Car Accident Lawyers in Aventura, FL
Whether your crash happened in Aventura or anywhere else in Florida, we are here to help.
Car accidents are a serious problem across the country. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported more than 36,000 deaths and millions of injuries in 2019 alone, and South Florida’s crowded roads see far more than their share of collisions.
If you have been hurt in a crash, see a doctor right away, even if you feel fine at first. Some injuries, like whiplash, concussions, and internal bleeding, do not show up for hours or even days, and a gap in treatment gives the insurance company a reason to question your claim.
It also helps to talk to an experienced personal injury firm as soon as possible. In the days after a crash, insurance companies often push you to settle for less than your case is worth or to say something they can later use against you. Before you give a recorded statement or accept any offer, call Templer & Hirsch at 305-937-2700.
As experienced car and motorcycle accident attorneys, we handle the legal process for you and pursue the full compensation you are owed, including medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Everyone has the right to be safe from injuries caused by another driver’s carelessness, and that includes Florida residents, tourists, visitors from other states and countries, and undocumented immigrants.
We handle every kind of auto accident, from cars and trucks to motorcycles and boats. That includes crashes involving Uber, Lyft, and Turo vehicles, where more than one insurance policy is often in play. We know how these companies operate and how to go after the right insurer on your behalf.
Over 35 years, we’ve handled car accident cases in Aventura and across Florida. Your free consultation is the place to start, and we’ll walk you through exactly how the car accident laws in Aventura and Florida apply to your situation.
Motorcycle Accident Lawyers in Aventura, FL
Motorcycle crashes tend to be far more serious than other accidents, both for the rider and for anyone else involved. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) found that motorcyclists were 27 times more likely than other vehicle occupants to die in a crash, per mile traveled, in 2019. The Insurance Information Institute (III) reports that riders are about five times more likely to be injured than people in cars.
Those numbers show why safe riding matters, and why an injured rider needs a lawyer who understands how these cases really work. Templer & Hirsch helps injured riders by:
- Investigating the crash so you are not blamed for something that was not your fault
- Negotiating with the insurance companies for a fair settlement, and taking them to court when they refuse to be fair
- Documenting your case thoroughly to pursue the best possible compensation
- Gathering the evidence needed to stand up to the insurance companies at trial
When a motorcycle rented through Turo is in an accident, the renter is usually responsible for the resulting damage or injuries. The renter’s personal insurance may cover it, or the optional coverage Turo sells may apply, and which policy pays first depends on the coverage involved.
The owner of the motorcycle may still need to file a claim with their own insurer or with Turo. Because Turo carries insurance, both the renter and the owner should document the accident carefully and report it to Turo as soon as possible. If you were hurt in a motorcycle crash, call us for a free consultation before you deal with any insurer.
Why You Need an Experienced Car Accident Lawyer
At Templer & Hirsch, we investigate the accident, gather evidence, and negotiate firmly with the insurance companies to build a strong case on your behalf. We also guide you through each step of the process, which takes much of the stress and uncertainty out of a personal injury claim.
Unlike many firms, we are fully prepared to take your case to trial when an insurer refuses to pay what you are owed. In our experience, that willingness is often what moves a settlement, because insurers pay more when they know a firm is ready to try the case in front of a jury.
With more than 35 years of experience handling every type of personal injury case, we are committed to protecting our clients’ rights and pursuing the full compensation they deserve. You can review our recent case results to see the outcomes we have achieved for injured Floridians.
Contact us today for a free consultation at (305) 937-2700.
Florida Car Accident Law: What Aventura Drivers Should Know
Florida is one of only a handful of true no-fault auto insurance states, and recent legislation has tightened the rules further. Knowing the framework before you talk to an adjuster protects your case.
The Two-Year Statute of Limitations
Under Fla. Stat. §95.11, you generally have two years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury lawsuit. HB 837 reduced this from four years in March 2023. Wrongful death claims have the same two-year deadline. Once it passes, your claim is almost always barred.
Florida No-Fault and PIP
Florida requires every driver to carry at least $10,000 of Personal Injury Protection (PIP) under Fla. Stat. §627.736. PIP pays 80% of medical bills and 60% of lost wages up to the limit, regardless of fault. Initial medical care must be sought within 14 days or PIP benefits can be denied.
The No-Fault Threshold for Lawsuits
To step outside PIP and sue the at-fault driver under Fla. Stat. §627.737, you must have suffered a permanent injury, significant scarring or disfigurement, significant loss of a bodily function, or death. Meeting that threshold opens the door to compensation for full medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering.
Modified Comparative Negligence
Florida follows modified comparative negligence under Fla. Stat. §768.81. If you are found more than 50% at fault, you recover nothing. At 50% or less, your award is reduced by your percentage of fault. Insurance companies routinely try to push fault onto the injured driver, and we push back with crash reports, witness statements, and reconstruction evidence.
Common Causes of Car & Motorcycle Accidents in Aventura
Aventura’s mix of dense traffic on Biscayne Boulevard and US-1, tourist drivers unfamiliar with the area, and frequent rain creates predictable crash patterns. We’ve handled cases involving:
- Distracted driving (texting, GPS, and infotainment use), especially at busy intersections like Aventura Mall and Country Club Drive.
- Drunk and impaired driving, often on weekend nights along Biscayne Boulevard.
- Rear-end collisions in stop-and-go traffic on I-95 and the Florida Turnpike.
- Tourist and rental-car drivers unfamiliar with Florida road rules and aggressive South Florida driving styles.
- Rideshare crashes (Uber, Lyft) and Turo rentals, where insurance layers depend on driver status at the moment of impact.
- Motorcycle right-of-way violations, where drivers fail to see riders during left turns or lane changes.
- Wet-pavement crashes during South Florida’s sudden afternoon storms.
Each scenario has its own evidence trail (police reports, dashcam footage, traffic-light timing, cell records, rideshare logs), and we know where to look.
Meet the Aventura Accident Attorneys Who Will Handle Your Case
Templer & Hirsch has represented injured Floridians for over 35 years and recovered more than $100 million for clients. When you call, you talk to an attorney, not a case manager.
- David L. Templer: Founding partner with decades of trial experience in auto accidents, premises liability, and maritime cases.
- Mark Hirsch: Partner focused on serious injury and longshore claims; known for hands-on client communication.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to file a car accident lawsuit in Florida?
Two years from the date of the accident, under Fla. Stat. §95.11. The deadline was reduced from four years to two by HB 837 in 2023, so older guidance you might find online is no longer accurate.
Do I have to use my own insurance first?
Yes. Florida is a no-fault state. Your own PIP (Fla. Stat. §627.736) pays first regardless of who caused the crash: 80% of medical bills and 60% of lost wages up to your $10,000 minimum limit. You must seek initial care within 14 days of the crash or risk losing PIP coverage.
When can I sue the at-fault driver?
Under Fla. Stat. §627.737, you can step outside PIP and sue when you have a permanent injury, significant scarring or disfigurement, significant loss of an important bodily function, or death. We evaluate this threshold during a free case review.
What if I was partially at fault?
Florida follows modified comparative negligence (Fla. Stat. §768.81). If you’re more than 50% at fault, you cannot recover. If you’re 50% or less at fault, your award is reduced by your percentage of fault.
What if I was hit by an Uber, Lyft, or Turo driver?
Rideshare claims involve multiple insurance layers depending on whether the driver was logged in, en route to a passenger, or carrying one. We know how to identify and target the right policy, including Florida’s mandated $1 million coverage during active rides.
How much is my car accident case worth?
It depends on the severity of injuries, medical bills, lost wages, future care, pain and suffering, and the at-fault driver’s coverage limits. Cases involving surgery, permanent injury, or wrongful death typically result in significantly higher settlements. We’ll give you a realistic range during a free evaluation.
If you or a loved one has been injured, the most important step you can take is to speak with an experienced attorney as soon as possible. Call Templer & Hirsch today for a free, confidential consultation. We are ready to help.