What Happens If the At-Fault Driver Dies in a Florida Car Accident?

August 8, 2026 | Wolfson & Leon

What Happens If the At-Fault Driver Dies in a Florida Car Accident?

Quick Answer: Yes. In most cases, you may still pursue compensation even if the driver who caused the accident dies.

The death of the at-fault driver does not automatically end your legal claim. Florida law generally allows personal injury claims to continue through the driver’s automobile insurance policy and, in some situations, through the driver’s estate or other legally responsible parties. While the legal process may become more complex, your right to seek compensation often survives. You can call the personal injury lawyers at Wolfson & Leon for a free consultation anytime at (305) 285-1115.

More Car Accidents and Fewer Tickets in Florida – Who Would Have Guessed?

August 1, 2018 | Wolfson & Leon

In South Florida, the number of crashes in Florida increased by more than 33,000 from 2012 to 2017. Yet in that same period in Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties law enforcement officials issued 500,000 fewer tickets. If you received a ticket recently, then this means little to you. If you were in a crash, then it makes you wonder. If the person who hit me had received a ticket before, would they have been more careful? Maybe that driver who injured you shouldn’t have been on the road at all? Eventually you will want to know why have the number of citations issued gone down while traffic accidents have increased in South Florida? South Florida personal injury attorneys know that the answers from authorities are vague but hardly conclusive.

Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles Statistics

A statistical study from 2012 to 2017 reveals:

Filing a Wrongful Death Claim in Florida

October 6, 2015 | Wolfson & Leon

The death of a family member or loved one can be a painful experience. This is particularly true in situations when the death was easily preventable and occurred because of negligence.

Each state has specific procedures regarding how the courts can handle such situations, and in many cases, a wrongful death claim is the best way to seek some form of compensation from the at-fault party. These wrongful death claims are civil lawsuits, and there are specific laws in Florida that govern this procedure.

If you believe a member of your family was the victim of wrongful death, contact a Miami personal-injury lawyer for advice. Filing a claim for wrongful death is a complicated process, and if you intend to sue the negligent party, a lawyer may be able to help.

What Damages Can I Seek in a Florida Wrongful Death Claim?

October 6, 2015 | Wolfson & Leon

The death of a family member or loved one is always difficult, especially if it is the result of a preventable accident or someone else’s negligence. In addition to the emotional toll that a sudden and unexpected death can take on a family, there are often lasting financial impacts.

Under certain circumstances, family members may be able to file a wrongful death claim to recover certain damages from the individual or organization responsible. While no amount of compensation can ease the pain of the loss of a family member, it may be beneficial to help cover costs and fill the financial void left by the deceased.

If you are considering filing a civil lawsuit for a wrongful death claim, contact Wolfson & Leon for advice. We have been practicing law for more than 60 combined years, and we are equipped to handle a wide range of personal-injury cases, including wrongful deaths, car accidents and motorcycle crashes.

Two SUVs Crash in Miami, Killing One

March 5, 2015 | Wolfson & Leon

Many people believe SUVs offer greater protection for their passengers in car crashes, but this is not always the case. When high speed is involved, there is a likelihood of injuries for passengers in most vehicle types.

A recent crash reported in Miami shows just how devastating a crash between two SUVs can be. The Miami Herald reports that one person died and two others were seriously injured when the driver of an SUV lost control of his vehicle and crashed into another SUV traveling in the opposite direction. The second SUV spun out and crashed into a light pole, narrowly missing a Miami-Dade bus.

Officials described the crash as extremely violent with debris littering the street. It happened at approximately 11 a.m. on Northwest 22nd Avenue.

17-Year-Old Student Dies in Florida Car Crash

March 5, 2015 | Wolfson & Leon

PNJ reports that a 17-year-old student died in a car crash on Wednesday afternoon. The accident involved two cars, which were carrying four school children and a woman in her late 50s.

Florida Highway Patrol says the crash happened shortly after noon on U.S. Highway 29. A 19-year-old was driving the vehicle in a northerly direction when he tried to turn left on Kenmore Road. A woman who was travelling in the opposite direction crashed into his car.

Two people sustained injuries and went to a nearby hospital for treatment. Officials say their injuries were serious but were not likely to be life threatening.

3 Bicycle Accidents Claim 2 Lives and Leave 1 Injured

March 5, 2015 | Wolfson & Leon

Fitness gurus, employers and even government health campaigns tout the same message: Commuting by bicycle rather than a car can lead to a long, healthy life, but the practice is not without its risks. According to the Department of Transportation, 726 cyclists died in car accidents in 2012.

Bicyclists are also at a higher risk of death than drivers and pedestrians. Although only 1 percent of all commutes in the United States involve a bicycle, biking deaths account for 2 percent of all traffic fatalities.

If you are one of the approximately 49,000 people who suffer an injury in a bike accident each year, we want to help. At Wolfson & Leon, LLP, we’ve spent the past 50 years representing accident victims in Miami, and you can rely on that experience in the courtroom. If you are ready to talk with a car-accident lawyer about your injuries, please call 305-285-1115.

Doctor, Healthcare Service and Medical Center Face Wrongful-Death Lawsuit

March 5, 2015 | Wolfson & Leon

A recent case involving the death of a 78-year-old male, Kenneth Steadman, while under the care of a Florida medical center has brought serious medical malpractice claims back to the spotlight. In this situation, as reported by The Ledger, the elderly male died from complications involving an issue with blood clots in the lungs, or pulmonary thromboembolism.

Subsequent to an investigation into the matter, the man’s wife, Linda Steadman, has filed a civil lawsuit against all concerned, including the doctor, Lozano Internal Medicine Clinic, the Lake Wales Hospital Corporation and Lakeland Home Care Services. The amount claimed is $15,000.

Steadman and her personal-injury attorney believe the circumstances surrounding the case are clear indications of malpractice and improper procedure being followed. Ms. Steadman claims the healthcare providers incorrectly assessed her husband’s deteriorating condition.

Florida Bicycle Accidents Leave Injuries, Fatalities

March 5, 2015 | Wolfson & Leon

Bicycle crash statistics in Florida are shocking, and each year, thousands of cyclists are killed or injured on the state’s roads. Recent figures released by Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles indicate that there are more than 4,500 non-fatal cycling accidents involving motor vehicles per year in Florida.

The impact of these accidents is far-reaching, and if you are a cyclist, it is important that you know your rights, especially when it comes to negligent drivers.

If you have been involved in an accident, your best approach is to work with a qualified personal injury lawyer who can advise you on the process. Wolfson & Leon, LLP has been representing accident victims since 1963, and we have the expertise to fight for maximum compensation. Call us today at 305-285-1115 to set up a free case evaluation.

Man and Toddler Killed in Two Separate Florida Bicycle Accidents

March 5, 2015 | Wolfson & Leon

Bicyclists face a multitude of risks every day. Even with the use of safety gear and helmets, cyclists may suffer serious injuries, particularly when they ride on busy roadways. According to Alert Today Florida, Florida had the highest pedestrian fatality rate among all states in 2011, as well as a significant number of bicycle fatalities. The study claims that Florida accounted for 17.4 percent of all bicycle fatalities in the United States in 2011.

The injuries that result from bicycle accidents may leave victims with high medical bills. Often, these injuries prevent victims from returning to work, which puts their financial security at risk. For this reason, it is important to contact a personal-injury lawyer immediately after a bicycle accident.

Wolfson & Leon, LLP is a respected Miami personal-injury law firm, and we have the necessary experience to evaluate all aspects of your accident and advise you on possible litigation and compensation. Call us today at 305-285-1115 for a free case evaluation from a Miami personal-injury lawyer.