What is the best course of action after a deadly car accident on a Miami interstate road?
Fatal car accidents have certain specific rules that will apply to lawsuits against other drivers or anyone else who is responsible. It can be helpful to get an overview of these laws before proceeding with a lawsuit and getting help from a lawyer in your area.
A serious car crash was reported in the northwestern part of Miami Dade County on Interstate 95.
Two dead in fire on Interstate 95
At around 3 am, a collision occurred on the northbound lanes near Northwest 95th Street. Police believe that the incident began with a Chevy SUV that made an improper lane change. A statement was released by a Florida Highway Patrol lieutenant, where he said that the SUV hit another car at an angle during the improper lane change, then the SUV overturned and burst into flames after the impact. The two occupants of that SUV were pronounced dead at the scene. The other driver involved also sustained injuries and was taken to Jackson Memorial Hospital, but no details about their condition were available.
A cellphone video of the area captured the fire and significant traffic delays. Another minor crash occurred next to the scene as a result of the traffic jam caused by the initial accident. Emergency crews were able to have Interstate 95 Northbound restored to normal operations by approximately 7 am.
Accidents that result in multiple deaths
The families of both victims may want to file a wrongful death lawsuit on behalf of their deceased relative. This can help them pay for things like medical and funeral expenses, future lost wages, and emotional pain and suffering that they must endure after the accident. The amounts paid out after someone has died through a settlement agreement or after a jury trial tend to be larger than accidents that only result in minor injuries.
Florida has its own wrongful death statute just like every other state. While it is not important to know all of the specifics of these laws, it is crucial to speak with a lawyer who can tell you how the state’s wrongful death laws will apply to your accident and which family members can sue on the deceased person’s behalf.
Does it matter that the driver who died caused the accident?
While each case is different, in most civil lawsuits for negligence, it does not matter if the plaintiff is partially at fault. Florida has comparative negligence laws which allow fault and the money paid out after a trial or settlement to be divided between everyone involved. A plaintiff’s damages are only reduced by their level of fault rather than preventing them from collecting anything. It is best to discuss these issues with an attorney who specializes in car accident lawsuits before proceeding with your case to get a better understanding of how Florida’s negligence principles may affect the outcome of your situation and the get an estimate of the monetary value of any lawsuit.
Get help from a local lawyer
For more information about filing a lawsuit after a car accident in Miami, contact Orlando R. Murillo P.A. You can schedule a consultation and meet in his office to discuss the specifics of your case.
