Accidents are a leading cause of death and disability in the US, but you might not appreciate the risks of being injured as you go about your day in Miami. Data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is disturbing: Unintentional injuries kill almost 201,000 fatalities yearly, placing them in the #4 spot after heart disease, cancer, and COVID. Plus, accidents send almost 98 million people to the ER, while another 25 million people visit their primary care physician for treatment of unintentional injuries.
Personal injury accidents are preventable and usually only occur because of negligent acts, so it is reassuring to know that Florida law protects your interests. However, there are multiple remedies available depending on the circumstances, and you must meet the relevant legal requirements to qualify for compensation. It is wise to get help from a Miami personal injury and accident lawyer if you were hurt because of:
Motor Vehicle Collisions
Car, motorcycle, and truck crashes can lead to devastating injuries, which is why Florida law requires motorists to carry auto insurance coverage for liability purposes. If you were hurt, you file a claim with the responsible motorist’s insurance company. You could also file a claim under your own Personal Injury Protection (PIP) police, in which case you do not need to show that the other driver was at fault.
Accidents Involving Vulnerable Road Users
Individuals on foot or bicycle may not be operating a motorized vehicle, but your rights after a pedestrian or bike accident are still covered by Florida auto crash laws. You file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurer and attempt to work out an out-of-court settlement. If the insurance company refuses to pay fairly, you will need to sue.
Slip and Falls
Property and business owners have a duty to keep their spaces safe, and Florida premises liability laws cover accidents when they fail to exercise reasonable care. Victims can suffer broken bones, traumatic brain injury (TBI), concussion, soft tissue injuries, and many other types of trauma from:
- Wet and slippery surfaces;
- Unsecured debris, inventory, and equipment;
- Loose flooring;
- Insufficient lighting in common areas;
- Broken railings on staircases and balconies;
- Loose wiring and electrical components; and,
- Criminal activity.
Medical Malpractice
Health care providers are held to a certain standard of care when delivering treatment, and they can be held accountable when they deviate from it. There are special procedural requirements under Florida medical negligence laws when pursuing a physician for some of the most common medical errors, including:
- Birth injuries;
- Medication mistakes;
- Misdiagnosis; and,
- Surgical errors.
Discuss Legal Remedies with a Miami Personal Injury Attorney Today
By meeting all legal criteria, you may qualify to recover medical costs, pain and suffering, and many other monetary damages. Our team at Gerson & Schwartz, PA will be at your side throughout the process, so please contact our offices in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, or West Palm Beach, FL for additional details. You can call (305) 371-6000 or visit us online to schedule a free consultation.