Serving all of Florida
Florida Car Accident Lawyer
Miami-Dade, Broward & statewide
I spent 20 years defending insurance companies in crash cases. Now I use everything I learned to fight for you.
— Emanuel Galimidi, former insurance-defense attorney
Main office in downtown Miami · Consultations across Florida by phone or video
How long do I have to file a Florida car-accident claim — and is the state still no-fault in 2026?
After a Miami car accident you generally have two years from the date of the crash to file a personal-injury lawsuit in Florida (Fla. Stat. § 95.11(5)(a)) — cut from four years by the 2023 tort reform. And yes, Florida is still a no-fault state in 2026: despite widely repeated claims that PIP ended on July 1, 2026, the repeal bills died in committee, so your own Personal Injury Protection (§ 627.736) still pays the first $10,000 of medical bills and lost wages regardless of fault — but you must see a doctor within 14 days. You can step outside no-fault and pursue the at-fault driver for full damages, including pain and suffering, once your injuries meet the serious-injury threshold (§ 627.737). Your recovery is reduced by your share of fault and barred only if you are found more than 50% at fault (§ 768.81).
Florida car accident — the facts that matter
- Deadline to file
- 2 years from the crash (shorter vs. a government vehicle)
- Get treated within 14 days
- Required to keep your PIP medical benefits
- Fault rule
- You can recover if you are 50% or less at fault
- What it costs
- Free consultation · no fees or costs unless you recover
What they do
What the insurance company does after your crash
The same moves show up on almost every claim — each one built to pay you less. Spotting them early is the difference between their first offer and the real number.
The quick, low offer
A fast check before you know the extent of your injuries — designed to close the file for a fraction of its value.
The recorded statement
Friendly questions engineered to get you to minimize your pain or admit partial fault on tape.
Delay until you're desperate
Bills pile up while they wait, betting you'll take less just to make the pressure stop.
After a crash
What to do in the first days
Report & document
Call 911, photograph the scene, vehicles, and injuries.
See a doctor in 14 days
Florida PIP requires it — and it ties your injuries to the crash.
Don't go on record
Skip the other insurer's recorded statement until you have advice.
Call before you settle
One review can show whether the offer is real or a lowball.
Florida law
The rules that decide your claim
2-year deadline
Florida generally gives you 2 years from the crash to file an injury lawsuit. Wait too long and the claim is gone.
PIP & the 14-day rule
Your own PIP covers initial medical costs, but only if you are treated within 14 days of the crash.
Comparative fault
You can still recover if you are 50% or less at fault; your share reduces the award. How fault is split is often worth fighting.
Uninsured drivers
If the at-fault driver has no coverage, your own UM/UIM policy may pay. Insurers rarely volunteer this.
Related pages: What's my case worth? · Uninsured motorist coverage · Uber & Lyft accidents
A recent result
Their offer wasn't the real number.
Car accident · their first offer: $0
One of several recent recoveries handled by the firm. Each case is different and past results do not guarantee a similar outcome. See more case results →Client reviews
What clients say
“Mr. Galimidi took on my case after I totaled my car in an accident. He always got back to me the same day with answers and updates. I highly recommend him.”
— Jacqueline Earls · Google“He stood firmly by my side with expert guidance and genuine encouragement. We won the case — and his integrity and trustworthiness impressed me most.”
— Domineque Martindale · Google“Simply the best of the best. So honest, and always reachable — he gives you all the advice and all the angles, then uses his knowledge for your best outcome.”
— Eden Alush · Google“His long experience working for the other side — the insurance companies — is absolutely invaluable when negotiating a payout.”
— Victor · AvvoIndividual results; outcomes vary by case. Reviews are from the firm’s Google and Avvo profiles.
Questions people ask
Miami car accident FAQ
How long do I have to file a car accident claim in Florida?
For most Florida car accident injury claims you have 2 years from the date of the crash. It can be shorter when a government vehicle is involved. Missing the deadline usually ends your right to recover.
What should I do after a car accident in Miami?
Call 911, get medical care within 14 days to protect your PIP benefits, photograph everything, collect the other driver's insurance details, and don't give the other insurer a recorded statement before getting advice.
How much does a car accident lawyer cost?
The firm works on a contingency fee. The consultation is free and you pay no attorney fees or costs unless the firm recovers money for you.
Do I have to give the insurer a recorded statement?
No — you're not required to, and those routine-sounding questions are designed to get you on record minimizing your injuries or accepting blame. Get advice before you agree to one.
What if I was partly at fault?
Florida uses modified comparative negligence — you can still recover as long as you're not more than 50% at fault, though your share reduces the recovery. Fault is often disputed and worth challenging.
What if the other driver had no insurance?
You may still recover through your own uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage plus PIP. Insurers don't always point these benefits out, which is one reason to have your policy reviewed.
Tell me what happened. The consultation is free.
You'll talk to a senior attorney who spent 20 years on the other side — not a case manager. No fees or costs unless you recover.
Call 786-442-2873