Miami Car Accident Lawyer – Legal Help When You Need It Most - Rafaeli Law PLLC

Car accidents can change lives in an instant. In a city as fast-moving and congested as Miami, these crashes are unfortunately common. Whether you were rear-ended on I-95, hit by a distracted driver near Downtown, or involved in a multi-vehicle pileup in Little Havana, you deserve legal guidance that is fast, reliable, and backed by experience.

At Rafaeli Law PLLC, our Miami car accident lawyers help crash victims get compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and long-term recovery. We know how the insurance companies work, and we don’t let them take advantage of you.

Learn more about our attorneys and their experience handling complex injury cases.

Common Car Accident Injuries in Miami

Car crashes can result in a wide range of physical trauma. The severity often depends on factors like vehicle speed, type of impact, and whether seatbelts or airbags were used. Our attorneys frequently represent clients dealing with:

A car crash doesn’t have to be high-speed to cause serious injury. Even low-impact collisions can leave lasting damage. We help clients recover from:

  • Whiplash and soft tissue injuries: Common in rear-end collisions, these injuries can cause chronic neck and back pain that disrupts daily life.
  • Concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBI): Even minor head trauma can lead to memory issues, mood changes, and long-term cognitive effects.
  • Broken bones and fractures: Arms, legs, ribs, and facial bones are often fractured in serious crashes, requiring surgery and long recovery times.
  • Internal bleeding or organ damage: These hidden injuries are life-threatening and often require emergency surgical intervention.
  • Spinal cord injuries and paralysis: Severe impacts can cause partial or complete paralysis, dramatically altering a victim’s future.
  • Burn injuries from vehicle fires or explosions: Accidents involving ruptured fuel tanks can lead to painful, disfiguring burns requiring skin grafts.

Explore our full personal injury practice for more information on the types of injuries we handle.

Common Causes of Car Accidents in Miami, FL

According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), Miami-Dade County reported over 63,000 traffic crashes in 2023, the highest in the state. The most common causes include:

  • Distracted driving (texting, phone use)
  • Speeding or aggressive lane changes
  • Drunk or impaired driving
  • Running red lights or stop signs
  • Tailgating and rear-end collisions
  • Drowsy driving

These issues are compounded by tourist traffic and frequent construction zones. According to Miami-Dade County’s Vision Zero initiative, efforts are underway to reduce severe crashes through better street design and driver education.

With tourism, high traffic density, and unpredictable weather, Miami drivers face risks every day. When others make careless mistakes, you shouldn’t be left to pick up the pieces alone.

View 2023 FLHSMV Crash Data

Common Car Accident Injuries in Miami

Injury Type

Description

Common Causes

Recovery Time

Whiplash

Soft tissue neck injury due to sudden back-and-forth motion

Rear-end collisions

Weeks to months

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

Disruption in brain function from impact

Head-on or side-impact crashes

Months to lifelong

Bone Fractures

Breaks in bones such as arms, legs, or ribs

High-speed collisions

6-12 weeks or more

Internal Injuries

Damage to internal organs or bleeding

Blunt force trauma from seatbelts or steering wheel

Varies—often emergency surgery required

Spinal Cord Injury

Damage to spine resulting in nerve impairment or paralysis

Severe crashes, rollovers

Lifelong management required

Burns

Thermal injuries due to fire or hot metal

Vehicle fires, fuel leaks

Weeks to multiple surgeries over time

Many accident victims don’t feel the full effects of an injury until hours or days later. That’s why it’s crucial to see a doctor after any crash, and speak with a car accident attorney in Miami to protect your rights.

What Compensation Are You Entitled to After a Car Accident?

Florida’s car accident laws allow injury victims to pursue damages for:

  • Medical bills (past and future)
  • Rehabilitation or physical therapy
  • Lost income and reduced earning potential
  • Pain and suffering
  • Property damage (vehicle repair or replacement)
  • Loss of enjoyment of life

We build a claim that reflects the true impact of your injuries—both now and in the future.

Visit our Miami Personal Injury Lawyer page for more insights on available compensation.

What Is the 14-Day Rule?

Florida’s 14-day rule requires you to seek medical treatment within 14 days of your car accident to qualify for Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits under your auto insurance. Missing this deadline could forfeit thousands of dollars in coverage.

That’s why we recommend visiting a doctor immediately, even if you feel fine, and contacting our Miami accident attorneys as soon as possible.

Read our blog for more legal tips after a crash.

How Does No-Fault Insurance Work in Florida?

Florida follows a no-fault insurance model. This means:

  • Your own PIP insurance pays for your medical expenses and a portion of lost wages, regardless of who caused the accident.
  • You can sue the at-fault driver for damages only if your injuries meet a “serious injury” threshold.

Our car accident law firm in Miami, FL, helps clients understand their no-fault benefits and when they’re eligible to step outside the no-fault system.

Why Choose Rafaeli Law PLLC as Your Personal Injury Lawyer

When you choose Rafaeli Law PLLC, you’re choosing a team that:

  • Knows Miami Inside and Out: We understand the local roads, traffic patterns, and insurance tactics specific to South Florida.
  • Offers Bilingual Legal Support: We serve both English and Spanish-speaking clients with respect and clarity.
  • Has a Track Record of Results: Our case results reflect our commitment to securing full compensation for injury victims.
  • Provides 24/7 Availability: Accidents don’t wait for business hours. We’re here whenever you need us.
  • Gives Personalized Attention: We treat every client like family—not just a case number.

Read client testimonials to hear what others say about working with our firm.

Let us fight for you the way we would for our own.

When Can You Take Legal Action Against Another Driver?

Under Florida law, you may pursue a personal injury lawsuit against another driver when your injuries involve:

  • Significant or permanent loss of a bodily function
  • Permanent injury
  • Significant scarring or disfigurement
  • Death (in wrongful death cases)

Learn how wrongful death claims work, and how our team helps grieving families get justice.

Types of Car Accidents We Handle

Every crash is unique, but certain types of collisions are more common on Miami’s roads. We tailor our legal strategies to the type and cause of your accident. These include:

  • Rear-end accidents: Often caused by distracted driving or tailgating, these crashes can cause whiplash and back injuries.
  • T-bone and intersection crashes: These typically occur when a driver runs a red light or fails to yield, leading to side-impact injuries.
  • Hit-and-run accidents: We help clients identify liable parties through police reports, surveillance footage, and witness statements.
  • Rideshare accidents (Uber/Lyft): Complex insurance rules apply—we navigate coverage between the driver and rideshare company.
  • DUI-related crashes: We aggressively pursue damages against impaired drivers and may seek punitive damages in severe cases.
  • Commercial vehicle or truck collisions: These high-impact accidents often involve multiple parties and require deep investigation.
  • Head-on collisions: Among the most deadly, head-on crashes often cause catastrophic injuries or fatalities requiring wrongful death action.

Learn about Miami truck accident cases and our approach to complex claims.

What To Do After a Car Crash in Miami

  1. Call 911 and request police and medical help.
  2. Exchange information with other drivers and witnesses.
  3. Take photos of the vehicles, injuries, and scene.
  4. Seek medical care immediately—even if injuries seem minor.
  5. Contact Rafaeli Law PLLC for a free case review.

Visit our Contact Page to schedule your consultation.

We’ll handle everything from there.

Testimonials

What Our Clients Are Saying

Hear from the clients who trusted us to fight for their justice—and found peace, resolution, and results.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

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

You should call 911, seek medical care, document the scene, and avoid discussing fault. Then, contact a car accident attorney in Miami to protect your rights.

2. Do I need to report a minor car accident in Miami-Dade County?

Yes. Florida law requires you to report accidents involving injuries, fatalities, or property damage over $500. File a report with Miami-Dade Police or FHP.

3. How long do I have to file a car accident claim in Florida?

Florida's statute of limitations for car accident lawsuits is generally two years from the date of the crash. It's best to act quickly to preserve evidence.

4. What if the other driver doesn’t have insurance?

You may still recover compensation through your own uninsured motorist (UM) coverage. We’ll help you navigate these claims for full protection.

5. Can I still recover damages if I was partially at fault in a Miami accident?

Yes. Florida follows a modified comparative fault rule. You can still recover damages as long as you're not more than 50% at fault.

6. How much is my Miami car accident case worth?

It depends on the severity of your injuries, medical costs, lost wages, and long-term impact. We offer free consultations to estimate your potential recovery.

7. Are rideshare accidents handled differently in Miami?

Yes. If you were in an Uber or Lyft crash, we would determine whether the driver was logged in or carrying a passenger to assess insurance liability.

8. How much does it cost to hire a Miami car accident lawyer?

At Rafaeli Law PLLC, we work on a contingency fee basis, you pay nothing unless we win your case.

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If you are facing a personal injury or insurance dispute, Rafaeli Law PLLC is here to help. We are dedicated to protecting your rights and helping you secure the compensation you deserve.