Car accidents in North Miami are a common occurrence due to the beautiful scenery. No matter how an accident occurs, the emotional and physical impacts for some car accident victims can be truly problematic, leading to financial and physical hardships.
To learn more about the car accident claim process in North Miami, the esteemed lawyers of Florin|Roebig are here to help. Our team can tell you more about the damages victims usually file for and what kind of settlement you can expect to receive.
Accident Statistics for Miami-Dade County, Florida
The following are the accident statistics for Mimi-Dade County, where North Miami is located.
- In 2023, there were a total of 26,461 accidents reported to the police.
- 29,775 injuries were reported as a result of an accident in Miami-Dade.
- 361 fatalities were caused by an accident in Miami-Dade County.
- There were 1,290 motorcycle accidents reported in 2023.
- In Miami-Dade County, 21,348 hit-and-run accidents occurred in 2023.
Dangerous Intersections in North Miami, Florida
While any stretch of road can be vulnerable to accidents, authorities and drivers of North Miami roads have reported the following intersections to be especially dangerous:
- North Miami at Griffing Boulevard
- NE 125th St. and NE Second Ave.
The Car Accident Claim-Filing Process
If you or someone you love has been injured or had property damaged in an accident in North Miami, you can seek compensation. Known legally as a car accident claim, car accident victims can file a claim for damages, which can be financial or nonfinancial in nature.
Misunderstandings surrounding car accident claims can include the following:
- An attorney will not be necessary if you have insurance
- You can only file a car accident claim if you were seriously injured
- The at-fault driver will have insurance that covers all damages
- You can take as long as you need to file a car accident claim
- Most people cannot afford to hire a car accident lawyer
- If you are offered a settlement, you have to accept it
- To receive compensation, you have to file a lawsuit
“Insurance companies are supposed to offer a sense of security in worst-case scenarios. Unfortunately, these companies often become a source of significant stress. Hiring a car accident attorney can help ensure your insurance provider cooperates,” says Chad K. Florin, a reputable attorney of Florin|Roebig.
The following are steps you can take when you are ready to begin the claims process:
- Collect evidence for your claim: If possible, take photographs and videos of the entire car accident scene, including injuries, damage, weather, and road conditions.
- Review your insurance policy: Take time to review your insurance policy to make sure you understand what your provider will and will not cover.
- Contact a Florin|Roebig accident attorney: Schedule a free consultation and case evaluation to review your options.
- Get a copy of the police report: You should collect a copy of this important legal document in order to build a strong claim case.
- Call your insurance representative: Once you have obtained an attorney and have all the necessary paperwork, it is time to contact your representative and begin the claims process.
North Miami, Florida Laws For Car Accident Cases
Residents of North Miami, Florida, need to know the car accident laws in Florida, but two of these laws are the most important: the statute of limitations for personal injury claims and the laws surrounding fault.
Florida is a no-fault state, which means every driver legally registered in Florida must have personal injury protection insurance (PIP), which covers medical costs and property damage fees, regardless of who caused the accident.
Floridian drivers also need to know the statute of limitations, which refers to the time frame when a driver can file a claim against the driver at fault. The statute of limitations for personal injury claims in Florida is four years. You can forfeit your right to compensation if you fail to file by this deadline.
Fault and Liability in Car Accident Cases
Florida drivers also need to understand the term negligence, which happens when a motorist does anything that directly causes an accident.
Factors that can determine fault in car accidents include:
- A negligent driver
- A driver under the influence of a substance
- Road conditions at the time of the accident
- What the weather was like when the accident occurred
- If the vehicle malfunctioned due to a manufacturing error
A person can be at fault for an accident but not held liable, such as a car malfunctioning due to defective brakes. The brakes were faulty due to a manufacturing mistake and thus caused the car to brake improperly.
In this scenario, the driver is going to be at fault for the accident but may not be liable. The brake manufacturing company will be given strict liability.
“Car accidents are often overwhelming for those who were involved, and unfortunately, the complicated legal wording and the resistance of insurance companies to pay can make a hard time even more difficult,” explains Chad K. Florin.
Consideration Of Negligence, Degree Of Fault
In car accident claims, negligence refers to any conduct or action that directly results in injury, damage to property, or other serious consequences.
Types of negligence in car accident claims filed by victims include:
- Gross negligence: This is characterized by a severe indifference to the safety of other drivers and a lack of concern for traffic laws.
- Comparative negligence: This happens when each driver is given a degree of fault, and the damages awarded are adjusted accordingly.
- Contributory negligence: This type of negligence system declares that a claim in unable to be filed to seek payment if a person is found to be even 1% at fault for the accident.
In many cases, car accidents are never due to only one driver’s negligence. Therefore, courts will often assign each party some percentage of fault for the accident.
Important information to know about fault in auto accidents:
- It may be possible for drivers to still recover damages in no-fault states.
- The percentage of fault you are given may affect your settlement amount.
- In some states, fault can stop you from claiming damages.
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What To Do After A Car Accident in North Miami
If you or someone close to you has been involved in an accident in North Miami, Florida, the following steps should be taken directly after the accident.
1. Seek Medical Care
Call 911 immediately in order to have medical teams dispatched to the scene of the accident to look over everyone involved. Quick medical attention can be life-saving due to the fact that many severe injuries may have symptoms masked by adrenaline.
2. Collect Contact Information
The type of information you should gather includes:
- Everyone’s full names
- The phone numbers of everyone in the accident
- Driver’s license numbers for all drivers involved
- Insurance information for all drivers
- License plate numbers of vehicles involved
3. Call The Police
In Florida, you are legally required to report any car accident that results in injuries, no matter how mild, or damage to property. When you inform the police about the accident, they will generate an official document that states the legal opinion on who and what caused the accident.
4. Get Photos Or Videos
One very important thing you can do while at the accident scene is to begin collecting evidence for your claim. You can do this by taking video recordings and photographs of:
- Weather conditions
- Road conditions
- Injuries
- Property damage
- Traffic flow
5. Report The Accident To Your Insurance Company
Once you have been checked over for injuries, you need to call your insurance company to report the accident. The insurance agent will walk you through the accident, so be sure to answer questions to the best of your ability. Filing this paperwork quickly will help you receive compensation sooner.
6. Contact A Florin|Roebig Car Accident Lawyer
In most cases, car accident claims are easily filed and paid out, but unfortunately, there are cases where either insurance company refuses to pay what it is legally required to. Hiring a Florin|Roebig attorney initially can help prevent these types of costly games.
Ways The Accident Can Impact Your Life
Car accidents can have many far-reaching consequences beyond the initial accident.
Other ways a collision can affect your life include:
- Loss of your job
- Loss of your ability to make money in the future
- The cost of your pain and suffering
- Losing your ability to be independent
- The loss of your spouse or partner
- Needin to change your home to fit your injuries
- Losing your car or method of transportation
- Developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
How Florin|Roebig Can Help With Your Car Accident Claim
Car accidents require many important decisions to be made quickly, and one of these decisions that need to be made is whether or not a car accident attorney is right for your case. The lawyers of Floring|Roebig have the dedication and knowledge you need.
Advantages that you can gain by hiring a Florin|Roebig car accident lawyer include:
Car Accident Case Experience
Car accidents are never the same, so lawyers who have worked for many years in personal injury law and car accident claims will have knowledge of a wide range of claims. The car accident team at Florin|Roebig has been working on car accident claims and lawsuits for forty years, so they have seen a lot.
A Strong Personal Injury Claim
Due to their many years of practice in car accident claims, the Florin|Roebig team of attorneys knows exactly what is needed to ensure their clients receive maximum compensation for their injuries and property damage.
Negotiating A Fair Settlement
In most cases, car accident claims are quietly settled without the need for courts to intervene. This is usually due to the careful negotiating by skilled attorneys, but there are times when attorneys also need to be able to defend their client’s claim in front of a judge. The Florin|Roebig attorneys have experience in and out of the court and can help you get what you are owed.
Practical Advice for After a Car Accident
Car accidents are known to be overwhelming and can leave accident victims in a state of shock. The following are helpful steps for accident victims to take in the aftermath of a crash:
- Seek medical attention immediately. Severe injuries and symptoms can be hidden by adrenaline, so it is important to get medical care immediately.
- Collect evidence immediately: Take videos and pictures of everything at the scene of the accident, including witness statements.
- Contact your insurance company: Call your insurance company as soon as you can to begin your claim.
- Protect your legal rights: Hiring a Florin|Roebig attorney can help avoid any costly mistakes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I hire an attorney after a car accident in Florida?
It is legally possible to defend yourself should you be sued or to file a car accident claim on your own. However, hiring a Florin|Roebig attorney can ensure a beneficial outcome for your case.
Who pays for car damage in Florida no-fault?
A Florida driver’s own insurance company will cover the damages unless the expense of the damages is more than the insurance settlement, at which point a motorist may seek to file a lawsuit.
List Of Car Accident Attorneys Serving North Miami
Florin|Roebig is here to help the people of North Miami, ensuring they get the counsel they need during a difficult time. Our car accident lawyers have been serving residents of Florida suffering from personal injuries for more than 30 years.
Some of our award-winning legal team includes:
- Wil H. Florin, B.C.S.
- Tommy D. Roebig, B.C.S.
- Luca G Esposito
- Chad K. Florin, M.B.A., LL.M.
- Nicholas S. Costantino
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How to Get Help from Florin|Roebig Attorneys
If you or a family member are interested in hiring a Florin|Roebig attorney for your car accident claim, there are many different 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]
A car accident claim in North Miami can be complicated to file and can be difficult to win, but the lawyers of Florin|Roebig have the knowledge and the compassion to get the job done right.
By scheduling a consultation with us, you are taking your first step toward healing and recovery. Contact us today for a free consultation to learn more about filing a claim.