Florida Car Accident Lawyer Blog
Most car collisions in Miami are complex and frightening, especially if you have been seriously injured. These crashes can become more frightening and more complex if a criminal element is involved. There are several ways criminal activity could lead to a collision and serious injuries:
- Smash and grab accidents: In these accidents, perpetrators pretend to be stranded or wait until motorist slows down at an intersection or obstacle. They then assault the driver or try to steal the car or items in the car.
- Speeding injuries caused by police chases: In some cases, criminals fleeing from police or from a crime scene can cause multiple collisions. Since their main goal is to avoid capture, they may run red lights, drive recklessly, and show little regard for others on the road.
- Hit and run collisions: In some cases, drivers who are driving illegally may drive away from a car collision instead of stopping to render aid. While this is illegal, the at-fault driver may do this because they have illegal items in the car or are driving without a license, insurance, or registration. The at-fault driver may be wanted on a warrant or may otherwise be reluctant to interact with insurance companies or police. If you have been in a hit and run collision, try to remember the license plate of the car and as much about the accident as you can. Report the crime to the police and check your own insurance policy for underinsured or uninsured driver coverage,
- Car crashes involving a stolen car: Even if someone stops after a collision, it’s a problem if the other driver is driving without insurance or is driving a stolen car. Some insurance policies have protections in place to ensure you are protected in case you’re in a collision with an uninsured or underinsured driver.
- Insurance fraud crashes: Some car crashes are not accidental at all. Some fraudsters purposely cause a collision and fake their injuries to get insurance money. For example, fraudsters may brake suddenly, causing the motorist behind them to crash into their vehicle. The “injured” parties can then claim they have soft tissue injuries.
- Road rage and car-related aggression: Some drivers unfortunately use their vehicles as weapons. They may purposely crash into other cars, follow victims in their vehicles, or even try to force another car off the road. If someone is acting aggressively, try to get away. If you think you are being followed, drive to a police station rather than home.
What To Do if Crime Played a Role in Your Miami Car Crash
In a car accident, when someone has done something illegal, it can complicate your insurance claim. For example, you may not know you have been the victim of insurance fraud, but a staged car accident can still cause your insurance rates to go up. If you have been injured because of a police chase, filing a claim against the police is complex and difficult.
Working with an experienced personal injury attorney can help. An attorney can evaluate the situation and answer your questions. If you have an experienced attorney representing you, you are working with someone who understands how to pursue a claim for your injuries, medical costs, and losses.
If you have been injured in a car accident and need fair compensation, contact Flaxman Law Group at 1-866-352-9626 (1-866-FLAXMAN) for a free accident consultation with a Miami car crash injury claims attorney. In a no-cost, no-obligation consultation, we can review your potential case and discuss what your next steps could be.