Hurt in a Car Accident in North Miami? Contact Our North Miami Beach Car Accident Attorney Today for a Free Consultation
At Dolan Dobrinsky Rosenblum Bluestein, LLP, our North Miami car accident attorneys are passionate, experienced, and highly knowledgeable advocates for injured victims. With more than $1 billion recovered in settlements and verdicts, our firm has what it takes to hold insurance companies accountable. If you or your family member was hurt in a motor vehicle crash, we are here to help and will use all our knowledge of the traffic laws to help get you the compensation you need! Contact our auto accidents legal team today for a free, no-strings-attached consultation with a top Fort Lauderdale & North Miami car accident attorney.
What to Do After a Car Crash in North Miami, Florida
Car accidents happen. Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) reports that 678,783 drivers were involved in motor vehicle collisions in the state in 2022 alone. Collectively, these crashes caused more than 250,000 injuries, and, tragically, 3,553 highway fatalities. The aftermath of a crash can be stressful and overwhelming. Knowing what to do can make the difference. Here are four of the most important things that you should do after a car crash in North Miami:
- Stop Your Car, Report the Accident: Florida law is clear: All parties to a motor vehicle collision must stop their care, exchange information, and remain at the scene (but for medical emergencies. You should report the accident to law enforcement right away, such as the North Miami Police Department or the Miami-Dade Police Department.
- Get Immediate Medical Care for Any Injuries: All car crash injuries should be checked out by a licensed doctor. Many of the most common injuries—whiplash, back pain, concussions, etc—arise with a somewhat delayed onset. You may feel alright immediately after the crash, but very bad a few days after. There are legal reasons to see a doctor as well. If you fail to do so, you cannot bring a car accident injury claim.
- Document Your Motor Vehicle Crash: While Florida has a no-fault insurance law, liability for a serious accident is still based on fault. Further, even with a no-fault claim, the specific facts of the case still matter. Take photos of the vehicles, any other damage, the surrounding area, and relevant road signs or signals. Exchange information with the other driver(s)—such as names, contact details, insurance information, and vehicle registration. If there are witnesses, get their contact information as well. You can never have too much information after a car accident. Your lawyer can help you sort things out.
- Contact an Attorney Before an Insurer: Auto accident claims are handled by insurance companies. Unfortunately, insurers are not on your side after a crash. Even your own no-fault PIP insurer is a business that will put its own interests before what is best for your family. Protect yourself: Before you give any statement to an insurance adjuster, be sure to consult with an experienced North Miami auto accident attorney.
Most Common Car Accident Injuries
Unfortunately, motor vehicle collisions are consistently a leading cause of accidental injuries in Florida. Every physical injury requires prompt medical attention. You need to get the proper care after an accident. Some of the most common car wreck injuries reported in North Miami include:
- Lacerations: Lacerations are deep cuts or tears in the skin. They can vary in severity and may require medical care to prevent infection and to ensure proper healing.
- Whiplash: A form of soft tissue damage, whiplash is a neck injury caused by a rapid back-and-forth movement of the neck. It is most common in rear-end collisions.
- Sprains and Strains: Sprains are injuries to ligaments (the bands connecting bones), and strains affect muscles or tendons. These injuries may require rehabilitative care.
- Fractured/Broken Bones: Broken bones are always serious injuries. The force of a car accident can cause fractures to arm, legs, ribs, hips, and other bones.
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs) are injuries to the brain that can cause serious long-term physical, cognitive, or emotional impairment.
- Internal Injuries: An internal injury is an injury that results in damage inside the body—typically involving internal bleeding and/or affecting the internal organs.
- Spinal Cord Trauma: Spinal cord trauma is an injury to the spinal cord that can result in a loss of function—such as mobility or sensation—below the level of the injury.
Florida has a No-Fault Auto Insurance Law (What it Means for You)
Florida has a no-fault auto insurance law (Florida Statutes § 627.7407). Every motorist in the state has an obligation to carry no-fault Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage. If you are involved in a car accident in North Miami Beach, your insurance company will cover your medical bills and lost wages up to a certain limit—regardless of who was at fault for the accident. All Florida drivers are required to carry a minimum of $10,000 in Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage as part of their auto insurance policy. After an accident, you must seek medical treatment within 14 days to be eligible for PIP benefits. If you fail to get medical care in time, you may be denied PIP benefits.
What to Understand About Fault-Based Car Accident Claims in Florida
While Florida is a no-fault insurance state, the fault-based standard of liability can still apply if a person suffered a serious injury in an accident. In other words, you can file a fault-based car accident injury claim with an experienced North Miami Beach car accident lawyer against another party after a crash in North Miami—but only if your case meets the state’s “serious injury” threshold. Florida defines as serious injury as one that causes:
- Significant and permanent loss of an important bodily function;
- Permanent injury within a reasonable degree of medical probability; or
- Significant and permanent scarring or disfigurement.
Do not assume that your injury does not qualify for a fault-based claim. If you suffered any type of serious injury in an accident, you probably have medical bills, lost wages, and other damages in excess of your PIP coverage. A top-rated North Miami car accident lawyer will review your case and help you determine what needs to be done to protect your rights. Every serious crash in North Miami should be thoroughly investigated by experienced North Miami Beach car accident lawyers.
Understanding Modified Comparative Negligence
Florida now uses a modified comparative negligence system for fault-based automobile accident claims. The core principle is relatively straightforward: You can still recover compensation if you are partially at fault for your own accident, but your recovery will be reduced proportionally. However, in Florida, if you are more than 50 percent at fault, you may be barred from such a recovery.
Know the Deadline: The Car Accident Injury Statute of Limitations
You only have a limited amount of time to bring an auto accident injury claim in North Miami Beach. Under Florida law (Florida Statutes § 95.11), there is a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases, including for motor vehicle accident claims. Prior to 2023, the statute of limitations for these claims was four years. However, a reform cut that time half. Be proactive after an accident. If you do not bring a claim in a timely manner, you could lose out on your rights.
Recovering Compensation for a Car Accident in North Miami
Following a bad motor vehicle crash in North Miami, you may want to know: How much financial compensation can I expect to recover in a claim? The answer depends on the specific nature of your case. With that being said, Florida law allows car accident victims to seek compensation for both economic and non-economic damages and reasonable care. As insurance companies fight to protect their own bottom line—and not your best interests—you cannot rely on them to offer full and fair settlement. Our North Miami, FL car accident lawyers are committed to securing the absolute maximum compensation for our clients. You may be entitled to money damages:
- Vehicle repairs or vehicle replacement;
- Ambulance costs and emergency room care;
- Hospital bills and other medical costs;
- Physical therapy and other long-term medical costs;
- Lost wages and loss of earning power;
- Pain and suffering and loss of life enjoyment;
- Physical disability or cognitive impairment; and
- Wrongful death of a family member.
Car Accident Claims in North Miami: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Should I Report My Crash to the Police?
Yes. All motor vehicle collisions that result in physical injuries or considerable property damages (at least $1,000) should be reported to law enforcement. Indeed, motorists have a duty under Florida state law to report these crashes. The police report is a key form of evidence.
Can I Still Recover Compensation if I was Partially at Fault for An Accident?
Yes. To start, you can bring a no-fault claim through your own PIP insurance policy regardless of blame. Further, Florida follows a modified comparative negligence system for fault-based cases. Under the system, injured car accident victims are allowed to recover compensation even if they were partially at fault—as long as they were not responsible for 51 percent (or more) of the crash. Notably, in these cases, a motorists recovery will be reduced by their degree of fault.
Should I Agree to Settle My Car Accident Claim?
It depends. You should not agree to a settlement with the insurance company that offers less than full and fair financial compensation. Before you can resolve a car accident injury case, you need to know the true value of your claim. Do not rely on the insurance company. Consult with a North Miami auto accident attorney in Miami Dade County.
How Long Does the Car Accident Claims Process Take?
The timeline varies based on a few key factors, including the severity of your injuries and the complexity of your accident. That being said, as a general guideline, it can take a few months to over a year to settle a claim. Do not wait to get started with your case. A proactive approach is key.
Why Rely On Our North Miami Auto Accident Attorneys
Were you hurt in a motor vehicle accident? It is normal to have a ton of questions about what comes next—including what you need to do to protect your rights and your interests. At Dolan Dobrinsky Rosenblum Bluestein, LLP, we have extensive experience handling complex cases. Among other things, our North Miami car accident lawyers are ready to:
- Listen to your story and answer questions about auto accident claims in Florida;
- Investigate your motor vehicle collision—gathering the evidence you need;
- Represent you in any settlement talks with insurance companies; and
- Develop a personalized strategy designed to achieve the best outcome.
With vast experience, our North Miami car accident attorneys have seen it all. At the same time, we know that no two crashes are exactly alike. Our firm will invest the time and resources to provide reliable representation. To learn more about our services, read our clients reviews, our history of results, and reach out to our North Miami auto accident lawyers with any specific questions.
We Handle Car Accident Injury Cases in North Miami On Contingency
How much does it cost to hire an experienced North Miami car accident lawyer? With Dolan Dobrinsky Rosenblum Bluestein serving North Miami, you do not have to worry about any upfront costs or out-of-pocket bills. You will not pay any fees unless we win your case. There are no hourly bills. Instead, we only get paid when you get paid. Our interests are fully aligned with your interests. The only way that we get a higher legal fee is to make sure that there is more money in your pocket. Initial consultations for car accident claims in North Miami are always free, fully confidential, and no commitment.
Contact Our North Miami Auto Accident Lawyer for a Free Case Review
At Dolan Dobrinsky Rosenblum Bluestein, LLP, our North Miami car accident attorneys put the rights of victims and families first. If you or your family member was hurt in a car crash, you need a top-tier attorney on your side. Reach out to us by phone at 305-371-2692 or contact us onlineto set up your free consultation. We handle the full range of motor vehicle accident claims and other related practice areas in North Miami and throughout the wider area in South Florida.