Miami Reckless Driving Accident Lawyer
If you were injured in a crash caused by a reckless driver in Miami, you may be facing major expenses, serious pain, and an insurance company that tries to avoid responsibility. James D. Payer, an experienced Miami car accident lawyer with decades of experience is here to protect your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact our team at (305) 363-7099 or online to schedule a free case evaluation.
Reviewed by: James D. Payer
Table of Contents
- How Reckless Driving Accidents in Miami Turn Deadly
- Common Reckless Driving Behaviors Behind Miami Crashes
- Who Pays Your Medical Bills Right After a Miami Reckless Driving Crash?
- When Can You Sue a Reckless Driver in Miami for Additional Damages?
- What Proof Shows the Other Driver Was Reckless?
- How Much Is a Reckless Driving Injury Claim Worth in Miami?
- How Long Do I Have To File a Claim Against a Reckless Driver in Miami?
- Contact an Experienced Miami Reckless Driving Accident Lawyer
How Reckless Driving Accidents in Miami Turn Deadly
Reports and local news stories highlight a concerning number of reckless driving incidents in Miami. For example, in April 2025, a driver was arrested after speeding on Southwest 57 Avenue while attempting to elude a law enforcement officer who saw her driving the wrong way. In another recent case, a driver without a license struck and killed a man in the West Little River neighborhood in a hit-and-run accident.
These types of crashes reveal why victims need a skilled Miami reckless driving accident lawyer—to hold the wrongdoer accountable for the harm they caused.
Common Reckless Driving Behaviors Behind Miami Crashes
Reckless driving is a far too common occurrence in Florida, putting everyone on the road at risk. In 2024, data collected by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles revealed there were 7,868 reckless driving accidents reported in the state. Critically, almost 300 people died, while over 2,200 people suffered serious injuries because of a distracted driver.
The following reckless driving behaviors commonly cause crashes in Miami:
- Excessive speeding
- Illegal street-racing “takeovers”
- Wrong-way driving
- Lane-weaving while fleeing police
- Distracted driving, such as texting, using apps, or looking at dashboard screens
- Driving at high speed while impaired by alcohol or drugs
Reckless driving behaviors are prohibited by Florida law. The statute specifies that any person who operates a vehicle with “willful or wanton disregard for the safety” of others has committed the offense of reckless driving.
Who Pays Your Medical Bills Right After a Miami Reckless Driving Crash?
If you were hurt in an accident caused by a reckless driver, you may be wondering how to pay your medical bills while your personal injury claim is pending. In Florida, Personal Injury Protection (PIP) covers up to $10,000 for emergency care and 60 percent of lost wages after an accident if you seek medical treatment within 14 days of the collision.
If PIP coverage is unavailable or exhausted in your case—for example, if you’re not covered under a Florida auto insurance policy—optional MedPay or your health insurance may help cover your medical bills. In addition, the reckless driver’s property damage coverage may pay for your car repairs.
Be sure to track every dollar after suffering injuries in an accident caused by a reckless driver. Keep accurate records to demonstrate your economic damages, including the following:
- Your emergency room bills
- Hospital bills
- The costs of treatment and surgeries
- Pharmacy receipts
- Mileage logs
Don’t forget to retain receipts for any out-of-pocket expenses you incurred due to the accident.
When Can You Sue a Reckless Driver in Miami for Additional Damages?
An accident victim can step outside Florida’s no-fault system if their injuries are serious or if their costs go beyond the $10,000 PIP threshold. Although PIP can be vital to pay for your immediate medical expenses, it typically will not cover the full extent of your losses if you are severely hurt.
By filing a personal injury lawsuit, you may be entitled to recover the following economic and non-economic damages:
- Unreimbursed medical bills
- Physical rehabilitation and therapy bills
- Lost income
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Disfigurement
- Permanent disability
- Loss of consortium
You will need solid proof to establish your damages. A Miami reckless driving accident lawyer can help you collect the evidence you need for your claim. Call Payer Law now—Florida gives you only two years to file a personal injury lawsuit.
What Proof Shows the Other Driver Was Reckless?
To establish a strong personal injury claim for a reckless driving accident, you will need to present evidence that demonstrates the other driver’s wrongdoing.
Proof of reckless driving can include:
- Police report codes
- Speed-data downloads
- Traffic-cam or dash-cam video
- Eyewitness statements
- Cell-phone records
A Miami reckless driving attorney will know what type of evidence is needed to prove your case—and how to obtain it.
How Much Is a Reckless Driving Injury Claim Worth in Miami?
Many factors can determine the value of a claim, and every case is unique. The settlement amount for injuries resulting from a reckless driving accident can be impacted by the severity of your injuries, proof of fault, and the costs of future care. Cases involving more severe injuries that require extensive medical treatment typically result in higher settlement amounts.
Our firm has successfully negotiated many settlements for our clients, including the following:
- $27.56 million motor vehicle crash jury verdict: As co-counsel, we represented a woman who suffered severe traumatic brain injuries after she was struck by a vehicle traveling over 100 miles an hour on I-95. We fought to obtain the monetary recovery she deserved for her injuries.
- $2.15 million motor vehicle crash settlement: We secured a substantial settlement in a motor vehicle crash case against the uninsured motorist umbrella policy of a driver who lost control of the vehicle they were traveling in. The driver’s negligence caused our client to sustain a traumatic brain injury that required multiple surgeries, weeks in the hospital, and lengthy rehabilitation to regain his pre-accident physical abilities.
What’s the Difference Between a Settlement and a Jury Verdict?
Most cases settle out of court through negotiations with the at-fault party’s insurance company. However, if the insurance company refuses to settle for a fair amount, you may have a better chance of securing your rightful monetary recovery by bringing your case to trial. In these instances, the jury would render a verdict that determines the defendant’s liability and the amount of compensation you would receive.
How Long Do I Have To File a Claim Against a Reckless Driver in Miami?
You have two years from the date of the accident to pursue a car accident claim in Miami. If you fail to file by the deadline, you may be barred from seeking compensation. The time frame to file a lawsuit begins on the date the accident occurred. In the event the accident caused the victim’s death, the personal representative of their estate would have two years to file a wrongful death action.
Although you have two years to pursue a claim, it’s essential to act quickly while the evidence in your case is fresh. As time goes by, key evidence can be lost or destroyed. Contact our law office today to schedule a free consultation with an experienced lawyer who can take measures to preserve the evidence needed to prove your case.
Contact an Experienced Miami Reckless Driving Accident Lawyer
At Payer Law, our car accident lawyers will work relentlessly to obtain justice for the injuries you suffered in your reckless driving case. Utilizing accident scene reconstruction, subpoenas for phone data, expert witnesses, and other strategies, we have the resources necessary to build a strong case on your behalf.
With an office located in Miami, we offer bilingual staff, personalized service, and a contingency fee structure. That means you don’t pay us anything unless we win your case.
12000 Biscayne Blvd STE 503
Miami, FL 33181
(305) 363-7099
Hours: Open 24 hours daily
- Miami Personal Injury
- Miami Car Accident Lawyer
- Miami Accidents with Commercial Vehicles
- Miami Drunk Driving Accidents
- Miami Reckless Driving Accidents
- Miami Rear-End Accidents
- Miami Head On Collision Accidents
- What to Do After a Car Accident
- Timeline to File a Car Accident Claim
- Recovering Lost Wages After a Crash
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