Miami is an ever-expanding city with a population that is constantly growing. With this growth, as well as tourism, rush hour traffic not only gets heavier but also extends longer. As more vehicles occupy the road during peak times, dangers increase and severe accidents may occur. The Miami car accident attorneys at the Law Offices of Robert Dixon assist people in many South Florida cities who have been injured in a crash during rush hour. We can help you determine who may be responsible and try to hold them accountable for the harm that you have suffered.
Collisions during Rush HourRush hour, the time when people are on the road either leaving to go to work or to return home, is when highways and streets are at their most congested. These are also the times of day that the most accidents occur. Interstate 95 and the Florida Turnpike are two of the busiest highways in the country, and they are notorious for delays, crashes, and other hazards, especially during peak hours. People who are in a hurry to get somewhere, and often frustrated by traffic conditions, may engage in reckless behavior that leads to serious accidents. Drivers in rush hour may be more prone to tailgate others, drive aggressively, or have bouts of road rage that create dangerous conditions on an already crowded road. People who are responsible for accidents caused during rush hour should be held accountable for the injuries that result.
Seeking Compensation from a Negligent DriverIf you have been struck by a careless or reckless driver during rush hour, you may be entitled to compensation. To assert the right to damages, an injured person must show that the defendant, usually another driver, was negligent. This means that the victim needs to prove that the defendant breached his or her duty of care to act as a reasonable and prudent driver would have behaved under similar circumstances. It must also be shown that the breach was a proximate cause of the plaintiff’s injuries and that damages resulted. Proximate cause means that the accident was a foreseeable result of the defendant’s conduct and that the victim likely would not have been hurt if not for the defendant’s carelessness. For instance, a driver making abrupt lane changes or otherwise driving erratically during rush hour traffic may be found to have acted negligently if this behavior caused a crash.
Once liability is shown, a plaintiff may be able to recover damages for hospital bills, the costs of future treatment, property damage, lost income and earning capacity, and pain and suffering, among any other forms of compensation that may be appropriate. If multiple parties are at fault for an accident, a plaintiff may be entitled to compensation in proportion to each party’s degree of liability. A personal injury claim must be filed within four years from the date of a car crash in Florida. Accidents that occur during rush hour may involve several parties and a multitude of evidence, so consulting a seasoned attorney who can help sort through these matters may be vital to protecting your rights.
Discuss Your Motor Vehicle Accident Case with a Miami AttorneyThe Miami motor vehicle collisions at the Law Offices of Robert Dixon are dedicated to making sure that the individuals whom they serve assert their rights to compensation. Our firm can help you determine your next legal steps. We also represent victims in Miami, West Palm Beach, and other cities throughout Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach Counties. Call 877.499.4878 or contact us online to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation.