Our Experienced Trial Attorneys Seek Compensation and Recovery for Miami Car Accident Victims
Have you or a loved one been injured in a car accident in Miami? The injuries, medical expenses, vehicle repair or replacement, lost wages, and pain and suffering can deeply affect your life and prevent you from fulfilling your financial and family responsibilities. Some effects from a traffic collision in South Florida can have ongoing effects, and many accident victims make mistakes that harm or destroy their ability to seek financial recovery. Don’t face the legal process alone. Our trial-tested Miami car accident attorneys at Ward Ruddock are here to review your case, pursue a car accident claim for the appropriate financial compensation you need, and protect your rights.
Our experienced trial attorneys in Miami, Florida, work diligently to pursue fair settlements for car accident victims, seeking proper monetary compensation for expenses and losses. We handle the negotiations with insurance companies, seeking fair settlements while protecting our clients’ rights and pursuing their interests throughout the legal process.
Contact us through our online form or call us at (305) 390-4259(305) 390-4259 to schedule a FREE, no-obligation consultation to discuss your legal options. Your injury claim can significantly affect your future, and we provide tailored guidance to seek your recovery. We want to be Your Attorneys For Life.
Key Takeaways
- The experienced Miami attorneys at Ward Ruddock handle complex car accident cases to seek fair compensation for victims
- Florida’s modified comparative negligence rule affects compensation based on each party’s level of fault
- The statute of limitations for car accident claims in Florida is generally two years
- Trial experience is a powerful factor that helps Ward Ruddock’s car accident lawyers negotiate with insurance companies and present cases in pursuit of stronger settlements, even if the case does not go to trial
- The attorneys at Ward Ruddock offer their professional legal services to car accident victims on a contingency fee basis, so clients only pay if the law firm wins money for them in their case
- Ward Ruddock offers free consultations to Miami car accident victims to discuss car accident claims and develop tailored legal strategies
What To Do After a Car Accident in Miami, Florida
After a car accident in Miami, victims should prioritize safety and gather evidence. These steps help protect legal rights and provide documentation for potential claims:
- Move to a safe area if possible
- Call 911, and document the scene with photos
- Exchange information with other parties involved
- Avoid admitting fault
- Seek medical attention, even if injuries seem minor
- Report the accident to your insurance company per your auto insurance policy terms without elaborating on details or speculating on who was at fault
- Consult Miami car accident lawyer
Promptly contact a Miami car accident lawyer to protect your claim. At Ward Ruddock, we will use this evidence to establish fault and build a strong case. An experienced attorney at our personal injury law firm can guide you through the legal process, deal with insurance companies on your behalf, and protect your best interests through each step of the claim. We start this process with a free consultation to assess your case.
Common Injuries in Car Accidents in Miami, Florida
Car accidents in Miami, Florida often lead to various injuries, ranging from minor to severe:
- Whiplash: This neck injury results from the rapid back-and-forth motion of the head during a collision. Symptoms include stiffness, pain, dizziness, and headaches.
- Concussions and Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): These injuries can range from mild concussions to severe brain trauma, often caused by head impact with the steering wheel, dashboard, or windows. Symptoms may include confusion, dizziness, memory loss, and cognitive difficulties.
- Back and Spinal Cord Injury (SCI): These include herniated discs, spinal misalignment, and even paralysis in severe cases. Such injuries often lead to chronic pain and mobility issues.
- Soft Tissue Injuries: Damage to muscles, ligaments, and tendons can lead to pain, swelling, and limited mobility. Common examples include sprains and strains.
- Fractures and Broken Bones: High-impact collisions frequently cause broken ribs, arms, legs, or other bones, requiring immediate medical attention.
- Chest Injuries: These can range from bruises and rib fractures to internal injuries, often caused by seat belts or steering wheel impact.
- Facial Injuries: These include fractures to the jaw, nose, or eye sockets, as well as cuts and bruises from shattered glass.
- Burns: Accidents involving fires or hot engine parts can cause burns ranging from minor to severe.
- Internal Bleeding: This type of hidden injury can occur in the abdomen or chest and requires urgent medical intervention.
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): The psychological impact of a car accident can lead to PTSD, affecting the victim’s ability to drive or engage in daily activities.
These injuries highlight the importance of seeking immediate medical attention and legal guidance after an accident. During a free consultation, our experienced Miami car accident attorneys at Ward Ruddock can guide you to pursue appropriate medical treatment that aligns with your legal interests, strengthening your ability to pursue a Miami auto accident claim.
Personal Injury Protection coverage (PIP) helps car accident victims access necessary medical care. Common injuries like concussions require immediate attention. Our personal injury lawyer team at Ward Ruddock can guide you to claim your Personal Injury Protection insurance policy associated with your vehicle insurance to help you cover initial medical expenses.
Miami’s busy roads present various car accident scenarios. Ward Ruddock handles car accident victims’ insurance claims and negotiations on a client’s behalf. While the majority of car accident claims lead to a settlement during negotiations, our experienced trial attorneys pursue appropriate compensation in court if it is in a client’s best interests.
Common Causes of Car Accidents in Miami, Florida
Each claim is different, and we take a personalized approach with each case. From distracted driving to intersection collisions or highway accidents involving several parties, each situation requires a tailored legal approach to seek appropriate compensation.
Several factors contribute to the car accident trends in and around Miami, Florida:
- High car accident statistics due to traffic congestion in busy intersections
- Increased incidents during tourist seasons
- Prevalence of distracted driving cases
- Rising number of rideshare-related accidents
We can identify the right path forward for your case during your free consultation.
Car Accident Scenarios
Car accident scenarios in Miami encompass a range of situations that often lead to personal injury claims. These scenarios can involve:
- Rear-end collisions
- Distracted driving (including texting while driving)
- Drowsy driving
- Reckless driving (including road rage)
- T-bone accidents
- Side collision accidents
- Truck accidents (semi-trucks, tractor-trailers, or 18-wheelers)
- Multi-vehicle pile-ups
- Vehicle rollover
- Careless lane changes
- Parking lot accidents
- Failure to stop at a stop sign or traffic light
- Pedestrian accidents
- Bicycle accidents
- Brake failure (or other motor vehicle product liability issues)
- Drunk driving accidents (DUI or driving under the influence)
- Rideshare accidents (Uber accidents and Lyft accidents)
- Fatal car accidents (may involve wrongful death claims and/or vehicular homicide)
Types of Damages You May Be Able to Claim After a Miami Car Accident
After a Miami car accident, victims may be eligible to claim various types of damages, which are the injuries, losses, and expenses for which we seek compensation in a car accident claim.
Types of damages you may be able to claim could include:
- Medical expenses (current and future)
- Physical therapy, chiropractic care, and rehabilitation
- Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Our personal injury lawyers at Ward Ruddock understand the nuances of Florida’s insurance laws and can advocate for your rights. We handle insurance company negotiations on our clients’ behalf following Miami car crashes, seeking the full scope of damages applicable to each unique case.
Economic Damages in a Car Accident Claim
Damages in car accident cases often extend beyond immediate medical costs. Victims may be eligible for compensation for other economic damages, like lost wages and property damage. In cases involving serious injuries, we may be able to pursue additional damages to cover long-term care and rehabilitation needs.
Noneconomic Damages in a Car Accident Claim
Subjective losses like pain and suffering, emotional distress, or loss of enjoyment of life are categorized as noneconomic damages because they are not tied to a concrete monetary expense. However, our car accident lawyers at Ward Ruddock are skilled at determining appropriate monetary values to account for these significant losses, also taking into consideration the long-term effects of the accident and injuries as applicable.
Car accident victims need to promptly seek representation in order to consider potential damages. A skilled Miami car accident attorney at Ward Ruddock will thoroughly investigate the incident, gather evidence, and build a strong case to seek maximum compensation under the law.
The table below highlights some of the common damages under different car accident scenarios:
| Car Accident Type | Example of a Common Cause | Highlighted Potential Damages |
|---|---|---|
| Rear-End Collision | Distracted Driving | Whiplash, Property Damage |
| T-Bone Accident | Running Red Lights or Stop Signs | Severe Injuries, Vehicle Damage |
| Multi-Vehicle Pile-Up | DUI (Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol or Drugs) | Multiple Injuries, Extensive Damage |
Determining Liability in a Miami, Florida Car Accident Case
An injury victim and their attorney must demonstrate four essential elements as the burden of proof to show the defendant was liable in a Miami, Florida car accident case:
- Duty of Care (The defendant had a responsibility to avoid causing harm to the plaintiff.)
- Breach of Duty of Care (The defendant failed to uphold their responsibility to the plaintiff, such as by driving recklessly instead of engaging in defensive driving)
- Causation (The defendant’s breach of duty of care caused the accident)
- Damages (The plaintiff suffered harms and losses due to the accident caused by the defendant’s carelessness)
In Miami, Florida car accident cases, determining legal liability often involves a thorough investigation by the Miami Police Department. Law enforcement officers gather evidence from the accident scene, including witness statements and traffic camera footage, to establish fault.
Liability can be complex, especially in accidents involving trucks, motorcycles, or a ridesharing company. Factors such as adherence to speed limits, vehicle maintenance, and driver behavior are key considerations during the process. If a case goes to trial, a jury may need to weigh these factors to determine responsibility.
Our car accident lawyers in Miami work diligently to prove liability, often collaborating with accident reconstruction experts. We analyze police reports, examine vehicle damage, and investigate potential traffic violations. This comprehensive approach helps us pursue fair compensation for our clients.
The Modified Comparative Negligence Rule for Miami, Florida Car Accident Claims
Florida’s modified comparative negligence rule affects car accident claims in Miami and the Miami metropolitan area. This law considers each party’s level of fault when determining compensation.
Under this rule, accident victims can seek damages if they are not more than 50% at fault. However, the accident victim’s potential compensation would be reduced by their degree of fault.
Our experienced car accident lawyers at Ward Ruddock in Miami can estimate your degree of fault for the accident during your free consultation.
Determining the Value of Your Car Accident Claim
Determining the value of a car accident claim in Miami involves combining the value of economic damages and noneconomic damages, taking into account the accident victim’s degree of fault under Florida’s modified comparative negligence rule if the victim contributed to the accident.
At Ward Ruddock, we work diligently to quantify these factors, beginning to estimate the value of your claim during a free consultation. We then use our trial experience to your advantage as we negotiate with insurance companies for a fair settlement that reflects the accurate value of your claim. If the defendant and their insurance company do not agree to a reasonable settlement during negotiations, we can pursue appropriate compensation in court through a lawsuit.
The Statute of Limitations for a Miami Car Accident Claim
In Miami, Florida, the statute of limitations for car accident claims is generally two years from the date of the accident. There may be some exceptions, as the statute of limitations can vary depending on the specifics of the case. For instance, claims against government entities may have shorter deadlines. Our car accident lawyers at Ward Ruddock in Miami help car accident victims file claims on time to comply with these deadlines.
If you fail to file your claim on time, you will lose your ability to seek compensation under Florida’s car accident laws. Our Miami car accident attorneys work diligently to gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and prepare for trial if necessary, all within this required timeframe.
How Long Will a Car Accident Case Take in Miami, Florida?
The duration of a car accident case in Miami, Florida varies depending on factors such as the complexity of the incident and the severity of injuries. Cases involving catastrophic injuries or multiple witnesses may take longer to resolve. Whiplash and other soft tissue injuries can complicate cases, potentially extending the timeline. We prioritize our clients’ health while pursuing compensation through the legal process.
Simple cases may settle within a few months, while complex litigation can take years. Our car accident lawyers at Ward Ruddock in Miami work on clients’ behalf to balance timely resolution with seeking fair compensation. We keep our clients informed throughout the process, addressing any health concerns and providing updates as a case progresses.
Fatal Car Accidents and Wrongful Death Claims in Miami, Florida
Fatal car accidents in Miami, Florida often occur at busy intersections, leading to wrongful death claims. Our car accident lawyers at Ward Ruddock also handle these complex cases in South Florida, guiding families through the legal process. We seek to alleviate the stress of grieving families so they can focus on their lives while we pursue justice and financial compensation on their behalf.
We consider various factors when building a Miami fatal car accident case, including:
- Accident circumstances and liability
- Victim’s financial contributions to the family
- Long-term emotional impact on survivors
- Potential punitive damages in cases of gross negligence
Our skilled personal injury attorneys analyze insurance policy details in fatal auto accident cases to pursue the maximum compensation in a wrongful death claim when a family has lost a loved one due to someone else’s carelessness.
Have Your Car Accident Attorney Handle The Insurance Companies
Our car accident attorneys at Ward Ruddock in Miami handle insurance companies on behalf of our clients, pursuing fair treatment and seeking maximum compensation under the law. We understand complex insurance policies, and we regularly negotiate with adjusters to protect clients’ interests.
We know and anticipate the tactics insurance company employees use to reduce claim values. We pursue the real value of your claim while avoiding common mistakes claimants make that can harm their claim. At Ward Ruddock, we are committed to helping injury victims in our community seek a fair settlement and avoid common pitfalls in the claims process.
By entrusting insurance company communications to a skilled attorney, Miami car accident victims can focus on recovery while their personal injury lawyer protects their legal rights. Instead of trying to deal with the insurance companies on your own, request a free consultation so we can assess the actual value of your claim and help you avoid common pitfalls that could keep you from the money you need.
Trial Experience Can Be a Major Factor When Seeking a Fair and Appropriate Settlement in a Miami, Florida Car Accident Claim
Our Miami attorneys at Ward Ruddock have significant courtroom trial experience, including presenting evidence and arguing cases before judges and juries. These skills help us to pursue stronger settlements when negotiating with insurance companies that would rather settle than take their chances against an experienced trial attorney in court.
When selecting a car accident attorney in Miami, victims should hire attorneys with proven trial experience to seek adequate compensation for their injuries and losses. This ability to build strong cases and present compelling arguments often leads to higher compensation for our clients.
How an Experienced Car Accident Attorney at Ward Ruddock Can Help You in Miami, Florida
Our experienced car accident attorneys at Ward Ruddock provide comprehensive services for car accident victims in Miami, pursuing claims to seek appropriate financial compensation for injuries, expenses, and losses.
Why Hire an Attorney After a Car Accident?
Our experienced car accident trial attorneys at Ward Ruddock:
- Assess the validity and value of a car accident claim 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
- Pursue the financial compensation you need for your injuries and losses, working on a contingency fee basis, which means no upfront costs (Our clients only pay us if we win money for them)
- Manage your case and handle complex legal processes
- Gather and present evidence to support your case
- Interview car accident witnesses
- Work with expert witnesses to support the facts and damages in your claim
- Prove fault and liability under Florida’s modified comparative negligence rules
- Identify the full scope of damages, consisting of your expenses and losses due to the car accident
- Accurately file claims and documentation ahead of the statute of limitations
- Seek fair and appropriate financial compensation for clients through settlement negotiations
- Pursue a car accident lawsuit in court, if necessary
Our skilled personal injury lawyers at Ward Ruddock guide clients through every step of the legal process, from initial consultation to potential court proceedings. We leverage extensive experience and knowledge of Florida traffic laws to advocate for accident victims and protect their rights and interests. We start this process with a free consultation to evaluate your claim and plan the right next steps for your unique car accident case.
Schedule a Free Consultation with Ward Ruddock to Discuss Your Car Accident Claim and Prepare Your Legal Strategy
Ward Ruddock offers free consultations for car accident victims in Miami to discuss their claims and build strategies to seek financial compensation to support their recovery. During this initial discussion, we will identify your legal options and estimate the monetary value of your case. By scheduling a free case evaluation with Ward Ruddock, you can review your potential compensation options with our skilled attorneys without financial obligation.
We handle cases for our clients on a contingency fee basis, which means our clients don’t owe us anything upfront while we seek the compensation they need. You only need to pay us if we win money for you in your case. Our committed attorneys make professional legal guidance accessible to Miami residents so they can seek the money they need to support their recovery from a traffic collision.
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. We 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.
