Coral Gables Car Accident Lawyers at Schrier Law Group

Schrier Law Group is the premier personal injury law firm focusing on car accident cases in Coral Gables, Florida. Our knowledge of the Florida legal system and local resources has helped us win cases with millions of dollars awarded to accident victims in Coral Gables. 

We give every client the same attention and service we would provide a close family member because local justice is important to us. When you hire the Schrier Law Group to represent you in a personal injury claim, you can expect our lawyers to work around the clock to ensure you receive the best representation possible.  

As personal injury lawyers, we offer legal services for insurance claims, slip and fall accidents, wrongful death lawsuits, and more. We are proud to be your choice for a Coral Gables car accident lawyer. 

Understanding Car Accident Cases in Coral Gables

With its tropical landscape, Mediterranean architecture, and historic landmarks, Coral Gables is everything a classic Florida city should be. Located barely eight miles from Miami, Coral Gables is sometimes considered a suburb of the bigger city, but it is a world of its own. 

Though it looks like paradise, this small city of just under 50,000 people does have occasional traffic jams and auto accidents. City leaders are committed to addressing traffic flow problems and pedestrian safety. 

There were 759 reported motor vehicle accidents in the first three months of 2024. Many of those accidents involved pedestrians and bicyclists. A lack of infrastructure to protect those who walk and bike on the streets of Coral Gables is being analyzed by the city council.

Heavy traffic and speeding, especially in the areas of LeJeune Road, US-1, Bird Road, and Douglas Road, are often blamed for the uptick in accidents. The busy intersection at Red Road and Sunset Drive is also problematic. 

Types of Car Accidents in Coral Gables

Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration confirm that Florida has the second-highest number of car accidents in the U.S. Only California reports more accidents than the Sunshine State, and California’s population is about twice as much as Florida’s. 

Whatever the statistics, being involved in a car accident is a personal experience, especially if you or one of your passengers is injured. These are some of the most common types of accidents reported in Coral Gables. 

Rear-End Collisions

Rear-end collisions often happen when a distracted driver follows another driver too closely. When the front driver brakes for a stop light, a crosswalk, or because there’s an obstacle in the road, the rear driver fails to stop in time. Rear-end collisions are more frequent during peak traffic hours and on busy roads like Miracle Mile. 

You can avoid a rear-end collision by removing all distractions, following speed limits, and leaving a safe distance between you and the car in front of you. 

T-Bone Accidents

T-bone accidents are often the result of an illegal or unsafe left turn. The term describes the action of one car impacting another from the side. T-bone accidents are highly dangerous because the front of the colliding car can trap the driver or a pedestrian in the vehicle. This type of accident often results in fatalities and debilitating injuries. 

Intersections are prime areas for T-bone accidents. In Coral Gables, major intersections such as Ponce de Leon Boulevard and Le Jeune Road have heavy traffic, which can increase the risk of an accident. 

Side-Impact Collisions

Side-impact and “sideswipe” accidents typically happen on highways, in high-traffic commercial areas, and at traffic signals. A side-impact collision is when two cars traveling in the same direction drift into one another. 

These impacts can happen at high speeds when a driver fails to use a turn signal or check for clearance when they change lanes.

Side-impact accidents can also happen when two vehicles coming from opposite directions manage to avoid a head-on collision but still make contact. Another example is a car in motion, hitting the side of a parked car. 

Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrian accidents result in a high number of fatalities. The Centers for Disease Control reports that one in six people killed in a crash is a pedestrian. Pedestrians have no airbags or metal structures to help absorb the impact of an automobile strike. Therefore, even low-speed accidents can be fatal or cause severe injuries. 

Pedestrian accidents are most common in areas with high pedestrian traffic, such as around parks, schools, and residential neighborhoods. 

Head-On Collisions

Head-on collisions are not as common as other types of accidents, but they often result in serious or fatal injuries for both drivers. A head-on crash may occur when one driver is going the wrong way on a road, when passing on a two-lane road, or when a driver loses control during a turn and veers into the opposing lane. 

Common Injuries From Car Accidents in Coral Gables

Every injury suffered in a car accident should be taken seriously. Even injuries that don’t seem painful or worrisome at the moment should be examined by a doctor. Complications like internal bleeding can go unnoticed until the situation becomes life-threatening. 

If you’re involved in a car accident, follow up with a visit to your doctor. A simple check-up could detect a potentially serious medical issue resulting from common injuries. 

Whiplash

Whiplash is the most common injury in a motor vehicle accident and frequently occurs in rear-end collisions. The force created by rear impact violently “whips” the head back and forth at the top of the spine, potentially injuring muscle and other soft tissues and cervical vertebrae. 

The symptoms of whiplash may not present for 24 to 48 hours after a crash. They include:

• Headache
• Fatigue
• Pain and stiffness in the neck
• Limited range of motion
• Tingling or numbness in arms, hands, or fingers
• Pain in the shoulders, arms, or upper back 
• Blurry vision
• Tinnitus

The risk of a whiplash injury is higher in areas of congested traffic, such as the Coral Gables downtown district. 

Broken Bones

Broken bones are frequently seen in T-bone and side-impact accidents, particularly in areas where traffic is going at a high speed. While a broken bone is not typically a fatal injury, it can be severe. Repair could require one or more surgeries and leave an individual living with pain or disability for the rest of their lives. 

Head Injuries

Concussions and traumatic brain injuries may occur during any type of auto accident, including pedestrian accidents. A blow to the head or a penetrating injury can cause mild to severe complications, including death. The symptoms of a traumatic brain injury may take weeks or months to appear. 

A TBI can disrupt brain development and affect the individual’s cognitive and physical functions. All concussions should be taken seriously. 

Soft Tissue Injuries

Soft tissue injuries include sprains, strains, and tears of the muscles, ligaments, and tendons. These injuries aren’t life-threatening, but they can be extremely painful and may prevent an individual from working or meeting daily responsibilities until they have healed. This type of injury is more common in low-speed accidents and minor collisions. 

Back Injuries

A back injury caused by an auto accident can be debilitating. Some people who suffer this type of injury are unable to return to work and face lifelong disability. Even when it is not disabling, back pain can be severe and may lead to depression or other mental health concerns. 

Back injuries are most common during high-speed collisions. The force of a high-speed impact can cause injury to the spine and its surrounding nerves and muscles. 

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Mental health injuries are too often overlooked when it comes to auto accidents. Experiencing a traumatic event like a catastrophic car accident can lead to sleep problems, depression, nightmares, anger, and other symptoms of PTSD. 

Legal Process for Car Accident Claims in Coral Gables

Being in a car accident can leave you feeling confused, fearful, and even angry. However, it is important to follow certain steps to protect yourself and your passengers in case of a lawsuit. 

If you are blamed for an accident that you didn’t cause, or you decide to file a lawsuit against the other driver, the actions you take immediately after the accident can make a world of difference. 

Immediate Steps

If your injuries don’t require emergency care, begin collecting information at the scene. Take photos, get statements and contact information from witnesses, and exchange insurance information with the other driver. File a police report to ensure an accurate and legally authorized account of the incident is on record. 

The more documentation you can gather now while facts are fresh in everyone’s memory, the stronger your lawsuit will be. 

Seek medical attention even if you don’t think you are seriously injured. If symptoms of whiplash or PTSD arise days or weeks later, having proof of early medical care will be helpful. Keep all recommended medical appointments, including mental healthcare appointments, and document them. 

File a Claim

The medical bills and expenses related to being in a car accident add up quickly, but lawsuits can take a long time to settle. Filing a claim as soon as possible will get the legal process started and could help you avoid financial stress. Contact your Coral Gables insurance company to submit a claim. 

Hire Legal Representation

An experienced Coral Gables car accident attorney is the best asset you can have for navigating the Florida legal system. An attorney will investigate and collect evidence, deal with insurance adjusters, and handle the nuances of a complex legal system so you can concentrate on recovering. 

Settlement Negotiation

Settling with the insurance company may be your best option. A car accident attorney is experienced in the art of negotiation and will fight to help you receive a fair settlement. 

Attorneys understand Florida accident laws and know how to calculate financial losses such as lost wages and future medical care expenses. These costs and more should be considered before agreeing to a settlement. 

Court Representation

A majority of car accident claims are settled out of court, but in some cases, going to trial in Coral Gables may be the best option. Your Schrier Law Group attorney will be your representative inside the courtroom. We understand the complexities of Florida accident law and are committed to protecting your rights. 

Why Local Representation Matters in Coral Gables

Being a Coral Gables car accident lawyer is about more than simply filing papers and showing up in court. A local car accident attorney needs more to be effective. 

Having a lawyer who understands the specific traffic and accident regulations in Coral Gables will work to your advantage. Our local knowledge and networking benefit our clients on every level. 

Some of the advantages of local representation include:

• Knowledge of local traffic laws, including speed limits, specific regulations, and rules that could affect claims in Coral Gables
• Knowledge of city ordinances that could impact your case, including regulations regarding pedestrian zones and parking
• Knowledge of the court process and familiarity with local court procedures and practices can streamline the legal process 

Legal experience is only part of what we offer at Schrier Law Group. Our clients also benefit from the deep list of resources we have cultivated over decades of practicing personal injury law. 

• Medical professionals: We provide access to local doctors and specialists familiar with common auto accident injuries in Coral Gables
• Expert witnesses: Accident reconstructionists and financial analysts can provide credible testimony to support your case
• Local relationships: Knowing law enforcement and insurance adjusters gives Schrier Law Group an advantage when gathering evidence and navigating claims

At Schrier Law Group, we stay current on changes in traffic laws and ordinances, such as the proposed Vision Zero program that has been endorsed unanimously by the Coral Gables City Council. We are committed to staying up-to-date and responsive to the legal changes that can affect our clients. 

Schrier Law Group’s Commitment to the Coral Gables Community

The Schrier Law Group is dedicated to serving the Coral Gables community on many levels. We care about the communities we serve and appreciate the opportunity to help the residents of Coral Gables maintain a high quality of life. Some of the ways we serve the community include:  

• Participating in local events, sponsorships, and involvement in initiatives that improve life for the citizens of Coral Gables
• Personalized legal services for the unique needs of Coral Gables’ residents
• A focus on serving the citizens of Coral Gables effectively as we strive to understand their values and concerns  

The team at Schrier Law Group is composed of compassionate and energized attorneys who are dedicated to protecting the legal rights of the residents of Coral Gables. Our goal is to secure the largest possible financial verdicts and settlements for our clients. 

Consult Schrier Law Group for Your Coral Gables Car Accident Case

Coral Gables is a beautiful, welcoming town filled with warm people. No community is immune to the inconvenience and potential tragedy of auto accidents. When you choose Schrier Law Group as your Coral Gables car accident lawyer, you will receive vigorous representation from dedicated attorneys. 

Our knowledge of local traffic laws and the Coral Gables legal system, as well as our strong network of resources, helps us win more and larger lawsuits and settlements for our clients. 

Contact Schrier Law Group to schedule a free consultation if you or someone you know has been injured in a Coral Gables car accident. We have the skills and the experience to help you receive the compensation you deserve. 

FAQs

What Is the 14-Day Accident Law in Florida?

The 14-day law requires accident injury victims to seek medical care within 14 days of an accident to be eligible for personal injury protection benefits (PIP). PIP provides coverage for some of the lost wages and medical expenses an accident victim might incur, as well as death benefits. PIP does not provide coverage for property damage. 

Who Pays for Car Damage in Florida No-Fault?

Under Florida’s no-fault system, your insurance company will pay for damages to your property regardless of who caused the accident. If you’re involved in an accident, contact your insurance provider even if you believe the other driver was at fault. If you are at fault, property damage liability coverage will pay for the repairs. 

What Happens if You Don’t Report an Accident Within 24 Hours in Florida?

Failure to report an accident that involves injury, death, or property damage totaling more than $500 within 24 hours can result in fines, penalties, and other legal sanctions. Report the incident to the nearest Coral Gables law enforcement agency to avoid penalties. 

What Happens if You Are at Fault in a Car Accident in Florida?

Many things can happen if you cause a car accident in Florida. Your driver’s license may be suspended and any damages awarded in a claim could be apportioned between the involved parties. You can also be sued for damages if the other driver suffered severe injuries.