Miami Car Accident Lawyer

Miami can be a dangerous place to drive. It is a popular tourist destination and home to over three million local residents. Perhaps you’ve been rear-ended on Miami’s busy roads by a distracted driver, or your vehicle was in a head-on collision with someone driving under the influence. Accidents like these can lead to physical injury and emotional trauma. To make matters worse, courts and insurance companies make recovery a confusing and time-consuming process. It is vital to call a Miami car accident lawyer to eliminate the stress associated with your recovery.

If you’ve been injured physically or emotionally in a car accident that wasn’t your fault, you may be entitled to compensation. Call Steinger, Greene & Feiner, a team of Miami personal injury lawyers working hard to get you the compensation that insurance companies won’t.

Common Causes of Car Accidents in Miami

The number of auto accidents in Miami rises every year. According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, there were a total of 63,830 car accidents in Miami-Dade County in 2023. These wrecks resulted in 362 fatalities and 29,759 injuries. Its congested roads present more opportunities for drivers to fall victim to accidents caused by distracted driving, speeding, and driving under the influence. According to state-level data from the FLHSMV, the most common causes of car collisions in Miami as of 2023-2024 include:

• Distracted Driving: This remains a top cause of accidents. It includes activities such as texting, adjusting the radio, or interacting with passengers, which divert the driver’s attention from the road​.
• Speeding: Exceeding the speed limit or driving too fast for conditions, like heavy rain or traffic congestion, is a significant factor in many crashes. Speeding not only increases the likelihood of an accident but also the severity of injuries.
• Failure to Yield the Right-of-Way: This is particularly common at intersections and is one of the leading causes of collisions in Miami. It typically occurs when drivers disregard stop signs or traffic signals.
• Drunk and Intoxicated Driving: Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs significantly impairs a driver’s ability to operate a vehicle safely, leading to numerous accidents and fatalities.
• Reckless, aggressive, or negligent driving: This includes behaviors such as tailgating, unsafe lane changes, and running red lights. Aggressive driving is especially dangerous in Miami’s congested urban traffic​.
• Poor Weather Conditions: Miami’s frequent rainstorms create slippery roads, reducing tire traction and increasing the likelihood of hydroplaning. Many accidents occur because drivers fail to adjust their speed and driving style to suit the weather​.
• Following Too Closely (Tailgating): This is a common cause of rear-end collisions. When drivers do not maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of them, they often cannot react in time to avoid a crash.
• Improper Lane Changes: Accidents frequently occur when drivers change lanes without checking their blind spots or signaling properly. This is particularly dangerous on Miami’s busy highways​.
• Improper Left Turn
• Running Red Lights and Stop Signs: Ignoring traffic signals is a serious issue in Miami, often resulting in T-bone or side-impact collisions at intersections​.
• Drowsy Driving: Fatigued drivers have slower reaction times and may drift out of their lanes or fail to notice hazards, leading to accidents. This issue is particularly prevalent during early morning or late-night driving​.

We take risks every time we operate a motor vehicle on the road. If you end up in a car crash, call Steinger, Greene & Feiner, your trusted and compassionate Miami car accident attorney.

Types of Car Accidents Covered

Steinger, Greene & Feiner has over 20 years of experience representing car accident victims in the greater Miami and Treasure Coast areas. Our team of Miami car accident lawyers has handled cases resulting from every type of motor vehicle accident.

• Rear-end Collisions: Rear-end collisions can be caused by distracted drivers who fail to stop due to looking at their phones or whatever is going on outside the car. Based on the point of impact, these types of collisions can result in head, neck, and traumatic brain injuries. They can be temporary or permanent, so it is imperative to seek medical care immediately following a rear-end collision.
• Head-on Collisions: These types of collisions may lead to facial, head, neck, and shoulder injuries which may also be temporary or permanent. Permanent injuries can cause emotional stress or recurring pain and suffering which may affect the quality of life for some.
• T-Bone, or Side Collision: Depending on the speed, an impact to the side of your vehicle can cause injury to the lower back or lower limbs. Broken hips or broken legs are common after a T-Bone, or side collision. It can also result in a roll-over accident which can cause even more severe injuries.
• Parked Car Accidents: Just because your vehicle isn’t moving doesn’t mean you can’t fall victim to a car accident. Parking lot accidents are fairly common. You may be parked and get struck by another vehicle. Depending on the speed of that other vehicle, the accident may result in an injury.
• High-Speed Accidents: High-speed accidents usually happen on highways, often at night. They usually result in more severe damage to both the body and the vehicle. 
• Drunk Driving Accidents, DUI: Intoxicated drivers pose a higher risk of being involved with or involving others in car accidents. Highway drunk driving accidents can be fatal and involve several cars.

Car accidents can lead to a wide range of injuries, depending on the type of collision and the severity of the impact. Understanding these injury patterns can help in preparing for potential legal and medical challenges following a motor vehicle (MV) accident.

What to Do After a Car Accident in Miami

After a car accident in Miami, you should always prioritize your safety. You should immediately consult an auto accident lawyer once you’ve received the necessary medical care following the accident. Speaking with a Miami car accident lawyer like Steinger, Greene & Feiner who can be your advocate in court is important.

Never admit fault at the scene of the accident. You should avoid discussing your case with anyone but your lawyer—and never post anything about it on social media. Anything you say or post publicly can and will be used by the opposing counsel to diminish your case. Your attorney-client relationship is important, and everything you discuss together will remain confidential.  Our Miami personal injury lawyers fight relentlessly for your settlement and, when necessary, aren’t afraid to take a case in front of a judge and jury. 

To make your case as strong as possible, it is important to provide proof of damages and document the accident as thoroughly as possible for legal purposes. Use your cell phone to capture eyewitness accounts and record videos of the damaged vehicle and surrounding accident scene. Take photos and videos of any injuries you or a loved one may have sustained. Last, communicate with the other driver and note their contact and insurance information.

Getting Compensation for Your Car Accident Injuries

In Florida, personal injury protection (PIP) insurance covers up to $10,000 in medical expenses and lost wages following a car accident, but if your expenses exceed this amount, you may seek additional compensation through a lawsuit. Florida law allows you to pursue compensation for damages that fall into two main categories: economic and non-economic damages.

Economic damages are quantifiable losses that can be directly linked to your accident and include:

• Medical Expenses: Costs for medical treatments, surgeries, and rehabilitation that exceed PIP coverage. Florida Statute specifies that PIP covers 80% of medical expenses above $10,000.
• Lost Wages: Compensation for income above $10,000 lost due to the inability to work, above the PIP limit. This includes future loss of earning capacity.
• Property Damage: Costs to repair or replace damaged property, such as your vehicle.
• Out-of-Pocket Expenses: Additional expenses incurred due to the accident, such as transportation costs or home modifications.

Non-economic damages are less tangible but equally significant damages, including:

• Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain and emotional distress caused by the injury.
• Mental Anguish: Psychological impact, including anxiety, depression, or PTSD resulting from the accident.
• Emotional Pain or Distress: The emotional burden of dealing with the aftermath of the accident and its impact on personal life.
• Loss of Enjoyment in Life: Compensation for the inability to engage in activities you once enjoyed.
• Permanent Disabilities and Impairments: Ongoing effects of your injury that impact your quality of life and ability to perform daily activities.

In cases of serious injuries or ones that result in permanent impairment, Florida law allows for substantial non-economic damages. The legal team at Steinger, Greene & Feiner is equipped to navigate these complexities and advocate for the maximum compensation you are entitled to. They will work diligently to ensure your rights are upheld and that you receive the full measure of compensation for both economic and non-economic damages.

Additional considerations for compensations:

• Punitive Damages: In some cases, if the at-fault party’s conduct was particularly egregious, punitive damages may be awarded. Florida Statute § 768.73 outlines the conditions under which punitive damages may be pursued.
• Comparative Fault: Florida’s modified comparative negligence rule means that if you are found to be more than 50% at fault for the accident, you may be barred from recovering damages.

Understanding these aspects can help in effectively pursuing a claim and ensuring you receive fair compensation for all losses related to your accident. The knowledgeable team of car accident lawyers at Steinger, Greene & Feiner will ensure that you receive fair and maximum compensation in these situations. They understand how to navigate these stressful and sometimes delicate conversations in court. You have legal rights. As auto accident lawyers, it is our job to fight for them.

Navigating a Personal Injury Claim under Florida Laws

Florida operates under a no-fault insurance system, which means that after a car accident, drivers typically file claims with their own insurance company, regardless of who caused the accident. Unless you can prove that you’ve suffered an emergency medical condition, your insurance may limit you to only $2,500 from that coverage.

Additionally, you may be found to be partially responsible for the accident which may further limit the money you receive. Florida follows a modified comparative negligence rule, which means if you are found to be more than 50% at fault for the accident, you are barred from recovering damages from other parties. If you are found to be partially at fault, your compensation will be reduced proportionally based on your percentage of fault.

An experienced Miami car accident lawyer like Steinger, Greene & Feiner can help you maximize your claim benefits. In fact, many of our car accident attorneys worked for automobile insurance companies before coming to work for the firm. This means we know how to help you get the compensation that insurance companies won’t let you know you’re entitled to.

Insurance companies try to give you less than what you’re owed following an MV accident. We advocate to get you more!

When to File a Car Accident Lawsuit?

While PIP coverage provides essential financial relief, it may not cover all expenses or damages. For example, if your injuries are severe and result in permanent impairment, or significant scarring, or your medical bills exceed the $10,000 limit, you might need to seek additional compensation through a personal injury lawsuit under Florida Statutes § 627.737. While Florida’s personal injury law also does not cover property damage or non-economic damages such as pain and suffering unless specific criteria are met, it might be compensated through a lawsuit.

Another point to consider is the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim, which is generally 2 years from the date of the accident.

The Litigation Process for Car Accident Claims in Miami

Accident victims in Miami are beholden to strict statutes of limitations, restricting the amount of time they have to file a personal injury lawsuit. Failure to take action prevents injury victims from seeing their day in court. As experienced Miami car accident lawyers, we understand the nuanced statute of limitations in the state of Florida – which can vary depending on the claim type, the vehicle type, or the vehicle owner.

Furthermore, to reach a successful verdict in the courtroom, victims and their attorneys rely on evidence to support their claims. This is known as the burden of proof.  Obtaining experienced legal representation in court lifts some of this burden off your shoulders. Accident attorneys like Steinger, Greene & Feiner will help you gather and present the evidence needed to prove your case and maximize the compensation you’re owed.

Why You Need a Car Accident Lawyer in Miami

Personal injury law firms like Steinger, Greene & Feiner are your advocates when dealing with insurance companies and legal proceedings. We will help you navigate insurance claims and maximize compensation through various legal strategies. If a fair settlement can’t be reached, we will litigate processes on your behalf.

It’s always a good idea to speak with an experienced car accident lawyer before you speak with your insurance company. In Miami, you have two years from the accident date to take legal action. However, it’s best to file a personal injury claim sooner rather than later. If you decide to file a lawsuit after some time has passed since the accident, whatever you say to the insurance company will be used against you in your case. Before giving a written or recorded statement, always consult with a lawyer. Otherwise, you may find yourself unable to get the full compensation you deserve.

Your insurance company may offer a settlement that only captures the compensation covered by your personal injury protection (PIP) policy. Chances are, this offer will be well below what you really deserve and may include binding language to that number. Don’t accept this! The moment you accept the settlement offer, you forfeit your right to seek greater compensation. Instead, call an experienced Miami car wreck lawyer to discuss all of your legal options.

Choosing the Right Car Accident Attorney

Steinger, Greene & Feiner is your best choice for a knowledgeable and compassionate car accident attorney in Miami. We blend experience and success to achieve results for our clients. Our team of dedicated MV accident lawyers has a combined track record of 10 decades.

Our legal representation has resulted in billions of dollars of compensation for our clients  including:

• $835,000 Car Accident Verdict for a collision caused by a Police Officer 
• $700,000 Car Accident Verdict for a client involved in a highway accident; the insurer incorrectly claimed that some of the damages resulted from a pre-existing condition, which our attorneys were able to disprove.
• $610,000 Car Accident Settlement for a client injured in an accident with no independent eyewitnesses; our Miami attorneys were nevertheless able to demonstrate that the accident occurred because of negligence.
• $250,000 Car Accident Settlement for a client who was rear-ended at high speed, necessitating surgery and causing significant pain and suffering.

We work hard to ensure that every one of our clients leaves our law firm with the maximum compensation they deserve. You can see our Miami personal injury law firm’s reviews here.

Steinger, Greene & Feiner Miami is Rated 4.9 Stars

Our Miami law firm has received an average rating of 4.9 stars out of 5. Our team works hard to ensure that each and every one of our clients leave our Broward County law firm with the maximum check they deserve. We fight for you! You can see all of our Miami car accident law firm reviews here.

Book a Free Case Evaluation from A Car Accident Lawyer in Miami

If you have been injured in a car accident in the Miami area, you have legal options. The experienced personal injury attorneys at Steinger, Greene & Feiner know how to navigate local and state laws for you, and we are intimately familiar with the local court systems. The sooner you call the best Miami car accident lawyers following an accident, the more relief you’ll receive.

Call Steinger, Greene & Feiner at (800) 801-6850 or contact us online to schedule your free, confidential, no-obligation consultation with a car crash lawyer today. You may also visit us at our offices: 150 SE 2nd Ave, Suite 338, Miami, FL 33131.

Frequently Asked Questions