A serious car accident in Miami can cause devastating injuries and lasting financial challenges. When medical bills, lost wages, and pain add up, filing a lawsuit may be the best way to seek justice and full compensation.
Our Miami car accident lawyers have created a guide explaining the steps involved in pursuing a lawsuit for a car accident with severe injuries in Miami.
Step 1: Get Legal Guidance Right Away
After a serious crash, your first move should be to consult an experienced Miami car accident attorney. During this initial meeting, your lawyer will:
- Review the facts of your case
- Evaluate your injuries and damages
- Explain your legal rights and options under Florida law
Because Florida’s statute of limitations for personal injury cases is two years (Florida Statute § 95.11), it’s important to begin the process quickly to protect your right to recover compensation.
Step 2: Conduct A Comprehensive Case Investigation
To get your case started, you or your lawyer must launch an in-depth investigation to uncover how the crash occurred and who’s at fault. This may include:
- Reviewing the accident report from the Miami Police Department and any crash scene documentation
- Interviewing witnesses and examining video footage
- Gathering medical records to show the severity of your injuries
- Consulting accident reconstruction and medical experts
This stage lays the groundwork for proving negligence and liability.
Step 3: Determine Who’s Responsible And What Coverage Applies
In Miami, severe car accidents often involve more than one responsible party. Your attorney will analyze all potential sources of recovery, such as:
- Your PIP coverage
- The at-fault driver’s auto insurance
- Your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage
- Third parties (e.g., employers, vehicle manufacturers, rideshare companies)
Identifying every liable party ensures no compensation opportunity is missed.
Step 4: File A Personal Injury Lawsuit
Once sufficient evidence is collected, your lawyer can file a formal complaint in Miami-Dade County court. This document explains:
- What happened in the accident
- Who is being sued
- What damages are being sought
Filing the complaint officially begins your lawsuit and sets the legal process in motion.
Step 5: Notify the Defendants And Await Their Response
After filing, each defendant must be legally served with the lawsuit. Their answer to the lawsuit may deny allegations, shift blame, or raise defenses, but your attorney will handle all communication and next steps.
Step 6: Exchange Information During Discovery
Discovery is the stage where both sides share evidence and build their arguments. This process can involve:
- Depositions
- Interrogatories
- Requests for documents and evidence
Discovery can take several months, but is essential for preparing a strong case.
Step 7: Explore Settlement Through Mediation Or Negotiation
Before trial, the court may order mediation, where a neutral third party helps both sides discuss possible settlement options.
Most Miami car accident cases reach a settlement at this point. Your attorney will evaluate each offer carefully to ensure it covers all your losses.
Step 8: Take Your Case To Trial If Necessary
If negotiations fail, the case proceeds to trial. Your attorney will present evidence, call witnesses, and argue before a judge or jury. The jury then decides whether the defendant is liable and, if so, how much compensation you should receive.
Trials can be lengthy, but they’re sometimes the only path to full justice, especially in cases involving severe, life-changing injuries.
Step 9: Handle Post-Trial Matters Or Appeals
After a verdict, either side may appeal if they believe a legal error occurred. If you win, your lawyer will take steps to collect and distribute your award, ensuring all liens, bills, and legal fees are properly managed.
You Must Know What Damages You Can Recover
It is integral that you know what compensation you may be able to recover. If you don’t, you risk settling for much less than you deserve.
Victims of severe Miami car accidents may qualify for various types of compensation, depending on the facts of the case.
Your economic damages could include all current and future medical care, property damage costs, your lost wages, and any effect on your ability to work in the future. Your non-economic damages could include things like mental anguish, pain and suffering, and lost enjoyment of life.
Be Sure You Understand The Statute Of Limitations And Why You Should Act Fast
As mentioned above, most car accident injury victims have two years from the date of the crash to file a lawsuit. This time limit applies to cases involving severe or catastrophic injuries as well.
Waiting too long can have serious consequences:
- Critical evidence like surveillance footage or vehicle data can be lost or destroyed.
- Witnesses’ memories may fade.
- Insurance companies may gain the upper hand in negotiations.
Even if you’re still recovering, contacting a lawyer as soon as possible helps ensure your case is protected from the start. Your attorney can begin investigating, communicating with insurers, and preparing your claim while you focus on healing.
In short, the sooner you act, the stronger your case can be.
How Can I Afford A Car Accident Lawyer In Miami?
Many people hesitate to call a lawyer because they fear the cost, but our Miami personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis.
That means:
- You pay nothing upfront.
- You owe no fees unless your attorney wins your case.
- Your lawyer’s payment comes as a percentage of your settlement or verdict.
This arrangement allows you to focus on recovery while your attorney handles everything, including investigations, court filings, negotiations, and trial preparation, without adding financial stress.
Trying to handle a severe injury case on your own can be overwhelming. You’d be responsible for:
- Collecting evidence and expert testimony
- Meeting strict filing deadlines and understanding all court procedures
- Negotiating against insurance adjusters trained to minimize payouts
- Presenting complex medical and financial proof in court
Without legal experience, even a small procedural mistake could weaken or delay your claim. Having a lawyer ensures that every detail, from evidence gathering to final settlement, is handled professionally and effectively.
Protect Your Rights After A Serious Miami Car Accident
Pursuing a lawsuit after a severe car accident can be complex, but you don’t have to handle it alone. A Miami car accident lawyer can guide you through every step and fight for the recovery you deserve.
If you’ve suffered serious injuries in a Miami car crash, take action now. Contact Anidjar & Levine today for a free consultation and learn how we can help you hold negligent drivers accountable and move forward with confidence.
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