Car accidents happen every day throughout Miami, from I95 and the Palmetto to Brickell, Midtown, Wynwood, Miami Beach, Little Havana, Doral, Kendall, and Downtown. With heavy traffic, distracted drivers, tourists, rideshare vehicles, delivery trucks, and crowded intersections, Miami is one of the busiest driving environments in Florida.

If you were hurt in a crash in Miami, you may have many questions about insurance, medical bills, compensation, and your legal options. This comprehensive FAQ page provides clear answers based on what Miami drivers, passengers, pedestrians, and tourists commonly ask if they need a car accident lawyer in Miami.

If you’d like personalized help, you can call the Law Offices of Jason Turchin at 800-337-7755 for a free consultation.

1. What should I do immediately after a car accident in Miami?

You may want to:

1. Make sure everyone is safe
2. Call 911
3. Request medical help if needed
4. Exchange information
5. Photograph the scene and vehicles
6. Get witness information
7. Avoid admitting fault
8. Seek medical care
9. Contact a Miami injury lawyer

These steps may help preserve important information.

2. Do I need to call the police after a Miami car accident?

In most cases, yes. Miami-Dade officers or FHP may document the crash and create an official crash report. This may be important later for insurance or legal claims.

3. What if the other driver left the scene?

Hit-and-run accidents are common in Miami. You may still have options through:

• Your uninsured motorist coverage
• Bodily injury coverage (if the driver is found)
• A civil claim

Report the accident immediately.

4. Should I take photos at the accident scene?

Yes, if you can safely do so. Photos may help clarify:

• Vehicle positions
• Damage
• Skid marks
• Road conditions
• Traffic signs
• Injuries
• Weather

Visual evidence can be valuable later.

5. Do I need medical treatment even if I feel okay?

You may want to be evaluated. Some injuries develop over hours or days, such as:

• Whiplash
• Back injuries
• Concussions
• Internal injuries

Medical records may help document the injury.

6. What insurance covers my injuries after a Miami car accident?

In Florida, your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) may cover:

• Up to 80 percent of medical expenses
• Up to 60 percent of lost wages

Regardless of who caused the crash. Additional compensation may come from:

• The other driver’s bodily injury coverage
• Your uninsured motorist coverage
• Potential third-party claims

7. What if the at-fault driver has no insurance?

This is common in South Florida. If you have Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage, it may provide compensation for:

• Medical expenses
• Lost income
• Pain and physical discomfort
• Long-term injuries

A Miami car accident lawyer may help identify all available coverage.

8. What if I was in a rental car in Miami?

You may have coverage from:

• Rental company policies
• Your personal auto insurance
• Credit card benefits
• The at-fault driver’s policy

Rental car claims can be complex, especially for tourists.

9. Will my insurance rates go up if I file a claim?

It depends on:

• Whether you were at fault
• Your insurance company’s policies
• The type of claim filed

A lawyer may help minimize unnecessary reporting.

10. What injuries are most common in Miami car accidents?

People often report:

• Neck and back injuries
• Herniated discs
• Shoulder injuries
• Broken bones
• Concussions
• Burn injuries from airbags
• Knee injuries
• Scarring
• Emotional distress

Many of these may require ongoing treatment.

11. What if I didn’t go to the hospital the same day?

You may still have a valid claim. In Florida, you typically have 14 days to seek medical care to use PIP benefits. The sooner you receive treatment, the better documented your injuries may be.

12. Can I recover compensation for emotional trauma?

Car accidents may cause:

• Anxiety
• PTSD symptoms
• Fear of driving
• Sleep issues

These may be included in a claim.

13. Do I need a lawyer for a Miami car accident?

You are not required to have one, but a lawyer may help:

• Protect your rights
• Deal with insurance companies
• Investigate the crash
• Obtain medical records
• Negotiate for compensation
• Avoid mistakes that may limit recovery

Miami accidents often involve aggressive insurers.

14. How long do I have to file a claim in Miami?

Florida generally allows injured people two years to bring a negligence claim, but some exceptions exist. A lawyer can help identify the correct deadline.

15. How is fault determined in Miami car accidents?

Fault may be based on:

• Crash reports
• Witness statements
• Photos and video
• Traffic laws
• Road conditions
• Cell phone data

Miami intersections with frequent crashes include Bird Road, Flagler Street, Biscayne Boulevard, and Kendall Drive.

16. Can multiple parties be responsible for the same Miami crash?

Yes. Liability may involve:

• Drivers
• Rideshare companies
• Commercial truck operators
• Government entities (road issues)
• Vehicle manufacturers

Shared fault may still allow you to seek compensation.

17. What compensation may be available after a Miami car accident?

Depending on the situation, compensation may cover:

• Medical bills
• Lost wages
• Pain and physical discomfort
• Emotional distress
• Future medical care
• Scarring
• Property damage
• Loss of enjoyment of life

Severity and long-term impact often influence claim value.

18. What makes Miami car accidents different from other cities?

Miami has:

• Heavy tourism
• High rideshare usage
• More uninsured drivers
• High-speed expressways
• Dense urban traffic
• Frequent hit-and-runs

These factors may complicate claims.

19. What if I was visiting Miami when the accident happened?

Tourists may still pursue claims. A Miami lawyer may help coordinate:

• Local medical evaluations
• Rental car claims
• Travel-related issues
• Insurance from your home state

Florida law applies regardless of where you live.

20. What if the accident occurred in a rideshare vehicle?

If you were in an Uber or Lyft accident, compensation may come from:

• The rideshare driver
• The other driver
• The rideshare company’s insurance
• Your own coverage

Coverage depends on the driver’s status during the crash.

21. What if I was hit while walking or biking in Miami?

Pedestrian and cyclist cases often involve:

• Crosswalk accidents
• Distracted drivers
• Impaired drivers
• Speeding in high-traffic areas

You may be entitled to pursue compensation through the driver’s insurance and your own PIP.

22. Should I speak to the insurance adjuster?

You may want to be careful with statements. Adjusters may:

• Minimize injuries
• Ask leading questions
• Push for a quick settlement

A lawyer may help protect your interests.

23. Should I accept the first settlement offer?

Many first offers may not consider:

• Future medical needs
• Scarring
• Long-term pain
• Emotional trauma

It may help to have the offer reviewed before accepting.

24. How long do Miami car accident claims take to settle?

Timelines may depend on:

• Injury severity
• Medical treatment length
• Disputed liability
• Insurance cooperation
• Expert involvement

Some settle in months, while others may take longer.

CONTACT A MIAMI CAR ACCIDENT LAWYER

If you were injured in a car accident in Miami, you may want to understand your rights and what compensation may be available. Whether the crash involved a car, truck, rideshare, scooter, or pedestrian impact, our office can help guide you through the process.

You can contact the Law Offices of Jason Turchin at 800-337-7755 for a free consultation.