Opa-Locka Car Accident Lawyer

Any person who drives through Opa-Locka or any other part of Miami puts themselves at risk of a vehicle collision, which means that you may find yourself in need of an experienced Opa-Locka car accident lawyer. When you get in the driver’s seat, you are taking a chance that you may injure yourself or someone else. If you are injured in a car accident in Opa-Locka, our experienced attorneys are ready to fight for you.

Never think that you have to have experienced a devastating accident to hire legal representation. Free consultations are standard at Steinger, Greene & Feiner, a personal injury law firm, because we don’t believe that money should prevent you from seeking the assistance you need. Let us help you decide if it would be in your best interest to file a case, seeking compensation for your losses.

If you have been injured in a car accident in Opa-Locka, call our office at 800-431-6841 or contact us online to schedule your case evaluation.

After Your Opa-Locka Car Accident

The most important thing you can do after an accident is to seek medical attention. Even if you don’t think you are injured, you may experience symptoms days after your wreck. Head, neck and back injuries aren’t always immediately apparent. Let a medical professional make that diagnosis — your health is too important for guesswork.

It’s normal to get out of your vehicle after an accident to check on property damage and speak to others involved. Never admit fault or apologize for the wreck. You need to be very careful with your words following the accident. The things you say could hurt your case should you determine that seeking compensation is necessary.

Feel free to exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver but nothing more. You aren’t required to speak to anyone until law enforcement arrives. No matter who you are talking to, never offer your opinion. Stick to the facts.

Car Accident Statistics for Opa Locka, Florida

Opa-Locka is relatively small compared to many Miami-Dade cities, but it still has busy streets and dangerous intersections. According to the most recent statistics for Miami-Dade County, in 2023, there were 64,009 accidents, resulting in 29,816 injuries and 324 fatalities. Of these accidents, 21,394 were hit-and-run incidents, with 35 fatal accidents. These numbers reflect the prevalent risks faced by residents and travelers in the area, highlighting the need for awareness and caution while driving in Opa-Locka.

Causes of Car Accidents in Opa-Locka

The causes of car accidents in Opa-Locka are as varied as the types of crashes themselves. However, some common contributing factors include:

• Distracted Driving: With the increase in smartphone use, distracted driving is a leading cause of accidents in Opa-Locka. Drivers who text, talk on the phone, or engage in other distractions behind the wheel often fail to react in time to prevent collisions.
• Speeding and Reckless Driving: Many accidents occur when drivers exceed speed limits or fail to adjust their speed to match road conditions.
• Driving Under the Influence: DUI-related accidents are still common, particularly during late hours or weekends. Impaired drivers, whether due to alcohol or drugs, are unable to react appropriately to traffic conditions, often leading to serious accidents.
• Weather Conditions: Heavy rain, frequent thunderstorms, and occasional flooding in Opa-Locka can make roads slick and reduce visibility, increasing the risk of accidents.
• Negligence at Intersections: Opa-Locka’s busy intersections are hotspots for accidents caused by drivers failing to yield or running red lights. Intersection accidents are more likely in areas with heavy traffic and a higher concentration of pedestrians.

Being aware of these common causes can help drivers take proactive steps to avoid accidents. Whether it’s staying off the phone while driving, adjusting speed in bad weather, or being extra cautious at intersections, avoiding these common pitfalls can reduce the likelihood of accidents in Opa-Locka.

Common Types of Car Accidents That Occur in Opa Locka

Opa Locka is no stranger to major car accidents. Its proximity to the Golden Glades interchange of I-95 and status as a byway through northern Miami means that it sees its fair share of heavy traffic and harrowing accidents.

Types of major accidents in Opa Locka include:

• T-Bone Collisions: These are especially common at busy intersections like those along NW 27th Ave/SR 9 and NW 119th St./SR 924. Drivers running red lights or failing to yield are often at fault, and these accidents can result in significant injuries, especially to passengers in the side of the vehicle.
• Sideswipe Accidents: On busy state routes, like SR 9, sideswipe accidents are frequent as drivers try to merge or change lanes quickly in heavy traffic. These accidents often happen when one driver doesn’t signal or misjudges the distance between vehicles.
• Rear-End Collisions: With frequent stop-and-go traffic, especially near the Golden Glades Interchange, rear-end collisions are common. Drivers failing to maintain a safe distance or distracted driving (such as texting) are often responsible for these types of accidents.
• Head-On Collisions: These accidents are less frequent but particularly dangerous, occurring when drivers lose control of their vehicles and cross medians. Given the traffic conditions in Opa-Locka, this often happens during heavy rains or at high speeds on roads like NW 27th Ave/SR 9.
• Drunk Driving Accidents: DUI accidents remain a significant issue in Opa-Locka, especially on major roads leading to and from the Golden Glades interchange. These accidents often occur late at night or during the weekend, with alcohol impairment contributing to driver error and loss of control.

Anyone who has been hurt can rely on an experienced car accident lawyer in Opa Locka to represent their case and seek the maximum amount of available compensation.

Steinger, Greene & Feiner has offices local to Opa Locka and motivated attorneys ready to evaluate your case. Our staff includes bilingual car crash lawyers near Opa Locka who can help predominantly Spanish-speaking individuals and their close relatives build strong car accident cases.

Florida Car Accidents Laws

If you’ve been involved in a car accident in Opa-Locka, it’s important to understand the laws that govern how your case will be handled and what your rights are.

Florida operates under a no-fault insurance system, which means that after an accident, your own insurance (Personal Injury Protection, or PIP) will cover a portion of your medical expenses and lost wages, regardless of who caused the accident. PIP typically covers 80% of medical bills up to $10,000 and 60% of lost wages. However, PIP doesn’t cover pain and suffering, and it may not fully compensate for more serious injuries, such as broken bones or head trauma. If your injuries meet certain thresholds—such as permanent disability, significant disfigurement, or long-term impairments—you may be able to sue the at-fault driver for additional compensation, including pain and suffering.

Comparative Negligence and Reductions in Compensation

In Florida, we also have comparative negligence laws. This means that if you are found to be partially at fault for the accident, your compensation can be reduced based on the percentage of fault assigned to you. For example, if you are deemed 20% responsible for the crash, your compensation will be reduced by 20%. This system can work in your favor if the other driver is also partially at fault.

Statute of Limitations: Time Is Critical

Additionally, Florida has a two-year statute of limitations for filing personal injury claims. That means you must file a lawsuit within two years of the date of the accident, or you lose your right to seek compensation. This is critical because many victims think they have more time, but waiting too long can be detrimental to your case.

DUI and Reckless Driving: Additional Consequences for the At-Fault Driver

If the accident involved a drunk driver or was caused by reckless driving, there could be criminal charges in addition to the civil lawsuit you may pursue for damages. A driver found guilty of DUI could face jail time, fines, and a suspended license—on top of being liable for your medical costs and other damages.

If you’ve been injured in an accident in Opa-Locka, don’t wait to consult with a Opa-Locka personal injury attorney —timing is everything, and getting the right help early can make a significant difference in your case.

What Types of Compensation Are You Eligible for After an Accident in Opa-Locka?

If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Opa-Locka, you may be entitled to several types of compensation, depending on the severity of your injuries and the circumstances of the accident. Here are the key forms of compensation you may be eligible for:

• Medical Expenses: Your PIP insurance will cover 80% of medical bills, but if your injuries meet the serious injury threshold, you may pursue further compensation through a third-party liability claim to cover the remaining medical costs.
• Lost Wages: PIP will cover 60% of lost wages, but if your injuries impact your ability to work long-term, additional compensation may be available for future lost earnings.
• Pain and Suffering: If your injuries are severe, you can seek compensation for physical and emotional distress. The amount depends on factors such as the severity of the injury and its long-term impact on your life.
• Property Damage: You can be compensated for repairs or replacement of your vehicle and personal property damaged in the accident.
• Loss of Consortium: If a loved one has been seriously injured, you may be eligible for compensation for the loss of companionship and support.
• Punitive Damages: In cases of gross negligence or reckless behavior, such as DUI, you may be entitled to punitive damages to punish the at-fault driver.

An experienced personal injury lawyer will help ensure you pursue all the compensation you’re entitled to and handle the complexities of your case. From gathering necessary evidence to negotiating with insurance companies, they will fight for your rights, so you can focus on healing and recovering.

What To DO After a Car Accident in Opa-Locka

Being involved in a car accident in Opa-Locka can be a stressful and overwhelming experience. Your health and well-being should be your top priority, but it’s also crucial to understand the steps you need to take to protect your legal rights and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve. Here are the key actions you should take immediately following an accident:

1. Seek Medical Attention Immediately
   Even if you feel fine after the accident, it’s essential to seek medical attention. Some injuries, like head, neck, and back pain, may not be immediately apparent but could worsen over time. Delaying medical treatment can hurt both your health and your case, as it may give insurance companies a reason to argue that your injuries were not caused by the accident.
2. Gather Evidence
   Take photos of the accident scene, your injuries, and any property damage. If possible, get witness statements and contact information from anyone who saw the accident happen. This evidence will be crucial for proving your case, especially if there’s a dispute about who was at fault. The more evidence you have, the stronger your claim will be.
3. Do Not Accept the First Settlement
   Insurance companies often offer quick settlements to accident victims, but these initial offers are usually much lower than what you’re entitled to. Insurance companies are looking out for their bottom line, not your best interest. Before accepting any offer, it’s important to consult with an experienced car accident lawyer to ensure that you’re getting a fair settlement that fully covers your medical expenses, lost wages, pain, and suffering.
4. Contact a personal injury lawyer
   Before talking to insurance companies or signing any documents, contact a skilled Opa-Locka car accident attorney. Our team at Steinger, Greene & Feiner is ready to review any settlement offers, assess the details of your case, and guide you on whether to accept the offer or pursue a larger settlement. A lawyer can also ensure that your legal rights are protected throughout the entire process.

By taking these important steps, you’ll put yourself in the best position to recover the compensation you deserve and make the recovery process smoother and less stressful. Don’t wait—contact a lawyer as soon as possible to discuss your case.

Your Next Step is to Call an Opa-Locka Car Accident Attorney

It’s not unusual for people to forego speaking with an attorney following an accident. They almost always contact their insurance agent, and they often make the mistake of accepting the first settlement that is offered. Keep in mind that when you do this, you end your case. Even if you decide later that the settlement offer was too low, you have little or no recourse.

Before you speak to anyone, or sign anything to accept an offer from an insurance agent, call our office. Our Opa-Locka car accident attorneys will review the offer and help you determine if accepting it is in your best interest. The insurance company is only looking out for themselves.

Steinger, Greene & Feiner Stands Up for You

When you are involved in a vehicle collision in Opa-Locka, you deserve to have an experienced attorney on your side. Call the Opa-Locka car accident lawyers at Steinger, Greene & Feiner at 800-431-6841 to schedule your free case evaluation. You can also reach out to us online at your convenience. Our Opa-Locka accident attorneys are ready to talk to you today.

FAQ on Car Accident in Opa-Locka