What to Do After a Car Accident in Miami

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.