Miami Personal Injury Lawyer - Free Consultation, Available 24/7
If you or someone you love has been hurt in an accident, we understand how overwhelming this moment feels. The medical bills are mounting, you may not be able to work, and the insurance company is already calling. You should not have to navigate this alone.
At Connect Attorneys, we fight for injured people in Miami. No fees or costs unless we recover compensation for you.
1-833-77CONNECTTypes of Personal Injury Cases We Handle in Miami
Whether your injury happened on I-95, at a construction site in Brickell, or in a parking lot in Doral, our attorneys handle every type of personal injury case in Miami-Dade County and throughout Florida.
Car Accidents
Rear-end collisions, T-bones, hit-and-runs, and high-speed crashes on I-95, US-1, and every Miami road. We take on the insurance companies that try to minimize your claim and fight for the full compensation you need to recover.
Truck Accidents
Semi-trucks, tractor-trailers, and commercial vehicles cause devastating injuries. We investigate federal motor carrier violations, obtain black box data, and hold trucking companies and their insurers accountable.
Motorcycle Accidents
Riders are unfairly blamed after crashes. We combat rider bias with thorough accident reconstruction and aggressive advocacy, fighting for every injured motorcyclist in Miami-Dade County.
Slip and Fall
Negligent property owners owe you a duty of care. When wet floors, broken stairs, poor lighting, or unmarked hazards cause your fall, we hold them accountable under Florida premises liability law.
Medical Malpractice
Surgical errors, misdiagnosis, medication mistakes, birth injuries - when healthcare providers fail their duty of care, the consequences can be catastrophic. We work with medical experts to build compelling cases.
Wrongful Death
Losing a loved one to negligence is devastating. Under F.S. §768.19, surviving family members may recover funeral expenses, lost support, and mental pain and suffering. We pursue justice with compassion and determination.
Dog Bites
Florida imposes strict liability on dog owners under F.S. §767.01. If a dog bites you in Miami, the owner is generally liable regardless of the animal's prior behavior. We fight for compensation for medical treatment, scarring, and emotional trauma.
Pedestrian Accidents
Miami consistently ranks among the most dangerous cities in the nation for pedestrians. Distracted drivers, failure to yield at crosswalks, and speeding in residential areas cause life-altering injuries. We pursue every source of compensation available.
Bicycle Accidents
Cyclists have the same rights as motorists on Florida roads. When a driver's negligence causes a bicycle accident, victims may recover medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage.
Workplace Injuries
While workers' compensation covers many workplace injuries, third-party claims may be available when someone other than your employer caused the accident - such as a subcontractor, equipment manufacturer, or property owner.
Brain Injuries
Traumatic brain injuries affect every aspect of a victim's life. We work with neurological experts and life care planners to calculate the full long-term cost of TBI, including future medical care, rehabilitation, and lost earning capacity.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries often result in partial or complete paralysis. These are among the highest-value personal injury cases because of the lifelong medical needs involved. We fight for every dollar our clients need.
Rideshare Accidents
Uber and Lyft accidents involve complex insurance coverage disputes between the driver's personal policy, the rideshare company's policy, and other parties. We know how to navigate these layers and pursue the maximum available coverage.
Boating Accidents
With Biscayne Bay, the Intracoastal Waterway, and the Atlantic Ocean at our doorstep, boating accidents are common in Miami. These cases may involve maritime law, multiple liable parties, and challenging evidence preservation.
Catastrophic Injuries
Amputations, severe burns, multiple fractures, and permanent disfigurement require attorneys with the resources and determination to fight for the full value of the claim. We bring in expert witnesses and build cases that demand fair compensation.
Florida Personal Injury Law - What You Need to Know
Understanding these key aspects of Florida law can help you protect your rights after an accident in Miami. This is general information - not legal advice for your specific situation.
No-Fault Insurance and PIP Coverage
Florida is a no-fault insurance state, meaning that after a car accident, your own insurance company pays for your initial medical treatment through Personal Injury Protection (PIP) - regardless of who caused the crash. Under F.S. §627.736, every Florida driver is required to carry at least $10,000 in PIP coverage.
There is a critical deadline: you must seek initial medical treatment within 14 days of the accident to preserve your PIP benefits. If you wait longer than 14 days to see a doctor, your PIP insurer can deny coverage entirely. This is why we tell every accident victim the same thing: see a doctor immediately, even if you feel fine. Some injuries - particularly soft tissue injuries, concussions, and internal bleeding - may not show symptoms right away.
PIP covers 80% of reasonable medical expenses and 60% of lost wages, up to the $10,000 limit. For serious injuries, this coverage is typically exhausted quickly. When your injuries exceed PIP limits, you may pursue a claim directly against the at-fault driver's liability insurance.
Note: PIP does not apply to motorcycles. Motorcycle accident victims in Florida may pursue a direct claim against the at-fault driver from the outset.
Modified Comparative Negligence (51% Bar)
In March 2023, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed HB 837 into law, fundamentally changing how fault is allocated in personal injury cases. Under the modified comparative negligence system codified in F.S. §768.81:
- You can recover damages as long as you are less than 51% at fault for the accident.
- Your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found 20% at fault and your damages total $100,000, you would recover $80,000.
- If you are found 51% or more at fault, you recover nothing.
This is a significant change from Florida's prior pure comparative negligence system, where you could recover some compensation even if you were 99% at fault. Insurance companies now aggressively argue that victims share significant fault in order to push them past the 51% threshold. Having an attorney who can counter these tactics is critical.
Statute of Limitations - Two Years
Under F.S. §95.11(3), you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit in Florida. This deadline was reduced from four years effective March 24, 2023 as part of HB 837.
For wrongful death cases, the two-year clock starts on the date of death, not the date of the accident that caused the death (F.S. §768.19).
Missing the statute of limitations deadline generally means permanently losing the right to file a lawsuit, regardless of how strong your case may be. We recommend contacting an attorney as soon as possible after an accident.
Damages Available Under Florida Law
Depending on the facts of your case, you may be entitled to recover:
- Medical expenses - past, current, and future treatment costs
- Lost wages - income lost during recovery and diminished future earning capacity
- Pain and suffering - physical pain and emotional distress caused by your injuries
- Loss of enjoyment of life - inability to participate in activities you previously enjoyed
- Property damage - repair or replacement of vehicles and personal property
- Punitive damages - in cases involving intentional misconduct or gross negligence (subject to statutory caps)
Have questions about how Florida law applies to your case? Call 1-833-77CONNECT for a free consultation.
Dangerous Roads and Accident Patterns in Miami-Dade County
Miami-Dade County consistently ranks among the most dangerous counties in Florida for traffic fatalities and serious injuries. The combination of congested highways, aggressive driving, tourist traffic unfamiliar with local roads, heavy commercial vehicles, and year-round construction creates conditions that lead to thousands of accidents every year.
Our attorneys have handled cases involving collisions on many of Miami's most dangerous roads:
- Interstate 95 (I-95) - The primary north-south interstate through Miami-Dade County carries over 300,000 vehicles daily. The stretch through Downtown Miami, Overtown, and the Golden Glades interchange sees frequent rear-end collisions, lane-change accidents, and multi-vehicle pileups, particularly during rush hour and in construction zones.
- US-1 / South Dixie Highway / Biscayne Boulevard - Running the full length of Miami-Dade County from Homestead through Coral Gables, Brickell, Downtown, and north through Edgewater and North Miami, US-1 passes through dense commercial corridors and high-pedestrian areas. Pedestrian and bicycle accidents are particularly common along this route.
- Dolphin Expressway (SR 836) - This major east-west toll road connecting Miami International Airport to Downtown Miami and I-95 is notorious for high-speed merging collisions, especially at the interchange with I-95 and the Palmetto Expressway.
- Palmetto Expressway (SR 826) - Connecting Hialeah, Doral, Kendall, and Miami Lakes, the Palmetto carries heavy commuter and commercial traffic. The interchange with SR 836 is one of the most dangerous interchanges in the county.
- Flagler Street - Running east-west through Downtown Miami, Flagler Street is a high-pedestrian corridor near the county courthouse, bus stops, and commercial businesses. Pedestrian accidents are frequent.
- Biscayne Boulevard (north of Downtown) - Through Edgewater, the Design District, and Upper East Side, Biscayne Boulevard sees frequent pedestrian and bicycle accidents, particularly at night near entertainment districts in Wynwood and Midtown.
- SW 8th Street (Calle Ocho) - The main corridor through Little Havana carries a mix of commercial, residential, and pedestrian traffic with frequent intersection accidents.
- MacArthur Causeway and Julia Tuttle Causeway - The causeways connecting Miami Beach to the mainland see accidents involving tourist traffic, rideshare vehicles, and commercial trucks, particularly on weekend nights.
Miami-Specific Accident Patterns
- Tourist and rental car traffic - Millions of visitors drive in Miami annually. Tourists unfamiliar with local roads, particularly around South Beach, the airport corridor, and Downtown, are involved in a disproportionate number of accidents.
- Rideshare congestion in Brickell, Wynwood, and South Beach - Heavy Uber and Lyft traffic creates unpredictable stopping patterns, double-parking, and sudden U-turns, particularly on weekend nights in entertainment districts.
- Cruise port traffic - PortMiami on Dodge Island generates concentrated traffic surges as thousands of passengers arrive and depart. The MacArthur Causeway approach is a frequent accident location.
- Construction zones - Ongoing highway expansion and building construction throughout Miami-Dade County create lane shifts, reduced visibility, and hazardous conditions.
- Afternoon thunderstorms - Miami's frequent heavy rainstorms cause hydroplaning, reduced visibility, and flooding, particularly on I-95 and the expressways.
Injured on a Miami road? Call 1-833-77CONNECT - we handle accidents on every road in Miami-Dade County.
What to Do After an Accident in Miami - Step by Step
Call 911 and Report the Accident
Under Florida law, you must report any accident involving injuries, death, or property damage over $500. Call 911 immediately. A police report creates an official record of the accident that becomes important evidence in your case. If the accident occurred in the City of Miami, the Miami Police Department will respond. In unincorporated Miami-Dade, the Miami-Dade Police Department handles the report.
Document the Scene
If you are physically able, take photos and video of the accident scene, all vehicles involved, license plates, traffic signals, skid marks, road conditions, and your visible injuries. Get contact information and insurance details from the other driver. Collect names and phone numbers of any witnesses.
Seek Medical Attention Within 14 Days
This is critical. Under Florida's PIP statute (F.S. §627.736), you must seek initial medical treatment within 14 days of the accident or you forfeit your PIP insurance benefits entirely. Even if you feel fine after the accident, see a doctor. Many injuries - concussions, soft tissue injuries, internal bleeding - have delayed symptoms. Your medical records also become essential evidence in your personal injury claim.
Do Not Give a Recorded Statement to the Other Driver's Insurance
The at-fault driver's insurance company may contact you quickly - sometimes within hours of the accident. They may seem friendly and concerned, but their goal is to minimize what they pay. Do not provide a recorded statement, sign anything, or accept a settlement offer before speaking with an attorney. You are generally not legally required to give a statement to the other party's insurer.
Contact a Miami Personal Injury Attorney
The sooner you speak with an attorney, the better positioned you are to protect your rights. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget details, and the two-year statute of limitations clock is ticking. At Connect Attorneys, your initial consultation is free, and we handle personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis - no fees or costs unless we recover compensation for you.
Just been in an accident? Call 1-833-77CONNECT now - available 24/7.
How a Personal Injury Case Works at Connect Attorneys
Free Consultation
We listen to your story, review the facts of your accident, and explain your legal options. There is no cost and no obligation. If we take your case, you pay nothing upfront.
Investigation
We gather evidence - police reports, medical records, witness statements, surveillance footage, expert analyses. We build the strongest possible case to establish the other party's liability and the full extent of your damages.
Demand and Negotiation
Once we have a complete picture of your damages, we send a demand to the insurance company. We negotiate aggressively, backed by the trial preparation we have already completed. Most cases resolve at this stage.
Litigation If Needed
If the insurance company refuses to offer fair compensation, we file a lawsuit and take the case to court. We prepare every case for trial from day one - that is not a bluff, it is our process.
Resolution
Whether through settlement, mediation, or trial verdict, we fight to get you the compensation you need to move forward. You do not pay us unless we win.
Miami Resources for Accident Victims
If you have been injured in an accident in Miami, these local resources may be helpful:
Hospitals and Trauma Centers
- Jackson Memorial Hospital / Ryder Trauma Center - Miami-Dade County's only Level I adult trauma center (1611 NW 12th Ave)
- Mercy Hospital - Coconut Grove / Brickell area (3663 S Miami Ave)
- Baptist Health South Florida - Baptist Hospital - Kendall area (8900 N Kendall Dr)
Law Enforcement
- Miami-Dade Police Department - For accidents in unincorporated Miami-Dade County
- City of Miami Police Department - For accidents within the City of Miami limits
- Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) - Crash reports, road conditions, and traffic data
Courts
- Eleventh Judicial Circuit of Florida - Miami-Dade County courts
- Richard E. Gerstein Justice Building - Main courthouse, 1351 NW 12th St, Miami, FL 33125
Miami Personal Injury Lawyer - Frequently Asked Questions
These FAQs provide general information about Florida law and are not legal advice. The answers may not apply to your specific situation. Consult with an attorney for guidance on your particular case.
How much does a Miami personal injury lawyer cost?
At Connect Attorneys, we handle personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing upfront - no retainers, no hourly bills. No fees or costs unless we recover compensation for you. The initial consultation is always free.
How long do I have to file a personal injury lawsuit in Florida?
Florida's statute of limitations for most personal injury claims is two years from the date of the accident (F.S. §95.11(3)). This deadline was reduced from four years effective March 24, 2023 under HB 837. Missing this deadline generally means permanently losing your right to file a lawsuit. Contact an attorney as soon as possible after your injury.
What is Florida's modified comparative negligence rule?
Under Florida's modified comparative negligence system (F.S. §768.81, amended by HB 837 in March 2023), you can recover damages as long as you are less than 51% at fault for the accident. Your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault. If you are found 51% or more at fault, you recover nothing. Insurance companies routinely try to shift blame onto victims to reduce payouts - an experienced attorney can counter these tactics.
What is PIP insurance and how does it affect my Miami accident claim?
Florida is a no-fault state requiring all drivers to carry $10,000 in Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage (F.S. §627.736). PIP covers your initial medical expenses and a portion of lost wages regardless of who caused the accident. However, you must seek medical treatment within 14 days of the accident or forfeit your PIP benefits. For serious injuries that exceed PIP limits, you may pursue a claim directly against the at-fault driver.
What compensation can I recover in a Miami personal injury case?
Depending on the circumstances of your case, you may be entitled to compensation for: medical expenses (past and future), lost wages and diminished earning capacity, pain and suffering, emotional distress, property damage, loss of enjoyment of life, and in some cases, punitive damages. Every case is different - contact us for a free evaluation of your specific situation.
Should I talk to the insurance company after my accident?
We strongly recommend that you do not give a recorded statement to the other driver's insurance company before speaking with an attorney. Insurance adjusters are trained to ask questions designed to minimize your claim or create statements that can be used against you later. You are generally not legally obligated to provide a recorded statement to the other party's insurer. Let your attorney handle communications with the insurance companies.
How long does a personal injury case in Miami typically take?
The timeline varies significantly depending on the complexity of the case, the severity of injuries, and whether the case settles or goes to trial. Some straightforward cases may resolve in a few months through negotiation. Cases involving severe injuries, disputed liability, or litigation can take one to three years or longer. We keep our clients informed at every stage and work to resolve cases as efficiently as possible without sacrificing the value of the claim.
Do you handle cases outside of Miami?
Yes. Our attorneys are licensed by the Florida Bar, which means we can represent clients in personal injury cases anywhere in the state of Florida. While our office is in Brickell, we regularly handle cases involving accidents throughout Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties.
Do you speak Spanish?
Yes. Hablamos Español. Our bilingual attorneys and staff serve Miami's diverse community in both English and Spanish. We believe language should never be a barrier to quality legal representation.
Have a question not listed here? Call 1-833-77CONNECT - we are happy to help.
Injured in Miami? We Fight for You.
You should not have to deal with insurance companies alone. Our attorneys handle everything so you can focus on healing. Call now or fill out the form - we respond within 24 hours.
1-833-77CONNECTConnect Attorneys PLLC
701 Brickell Avenue, Suite 1550
Miami, FL 33131
No fees or costs unless we recover compensation for you.