Miami Car Accident Lawyer

Car accidents can quickly change a victim’s life in an instant. One minute, they are happily traveling along a road or highway, and the next, they find themselves suffering a serious injury.

The South Florida area is a heavily congested area where car crashes are a frequent occurrence. Miami ranks 10th in the U.S. for having the most accidents. The aftermath of a Miami car accident can be frightening, leaving victims feeling full of uncertainty. The cost of injuries, being unable to work, and experiencing pain and suffering can compound one’s distress.

Miami motor vehicle accident victims do not have to suffer alone. If you or a loved one suffered injury or wrongful death in a collision, the compassionate attorney at Klotzman Law Firm has the experience necessary to pursue the compensation you deserve.

Types of Car Accidents We Handle

Klotzman Law Firm can provide legal representation in an array of car accident types, including

• Distracted driving
• Driving while intoxicated accidents (alcohol & illegal substances)
• Hit & run accidents
• Reckless driving
• Head-on collisions
• Rear-end accidents
• Rideshare accidents
• Speeding accidents
• Rollover accidents
• Uninsured motorist

Regardless of the accident type, working with a personal injury law firm with experience in your specific accident type is vital. Klotzman Law Firm is equipped to assist you throughout the entire legal process.

What Are the Benefits of Hiring a Car Accident Lawyer?

Working with a skilled Florida personal injury attorney is beneficial to a victim’s case. Your lawyer can navigate the legal complexities associated with Miami motor vehicle accidents, deal with insurance companies, gather evidence, and negotiate settlements. Allowing your personal injury lawyer to handle the specifics of your claim reduces stress and gives you the ability to focus on recovery.

Why Choose Klotzman Law Firm?

Handling the claims process following a car accident can be daunting, especially when dealing with injuries, pain, property damage, and other issues. Clients often select the skilled Miami auto accident attorney at Klotzman Law Firm because of our legal team’s commitment to helping injury victims get justice and the financial compensation they need to move forward with their lives.

Whether or not you have a case depends on several factors. However, generally speaking, for a case to be valid, all elements of negligence should be present. When you contact Klotzman Law Firm in Miami, FL, we will carefully assess your case and work out whether you have a case. This could help you avoid wasting time and resources and also offer guidance on your best way forward.

To schedule a free consultation to learn about your legal options, call Klotzman Law Firm at 786-823-3635.

Testimonials

“5 stars for a 5 star lawyer – Scott Klotzman is an excellent attorney! I can’t say enough good things about him. He is detailed, thorough, empathetic and exactly the advocate you need in your corner when dealing with your insurance company.” — Sean S.

“Kotman law firm is amazing. They kept in contact with you throughout the whole process. Mary and Dina were always keeping me in the loop and return my phone calls and a timely manner. they really fight for you and get you the best settlement possible. I would recommend them to anyone that needs a personal injury attorney. Thank you so much for all your help.” — Lisa O.

“Highly recommend working with this law firm. They took care of everything in a timely manner after my accident and I am very happy with the results. 10/10” — Natalie M.

Florida Car Crash Statistics

Car crashes in the state of Florida happen frequently. The Miami-Dade metropolitan area has its fair share of accidents. Statistics indicate more than 62,000 traffic accidents occur annually in Miami-Dade County alone, with roughly 22,000 of those occurring in the City of Miami.

Unfortunately, statistics also show an upward trend in Miami-Dade. In 2023, Miami-Dade saw 64,009 crashes, up from 63,540 in 2022 and 62,536 in 2021. In the year 2023 alone, there were 325 fatalities and 29,816 injuries.

Common Causes of Car Accidents in Miami

As one of the most road-congested cities in the nation, bottlenecks, heavy traffic, stop-and-go conditions, and other traffic complications occur routinely. Regular traffic, coupled with a high number of tourists, truck drivers, motorcyclists, rideshare drivers, and unfamiliar motorists, increases the likelihood of crashes.

Common causes of Miami car accidents include but are not limited to negligent drivers, driver fatigue, distracted driving, rear-end collisions, head-on collisions, speeding, road rage, driving while intoxicated (DUI), and those caused by weather conditions.

Common Car Accident Injuries

Depending on the type of crash, severe injuries can result. Common injuries stemming from an at-fault driver’s behavior include the following:

• Back and neck injuries
• Whiplash
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
• Spinal cord injuries
• Nerve damage
• Broken bones and fractures
• Internal organ damage
• Internal bleeding
• Cuts and lacerations
• Wrongful death

Some types of injuries are life-altering or involve long recovery times. They can also lead to permanent disabilities. Medical treatment is critical to the healing process, but it is expensive.

What Should I Do After a Car Accident?

If involved in a Miami car accident, it is vital to take the following actions:

• Contact the police
• Check on other involved parties (Do not leave)
• Exchange information
• Record the scene
• Never admit fault
• Seek medical care
• Call a car accident lawyer

Seeking medical attention and calling a lawyer soon after the accident is essential. Hidden injuries needing early diagnosis and treatment may be present. An attorney can advise you on steps to take and how to protect yourself.

How to Prove Who Was at Fault in a Car Accident

Key factors in determining fault include police reports, witness statements, traffic laws, and accident reconstruction. Preserving evidence at the crash scene (e.g. photos and videos) is extremely helpful, and other evidence, such as dashcam footage and expert testimony, can be significant in helping to prove liability.

How Do I File a Car Accident Claim in Florida?

PIP coverage is a no-fault insurance coverage required by Florida. Motorists must carry at least $10,000 in PIP coverage. To file a car accident claim in Florida, take the following steps:

• Notify the insurance company
• Familiarize yourself with your insurance coverage
• Assemble evidence at or from the crash site
• Obtain a copy of the police report
• Ask for eyewitness contact information
• Work with a Miami car accident attorney

In many cases, PIP does not offer sufficient coverage for injury costs, and victims may need to pursue a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault party.

What Damages Can I Recover After a Car Accident?

If you have sustained injuries due to a car accident, you may be able to recover several types of damages. Economic damages include medical expenses, lost wages, lost earning capacity, property damage, and other tangible costs. Non-economic damages are more difficult to assess and include pain and suffering, scarring, disfigurement, emotional distress, PTSD, loss of consortium, and other damages that are hard to assign a dollar amount. Working with a skilled car accident attorney can help you maximize compensation through a settlement or trial.

What is the Average Settlement for a Car Accident?

Every case is different. Factors that will influence the value of an accident claim include the severity of injury, amount of property damage, lost wages (and future earnings), and pain and suffering. A claim can range from thousands to millions of dollars. Your Miami attorney can evaluate your circumstances and help you receive the settlement amount you deserve.

What if the Other Driver Doesn’t Have Insurance?

If the at-fault driver is uninsured, options include pursuing compensation through uninsured motorist (UM) coverage and/or pursuing legal action against the driver. If you or a family member are in this situation, working with a lawyer can help you recover compensation.

How Long Do I Have to File a Claim?

Florida imposes a two-year statute of limitations to file a compensation claim. It is essential to act quickly because two years is not as long as it seems, and it takes time to build a strong case. Speak to an attorney about the specifics regarding your personal injury case.

What Can I Do if Insurance Denies My Claim?

Common reasons for claim denials include lapsed coverage, late reporting, insufficient evidence, policy exclusions, and disputes over fault. Insurance companies routinely deny claims, but a lawyer can assist in appealing the decision and negotiating a fair settlement.

What Does It Mean That Florida is a No-Fault State?

Florida is a no-fault insurance state, which means motorists’ own insurance policies are primarily responsible for covering injuries and damage costs. However, when serious injuries occur, victims can pursue a personal injury lawsuit against the negligent party to cover their losses.

Should I Accept a Settlement Offer From the Insurance Company?

Insurance adjusters will notoriously undermine the value of claims and give settlement offers that often do not cover the costs of injuries. Always consult with a Miami personal injury lawyer so they can evaluate your claim and determine its worth. An experienced legal team is your best option for negotiating the maximum compensation for your automobile accident case.

What if I Was Injured in a Lyft or Uber Accident?

Crashes involving rideshare drivers add complexities to car accident claims, including determining the at-fault party, dealing with insurance policy issues, and obtaining compensation for medical treatment and property damage. If you or a family member is in a rideshare accident, it is in your best interest to consult a Miami car accident attorney with experience in handling these unique cases.

If I Am Partially at Fault for the Accident, Can I Still Recover Money?

Since March 24, 2023, Florida has followed a modified comparative negligence rule. The rule stipulates that an injured party cannot recover damages if they are determined to be more than 50 percent at fault for the accident. Any percentage of fault assigned will reduce the amount of eligible compensation.

Injured in a Car Crash? Contact A Car Accident Attorney Today

Car accidents can occur unexpectedly and may drastically affect your life. Klotzman Law Firm can offer assistance and advocacy during this confusing and overwhelming time.

Our team has the skills, knowledge of Florida law, and resources to help you recover from the accident financially, physically, and emotionally. We are committed to protecting the rights of personal injury victims and their families while helping them seek justice and compensation from negligent parties.

Give us a call today at 786-823-3635 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free case evaluation and learn more about how our Miami car accident lawyer can help.