Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Coral Gables Auto Accident Attorney and Miami Car Accident Attorney Today
At Dolan Dobrinsky Rosenblum Bluestein, LLP, our Coral Gables auto accident attorneys are skilled, experienced advocates for justice. With over $1 billion in settlements and verdicts across our practice areas, we have what it takes to hold the big insurance carriers accountable. Hurt in a serious motor vehicle collision? Our team of Coral Gables car accident lawyers and Miami car accident lawyers are here as a resource. Contact us today for a free, no obligation consultation with a top-rated Coral Gables car accident attorney.
What to Do After a Crash in Coral Gables, Florida
Were you hurt in a motor vehicle wreck in Coral Gables? You may have a lot of questions about your rights and your responsibilities. A proactive approach is a must—and you cannot rely on any insurance company to look out for your best interests. Here are six key steps to take after a wreck:
- Stop Your Vehicle: Florida law is clear: All motorists involved in a crash have a duty to stop their vehicle, exchange information, and stay at the scene unless there is an emergency.
- Report the Crash: All injury crashes in Florida need to be reported to law enforcement, such as the Coral Gables Police Department. Be sure to report your accident right away.
- Get Prompt Medical Care: If you were hurt in a motor vehicle crash in Coral Gables, it is crucial that you see a doctor. Without medical records, you cannot bring a claim.
- Document the Scene: You should document the crash to the best extent of your ability. Try to take pictures, get contact details for witnesses, and secure other relevant information.
- Notify Your Insurer: You need to notify your own insurer—such as your PIP provider—that you were involved in an accident in Coral Gables.
- Consult With a Lawyer: Before you give any formal statement about your crash, you should consult with an experienced Coral Gables, FL auto accident attorney.
An Overview of Car Accident Liability in Florida
Florida’s car accident laws are different from many other jurisdictions. As a no-fault insurance state, Florida generally requires drivers to turn to their own insurance provider after a collision—no matter who caused the accident. Your initial claim is made through your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage. Notably, that type of coverage which is mandatory for all Florida drivers. At a minimum, drivers must carry $10,000 in PIP coverage as part of their auto insurance policy.
Not all car accident claims in Coral Gables are no-fault claims. Florida also allows injured victims to pursue a fault-based claim when certain conditions are met. If your injuries qualify as “serious” for the purposes of the law—such as if you suffered a permanent impairment, significant disfigurement, or scarring—you may step outside the no-fault system and take legal action directly against the at-fault driver or other negligent party.
Under Florida state law (Florida Statutes § 768.81), a modified comparative negligence standard applies to fault-based motor vehicle accident cases. Here is how it works: Suppose you were involved in a collision in Coral Gables and suffered $70,000 in damages. If you were found to be 20% at fault, your compensation would be reduced by that percentage—you would still be able to recover $56,000. With that being said, if you are found to be 51 percent or more at fault, Florida law bars you from recovering any damages from the other party.
Know the Deadline: Statute of Limitations
Car accident injury claims are time-sensitive. Under Florida law (Florida Statutes § 95.11), there is a two-year statute of limitations. You may have heard about a four-year statute of limitations in Florida. However, that is no longer applicable. In 2023, the law for fault-based personal injury claims was changed in Florida. If you fail to file a car accident injury lawsuit within two years of the date of your collision, you may not be able to recover compensation at all. Do not fall behind in the claims process: Consult with a Coral Gables, FL auto accident attorney as soon as possible.
Note: To preserve your right to these benefits, you must receive medical attention within 14 days of the accident. Failing to do so could result in a denial of your PIP claim.
Recovering the Maximum Compensation for Injured Victims from a Car Accident in Miami and Coral Gables
Hurt in a motor vehicle crash in Coral Gables? It is imperative that you are able to access the full financial compensation that you deserve. In Florida, car accident victims may be entitled to recover for both economic losses and non-economic losses. However, sadly, insurers fight hard to pay out as little as possible in settlement negotiations. They cannot be relied upon to look out for your best interests. Our Coral Gables car accident lawyers fight for the maximum recovery for victims and families. Along with other damages, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Property loss, including automotive repairs;
- Ambulance costs and emergency room care;
- Hospital bills and medical expenses;
- Medications and medical equipment;
- Physical therapy and mental health care;
- Loss of wages and loss of earning power;
- Pain and suffering & mental distress;
- Disability or disfigurement; and
- Wrongful death of a family member.
How Our Coral Gables Car Accident Attorney and Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help
Car crash claims are complex, confusing, and can raise a lot of questions. It is normal to feel stressed out and overwhelmed after a bad collision. At Dolan Dobrinsky Rosenblum Bluestein, LLP, we are aggressive advocates for the people who need guidance and representation the most—victims and families. You can hear it directly from our former clients. We are proactive and we put an emphasis on personalized representation. Along with other things, our Coral Gables car accident lawyers will:
- Listen to your story and answer questions about your rights and your options;
- Investigate your crash in Coral Gables—gathering evidence to prove liability;
- Handle all car accident injury claims paperwork and handle insurance negotiations; and
- Develop a results-focused strategy to help you maximize your financial compensation.
We are Committed to Fighting for the Best Results for Car Crash Victims in Coral Gables
Results matter. Following a car crash that causes a physical injury in Coral Gables, it is imperative that victims are able to secure the most possible compensation. Our firm is devoted to fighting for results. We have recovered more than $1 billion in settlements and verdicts across the full range of our practice areas. Our recent case results in car accident cases in Coral Gables include:
- $9.8 million for a 40-year-old mother of two who was rendered a quadriplegic after her car was struck by another driver who blew through a stop sign;
- $3.5 million for a 20-year-old motorcyclist who was killed when he struck a car which was making an illegal left turn directly into his path; and
- $1.75 million for a veterinarian who was jogging at night along a rural road when she was hit by a passing car. She suffered a major injury.
Car Accident Claims in Coral Gables: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Should I Hire a Coral Gables Auto Accident Attorney?
Yes. If you suffered an injury in a crash that required professional medical care, you should set up a free consultation with an experienced Coral Gables car accident attorney. Insurance companies—even your own PIP insurer—are not on your side. They fight hard to pay out as little as possible in settlement negotiations. Your lawyer will protect your rights and your interests.
Is Florida Really a No-Fault Car Insurance State?
Yes—Florida is a no-fault state, which means your own insurer pays for certain expenses after a crash—no matter who was actually the person who caused it. The coverage comes from your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance. It helps cover medical bills and lost income. However, no-fault coverage will not cover pain and suffering. With that being said, even no-fault claims can be challenging to navigate. A Coral Gables, FL auto accident lawyer and Miami auto accident attorney can help.
Can I Ever Sue an At-Fault Driver for a Crash in Coral Gables If I Suffer Common Car Accident Injuries?
Yes, you can. However, you can only do so if your injuries qualify as “serious” under Florida law. That includes things like permanent injury, significant scarring, or major disfigurement. If your injuries meet the threshold, you can step outside the no-fault system. Through a fault-based claim, you may be able to recover compensation for pain and suffering and other non-economic damages. An experienced Coral Gables, FL auto accident lawyer can help you navigate the claims process.
Do I Have to Report the Accident to My Insurance Company in Florida?
Yes—and you should do it as soon as possible—even if you were not at fault. Most insurance policies require prompt notice. Delaying in reporting the crash in Coral Gables could actually undermine your coverage or complicate your claim. You should stick to the facts. Do not admit fault when reporting the accident to your insurer. Simply provide notice.
How Do I Get a Copy of the Car Accident Police Report in Coral Gables?
A police report is an important form of documentation in a motor vehicle accident claim. You should always get a copy after a significant crash. Obtaining a copy of a car accident police report in Coral Gables is a relatively straightforward process. The Coral Gables Police Department manages these records and offers several methods for request: You can submit a public records request through the City of Coral Gables’ online portal. If you have any specific questions about how to get a copy of the police report, an experienced Coral Gables, FL auto accident attorney and Miami auto accident lawyer can help.
What is a Demand Letter in a Car Accident Case?
In many cases, your Coral Gables car accident lawyer will use a demand letter as a tool to move settlement negotiations forward. A demand letter is a formal written request sent to the at-fault driver’s insurance company. Most often, the demand letter will provide an overview of your case and ask for a specific amount of compensation. Key features that are found in a demand letter usually include a summary of the accident, a detailed description of your injuries, documentation of your medical treatment and expenses, and evidence supporting the other party’s liability. The goal is to present a strong, well-organized case that convinces the insurer to settle fairly—without needing to go to court. A powerful demand letter can set the tone for the entire negotiation process.
What is the Average Car Accident Settlement in Florida?
There is no true “average” settlement for car accidents or drunk driving accidents in Florida because every case is different. The value of your claim depends on factors like the severity of your injuries, the cost of your medical care, lost income, and whether you experienced pain and suffering. A minor fender-bender with soft tissue injuries might settle for a few thousand dollars, while a serious crash with permanent injuries could be worth hundreds of thousands—or even more. Every case is unique. A top-tier Coral Gables, FL car accident lawyer can help you negotiate for the maximum financial compensation for your personal injury lawsuit.
Our Miami Accident Lawyer Represents Car Accident Victims in Coral Gables On a Contingency Fee Basis
You can always afford to hire the best Coral Springs, FL car accident attorney. At Dolan Dobrinsky Rosenblum Bluestein, LLP, our experienced car accident lawyer represents victims and their families in Coral Gables, FL on a contingency fee basis. You do not have to worry about upfront costs or hourly bills with our experienced car accident attorney. Our fee is related directly to your recovery. Our legal fee is based on how much compensation you receive. The only way we can raise our legal fee is to put more money into your pocket. Your initial consultation with our Coral Springs, FL auto accident attorney is free, confidential, and carries zero obligations.
Contact Our Coral Gables Car Accident Attorney Today
At Dolan Dobrinsky Rosenblum Bluestein, LLP, our Coral Gables auto accident attorney is standing by, ready to protect your rights and your interests. If you or your loved one was hurt in a serious motor vehicle crash, please do not hesitate to today for a free, no obligation case review. Our best car accident lawyer handles car accident cases in Coral Gables, Miami-Dade County, and throughout South Florida.
Our Coral Gables and Miami personal injury lawyers at Dolan Dobrinsky Rosenblum Bluestein, LLP represent clients in different personal injury cases and are ready to serve you and support you in your legal trials.