Car Accident Lawyer in Miami Lakes

Fighting For Auto Accident Victims in Broward County & Miami County

In the aftermath of a car accident, the decisions you make about legal representation can be critical. The quality of your attorney may well be pivotal in whether or not you get a fair financial settlement. The auto accident attorney in Miami Lakes at Steszewski Law has a deep understanding of the complexities of auto accident cases and can help you navigate what may be a difficult legal process. 

Our Miami Lakes office routinely serves clients in Hialeah, Doral, Kendall, Pembroke Pines, Miramar, West Miami, Miami, and the surrounding areas.

Contact our Miami Lakes car accident attorneys at (888) 342-6840 if you've suffered injuries in a car accident! Se habla Español.

What to Do After Getting in a Car Accident

Here are some vital actions you can take to protect both your physical health and your legal rights:

• Seek Medical Attention: Your health is paramount. Even if injuries seem minor, it's important to get checked by a healthcare professional to ensure that all injuries are properly diagnosed and documented.
• Contact Law Enforcement: This ensures an official record of the accident, which may prove important in both insurance claims and legal proceedings. 
• Gather Evidence: Presuming you are physically able, document the scene by taking photos. Collect witness information, including how to contact them. Our office can follow up with these witnesses as we build your case. 
• Exchange Information with the Other Driver: This includes names, addresses, phone numbers, insurance information, and vehicle details. 
• Report the Accident: Notify your insurance company about the accident as soon as possible, even if you are not at fault. Promptly reporting the incident can facilitate the claims process. 
• Document Your Injuries: Keep detailed records of any injuries you have suffered, including medical reports, prescriptions, and receipts for medical expenses. These documents will likely be important in establishing the financial damages you’ve suffered. 
• Notify Your Employer: If the accident has resulted in injuries that may impact your ability to work, it's important to inform your employer about the situation. This will help ensure appropriate arrangements can be made regarding your work responsibilities and any necessary time off.

There’s one important step we haven’t yet mentioned, but that should happen somewhere in this process. Call our Miami Lakes office. We’ll be able to help you with a number of these steps, as well as go to work on investigating your case. Choosing the right legal representation can significantly affect the outcome of your case. Our team provides comprehensive support, helping you from the initial reporting stages to navigating the complex legal pathways as your case progresses. By addressing potential pitfalls early, we aim to maximize fair compensation and minimize stress during this challenging time. Connect with a skilled auto accident lawyer in Miami Lakes from Steszewski Law as soon as possible.

Common Injuries in Auto Accidents

Common injuries may include:

• Whiplash: Whiplash often occurs when the neck is suddenly jolted forward and backward. Symptoms include neck pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion.
• Fractures and Broken Bones: The impact of a collision could lead to fractures or broken bones, often requiring extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation.
• Head Injuries: Concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are very serious outcomes of car accidents.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: Harm to the spinal cord can cause partial or complete paralysis, significantly altering a victim's life and necessitating lifelong medical support.
• Internal Injuries: Blunt force trauma from a car accident can cause internal injuries, like damage to organs, internal bleeding, and other critical conditions that might not be immediately apparent.
• Soft Tissue Injuries: Harm to muscles, ligaments, and tendons can result in chronic pain and limited mobility. These injuries often demand physical therapy and can take months to heal fully.
• Psychological Trauma: Beyond physical injuries, car accidents could result in emotional and psychological distress, including post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and depression.

It is important to recognize that recovery from these injuries varies greatly among individuals, depending on various factors, including overall health and the severity of the injury. Immediate and ongoing medical care is crucial to manage symptoms and facilitate recovery. Our attorneys assist by ensuring that your medical documentation is comprehensive, providing robust support for your compensation claims. Schedule a free consultation with an experienced auto accident lawyer from Steszewski Law right away.

Common Causes of Auto Accidents

Common causes of car accidents may include:

• Distracted Driving: One of the leading causes of car accidents, distracted driving includes any activity that diverts attention from driving, such as texting, eating, or using a GPS.
• Speeding: Driving beyond the speed limit is a major factor in many car accidents. Speeding often reduces reaction time and increases the severity of collisions.
• Drunk Driving: Alcohol impairs judgment, coordination, and reaction times, making drunk driving a significant cause of car accidents. Legal action against drunk drivers is essential for justice and prevention.
• Reckless Driving: Aggressive driving behaviors, like tailgating, changing lanes abruptly, and ignoring traffic signals, contribute to numerous accidents and endanger everyone on the road.
• Weather Conditions: Adverse weather conditions, including rain, fog, and snow, can create hazardous driving environments. Drivers must change their behavior to account for reduced visibility and slippery roads.
• Running Red Lights and Stop Signs: Disregarding traffic signals and signs often leads to severe accidents at intersections. This negligence can result in significant legal consequences.
• Drowsy Driving: Fatigued drivers have slower reaction times and diminished attention, making drowsy driving a serious risk.
• Vehicle Defects: Sometimes, accidents occur due to vehicle malfunctions or defects, such as brake failures or tire blowouts. In such cases, manufacturers or maintenance providers may be held liable.

Understanding these common causes highlights the importance of adhering to safe driving practices. It also highlights the potential complexity in determining liability when multiple factors contribute to an accident. Our role extends to thoroughly investigating the circumstances surrounding your collision, identifying responsible parties, and advocating for accountability. Speak with a qualified car accident lawyer from our injury firm today.

Recovering Damages in Miami Lakes: A Local Perspective

In Miami Lakes, understanding the local legal landscape is key to successfully navigating the intricacies of car accident claims. Florida operates under a no-fault car insurance system, meaning that your own insurance company pays for your medical bills and certain other expenses up to a certain limit, regardless of who was at fault in the accident. This Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance is mandatory for all drivers in the state. However, if injuries reach a certain threshold of severity, you may be able to step outside the no-fault system and pursue additional compensation from the at-fault driver.

Additionally, Miami Lakes' bustling street systems and frequent inclement weather conditions can contribute to the likelihood of accidents. The prevalence of cases involving distracted driving or those caused by weather elements may influence how settlements and legal strategies are formed. Our familiarity with these variables ensures tailored legal strategies that reflect the unique challenges faced by Miami Lakes drivers. Ensuring a case is built with comprehensive local knowledge enhances opportunities for recovery and financial restitution. Speak with a car accident attorney right away.

Damages You May Be Able to Recover After a Car Accident

Car accidents can lead to various damages, both tangible and intangible. As a victim, you have the right to seek compensation for these losses. 

Here are the primary types of damages you can recover:

• Medical Expenses: This includes the cost of hospital stays, surgeries, medications, rehabilitation, and any other medical treatments necessitated by the accident.
• Lost Wages: If your injuries prevent you from working, you can claim compensation for the income you would have earned during the recovery period.
• Property Damage: This covers the repair or replacement costs for your vehicle and any other property damaged in the accident.
• Pain and Suffering: Non-economic damages such as physical pain, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life are also compensable.
• Loss of Consortium: If the accident results in the loss of companionship or support from a spouse, this can also be included in the damages.

In addition to these, you might be entitled to punitive damages if the responsible party's conduct was particularly egregious or reckless. This type of compensation is aimed at punishing the wrongdoer and deterring similar conduct in the future. It’s essential to have a comprehensive assessment of your case to ensure that all possible damages are pursued. Our legal team provides an exhaustive evaluation to leave no stone unturned in your pursuit of justice.

Car Accident Statute of Limitations in Florida

In Florida, there is a statute of limitations that dictates how long you have to file a car accident claim. Generally, you have four years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit for personal injury or property damage resulting from the crash.

However, it's crucial not to delay in pursuing your claim. Building a strong case takes time, and evidence can fade or become less reliable as time passes. Additionally, insurance companies may try to dispute or devalue your claim if they perceive it as stale. If you miss the deadline for filing a claim, you may lose your right to seek compensation altogether.

Therefore, it's imperative to consult with a knowledgeable car accident attorney in Miami Lakes as soon as possible after the accident to ensure your rights are protected and you receive the compensation you deserve.

Acting swiftly to secure legal guidance can greatly impact the outcome of your situation. We advise gathering all relevant documentation, such as police reports and medical records, to strengthen your position. Our team is equipped to help navigate these requirements, working efficiently to preserve your right to fair restitution. With a focus on providing personalized attention, we ensure that clients are informed throughout every stage of the process.

Breach of Duty in Car Accident Cases

In a personal injury case, breach of duty refers to the failure of an individual to uphold the standard of care expected in a given situation, resulting in harm or injury to another party. In the context of car accidents, drivers are expected to operate their vehicles responsibly and adhere to traffic laws to ensure the safety of themselves and others on the road. When a driver fails to meet this standard, they may be deemed to have breached their duty.

It's the job of our car accident attorney, and the team at our Miami Lakes office, to work towards establishing that the defendant in your case did, in fact, breach their duty. 

Breach of duty in car accident cases can manifest in various forms, such as: 

• Reckless Driving: This includes behaviors such as speeding, aggressive driving, and disregarding traffic signals. For example, a driver who goes 110mph down I-95 may be considered to have breached their duty.
• Distracted Driving: Activities such as texting or talking on the phone can constitute distracted driving. For instance, a driver who causes an accident while texting on the Dolphin Expressway could be considered to have breached their duty.
• Failing to Adhere to Traffic Laws: This encompasses violations such as running red lights, not yielding when required, or making illegal turns. An example could be a driver who fails to yield at a stop sign in a residential neighborhood, leading to a collision. 

Understanding the nuances of these breaches aids in constructing a compelling argument for your case. Establishing this breach requires thorough investigation and collection of evidence such as eyewitness accounts, traffic camera footage, and expert testimonies. Our firm is committed to meticulously analyzing every facet to effectively demonstrate the breach of duty and its impact.

Get the help you need from an experienced accident attorney in Miami Lakes. Contact us at (888) 342-6840 or access our online form without delay.

Frequently Asked Questions About Car Accidents

What Should I Do Immediately After a Car Accident?

Securing your safety and receiving medical attention should be the priority following a car accident in Miami Lakes. If possible, move your vehicle out of traffic to a safer area and turn on your hazard lights. Once you're safe, check on others involved in the accident and call emergency services to report the incident. Avoid discussing fault at the scene. Gathering comprehensive information—including photos, witness contacts, and any details of visible injuries—will be beneficial for your claim. Promptly contacting a local auto accident attorney can further assist you in navigating the details of filing insurance claims and ensuring your rights are fully protected throughout the process.

How Long Does It Take to Resolve a Car Accident Claim?

The timeline for resolving a car accident claim in Miami Lakes varies based on several factors, including the complexity of the accident, the severity of injuries, and the cooperation of insurance companies. Some straightforward claims might resolve in a few months, whereas those involving severe injuries or disputed liability may take longer, sometimes years, especially if litigation is involved. It's crucial to maintain organized records of medical treatments and communications with insurers to streamline the process. An experienced car accident lawyer in Miami Lakes can expedite the resolution by efficiently managing all aspects of your claim, ensuring timely submissions, and negotiating for fair settlements.

When Do I Need to Hire an Accident Lawyer in Miami Lakes?

Consulting a car accident attorney in Miami Lakes should be considered immediately after addressing any immediate medical needs post-accident. Early legal consultation is especially critical in cases involving significant property damage, serious injuries, or disputes over who is at fault. A lawyer can assist in gathering crucial evidence before it deteriorates or is lost, and they will handle negotiations with insurance companies, which are often complex and intimidating. This legal support can provide peace of mind and ensure that maximum compensation for your injuries and losses is pursued.

Is Florida a No-Fault State for Car Accidents?

Yes, Florida is a no-fault state, meaning your insurance is required to cover accident expenses up to a specific limit. This system is designed to reduce the time and expense associated with car accident claims by not requiring immediate fault resolution. However, in circumstances where injuries are severe, victims can litigate against the at-fault driver. Understanding the nuances of this law is essential, and consulting with a knowledgeable accident lawyer will help clarify your rights and options under the no-fault system, including when and how you might pursue a claim against another driver.

What Compensation Am I Entitled to After a Car Accident?

p>Post-accident, individuals might receive compensation for a range of damages. Compensation typically covers medical expenses, property damage, and lost wages. Additionally, non-economic damages—such as pain and suffering—may be claimed. The extent and specifics of the compensation depend on the circumstances of the accident and any contributory factors. Working with an accident attorney ensures an accurate assessment of potential compensation by evaluating medical records, accident reports, and testimony, so you achieve the best possible settlement for your situation.

Contact Our Miami Lakes Car Accident Attorney

Attorney Jonathan Steszewski boasts 12 years of experience and is supported by a dedicated legal staff with extensive resources for research and investigation. We operate on a contingency basis, meaning our clients only pay us if we secure a successful outcome for them. 

We offer free consultations, including virtual meetings, to provide personalized guidance and assess the specifics of each case.

In our complimentary consultations, we aim to understand your unique situation comprehensively. Our process is designed to be client-centered, ensuring that from the moment you contact us, your concerns are prioritized. Leveraging our extensive resources and services, we strive to deliver a strategic approach tailored to your needs, keeping you informed and engaged throughout your legal journey.

Reach out to our office today by calling (888) 342-6840 or by using our online contact form to schedule your free consultation with our Miami Lakes car accident lawyer.