More than 400,000 accidents were reported in Florida in 2019. Nearly half of those accidents resulted in injuries, and more than 3,000 sport utility vehicle (SUV) accidents caused incapacitating injuries to drivers and passengers. If you have been involved in an SUV accident, a Miami SUV accident lawyer will help you fight for the compensation you deserve.
SUV accidents can be deadly or cause serious injuries. In addition, injured victims are often left with exorbitant medical bills, lost work, and emotional trauma that can make it difficult to return to a regular routine.
Have You Been Injured in an SUV Accident in Miami?
If you have been injured in an SUV accident, it is crucial to work with an experienced lawyer who will help you obtain compensation for:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
Your lawyer will work on your behalf to negotiate the best possible settlement while you focus on your recovery.
Common Types of SUV Accident Injuries
SUVs are prone to rollover accidents, which can cause serious injuries or even permanent disability. Even with regular accidents, passengers and drivers in SUVs can be seriously injured. Common injuries in SUV accidents include:
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
According to the CDC, 20% of TBIs are caused by car accidents. They can occur when you’re hit by or against something, like the windshield or the roof of the vehicle. Rollover accidents, which are common with SUVs, can cause severe head trauma. Brain injuries can also be caused by projectiles (such as shattered glass) or even whiplash.
Internal Bleeding
Some car accident injuries are obvious, but internal bleeding—one of the most serious—can easily be overlooked if the victim fails to seek medical attention.
SUV accidents can cause blood vessels and organs to rupture. When ruptured blood vessels cannot clot or repair themselves, serious internal bleeding can occur. Surgery may be required to repair the blood vessels or organs and stop the bleeding.
Severe Bone Fractures
Broken bones (fractures) are one of the most common car injuries. In rollover accidents and other types of SUV crashes, fractures can be severe.
Fractures are most common in the:
- Lower legs
- Wrists
- Arms
- Hips
- Clavicles
- Face
- Ribs
- Skull
- Femur
Serious accidents can cause neck or spine fractures.
Burns
SUV accidents can also cause burn injuries if the body is exposed to toxic chemicals, heat, or electricity. Burn injuries can be minor or severe. In some cases, burns can lead to permanent disfigurement.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Severe SUV accidents can cause spinal cord injuries, which can lead to temporary or permanent disability. It’s not uncommon for spinal cord injuries to cause paralysis. The lifelong effects of this type of catastrophic injury can cost victims millions of dollars in medical bills and rehabilitation costs.
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Who Is Responsible for an SUV Accident Injury?
Florida is a no-fault state, which means that injured victims must file claims under their own personal injury protection insurance to receive compensation for their medical bills and other expenses.
Injured victims can only file a claim against the at-fault driver in certain circumstances. If the other driver is entirely at fault, their insurance will provide compensation for lost wages, medical bills, and other damages.
If you are partly to blame for the accident, Florida uses a pure comparative fault rule. In this case, the jury will be asked to determine the percentage of fault for each party and calculate your total damages. The damages award is then reduced by the percentage equal to your share of the accident.
A Miami SUV accident lawyer can help build a solid case against the other party and find the best course of action to take in your case.
What Are the Next Steps When Someone Is Injured in an SUV Accident?
If you are injured in an SUV accident, the steps you take immediately following the accident are crucial to your case.
Call the Police and Have a Report Made
First, call the police. When they arrive at the scene, make sure that an accident report is made. The police will conduct an initial car
accident investigation and interview both parties. The police report will play an important role in the claims process, so make sure that you call and report the accident to your insurance
company.
Seek Medical Attention
Even if you don’t think you were injured or only suffered minor injuries, seek medical attention. Serious injuries, such as brain injuries or internal bleeding, may not present any immediate symptoms.
If you wait to seek medical attention, the insurance company may argue that your injuries were not the direct result of the accident. Therefore, always seek medical attention immediately following an accident to ensure you get the treatment you need and protect your ability to file a claim in the future.
Gather Witness Contact Information
If you are able, gather the contact information of witnesses. Witness testimony can have a significant impact on the outcome of your case. If you aren’t seriously injured, consider gathering their contact information right away. Witnesses may not always stay until law enforcement arrives, and police reports may not always contain witness contact information.
Call an Experienced Miami SUV Accident Lawyer
The next step is to call an experienced car accident lawyer. A lawyer can help you pursue compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Finding the Best Miami SUV Accident Lawyer
SUV accident cases are complex, and Florida’s no-fault rule can make it difficult to obtain maximum compensation for your injuries. It’s crucial to choose an experienced lawyer who has a track record of success.
