Injury Lawyer Near Me: North Miami, Florida Personal Injury

Introduction: Why Personal Injury Law Matters in North Miami, Florida

North Miami sits at the busy crossroads of Miami-Dade County. Biscayne Boulevard (U.S.-1), the Northeast 163rd Street causeway, and nearby I-95 funnel tens of thousands of commuters, college students from Florida International University’s Biscayne Bay Campus, and year-round tourists through the city every day. According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), Miami-Dade County recorded 63,219 traffic crashes in 2022, the highest total in the state.1 Add densely populated residential areas, hurricane season hazards, and a thriving nightlife, and the risk of accidental injuries in North Miami quickly becomes clear.

If you are searching online for a “personal injury lawyer North Miami Florida” after an accident, you likely have urgent questions: How long do I have to file a claim? Who pays my medical bills? What if I was partly at fault? This guide answers those questions with verifiable information from Florida statutes, court rules, and health data—slightly favoring the injury victim while remaining strictly factual.

Authoritative source 1: FLHSMV 2022 Crash Facts

Understanding Your Personal Injury Rights in Florida

1. The Right to Seek Compensation for Negligence

Under Florida common law and Florida Statutes §768.81, anyone injured because another person or business failed to use reasonable care may pursue compensation for economic and non-economic losses. You generally must prove:

• Duty – The defendant owed you a legal duty of care (e.g., a driver must follow traffic laws).

• Breach – The defendant breached that duty (e.g., speeding or running a red light).

• Causation – The breach caused your injury.

• Damages – You suffered measurable losses (medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering).

2. Comparative Negligence in Florida

Florida follows a modified comparative negligence system for cases filed on or after March 24, 2023.2 If you were more than 50 percent at fault, you cannot recover damages. If you were 50 percent or less at fault, your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if a jury awards $100,000 but finds you 20 percent responsible, you can still collect $80,000.

3. Statute of Limitations

The legal deadline for most personal injury actions in Florida is four years from the date of the accident (Florida Statutes §95.11(3)(a)). Wrongful death claims have a two-year deadline (§95.11(4)(d)). Missing these deadlines almost always bars your claim.

4. No-Fault (PIP) Benefits

Florida is a no-fault state for motor vehicle accidents. Every owner of a Florida-registered motor vehicle must carry at least $10,000 in Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage under Florida Statutes §627.736. PIP pays 80 percent of reasonable medical expenses and 60 percent of lost wages up to $10,000, regardless of fault, if you receive care within 14 days of the crash.

Common Types of Personal Injury Cases in North Miami

Traffic-Related Accidents

• Car accidents on Biscayne Boulevard and I-95 cause numerous ER visits at Jackson North Medical Center. • Pedestrian and bicycle crashes are common near the Biscayne Canal bridges and school zones. • Rideshare collisions with Uber/Lyft drivers servicing Miami International Airport and beach hotels.

Premises Liability

Florida property owners must keep their premises reasonably safe. Slip-and-falls can happen in Publix supermarkets on NE 123rd Street or in the parking lots of popular shopping centers like Causeway Square.

Boating and Water-Related Injuries

North Miami’s proximity to Biscayne Bay means boating accidents are not unusual, particularly during holiday weekends. The U.S. Coast Guard maintains jurisdiction on navigable waters, but Florida law governs negligence claims.

Hurricane-Related Injuries

Although property damage is common after storms, injury claims also arise from unsafe debris removal, generator carbon-monoxide exposure, or negligent maintenance of fallen power lines. Documenting the incident thoroughly is crucial.

Other Frequent Cases

• Dog bites governed by Florida Statutes §767.04

• Negligent security incidents in apartment complexes

• Nursing-home neglect under Chapter 400 of the Florida Statutes

Florida Legal Protections & Injury Laws

Caps on Damages

Florida generally does not cap compensatory damages in negligence cases. Punitive damages are limited to the greater of three times the compensatory award or $500,000 (§768.73), unless the defendant acted with specific intent or under alcohol/drug influence, in which case higher limits may apply.

Bad-Faith Insurance Protections

Insurers must act in good faith when handling claims. Under Florida Statutes §624.155, victims may sue a carrier that unreasonably denies or delays payment, potentially opening the door to damages exceeding policy limits.

Attorney Fees and Contingency Agreements

Most personal injury lawyers in Florida work on a contingency-fee basis regulated by Rule 4-1.5, Rules Regulating The Florida Bar. Fees are typically 33-40 percent of the recovery, and must be in writing. North Miami clients are entitled to a Statement of Client’s Rights.

Court Procedures

Cases from North Miami are filed in the Circuit Court of the Eleventh Judicial Circuit in and for Miami-Dade County. Pre-suit notices are mandatory in medical malpractice and nursing-home cases. The Florida Rules of Civil Procedure govern discovery, motions, and trial practice.

Steps to Take After a Personal Injury in Florida

1. Ensure Safety and Call 911

Under Florida Statutes §316.062, drivers involved in a crash causing injury must stop, render aid, and contact law enforcement. Request a North Miami Police Department crash report (Accident Report Number begins with “2023-” for current year).

2. Seek Medical Attention Immediately

Florida’s PIP 14-day rule requires treatment within two weeks to unlock benefits. Nearby facilities include Jackson North Medical Center (160 N.W. 170th St.) and North Shore Medical Center (1100 N.W. 95th St.).

3. Document the Scene

• Photograph vehicle damage, road conditions, and visible injuries.

• Collect contact information for witnesses and at-fault parties.

• Preserve digital evidence such as dash-cam footage or rideshare app data.

4. Notify Insurance Carriers

Provide basic facts only. Recorded statements are not required by law for third-party insurers. Consult counsel before giving detailed statements.

5. Track Expenses and Lost Income

Keep organized copies of hospital bills, pharmacy receipts, mileage to appointments, and employer wage statements. These documents substantiate economic damages.

6. Respect Legal Deadlines

Mark the four-year statute of limitations date on your calendar. If the claim involves a city-owned vehicle or dangerous roadway, Florida’s sovereign-immunity statute (§768.28) imposes a three-year pre-suit notice requirement against government entities.

When to Seek Legal Help in Florida

Indicators You Need a Personal Injury Attorney

• Serious or permanent injuries (fractures, spinal damage, traumatic brain injury)

• Disputed liability or multiple at-fault parties

• Low insurance settlement offers that fail to cover medical expenses

• Bad-faith claim handling by a carrier

• Complex cases involving commercial trucks, governmental actors, or maritime law

Choosing a “North Miami Accident Attorney”

Verify that the lawyer is in good standing with The Florida Bar. Use the Bar’s public directory to confirm disciplinary history and board certification. Local familiarity with the Eleventh Judicial Circuit and Miami-Dade juries can also make a difference.

What to Expect in a Contingency-Fee Representation

• Free Consultation – Case facts reviewed; conflicts checked.

• Contingency Contract – Must comply with Rule 4-1.5 and be signed by client and lawyer.

• Investigation & Demand – Medical record review, accident reconstruction, settlement demand package.

• Litigation – Complaint filed, written discovery, depositions, mediation, trial if necessary.

Local Resources & Next Steps

Miami-Dade Police Department Records Center – Crash reports & crime scene photos Jackson North Medical Center – Level II trauma services Florida Bar Lawyer Referral Service – Verify attorney licensing Florida Statutes Online – Full text of cited laws

Legal Disclaimer: This article provides general information about Florida personal injury law and is not legal advice. Laws change and every case is unique; consult a licensed Florida attorney for guidance on your specific situation.

If you were injured due to someone else's negligence, call Louis Law Group at 833-657-4812 for a free case evaluation and legal consultation.