Navigating the aftermath of a car crash in North Miami can feel overwhelming, especially when you are dealing with painful injuries, mounting medical bills, and complex insurance policies. Whether your collision happened navigating the busy intersections of Biscayne Boulevard or during a stressful commute along NE 125th Street, dealing with insurance adjusters shouldn't be your only focus. At the Altman Law Firm, Jeffrey S. Altman and our dedicated team are here to help you understand your options under Florida's no-fault system. We focus on the legal hurdles—from PIP disputes to uninsured motorist claims—so you can focus entirely on your physical recovery.
Florida is a no-fault auto insurance state, which means that after an accident, you generally turn to your own Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage first to cover medical expenses and lost wages, regardless of who caused the crash. However, PIP has strict limits and often does not cover the full extent of a severe injury. If your injuries meet certain thresholds under Florida law, you may have the right to pursue a claim against the at-fault driver. The Altman Law Firm helps North Miami residents navigate these overlapping insurance layers, working to identify all potential sources of coverage, including bodily injury liability and uninsured motorist policies.
Our community sees a wide variety of traffic incidents, from rear-end collisions in stop-and-go traffic near the I-95 interchanges to severe hit-and-runs in residential neighborhoods. Hit-and-run accidents and crashes involving uninsured motorists are particularly challenging, as they can leave victims unsure of how to pay for their care. We thoroughly investigate the circumstances of your crash, gathering available traffic camera footage, police reports from local Miami-Dade authorities, and witness statements to build a clear picture of what happened. Our goal is to hold negligent parties accountable and seek appropriate compensation for your hardships.
It is important to remember that Florida law places strict time limits, known as the statute of limitations, on how long you have to file a personal injury lawsuit or a wrongful death claim. Waiting too long can permanently bar you from seeking justice. Additionally, Florida follows comparative negligence rules. This means that even if you are found partially responsible for the accident, you may still be eligible to recover damages, though your recovery would be reduced by your percentage of fault. Consulting with a legal professional promptly helps preserve crucial evidence and ensures your claims are filed within the necessary legal deadlines.
First, ensure your safety and seek emergency medical attention if anyone is injured. Call local law enforcement to report the crash, which creates an official record. If you are able, document the scene by taking photos of the vehicles, license plates, and your surroundings. Finally, notify your insurance company, but consider speaking with legal counsel before giving a recorded statement to adjusters.
Personal Injury Protection (PIP) typically covers up to eighty percent of reasonable and necessary medical expenses up to your policy limit, which is often ten thousand dollars. For serious injuries, PIP is rarely enough to cover hospital stays, surgeries, or ongoing physical therapy. If your injuries qualify under Florida law, you may be able to file a claim against the responsible driver for additional expenses.
If you are involved in a collision with an uninsured or underinsured driver, or if you are the victim of a hit-and-run, you may need to rely on your own Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage if you elected to carry it. UM coverage is designed to step in and act as the at-fault driver's insurance. We can review your policy to help you understand what coverage is available to you.
Even collisions that seem minor at first can result in hidden injuries, like whiplash or soft tissue damage, which may take days to fully manifest. Insurance companies often try to settle these claims quickly and for minimal amounts. Having legal representation ensures that your injuries are properly evaluated and that you do not inadvertently sign away your rights before understanding the full impact of the crash.
If you or a loved one has been hurt in a North Miami car crash, contact the Altman Law Firm today to discuss your situation and explore your legal options. Call (305) 373-3730.