Our Experienced Attorneys Seek Compensation for Victims Injured in Miami Auto Accidents
Auto accidents are unfortunate events that can have serious repercussions on individuals and families. In many cases, another driver’s carelessness was at the root of the incident. Motor vehicle accidents can be caused by a variety of factors, including distracted driving, speeding, and impairment from drugs or alcohol. Our skilled and experienced auto accident lawyers at Ward Ruddock seek financial compensation from the responsible party to compensate drivers and passengers for injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses they caused the victim to suffer.
Our lawyers at Ward Ruddock handle negotiations with insurance companies, gather evidence to build strong cases and fight for fair settlements. Our experienced trial attorneys go to court when it serves our clients’ interests, but most cases settle during the negotiation stage.
Even if your actions did contribute to the accident, you may still be eligible for a percentage of the compensation you need based on your degree of fault. If a third party shares responsibility in the accident, they may also have to contribute to compensate you. At Ward Ruddock, we evaluate each unique case to assess the claim’s value and build a personalized legal strategy. We fight on victims’ behalf to address the physical, emotional, and financial effects of auto accidents on their lives, seeking the money they need to support their recovery.
Contact us today through our online form or at (305) 390-4259(305) 390-4259 to schedule a FREE, no-obligation consultation to discuss your legal options. Your auto accident claim and related injuries can significantly affect your future, and we provide tailored guidance to seek recovery. We want to be Your Attorneys For Life.
Key Takeaways
- The Miami auto accident attorneys at Ward Ruddock help accident victims seek appropriate compensation for injuries and losses caused by a variety of types of motor vehicle crash or collision scenarios in Miami, Florida
- The statute of limitations for auto accident claims in Florida is now only two years, meaning you need to file within two years of the accident
- Motor vehicle accident victims in Miami need to seek prompt medical treatment following an accident to protect their accident claim and their health by diagnosing and documenting the scope of their injuries
- Ward Ruddock helps auto accident victims in Miami seek the compensation they need to recover financially and physically after an auto accident caused by someone else’s negligence
- The attorneys at Ward Ruddock work on a contingency fee basis, which means clients do not need to pay upfront costs for strong legal representation
- Accident victims in Miami can request a free consultation with Ward Ruddock to find out if they have a case
Types of Auto Accidents in Miami, Florida
Miami’s busy streets witness various types of auto accidents, including:
Some types of auto accident scenarios may include:
- Rear-end collisions
- Side collision accidents
- Head-on collisions
- Rollover accidents
- Multi-vehicle pile-ups
- Careless lane change errors
- Hit and run accidents
- Accidents involving drunk driving
Pedestrian and bicycle accidents involving motor vehicles are also increasingly prevalent in Miami’s urban areas. These incidents often lead to serious injuries. Victims of traffic collisions caused by someone else’s carelessness can seek monetary compensation for harms and losses, such as medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Even if the other party clearly caused the incident, you need a lawyer for a car accident to protect your claim and pursue your interests. The defendant’s car insurance company is motivated to minimize your claim. Our auto accident lawyers at Ward Ruddock can guide you to take the right steps and seek the money you need for your recovery during a free consultation.
Common Auto Accident Injuries in Miami
Auto accidents in Miami often lead to severe injuries, leading to personal injury protection claims. Common injuries include:
- Whiplash
- Spinal cord damage
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Broken bones (Bone fractures)
- Loss of limb (injury requiring amputation)
- Internal organ damage
- Burns
- Fatalities (prompting families to file wrongful death claims)
Psychological trauma, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), is a less visible but equally serious consequence of auto accidents. Victims may seek compensation for emotional distress and mental health treatment as part of their negligence claims.
Our attorneys at Ward Ruddock can help you seek appropriate compensation following a motor vehicle accident in Miami, accounting for each of the physical, monetary, and emotional harms and losses you have suffered due to someone else’s carelessness. We can assess your unique case details during a free consultation and build a tailored case strategy to seek the money you need to support your recovery.
Common Causes of Auto Accidents in Miami
Miami’s auto accidents stem from various causes, often requiring legal attention and potentially affecting liability in car insurance claims.
Common causes of auto accidents in Miami include:
- Distracted driving (including texting while driving)
- Drowsy driving
- Speeding
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Reckless driving (including road rage incidents)
- Failure to stop at stoplights or stop signs
- Carelessness in and around intersections
- Brake failure, airbag failure, tire failure, or other vehicle product liability issues
- Poorly maintained roads
- Failure to adjust to adverse weather conditions
In many distracted driving car crashes, drivers were texting on smartphones or using Google Maps or other apps while driving. Drunk driving accidents commonly lead to serious injuries or death, and a DUI charge against the defendant can add an additional layer of complexity. Truck accidents may be caused by multiple potentially liable parties, from truck drivers that may be overworked to the trucking companies they work for or the parties responsible for proper cargo loading or vehicle maintenance.
Each of these situations can complicate car insurance claims and require thorough investigation to determine legal liability and pursue fair compensation for victims.
The Statute of Limitations for Auto Accidents in Miami, Florida
In Miami, auto accident victims must be aware of the statute of limitations for filing a lawsuit. Generally, victims have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim in Florida. This deadline applies to cases involving Miami car accidents, truck accidents, or motorcycle accidents.
For wrongful death cases from auto accidents, the statute of limitations is two years. Families seeking justice for a loved one’s death must act quickly to preserve their legal rights.
Exceptions to these deadlines exist, such as car accident cases involving government entities or minors. Understand that auto accident claims require evidence and careful documentation of injuries and losses. This underscores the importance of quickly seeking medical attention for diagnosis and treatment, gathering evidence and witness information from the accident scene when practical, and working with an experienced Miami car accident lawyer to continue collecting evidence and properly file an auto accident claim ahead of the deadline.
Our Miami motor vehicle accident attorneys at Ward Ruddock guide accident victims and their families throughout this timeframe. Schedule a free consultation so we can evaluate your case and guide you to seek the compensation you need.
Seeking Immediate Medical Attention for Whiplash and Other Undiagnosed Injuries Following an Automobile Accident in Miami
Seeking immediate medical attention after a motor vehicle accident in Miami needs to be a priority, even if injuries aren’t immediately apparent. Whiplash and various internal injuries or soft tissue injuries may not manifest symptoms right away, making prompt medical evaluation essential for both health and potential legal claims.
The scope of head injuries, such as concussion or traumatic brain injury (TBI) may not be readily apparent. Sometimes addressing these injuries quickly can minimize the negative effects of an injury or even prevent fatalities.
Strong Medical Documentation and Early Diagnoses Support Your Legal Claim
Timely medical care also provides valuable evidence for fault determination in auto accident cases. Medical records documenting injuries and treatment can significantly strengthen a victim’s claim. In contrast, if undiagnosed issues are left untreated, they may lead to long-term health issues and more complicated legal proceedings.
Diagnosing the range of injuries you have suffered and following through with medical treatment in response to these diagnoses creates medical documentation that strengthens your ability to claim compensation for medical bills and other expenses or losses due to the accident.
Prompt medical attention helps establish a clear link between the accident and injuries sustained to later pursue insurance claims and potential lawsuits. This documentation can be pivotal in cases where fault is disputed or when dealing with severe injuries that impact the long-term quality of life.
Our motor vehicle accident lawyer team at Ward Ruddock can guide you to seek additional medical attention to support your physical and financial recovery.
What To Do After an Auto Accident in Miami, Florida
After a motor vehicle accident in Miami, be sure to follow these steps to protect your safety and your eventual auto accident claim:
- Check for Injuries and Call 911: Assess yourself and others for injuries and call emergency services. Florida law requires reporting accidents involving injuries, fatalities, or property damage exceeding $500.
- Move to a Safe Location: If the vehicles are blocking traffic and it is safe to do so, move them to the side of the road. Turn on hazard lights to alert other drivers.
- Report the Accident to the Police: Secure a police report, as it documents the accident and helps establish legal liability. Reporting an accident to law enforcement is required for accidents involving injuries or significant property damage. The police officer from the Miami police department will note the information in the report that can support your Miami car accident claim.
- Exchange Information: Collect the following details from all involved parties:
- Names, phone numbers, and addresses
- Driver’s license and license plate numbers
- Insurance company and insurance policy numbers.
- Gather Evidence at the Scene: Take photos of the following to support your eventual claim:
- Vehicle damage
- Road conditions
- Traffic signs or signals
- Visible injuries
- Skid marks or debris
- Speak to Witnesses: Collect contact information and statements from witnesses. Their accounts of the accident can support your version of events.
- Seek Medical Attention: Visit a doctor promptly, even if you feel fine. Some injuries, like whiplash or internal bleeding, may not show symptoms immediately. Medical records will also support your injury claim.
- Notify Your Insurance Company: Florida’s no-fault insurance system requires you to file a claim with your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance, which covers medical expenses regardless of fault and is tied to your own vehicle insurance. Notify your insurer promptly.
- Avoid Admitting Fault: Be cautious with your words at the scene and when speaking to insurance adjusters. Even an innocent apology can be used against you.
- Consult a Miami Car Accident Attorney: Speak with an attorney to understand your rights and legal options. Our Miami attorneys at Ward Ruddock can help you navigate Florida’s no-fault system, evaluate your losses to determine what your claim is worth, negotiate with insurance companies to seek an appropriate settlement and represent your interests throughout your case.
How Long Will a Miami, Florida Auto Accident Case Take?
The duration of an auto accident case in Miami, Florida can vary significantly. Factors such as case complexity, severity of injuries, and the willingness of parties to negotiate all influence the timeline.
In South Florida, straightforward cases might resolve in a few months, while complex cases involving catastrophic injuries could take years to reach trial. The legal process in Miami often involves several stages, including investigation, negotiation, and possibly trial. Each step can add time to the case.
While many auto accident cases in South Florida settle out of court, those that go to trial typically take longer. The trial process involves additional preparation, scheduling, and court proceedings.
Our experienced Miami auto accident lawyers at Ward Ruddock work to expedite the process while seeking fair compensation for clients’ injuries and losses. We can review the unique details of your case during a free consultation.
The Modified Comparative Negligence Rule for Auto Accident Claims in Miami, Florida
Miami’s modified comparative negligence rule affects auto accident claims involving property damage. This rule allows parties to claim damages even if they share fault, as long as their responsibility doesn’t exceed 50%. However, their potential recovery would be reduced by their percentage of fault.
Gathering accurate information, such as police reports, witness statements, and road conditions, allows our attorneys at Ward Ruddock to determine fault percentages and seek the maximum compensation under Miami’s modified comparative negligence rule. We can also estimate your degree of fault and determine the approximate value of your case.
Schedule a free consultation with Ward Ruddock today to evaluate your claim, protect your case, and plan the right next steps to seek the money you need for your recovery.
Elements to Prove Your Auto Accident in Miami, Florida
Proving an auto accident case in Miami requires establishing four key elements:
- Duty of Care (The defendant had a responsibility to avoid harming the plaintiff)
- Breach of Duty (The defendant failed to uphold their responsibility to avoid harming the plaintiff)
- Causation (The defendant’s breach of duty caused the accident)
- Damages (The accident caused by the defendant’s breach of duty led to harms and losses suffered by the plaintiff)
These factors determine legal liability and potential compensation, including for severe injuries like spinal cord damage. We can assess whether each of these factors are present in your case during a free consultation.
Duty of Care
In Miami auto accident cases, duty of care establishes the legal obligation drivers have to operate their vehicles safely on highways and roads. This duty requires drivers to follow traffic laws, avoid tailgating, and remain vigilant to prevent accidents that could cause harm to others.
Breach of Duty
In Miami auto accident cases, breach of duty occurs when a driver fails to uphold their legal obligation to operate their vehicle safely. This can include actions like speeding, distracted driving, or failing to yield to pedestrians. A breach of duty establishes negligence, indicating careless actions or inaction that could be harmful to others.
Witnesses may provide statements to support a claim that the defendant violated their duty of care. Our attorneys at Ward Ruddock may use various forms of evidence, including traffic camera footage or expert witness testimony, to demonstrate how the defendant’s actions deviated from safe driving practices.
Causation
Causation links the defendant’s careless actions directly to the plaintiff’s injuries. Essentially, the plaintiff must demonstrate that the accident would not have happened if not for the defendant’s breach of duty. This causal connection is essential for establishing legal liability and seeking compensation.
Damages
In Miami auto accident cases, damages represent the financial compensation the injured party seeks for the harms and losses they have suffered from the accident. These can include medical expenses, lost wages due to missed employment, compensation for pain and suffering, and emotional trauma. Our attorneys carefully evaluate the monetary value of each of these losses, accounting for long-term impacts as well as past expenses due to the accident.
Under Florida’s modified comparative negligence system, the amount of damages awarded may be reduced based on the plaintiff’s degree of fault in the accident.
Proving damages often requires extensive documentation, including medical records, expert testimony, and evidence of financial losses. At Ward Ruddock, we coordinate with you throughout your case to collect the evidence you need to support each of these essential elements in your motor vehicle accident claim.
Types of Damages in a Miami, Florida Auto Accident Claim
Miami auto accident claims involve various types of damages. Economic damages cover tangible losses like medical expenses, while noneconomic damages address intangible losses like pain and suffering. In severe cases, punitive damages may be awarded to punish and deter dangerous behavior.
Economic Damages
Economic damages in Miami auto accident claims encompass tangible financial losses from the incident. These can include health care and medical expenses for treating injuries, as well as ongoing costs for rehabilitation and physical therapy. Traffic collision victims can often also claim compensation for lost wages due to their inability to work.
Auto accident claims often require detailed documentation of damages, such as medical bills and pay stubs, in order to accurately calculate the total economic impact of the accident. Our experienced auto accident lawyers in Miami help victims compile this evidence to seek the fair compensation they need to cover these losses.
Noneconomic Damages
Noneconomic damages address intangible losses such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. While these damages are subjective, our attorneys are skilled at articulating and quantifying noneconomic losses, accurately assigning proper monetary values to these essential components of a comprehensive claim.
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages are sometimes awarded to punish defendants for reckless driving or egregious misconduct. While they are rare in standard auto accident claims, punitive damages may be sought in cases involving drunk driving or extreme negligence. Courts consider factors such as the severity of the offense and whether the driver’s license was previously suspended.
Determining the Value of Your Auto Accident Claim
Determining the value of an auto accident claim in Miami involves assessing the full scope of economic damages and noneconomic damages in light of Florida’s modified comparative negligence rule. The estimated value of the claim is reduced by the injury victim’s estimated degree of fault.
During the negotiation process, an auto accident attorney at Ward Ruddock will exchange messages with the defendant’s legal team and the insurance companies. We use our negotiating skills and legal knowledge to counter lowball offers and push for a settlement that reflects the true value of the claim.
The final claim value depends on various factors, including the severity of injuries, the degree of the defendant’s liability, and the insurance coverage available. Our auto accident lawyers at Ward Ruddock work diligently to compile a comprehensive claim that captures each of the relevant damages, seeking just compensation for expenses and losses from the auto collision.
How an Experienced Auto Accident Trial Attorney at Ward Ruddock Can Help You in Miami, Florida
Ward Ruddock’s experienced auto accident trial attorneys in Miami are skilled in handling in complex cases. Our law firm’s attorneys have a deep understanding of Florida’s traffic laws and how they apply to various driving scenarios, and we help injury victims pursue fair compensation for injuries and lost income.
Our skilled attorneys at Ward Ruddock:
- Assess the validity and value of an auto accident case during a free consultation
- Negotiate with insurance companies on clients’ behalf to pursue fair settlements and avoid common claimant mistakes that can undermine the case for appropriate compensation
- Work on a contingency fee basis, which means no upfront costs to pursue the financial compensation you need for your injuries and losses (Our clients only pay us if we win money for them)
- Prove fault and legal liability under Florida’s modified comparative negligence rules
- Identify the scope of damages, consisting of your expenses and losses due to the motor vehicle accident
- Manage your case and handle the complex legal processes
- Gather and present evidence to support your case
- Interview witnesses of the auto accident
- Work with expert witnesses to support the facts and damages in your accident claim
- Accurately file claims and documentation ahead of the statute of limitations
- Seek fair and appropriate financial compensation for clients through settlement negotiations
- Pursue an auto accident lawsuit in court, if necessary to pursue appropriate compensation
We leverage our trial experience to negotiate effectively with insurance companies, often winning higher settlements for victims of negligent driving. Our legal team at Ward Ruddock provides personalized attention to traffic collision victims, recognizing that each auto accident case is unique. This underscores your need to discuss the details of your case to determine its validity, monetary value, and next steps.
At Ward Ruddock, we offer tailored guidance throughout the legal process, starting with a free initial consultation. You only pay us if we win you money in your case. We are committed to helping you understand your rights and options at each stage as we pursue the financial recovery you need.
Schedule a Free Consultation with Ward Ruddock to Discuss Your Auto Accident Claim in Miami, Florida, and Plan Your Legal Strategy
Scheduling a free consultation with Ward Ruddock is the first step towards building a strong auto accident claim. We will guide you in your next steps to seek fair compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. At Ward Ruddock, our auto accident lawyers make legal representation accessible on a contingency fee basis, empowering accident victims in Miami to seek justice and pursue the compensation they need without upfront costs.
During the free consultation, our Miami car crash lawyer team reviews the accident’s circumstances, providing guidance on legal options and exploring potential strategies to seek fair and appropriate monetary compensation. We will help you make informed decisions by highlighting the right legal path so you can confidently pursue the money you need without financial pressure.
At no cost to you, schedule your free case evaluation with Ward Ruddock today by calling (305) 390-4259(305) 390-4259 or filling out our online form. This initial meeting lays the foundation for a strong attorney-client relationship and an effective legal strategy. Our law firm will keep you well informed about your legal options throughout your case. At Ward Ruddock, we personalize our services for each client and every type of claim because we want to be Your Attorneys For Life.
