By Karla Lopez-Fernandez – Miami Personal Injury Lawyer

Car accidents are stressful, confusing, and often life-changing. Whether it’s a minor fender bender or a major collision, knowing what to do immediately after a crash can help protect your rights and maximize your compensation.

At Karla Lopez-Fernandez Law, we specialize in helping accident victims navigate personal injury claims and fight for the compensation they deserve. This guide explains the critical steps to take after a car accident in Miami.

Stay Calm and Check for Injuries 🚨

Your safety comes first. After an accident:

✅ Check yourself and passengers for injuries – Call 911 if anyone is hurt.
✅ Move to a safe location – If possible, pull over to the side of the road.
✅ Turn on hazard lights to alert other drivers.

📌 Even if you feel fine, some injuries (like whiplash or concussions) appear hours or days later. Always seek medical attention.

Call the Police & File a Report 🚔

In Florida, you must report accidents involving injuries, death, or property damage over $500.

✅ Dial 911 – Request medical help and a police officer at the scene.
✅ Get a copy of the police report – This is crucial evidence for your claim.
✅ Do NOT admit fault – Let the police investigate and determine liability.

📌 A police report strengthens your personal injury case and prevents false claims from the other driver.

Gather Evidence at the Scene 📸

If you’re physically able, collect evidence to support your case.

✅ Take photos & videos of:

• Vehicle damage & license plates.
• Skid marks, traffic signals, and road conditions.
• Any visible injuries.

✅ Exchange information with the other driver:

• Name, phone number, and address.
• Insurance provider and policy number.
• Driver’s license and vehicle registration.

✅ Get witness statements & contact details – They can help prove fault in your claim.

📌 The more evidence you gather, the stronger your case will be.

Seek Medical Attention Immediately 🏥

Even if you feel fine, see a doctor within 24 hours.

🚨 Why Medical Care Is Crucial:
❌ Injuries like whiplash, concussions, and internal bleeding may not show immediate symptoms.
❌ Delaying treatment can weaken your injury claim—insurance companies may argue you weren’t seriously hurt.
❌ Florida’s PIP law requires accident victims to seek medical care within 14 days to qualify for benefits.

📌 Keep copies of all medical reports, prescriptions, and bills—they are key to proving damages.

Notify Your Insurance Company 📞

Report the accident to your insurance provider as soon as possible.

✅ Provide basic details but avoid admitting fault.
✅ Do NOT accept a quick settlement—insurance companies may try to lowball your claim.
✅ Speak with an attorney before giving recorded statements.

📌 Insurance adjusters look for ways to minimize payouts—consult a lawyer before negotiating.

Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer Before Filing a Claim ⚖️

Insurance companies are not on your side—they want to pay as little as possible.

✅ Why You Need an Attorney:

• Prove the other driver was at fault.
• Handle all legal paperwork & negotiations.
• Maximize your settlement for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain & suffering.

🚨 At Karla Lopez-Fernandez Law, we fight for Miami accident victims and work on a contingency fee basis—meaning you don’t pay unless we win!

📌 The sooner you contact a lawyer, the stronger your case will be.

Know Your Rights Under Florida Law 📜

🚨 Key Florida Car Accident Laws:
✅ Comparative Fault Rule – You can still recover compensation even if you were partially at fault.
✅ No-Fault Insurance (PIP) – Your insurance covers up to $10,000 in medical bills, but serious injuries may qualify for additional compensation.
✅ Statute of Limitations – You have two years to file a personal injury lawsuit in Florida.

📌 A personal injury lawyer ensures you don’t miss important deadlines and fight for full compensation.

What Compensation Can You Recover After a Car Accident? 💰

If you were injured due to another driver’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for:

✅ Medical expenses – Hospital bills, physical therapy, medication.
✅ Lost wages – Compensation for missed work due to injuries.
✅ Pain & suffering – Emotional distress, PTSD, and reduced quality of life.
✅ Vehicle repairs – Costs to fix or replace your car.

🚨 Insurance companies will try to lowball your settlement—don’t accept an offer without legal advice.

📌 An experienced attorney fights for the full compensation you deserve.

Why Choose Karla Lopez-Fernandez for Your Car Accident Case?

At Karla Lopez-Fernandez Law, we provide:
✅ Free consultations – No upfront costs.
✅ Aggressive representation – We take on the insurance companies for you.
✅ Maximum compensation – We fight for every dollar you deserve.
✅ No fees unless we win – You only pay if we recover compensation for you.

🚨 Injured in a car accident? Don’t face the insurance companies alone. Call us today for a FREE consultation!

📞 Contact us now to discuss your case.

Final Thoughts: Protect Your Rights After an Accident

💡 Key Takeaways:

✅ Stay calm, call 911, and seek medical attention immediately.
✅ Gather evidence, take photos, and get witness statements.
✅ Notify your insurance company but avoid admitting fault.
✅ Florida law allows accident victims to recover damages even if partially at fault.
✅ A personal injury lawyer ensures you receive maximum compensation.

🚨 Have questions about your car accident claim? Contact us today for a free case evaluation!

📞 Call now or visit our website to schedule a consultation.