MIAMI CAR ACCIDENT LAWYER

Miami, Florida – Auto Injury Lawyer

Even the safest drivers can’t control the actions of others on the road. Unfortunately, distracted driving, negligence, and failure to follow traffic laws are all too common, leading to accidents that can change lives in an instant. If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Florida, it’s crucial to have experienced legal representation on your side. Contact The Injury Claim Law Firm today—our skilled car accident lawyers are here to protect your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve. Don’t navigate this challenging time alone; let our dedicated team guide you through the legal process.

The Importance of Legal Representation After a Car Accident

In the event of a car accident, having the right legal representation is vital. When you’re left with unexpected medical bills and other out-of-pocket expenses not covered by insurance, receiving compensation can significantly relieve financial stress—allowing you to focus on recovering from your injuries. An experienced Miami car accident lawyer will represent your best interests to ensure you’re properly compensated.

What Does a Car Accident Lawyer Do?

A car accident lawyer plays a crucial role in helping accident victims navigate the complex legal process after a collision. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the key responsibilities:

• Initial Consultation and Case Evaluation: A car accident lawyer begins offering a free consultation to evaluate the details of the accident and determine if the client has a viable case. They will review police reports, medical records, witness statements, and any other pertinent information to assess the potential for compensation.
• Investigation and Evidence Gathering: Car accident lawyers conduct a thorough investigation into the accident. This involves gathering evidence such as traffic camera footage, photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage reports, and eyewitness accounts. They may also work with accident reconstruction experts to build a strong case.
• Dealing with Insurance Companies: One of the primary roles of a car accident attorney is to handle all communications with insurance companies. They negotiate with insurers to ensure that the client receives a fair settlement for their injuries and damages, preventing the client from being pressured into accepting a lowball offer.
• Filing Legal Documents: The car accident attorneys are responsible for filing all necessary legal documents within the required deadlines. This includes preparing and submitting a complaint if a lawsuit is necessary, as well as other documents required during the legal process.
• Representation in Court: If a fair settlement cannot be reached through negotiation, car accident lawyers will represent the client in court. They will present the evidence, argue the case, and advocate for the maximum compensation on behalf of the client.
• Advising on Legal Rights: Throughout the process, the car accident attorney advises the client on their legal rights and options, ensuring they understand the implications of each decision made during the case.

Car accident lawyers are dedicated to securing the best possible outcome for their clients. From handling all aspects of communication and legal paperwork to representing clients in court, a car accident attorney is your advocate every step of the way. Their expertise and commitment are essential in helping victims recover the compensation they deserve after an accident.

Your Trusted Partner – Neufeld & Kleinberg, PA

At Neufeld & Kleinberg, PA, we understand the stress, trauma, and pain that often results from a car accident. We will diligently pursue the maximum compensation possible for your situation to help you account for lost wages, medical bills, property damage, and pain and suffering. If you or a loved one have been injured in a car accident due to the negligence of another driver, you need an experienced personal injury lawyer to champion your car accident claim.

Get Answers from a Miami Car Accident Lawyer

Understanding Florida’s No-Fault Insurance System

Florida is a no-fault insurance state—one of only 12 in the United States. The Florida Vehicle No-Fault Law mandates that, regardless of who was at fault, your car insurance coverage must pay for your medical treatment or other out-of-pocket expenses up to policy limits. Under this law, drivers are required to carry a $10,000 minimum in personal injury protection (PIP) coverage, along with $10,000 in property damage liability (PDL). This coverage is required in order to cover medical bills and lost wages the driver may have suffered as a result of a car accident.
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Exceptions to the No-Fault Rule – When Can You Sue?

The term “no-fault” can be confusing. Many people think that this law means you are not allowed to seek additional compensation for personal injuries—but that isn’t the intention. The concept of no-fault actually relates to insurance coverage and how damages are approached. Essentially, it is intended to keep small claims out of court and create an easier process for those involved in an auto accident to seek medical treatment.

However, as with many rules, there are notable restrictions. In Florida, insurance companies will only pay up to a certain amount due to a limit on medical expenses. So, when are you able to step outside the no-fault system and file a lawsuit against an at-fault driver? If you have suffered injuries severe enough to exceed the injury threshold set by state law, it may be possible to file a lawsuit against the other driver.

Types of Accidents

Car accidents can occur in various ways, each with its unique set of challenges. Our Miami auto injury lawyers have extensive experience handling a wide range of car accident cases, including:

• Rear-End Collisions: These accidents occur when one vehicle strikes the rear of another, often due to sudden braking or tailgating.
• T-bone Accidents: Also known as side-impact collisions, these occur when the front of one vehicle collides with the side of another.
• Head-On Collisions: Two vehicles collide front to front, typically resulting in severe injuries and extensive property damage.
• Rollover Accidents: Vehicles may overturn during an accident, leading to catastrophic injuries and multiple parties involved.
• Side-Swipe Collisions: Vehicles side-swipe each other, often causing damage to the sides of the vehicles involved.
• Intersection Accidents: These occur at intersections and can involve various scenarios, such as red-light running or failure to yield.
• Hit and Run Accidents: When a driver flees the scene after causing an accident, leaving victims without identifying information.
• Drunk Driving Accidents: Alcohol-impaired drivers put everyone on the road at risk, leading to serious and often fatal accidents.
• Distracted Driving Accidents: Accidents caused by drivers distracted by phones, navigation systems, or other distractions.‍
• Multi-Vehicle Pileups: These complex accidents involve multiple vehicles colliding and can result in extensive damages and injuries.

Regardless of the type of accident you were involved in, our skilled legal team is prepared to investigate the circumstances thoroughly and build a strong case to protect your rights and seek fair compensation. We understand the nuances of each accident type and will work diligently to hold the responsible parties accountable.

Don’t face the aftermath of a car accident alone. If you or a loved one has been injured, contact us today for a free consultation. We are here to provide the legal support and guidance you need to secure the compensation you deserve.

Steps to Take After a Car Accident

Immediately following a car accident, it’s essential to take specific steps to protect your legal rights and ensure your safety:

1. Ensure Safety: The first priority is to check for injuries. Call 911 immediately if anyone is injured. If the vehicles are drivable and it’s safe to do so, move them to the side of the road to prevent further accidents.
2. Call the Police: Even in minor accidents, it’s important to call the police to report the incident. An official police report will be crucial in any legal proceedings or insurance claims.
3. Exchange Information: Collect the contact and insurance information from the other driver(s) involved in the accident. Be sure to get their name, phone number, insurance company, policy number, license plate number, and driver’s license number.
4. Document the Scene: Take photos of the accident scene, including damage to all vehicles, road conditions, traffic signs, and any visible injuries. These photos can serve as valuable evidence later.
5. Seek Medical Attention: Even if you feel fine, it’s important to see a doctor as soon as possible. Some injuries, such as whiplash or internal injuries, may not be immediately apparent.
6. Report the Accident to Your Insurance Company: Notify your insurance company about the accident, providing them with all the necessary details. However, avoid giving a recorded statement until you’ve spoken with your lawyer.
7. Contact a Car Accident Lawyer: Before discussing the accident with insurance adjusters or accepting any settlement offers, it’s crucial to consult with a car accident lawyer to protect your rights.

Taking the right steps after a car accident can significantly impact your ability to recover compensation. Consulting with a car accident attorney early in the process ensures that your legal rights are protected and increases the chances of a favorable outcome. Car accident lawyers provide invaluable support, guiding you through the legal complexities and helping you make informed decisions.

When Can I Sue For A Car Accident in Miami?

In order to file a personal injury lawsuit, you must be able to prove that the other party involved acted negligently and that their carelessness caused your injuries. However, car accidents tend to be a little more complex than that. With Florida being a no-fault state, your legal options are somewhat limited. The major exception here is when the injuries suffered are serious enough under the definition of the injury threshold set by the state.

In Miami, serious injuries are defined as:

• Significant and permanent disfigurement or scarring
• Significant and permanent loss of an important bodily function
• Permanent injury within a reasonable degree of medical probability, other than scarring or disfigurement
• Death

For recent car accidents, it is vital that you take action right away in order to preserve evidence and be well within the statute of limitations—which is four years from the date of the accident. This means you should report your accident to the proper authorities and contact an experienced Miami car accident  lawyer to represent your case.

If you are in an accident and the other driver is entirely at fault, they will be heldresponsible for compensating you for medical bills, lost wages, damages, or other losses suffered as a result of the accident through their insurance provider. However, if both drivers are found to be at fault in an accident, Florida’s “pure comparative fault” system comes into play.

This rule allows accident victims to be able to receive compensation from the other party even if they are partially at fault. However, the amount they will receive is reduced by the percentage of their contribution toward the accident. For example, if the other driver is found to be 70% at fault for an accident resulting in $100,000 in damages, and you were found to be 30% at fault, you would receive a total of $70,000.

Can Traffic Cameras Help My Miami Car Accident Case?

As experienced personal injury lawyers that deal with car accidents, we want to gather as much helpful evidence as possible. Generally, in a rear end auto accident liability is clear. However, at intersections, two different drivers will swear that they had a green light when, in reality, someone wasn’t paying attention. In these situations, traffic cameras can help. We have a list of the locations of all cameras operated by American Traffic Solutions listed on our website. Traffic camera footage is kept for 30 days and you or your personal injury lawyer will need the following forms:

• Car Accident Camera Release Form
• Car Accident Video Request Form

Most Common Car Accident Injuries

Car accidents are never pleasant, but serious ones can leave you with painful injuries that can impact you for months—or even years.

Common injuries you might sustain in a Miami car accident include:

• Whiplash (neck pain): Whiplash occurs when the neck is forcefully and rapidly jerked back and forth, leading to strains or sprains in the neck muscles and ligaments.
• Lower-back pain: The impact of a car accident can cause lower back injuries, resulting in persistent pain and discomfort.
• Chest trauma and bruised ribs from airbags and seatbelts: While airbags and seatbelts save lives, they can also cause chest injuries and bruised ribs during a collision.
• Broken bones: The force of a car accident can cause bones to break, leading to severe pain and lengthy recovery periods.
• Cuts and scrapes: Debris and shattered glass in a car accident can cause cuts and scrapes, which may require medical attention.
• Spinal cord injuries: Serious car accidents can result in spinal cord injuries, leading to partial or complete paralysis and life-altering consequences.

Under Florida’s no-fault law, those who are involved in an accident may receive compensation through their insurance provider up to policy limits. But what happens if the injuries sustained are more serious? If your injuries meet the injury threshold set by the state, you might be able to move past the no-fault rule and seek additional compensation.

What Types of Injuries Qualify for Compensation in a Miami Car Accident?

As we mentioned, in order to file an auto accident claim, the injuries sustained must meet Florida’s injury threshold. There are a variety of injuries that could be considered serious enough to take legal action.

Examples of serious injuries include:

• Traumatic brain injuries: Severe head injuries that can lead to long-term cognitive and physical impairments.
• Broken bones that leave you unable to perform daily activities: Fractures that significantly impact your ability to function and engage in everyday tasks.
• Back and spinal cord injuries: Damage to the spinal cord can result in paralysis or permanent disabilities.
• (PTSD): Psychological trauma resulting from a car accident that affects your daily life.
• Subdural hematoma: A serious head injury caused by blood accumulating between the brain and its outermost covering.

While our firm handles these serious personal injury claims, we can also assist with less serious, but potentially long-lasting, car accident injuries. Florida’s injury threshold only states that you must sustain a permanent injury. Even whiplash can be permanent—as stretched ligaments may never recover their original elasticity. In addition, bulging or herniated discs giving rise to neck or back pain may also be deemed permanent.

Examples of less serious injuries, that if permanent, can result in a valid car insurance claim include:

• Loss of cervical curve (i.e. straightening of the spine)
• Bulging discs: Most commonly L4-L5 for those experiencing lower back pain after a car accident and most commonly C4-C5 or C5-C6 for those experiencing neck pain or headaches after a car accident.
• Lost range of motion: Neck, back, shoulder, etc.
• Partial tears, etc.

If you have been in a car accident, it’s always a good idea to seek medical attention—even if you don’t appear to be injured. Some injuries may not show up right away, meaning that you could be seriously hurt and not realize it. Getting evaluated by a medical professional will allow you to identify injuries that may otherwise have gone unnoticed. Seeking medical treatment immediately after an accident will also provide documentation of your injuries and help you build your case for a fair recovery.

Miami Car Accident Statistics

According to preliminary data from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, in 2018 there were 395,821 crashes. Of those crashes, 251,546 people sustained injuries, and over 3,500 people lost their lives. In Broward and Miami-Dade counties combined, there were over 50,000 injuries reported.

With millions of drivers on the roads in Miami and throughout Florida, accidents are an unfortunate reality. It’s essential to take care while driving not only for the safety of yourself and your passengers but also for the safety of other drivers on the road. Car accidents can occur when you least expect them, so it’s crucial to understand the risks and know who to call if you are ever involved in an accident.
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Where Do Most Car Accidents Happen in Miami?

Miami has some of the most dangerous roads and intersections in the state of Florida. Unfortunately, these intersections tend to be particularly treacherous due to the fact that they are not designed to accommodate heavy traffic. Miami is no small town, and as congestion continues to increase, so will the number of accidents on these roads and at these intersections.

Here are some of the most common roads and intersections for car accidents in Miami:

• I-95 Express Toll in Little River
• I-95 North Miami
• NE First Avenue and NE Sixth Street
• Pines Blvd. and South Flamingo Road
• Ives Dairy Road
• Miami Gardens Drive
• Hallandale Beach Boulevard
• Biscayne Boulevard
• US-1, Federal Highway
• West Dixie Highway

How can you avoid car accidents and remain safe on the roads? Despite being unable to control other drivers, there are several ways you can reduce your own chances of serious injury or avoid an auto accident altogether. First and foremost, always wear your seatbelt, and avoid distractions like talking on the phone. You should also make sure you are observing the speed limit. A crash that involves a speeding driver can end up causing far more damage than if the driver had been obeying the speed limit.

Never drive while impaired by drugs or alcohol. Not only is it illegal, but your ability to see, hear, and react is diminished significantly when under the influence. Accidents involving drunk drivers can be some of the most devastating for those involved. Finally, make sure that you are keeping your vehicle in drivable condition. Having a car that is in good working order will help you to avoid injuries from a crash that may result from equipment failure.

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What Makes Neufeld & Kleinberg, PA The Best Miami Car Accident Lawyer For You?

If you’ve been in a car accident, it can be incredibly difficult to seek and receive full and fair compensation for your injuries in a no-fault insurance state—especially in the case of low-impact
collisions. When you find yourself faced with a seemingly endless pile of paperwork and red tape to cut through, you’ll want an experienced and professional Miami car accident lawyer on your side. At Neufeld & Kleinberg, PA, we represent clients who have suffered a variety of injuries in car accidents, and we’re fully prepared to advocate on your behalf.

Why Choose Neufeld & Kleinberg, PA for Your Car Accident Claim?

• Proven Track Record: Our legal team has a proven track record of securing over $100,000,000 in jury verdicts and settlements for our clients. We have the experience and skills to handle even the most complex car accident cases.
• Compassionate Advocacy: We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll that a car accident can take on your life. Our team is dedicated to providing compassionate and supportive legal representation throughout the process.
• Thorough Investigation: We conduct a thorough investigation of the accident scene, gather evidence, and work with experts to build a strong case on your behalf.
• Skilled Negotiation: Our car accident lawyers are skilled negotiators and will aggressively pursue fair compensation with insurance companies on your behalf.
• Trial Experience: While we aim to settle cases out of court, we are not afraid to take your case to trial if necessary. Our trial experience ensures that we are prepared to fight for your rights in the courtroom.‍
• Bilingual Services: We offer services in both English and Spanish to ensure effective communication and understanding for all our clients.

No Win-No Fees Or Costs Services in English and Spanish

We understand that the aftermath of a car accident can be financially burdensome. Medical expenses, property damage, and lost wages can add up quickly, leaving you in a difficult financial situation. At Neufeld & Kleinberg, PA, we believe that everyone should have access to quality legal representation, regardless of their financial situation.