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What Should I Do After a Car Accident in Miami?
Car accidents are an unfortunate reality on Miami’s busy roads — from I-95 and the Palmetto Expressway to Brickell’s tight streets and the causeways to Miami Beach. Whether it’s a fender bender near Dadeland or a serious crash on the Dolphin Expressway, knowing what to do after a car accident in Miami can protect your health, your rights, and your ability to recover compensation.
At the Law Offices of Jason Turchin, we’ve handled thousands of car accident cases across South Florida. We understand the chaos that follows a crash — the confusion, the injuries, the insurance calls, and the overwhelming questions. If you’re reading this shortly after an accident, here’s what you may need to know.
Step 1: Make Sure Everyone Is Safe
Immediately after the crash:
- Check for injuries to yourself and your passengers
- If anyone is hurt, call 911 and request an ambulance
- Move vehicles to a safe area if possible and safe to do so
- Turn on hazard lights to alert other drivers
If you’re on a busy roadway like I-395 or Biscayne Boulevard, be cautious. Miami traffic is fast and aggressive — safety comes first.
Step 2: Call the Police and File a Crash Report
In Florida, you’re required to contact law enforcement if:
- There are injuries or fatalities
- Property damage appears to be $500 or more
- A hit-and-run or DUI is involved
The responding officer will create a crash report, which becomes a key piece of information. In Miami, this could involve City of Miami Police, Miami-Dade Police, or Florida Highway Patrol depending on where the accident occurred.
Always ask the officer for:
- The crash report number
- Their name and badge number
- Instructions on how to obtain the full report (usually available online within 10 days)
Step 3: Exchange Information
Florida law requires you to exchange the following information with the other driver(s):
- Name, address, and phone number
- Driver’s license number
- Vehicle make, model, and license plate
- Insurance company and policy number
Do not admit fault or discuss how the crash happened — even a simple “I’m sorry” could be used against you later.
Step 4: Document the Scene
Use your phone to take photos and videos of:
- Vehicle damage (yours and others)
- Injuries
- Skid marks, debris, or traffic signs
- Road conditions and weather
- License plates and driver’s licenses
If there are witnesses, politely ask for their names and contact info — witness testimony can make or break a claim.
Step 5: Seek Medical Attention
Even if you feel just a small injury, consider getting checked out. Many crash injuries — like concussions, whiplash, or internal bleeding — don’t show symptoms right away.
In Florida, you must seek medical care within 14 days of the accident to qualify for Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits under your auto insurance.
Hospitals and urgent care centers in the Miami area include:
- Jackson Memorial Hospital
- Mount Sinai Medical Center
- Baptist Health Urgent Care
- UHealth Emergency Center
Make sure to follow up with treatment, keep records, and ask your provider for written documentation of your injuries.
Step 6: Notify Your Insurance Company
Report the accident to your insurer as soon as possible — ideally within 24 hours. Florida is a no-fault insurance state, which means:
- Your own PIP insurance will cover up to $10,000 in medical expenses and some lost wages, regardless of who was at fault
- You can still pursue a claim for personal injury against the at-fault driver if your injuries are serious or permanent
Avoid giving recorded statements or accepting a quick settlement without speaking to a lawyer first.
Step 7: Talk to a Miami Car Accident Lawyer
Even if your crash seems minor, legal help can protect your rights. A Miami car accident attorney can:
- Help you file your insurance claim properly
- Determine if you have a case against the at-fault driver
- Collect and preserve key evidence
- Calculate the true value of your damages
- Handle communications with insurance companies
- File a lawsuit if necessary
At the Law Offices of Jason Turchin, we offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis — that means you pay no fees or costs unless we recover money for you.
What Compensation Can You Recover After a Car Accident?
Depending on the details of your crash, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical expenses
- Future medical care
- Lost wages and lost earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Disability or disfigurement
- Property damage
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Wrongful death (if a family member died in the accident)
We can review your case carefully to identify all available sources of recovery, including liability insurance, uninsured motorist coverage, and excess policies.
Common Causes of Car Accidents in Miami
Miami’s roads are uniquely dangerous due to:
- Heavy traffic and tourism
- Aggressive driving
- Speeding and red-light running
- Distracted driving (cell phones, GPS)
- Drunk or drug-impaired driving
- Poorly maintained roads or signage
- Dangerous intersections (like NW 36th St and LeJeune, or US-1 & Coral Way)
Our legal team can investigate the root cause of every crash to build a strong case for liability and damages.
What If the Other Driver Was Uninsured?
Florida has one of the highest rates of uninsured drivers in the country. If the person who hit you doesn’t have insurance, you may still recover through:
- Your uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage
- A personal injury lawsuit (though recovery depends on the driver’s assets)
- Other third parties who may share liability (e.g., employers, bars, municipalities)
What If You Were a Passenger in the Crash?
If you were riding as a passenger in a vehicle involved in a crash, you may:
- File a claim through the driver’s PIP
- File a claim against Lyft or Uber if you were in a hired vehicle
- Pursue a claim against the at-fault driver (even if it was your own driver)
- Use your own insurance if you have PIP or UM coverage
- File a third-party claim if a commercial vehicle or rideshare driver was involved
Passengers often have strong cases — a lawyer can help you navigate it.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do I need to report every accident to the police?
Generally, yes — especially if there are injuries, significant damage, or a hit-and-run. A crash report often has crucial information for your claim.
2. How long do I have to file a lawsuit in Florida?
Florida’s statute of limitations for most car accident injury claims is 2 years from the date of the accident. Don’t wait.
3. What if I was partially at fault?
Florida follows a modified comparative negligence rule. You can still recover damages as long as you were less than 50% at fault, though your compensation may be reduced.
4. How much does a Miami car accident lawyer cost?
We work on a contingency fee basis — there are no fees or costs unless we win your case.
5. Can I still recover money if I didn’t go to the hospital right away?
Yes, but it may be more difficult. That’s why we always recommend getting medical treatment as soon as possible — even for minor symptoms.
Contact a Miami Car Accident Lawyer Today
If you’ve been in a car accident in Miami, don’t go through it alone. The Law Offices of Jason Turchin is here to protect your rights, fight for fair compensation, and help you focus on recovery.
📞 Contact us at (800) 337-7755 or visit www.victimaid.com to schedule a free consultation today. We serve all of Miami-Dade County, including Coral Gables, Brickell, Kendall, Hialeah, and Miami Beach.
There are no fees or costs unless we win your case.