Florida Attorney Aiding People Injured in Miami Car Accidents in the Pursuit of Damages
Around six million people call Miami home, and over four times as many tourists visit the city each year. As such, the roads in and around Miami are typically heavily congested. While the law imposes a duty on motorists to drive in a safe manner, not all drivers uphold their obligations, and car accidents are common in Miami. Many of these accidents occur on highways, like I-95, State Road 826, US Route 1, and State Route 821. Collisions often cause substantial damages, and in many instances, one of the drivers involved in the crash will be deemed liable.
If you were injured in an accident, it is prudent to consult a Miami car accident lawyer regarding your potential claims. Jarrett Blakeley of Blakeley Law Firm, P.A. is an assertive attorney who is skilled at helping people hurt in collisions fight for justice, and if you hire him, he will advocate tirelessly on your behalf. Mr. Blakeley has offices in West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Miami Gardens and Jacksonville and frequently represents people hurt in collisions in Miami in the pursuit of damages.
Requesting a Police Report After a Miami Car Accident
People who are injured in collisions frequently wish to seek damages via a civil lawsuit. Thus, they often want to gather evidence that would establish fault, such as police reports. Parties involved in collisions in Miami can request a copy of the traffic crash report pertaining to their accidents by calling the Miami Police Department at 305-603-6477 or visiting them in person at 400 NW 2nd Avenue, Miami FL 33128. They can also submit the request online through the Miami Police Department Public Records Request website. Parties who attempt to obtain reports within sixty days of a collision must establish their eligibility, but after sixty days, crash reports are usually available to the general public and can be requested via the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles website.
Lawsuits Arising Out of Miami Car Accidents
Poor weather, dangerous roads, and defective vehicles can all cause or contribute to collisions. The majority of crashes, though, are brought about at least partially due to unsafe or distracted driving. In most lawsuits arising out of car accidents, therefore, the plaintiff will name one of the drivers involved in the crash as a defendant and will allege that he or she was negligent. In Florida, a plaintiff alleging negligence must show that the defendant owed the plaintiff a duty, which is generally the duty to act with reasonable care or abide by laws pertaining to the operation of motor vehicles.
The plaintiff must then show that the defendant breached the duty owed. Finally, the plaintiff must show that the defendant’s breach proximately caused the plaintiff to suffer actual damages. In other words, that the crash would not have happened if the defendant had not breached the standard of care, and the accident led the plaintiff to sustain physical harm, property damage, or other losses. Typically, a defendant will not admit liability or damages. Additionally, in some instances, a defendant will argue that the plaintiff was, in fact, at fault for the collision and should be denied any compensation. Under Florida law, though, even if a plaintiff is partially responsible for an accident, he or she can still recover damages. Any compensation awarded will be reduced in proportion to the percentage of the plaintiff’s negligence, however.
Meet with a Trusted Miami Car Accident Lawyer
Many motorists in Miami do not adhere to safe driving practices and cause crashes that result in significant physical, emotional, and economic losses. If you were hurt in a Miami car accident, it is advisable to meet with a lawyer regarding your right to seek compensation. Jarrett Blakeley of Blakeley Law Firm, P.A. is a Florida car accident lawyer who takes pride in helping people harmed by the negligence of others in the pursuit of damages, and if you engage his services, he will work diligently to help you strive for the best legal outcome available under the facts of your case. Mr. Blakeley’s offices are located in West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Miami Gardens and Jacksonville, and he frequently represents people hurt in car accidents in Broward, Miami Dade, and Palm Beach Counties. Mr. Blakeley can be contacted via the form online or by calling (800) 602-5000 to set up a meeting.