Miami is a busy city that has many people—both tourists and locals—passing through. It should not be of any surprise that many car accidents occur in the city every year. Miami-Dade is one of the top five counties in the state of Florida for auto accidents.
After all, 4 out of 5 Floridians are licensed drivers, which is a high percentage. With 19,317,568 people living in the state, Florida has 15,378,206 licensed drivers. The state has more than 200,000 car accidents reported each year.
While less than 1.5% of the licensed drivers in the state are expected to be involved in a crash each year, that still adds up. In 2010, the state had 2,444 car accident fatalities. In Miami-Dade, there were 248 fatalities.
The Department of Transportation reports that 55.3% of those fatalities happen during night hours. If you have been involved in a Miami auto accident, consult with a personal injury attorney.
The Most Dangerous Highways in Miami
There are hundreds of roads in the Miami area. Car accidents can occur on any of those roads. However, there are some roads that have a reputation for a higher number of crashes occurring there. Here are some of the most dangerous roads in Miami.
I-95
Interstate 95 takes drivers right into Miami. This busy interstate is ranked among the five most dangerous roads in the country, and the stretch through Miami is no different. Numerous crashes are reported there each year.
Palmetto Expressway
The Palmetto Expressway is heavily traveled through Florida, so the fact that there are a high number of car accidents on that road every year should not come as a shock.
Krome Avenue
While more accidents occur on I-95 and the Palmetto Expressway, the crashes on Krome Avenue result in a higher number of fatalities. There have been multiple fatalities in a single crash there before.
What to Do After a Crash
It is normal to be emotionally shaken after a Miami car accident. However, you need to preserve evidence and focus on protecting your rights. Always stay on the accident scene until a report has been filed. Here are a few tips for what to do after a Miami crash.
- Call 911 for help. You will need the police to complete an accident report. If there are serious injuries, call for an ambulance.
- Exchange pertinent information, such as names, contact information, and insurance information with the other driver.
- Get statements (along with names and contact information) from any witnesses.
- Use your smartphone to take a few pictures of the crash scene and the damage to the vehicles.
- Seek medical care from a local emergency room.
Miami Hospitals
If you have been injured in a Miami car accident, you should be checked by a medical professional even if you don't think your injuries are serious. It is better to be checked to make sure. Here are some Miami area hospitals where you can be treated.
University of Miami Hospital
1120 NW 14th St.
Miami, FL 33136
Mercy Hospital
3663 S. Miami Ave.
Miami, FL 33133
South Miami Hospital
6200 SW 73rd St.
South Miami, FL 33143
Miami Auto Repair
When you have been in a car accident, you will need to have your car fixed. To negotiate with the auto insurance company, you will need written estimates from local auto body shops. Additionally, you should save any receipts for a rental car, towing, and repairs that you have done. Here are some local repair shops and towing companies that you can use.
Giant Motors Auto Body & Paint
470 NW 5th St.
Miami, FL 33128
Charlie's Paint and Body Shop
7006 SW 13th St.
Miami, FL 33144
Ted and Stan's Towing Service
658 NW 30th St.
Miami, FL 33127
The Most Valuable Resource: A Personal Injury Attorney
If you have been involved in a Miami car accident, your most valuable resource will be a personal injury attorney. A personal injury attorney can help you with your personal injury claim so you can recover the various damages that you have suffered as a result of the crash.
Since he or she will be working on a contingency basis, a lawyer isn't paid until you get money for the damages you suffered. With all of these potential advantages, you should consider scheduling a free case evaluation right away.
