TRUST A TOP PERSONAL INJURY LAW FIRM
Miami Car Accident Lawyers
Panter, Panter & Sampedro is the leading personal injury law firm in Miami dedicated to protecting Florida’s families. For over 30 years, our experienced car accident lawyers have worked one-on-one with clients to get the justice, recovery and compensation they deserve successfully.
Attorneys Handling All Types of Car Accidents in Miami and South Florida For Over 30 Years
Panter, Panter & Sampedro
Traffic collisions and car accidents are one of the leading causes of death in this nation each year. Every day, Florida motorists lose their lives or incur serious injuries as a result of an auto accident or crash. Operating a vehicle under the influence, during inclement weather or while distracted can all play a role in motor vehicle accidents. The car accident itself is only the start of what can be a lengthy process to file an insurance claim, establish fault, and gain closure to move on with your life.
Panter, Panter & Sampedro has been fighting alongside Miami car crash accident victims for over 30 years. We have the experience needed to navigate the usually complex legal and insurance process to secure the compensation that victims deserve.
If you have suffered serious injuries in a motor vehicle collision or crash or lost family members due to a careless driver, you need a car accident attorney trusted by thousands of clients to fight for their rights.
After Your Miami or South Florida Car Crash, Call Panter, Panter & Sampedro
Auto and car accidents and crashes fall under the broad legal category of what is known as personal injury. Personal injury covers physical injuries inflicted to a person’s mind, body or emotions. To determine the at-fault party, your likely next step is to file a claim with your insurance company and carrier for the other individuals involved.
Florida is a no-fault state, meaning that no matter who is responsible for causing the auto accident, you will be treated under your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits for the first $10,000 in medical bills. A PIP insurance claim opened to treat your injury is intended to enable an auto accident injury victim to begin immediate medical treatment without needing a court of law first to determine liability.
Even in no-fault states, the injured party may still demand that the responsible party’s car insurance carrier cover additional damages. In this case, if the other driver caused the car wreck, you must also file a claim with their insurance company to pay for medical bills and lost wages exceeding the PIP’s maximum benefits. Under a pure comparative negligence doctrine, your restitution will be reduced by the percentage of your responsibility for the collision.
Get Compassionate Fatal Car Accident Representation From Experienced Miami Car Accident Lawyers
No one who has ever lost a loved one in a fatal car accident in Miami forgets the call or the police officer’s knock at the door to inform family members of their sudden and devastating loss. No one forgets the anger and grief after an accident that never should have happened.
At Panter, Panter & Sampedro, P.A., our Miami fatal car accident lawyers know that while no amount of money can erase your grief, you may find justice in holding a driver responsible for their negligence.
Our experienced Miami, Florida, attorneys focus almost exclusively on protecting the rights of people who have been harmed because of the negligence of others, including families that have lost loved ones in senseless car accidents.
If you or a loved one has suffered a serious or fatal injury in a car accident, we can help you. Our firm has obtained verdicts and settlements above $100 million for our clients. Call us now at 305-662-6178 for a FREE CONSULTATION with one of our experienced Miami car accident attorneys.
Our Personal Injury Case Results Speak for Themselves
The Car Accident Lawsuit Process in Florida
Filling an accident claim if you were injured in a car crash is often a complex legal matter, especially when determining fault. With the help of an experienced auto accident attorney, the focus will be on gathering evidence, consulting with experts and negotiating with the insurance company on your behalf to focus on your recovery and getting your life back on track.
If necessary, a lawyer may even take your car accident case all the way to trial to obtain adequate compensation.
Car accident verdicts and settlements can vary considerably depending on the jurisdiction in which the accident occurred as well as the details of the case itself. Hospital bills, car repair bills, quotes from mechanics, and other variables are used to estimate the cost of a specific accident and what insurance companies will pay in most cases.
Common Injuries In A Miami or South Florida Car Accident
In many cases regarding medical emergencies, symptoms appear immediately. The American College of Emergency Physicians outlined the following warning signs that indicate the need for immediate aid:
- Uncontrollable bleeding
- Vomiting
- Coughing up blood
- Chest pain that exists for at least two minutes
- Trouble breathing or shortness of breath
- Sudden or severe pain
- Sudden dizziness or weakness
- Sudden vision changes
- Changes in mental status
- Persistent or severe vomiting or diarrhea
Emergency actions must be taken in the event that any of the above signs present themselves to immediately remedy more severe consequences such as a traumatic brain injury. Other types of injuries may initially show only minor symptoms or none. These symptoms will typically worsen gradually over the course of the next few hours, days or weeks following the accident, which is why seeking medical attention following a car crash is so important.
File Your Auto Claim Within The Legal Florida Time Limit
You only have a certain amount of time to file a lawsuit for an auto accident as dictated by your state’s personal injury statute of limitations. In Florida, the statute of limitations for filing a car accident claim is four years from the date of the incident. Failing to file a claim within that time means you can no longer obtain compensation, and the liable party will not be responsible for paying any damages for the accident. The earlier you act, the better off you and your case are likely to turn out.
*On March 24, 2023, Governor Ron DeSantis signed House Bill (HB) 837 reducing Florida’s statute of limitations for general negligence cases from four years to two years. In other words, a lawsuit alleging negligence which accrued after March 24, 2023 must now be filed within two years of the date of the alleged negligence or the claim will be forever barred.
Understanding Your Financial Need
While justice is one reason people file wrongful death claims after a fatal car accident, families also pursue wrongful death claims because the loss of a loved one leaves a financial void as well as an emotional one. Families must deal with medical and funeral expenses and the loss of their loved one’s future earnings.
Insurance carriers may balk at paying the significant compensation survivors of a fatal car accident need, leaving grieving families with little choice but to seek legal counsel to help them recover financially from losing a loved one. With a qualified lawyer, you may be able to recover damages for medical and funeral expenses, loss of companionship, loss of future earnings and other damages.
Thorough Investigations Process
At Panter, Panter & Sampedro, P.A., our Florida auto accident wrongful death attorneys work with a wide range of experts to thoroughly investigate accidents. We can seek maximum compensation for our clients through accident reconstructions, crashworthiness testing, medical reviews, and eyewitness testimony.
Our meticulous preparation sometimes helps persuade insurance carriers and defendants to settle a claim reasonably rather than face a jury with our evidence. If the responsible party refuses to settle, our board-certified civil trial attorneys are prepared to advocate for our clients in court.
Involved in a Car Crash in Miami? Hire A Local Miami Personal Injury Lawyer Today
Your Legal Solution to a Car Crash Is Just A Phone Call Away
Our skilled car accident lawyers at Panter, Panter & Sampedro can help you understand your options and seek compensation to cover medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. We understand the significant effect an auto accident can have on your life. Let us take care of the heavy lifting while you rest and recover from your injuries.
Call us today at 305-662-6178 for a FREE CONSULTATION with our experienced South Florida auto accident attorneys.
Frequently Asked Car Accident Questions
Is there an average payout for a car accident in Florida?
No. Each case has unique components; therefore, it would be inappropriate to say there is an average recovery for a given case. This includes how much coverage is available from the negligent party and the amount of medical expenses and other economic portions of the claim (i.e., property damage, loss of wages). An individual would also need to consider the non-economic aspects of the case, like pain and suffering. Whether there is Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage available is also an important aspect of the case. Some many questions and challenges should be discussed with an attorney.
What should I do if I get into an auto accident in Miami or South Florida that is not my fault?
The first thing you should do when you are involved in a car accident is to call the police. Ensure a report is filed and the police obtain all the relevant information. It is essential to gather information such as the other driver’s contact and insurance information, along with the contact information of any witnesses. Take photographs of the accident scene, vehicles, and any injuries received from the accident. Call your lawyer before you speak to your insurance company or the other driver’s insurance company to ensure that you are protected from unscrupulous adjusters or insurance companies. Seek medical attention immediately for your injuries.
What does “no-fault” mean in Florida?
“No-Fault” is a law that requires all drivers to carry a Personal Injury Protection policy. This means that your insurance company will pay your medical expenses and lost wages up to the amount of the policy regardless of which driver is at fault in an auto accident. Medical bills are paid at the rate of 80% of the reasonable charges, in addition to a portion of your lost wages. This is required in Florida and is the primary payment source for your medical bills in an automobile accident case.
What does Personal Injury Protection (PIP) cover?
Personal Injury Protection covers expenses related to the accident regardless of which driver is at fault. These expenses can include medical bills and lost wages. These policies are also known as “no-fault” and are required in the state of Florida.
Do I need to call the police after a car accident?
Yes, the police will need to be contacted after a car accident of any kind. Whether the car accident resulted in only minor damages to the vehicle and no injuries or it was a major wreck with extensive damages and major injuries, notifying the police is the correct thing to do. They will make sure a report of the incident is on file and determine the party at fault. Your attorney will request this paperwork if legal action is required.
What should I do if an insurance company contacts me after a car accident?
If the other driver’s insurance company contacts you, you are not required to speak to them. It is typically best to use caution and to only talk to them in the presence of your attorney. If you have to speak to them without your lawyer present, be careful not to cause any doubt about which driver is at fault. You have a duty to cooperate with your insurance company, including notifying them of the accident, the cause, and any injuries you have sustained. However, it is always best to consult with an attorney first and have the attorney on the phone before speaking to any insurance company.
What happens if I am in an accident with a driver that does not have insurance?
If you are in an accident with an uninsured/underinsured driver, your policy will pay for a portion of your medical bills and lost wages through your PIP coverage. You can also purchase UM Coverage which means that you have Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage. When a driver is covered under this type of insurance, the company is required to pay for expenses and benefits that would have been available from the negligent driver. Additional questions about loss coverage should be directed to a lawyer, so they can help you navigate the laws surrounding auto lawsuits in Florida and your coverage options.
Why Panter, Panter & Sampedro?
Panter, Panter & Sampedro is among the leading personal injury law firms in South Florida. For more than 30 years, our Board Certified trial attorneys have represented individuals injured by negligent parties in cases of significant size and complexity across various practice areas.
We are a different kind of law firm with the legal skill and expertise needed to serve our clients and an unwavering dedication to family values.
We believe our success, inside and outside the courtroom, is defined by what we care about — it’s that simple. Panter, Panter & Sampedro is an award-winning personal injury law firm — but more than that — it is a group of people that genuinely cares about protecting the rights of individuals suffering from wrongdoing and negligence.
Who can tell me if I have a legitimate case?
We can. Call 305-662-6178 or submit a request for your FREE CONSULTATION with one of our experienced Miami car accident attorneys.
Personal injury law protects you if you or your property is injured or harmed because of someone else’s act or failure to act. In a successful tort action, the one who caused the injury or harm compensates the one who suffered the losses.
Personal injury cases can involve:
- Auto Accidents & Injuries
- Boat Accidents & Injuries
- Slip & Fall Accidents & Injuries
- Medical Malpractice
- Hospital Negligence
- Defective Drugs & Products
- Wrongful Death
- Head & Traumatic Brain Injuries
- Back & Spinal Cord Injuries
- Birth Injuries
What additional personal injury law services do you provide?
With a track record of success in working closely with each client, our legal team has secured millions of dollars in compensation for thousands of accident victims and their families over the course of three decades. We guide our clients through the entire legal proceedings, from filing the initial complaint to assisting with properly distributing funds once compensation is awarded.
Our vast trial experience includes substantial verdicts and settlements in cases involving motor vehicle accidents, medical malpractice, product liability, slip-and-fall, catastrophic injuries, wrongful death and more.
Panter, Panter & Sampedro’s proven team of civil trial lawyers is relied upon by the Miami and South Florida community to protect their rights and ensure justice is served by securing the best verdicts and recoveries possible.
When our firm takes on a personal injury claim, we aggressively represent our clients and fight for maximum compensation under the law. Rest assured that no matter how difficult the case, we are prepared to serve as your most ardent legal advocates and welcome the opportunity to hold the culpable parties accountable.
Panter, Panter & Sampedro proudly serves residents throughout South Florida — including Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach Counties.
How much do you charge for your personal injury attorney services?
No recovery, no fees.
We believe that regardless of their financial status, everyone should have access to sound legal counsel as they exercise their right to pursue justice and redress any harm or wrongdoing.
At Panter, Panter & Sampedro, all our services are offered on a “contingency fee” basis, which means that any payment to the firm ultimately depends on whether our efforts result in a financial recovery for our client.
Any lawyer’s fees for representing the client will be deducted from the final personal injury settlement in the client’s case or from the damages awarded after a favorable verdict in the event that the client’s case goes to trial.
In general, attorneys can receive up to one-third of the gross amount of a pre-suit settlement or 40% of the gross settlement recovery once a Defendant files an answer to a lawsuit. These rules are regulated by the Florida Bar, and the following summarizes our contingency fee policy:
- Client enters into an agreement granting legal authority to the firm to represent the client in exchange for attorneys fees paid in the form of a percentage of the total recovery.
- The firm assumes all up-front financial costs and risks of litigating the case. All of these expenses are paid by the firm and are only repaid if a recovery is won.
- The client pays no fees whatsoever, hourly or otherwise.
- The firm’s contingency fee percentage varies based on the case type, complexity level, and foreseeable resources required to litigate it properly.
- Every case is unique, but the contingency fee percentage is always clearly agreed upon by both parties and documented in writing upon retaining our services.
