How to Handle a Car Accident in Miami, Florida

A car accident in Miami, Florida, can be a scary experience. It can also be a costly one. We hope it never happens to you; however, consulting with a Miami car accident attorney can help you understand your options and may help pursue a fair settlement if you are eligible.

Steps to Take After a Car Accident in Miami, Florida

Take the following steps if you have been involved in a car accident in Miami:

• Check yourself and your passengers for injuries. Seek medical care right away. This is important even if you don't think you've been injured. It's possible to sustain injuries in a car accident in Miami, Florida, without noticing any signs.
• Safely move away from traffic.
• Make sure others involved in the accident are not hurt.
• Take note of any identifying detail if someone else involved in the accident flees the scene. This may include details about their physical appearance or their vehicle. If possible, take a picture of the individual or their vehicle before they're out of view. It's essential to get license plate details.
• Call 911 to report the accident. Florida law requires drivers involved to report crashes when they result in:

1. Injury
2. Death
3. At least $500 in estimated vehicle or property damage

• Exchange contact and insurance information with the other drivers. Do not confront them in anger. Don't make any statements that could suggest you caused the accident. It's best to remain calm.
• Take pictures of the following:

1. The conditions at the accident scene
2. All signs of vehicle damage
3. Any visual signs of injury

• Get the names and contact information of witnesses.
• Cooperate with the police.
• Report the accident to your insurance company.
• Consult with a car accident attorney in Miami first before negotiating with your insurance provider. They can help you better understand your options. They can tell you if your insurer's first settlement offer is too low. A lawyer can also fight for the compensation you deserve if an insurance company's offers are unfair.

Other mistakes to avoid after a car accident include:

• Discussing your accident with anyone other than your lawyer.
• Not following a doctor's advice.
• Posting about your accident or case on social media.
• Speaking with insurance adjusters.

Miami, Florida Auto Accidents: Important Statistics

Car accidents are fairly common in Miami, Florida. According to highway safety officials, over 50,000 reported motor vehicle accidents took place in Miami-Dade County in 2020.

The number of accidents in Miami may be higher than this. Not all accidents are reported.

Factors such as heavy traffic, high speeds, and tourists may account for the high rate of accidents. Auto accident rates are higher in busy cities than in less-populated places.

Miami Auto Accident Problem Areas

Car accidents can take place anywhere in Miami. However, based on data obtained via the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles' (FLHSMV) Crash Dashboard, particular areas may be more prone to accidents than others.

Some of the most common areas for accidents in Miami are:

• Interstates and highways, such as I-95, the Palmetto Expressway, and the Dolphin Expressway. These routes often have heavy traffic.
• Heavily populated areas like downtown Miami and Brickell.
• Tourist areas, such as South Beach and Little Havana. These areas attract many visitors who may not be familiar with the area. This can add to their chances of being involved in accidents.
• Busy roads like Hialeah.
• Construction areas. Miami is a growing city with frequent new developments and construction. This can cause traffic. High traffic tends to result in more accidents.

Please note that accidents can happen anywhere and at any time, even if you are walking or riding a bike. Be cautious to avoid being involved in an accident.

How a Miami Car Accident Attorney Can Help

After a car accident, an attorney may help you in the following ways:

• Investigating your accident to determine fault. Florida is a no-fault state. In Florida, you don't have to prove someone else caused your accident to seek compensation. Instead, you can pursue damages by filing a claim with your own insurance. However, you may file a third-party claim with another party's insurance if your injuries are severe. Thus, it's helpful to know who caused your accident.
• Reviewing your losses/damages. This is crucial in determining how much money you may deserve.
• Filing your claim and handling all paperwork. When a car accident attorney in Miami handles these tasks, you can focus more on your recovery.
• Handling all correspondence with the insurance company.
• Determining if you should file a third-party claim/lawsuit.

Help is available after a Miami collision. To learn more, use Accident.com to find a Miami auto accident attorney for a free consultation today.