.
How much can someone sue for a car accident in Florida?
There is no limit to the amount of compensation a person can sue for in Florida.
How long after a car accident can you sue in Florida?
In Florida, you have four years from the moment the car accident happens to sue for damages.
List Of Car Accident Attorneys Serving North Miami Beach
As a car accident victim, pursuing compensation from the party responsible for your injuries is the best way to move on with your life and restore your financial health. However, this process is not easy.
For this reason, it is in your best interest to work with a qualified legal representative. The team at Florin|Roebig has represented clients across the state of Florida, including North Miami Beach.
Some of our award-winning car accident lawyers include:
- Wil H. Florin, B.C.S.
- Tommy D. Roebig, B.C.S.
- Luca G Esposito
- Chase P. Florin, B.C.S.
- Chad K. Florin, M.B.A., LL.M.
We Are Nationally Awarded Lawyers
How to Get Help from Florin|Roebig Attorneys
If you or someone you love have been in an accident in North Miami Beach and you are interested in hiring the best car accident attorneys in Florida, the following are the best ways to contact our offices.
- Call our phone number 24/7
- Our website, florinroebig.com.
- Questions can be emailed to [email protected]
Being involved in an accident can be a major disruption to your life and the lives of those who were involved. From the medical expenses that come with injuries to the auto repair bill, expenses can add up quickly, which is why you need to file a claim to seek compensation.
When you are ready to begin the claim process, contact the law offices of Florin|Roebig. Our team has been voted number one for the last several years for a reason: our dedication and passion get top results. Contact our offices to schedule a free consultation today.
