Florida motor vehicle accidents statistics are staggering. Each year, there are over 340,000 crashes. Unfortunately, over 3,000 fatalities occur and an astonishing 212,000+ injuries. Fortunately, many of these are minor, and the situation amounts to a fender bender. In other cases, though, injuries are severe and life-altering. And, while you are coping with this, you are also thrown into a legal maze when it comes to insurance companies and claims. 

An experienced Miami car accident lawyer can help you make sense of the process, guiding you through the myriad twists and turns. Our goal is to ensure that you receive the maximum level of compensation you need – and that you are owed – to begin to recover from this ordeal physically, financially, and emotionally. 

What To Do After a Car Accident? Tips From Top Miami Car Accident Lawyers

  1. Stop. Do not leave the scene. If possible and safe, move your car to the side of the road. If this is not possible or safe, turn on your hazard lights and, if you have them, set up road flares to alert other drivers.
  2. Check on the people involved in the accident. Limit conversation to a simple, “Are you injured?” Do not apologize or admit fault. 
  3. Call 911 or the appropriate law enforcement agency to report the accident, and wait for the police to respond. 
  4. If it is safe, take pictures or video of the scene, your vehicle, any visible injuries, road conditions, etc. 
  5. Provide information to the responding officer.
  6. Seek medical attention as soon as you can. 
  7. Contact a Miami car accident lawyer to safeguard your rights.
  8. Report your accident to your insurance carrier. Many companies require you to do this within 24-72 hours, while some require you to do so immediately. It is helpful to have legal advice before you do so.

Should you seek medical attention even if you feel “ok”? Car accidents can be tricky in that injuries may not be immediately obvious. Adrenaline, fear, and other heightened emotions can mask symptoms, and you may not feel pain for a day or two. 

Even if you feel all right, seek medical attention. The reason is twofold: you want to be sure that you are safe. You also want to protect your rights. The law requires that you seek medical attention within 14 days of the accident. If you do not do so, it can impact your ability to recover compensation. 

You have four years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. If you are filing a wrongful death lawsuit on behalf of a loved one who has died, the statute of limitations is two years.

Be Sure to File a Crash Report 

Always call the police after an accident, even if there are no apparent injuries. You need to do so in order to file an insurance claim and to leave the door open if you need to pursue legal action. The state of Florida mandates that you report an accident within 10 days if:

  • There are any injuries or fatalities
  • There was significant damage to either vehicle
  • Any vehicle had to be towed from the scene 
  • There was drugs or alcohol involved
  • There was a commercial vehicle involved

PIP Coverage and Your Case

Every Florida driver must carry a minimum amount ($10,000) of Personal Injury Protection coverage. As a “no-fault” state, this coverage allows you to make a claim against your own insurance, regardless of who was at fault for the accident. This covers medical treatment and related “reasonable expenses.” 

In some instances, PIP insurance is not sufficient to cover the costs associated with your injury. You have the right to pursue a legal remedy by filing a lawsuit. 

Do You Really Need a Miami Car Accident Lawyer?

Can you deal with insurance adjusters on your own? Yes. Should you? That is a whole different question. One of the most compelling reasons to hire a Miami car accident lawyer is that insurers want to settle your claim as quickly and inexpensively as possible. 

They will give you an immediate, lowball offer, which may seem acceptable at first. But adjusters are not lawyers or medical professionals. They do not know the true cost of your injuries. Their goal is to minimize their costs – not enable your recovery. Protect your rights; speak to a lawyer.

Clayton Trial Lawyers

If you have been injured in a car accident in Miami, contact a Miami Personal Injury Lawyer as soon as possible. The clock is ticking when it comes to protecting your rights and ensuring the full array of legal options are open and available to you. Personal injuries are more than just physical; they can impact your finances, your ability to work, your emotional wellbeing, and more. You need an ally to work with you as you navigate this difficult terrain. 

We are here to fight for you, and we do so aggressively and tenaciously. Contact us for a free case evaluation.