Traffic came to a standstill Friday afternoon after a serious crash on the Palmetto Expressway (SR 826) in Northwest Miami-Dade left at least one person hospitalized, according to Miami-Dade Fire Rescue.

The crash occurred in the eastbound lanes near Northwest 17th Avenue, where two vehicles reportedly collided, blocking multiple lanes of traffic for several hours. Aerial footage from Chopper 4 showed emergency crews responding to the scene as tow trucks worked to remove damaged vehicles from the roadway.

One person was transported to a local hospital in unknown condition, while another was rescued after being trapped inside one of the vehicles. All eastbound lanes were temporarily closed as first responders worked to clear the wreckage.

The Dangers of Miami’s Major Expressways

High-speed corridors like the Palmetto Expressway, which connects heavily trafficked areas of Miami-Dade County, are some of the most dangerous roads in Florida. Sudden lane changes, congestion, distracted driving, and high-speed merging often contribute to severe collisions.

When serious accidents happen on these expressways, victims can suffer catastrophic injuries, and determining who is at fault can quickly become complicated due to multi-vehicle involvement and commercial traffic.

Steps to Take After a Miami-Dade Highway Accident

After a crash on the Palmetto Expressway or any other major roadway, taking the right actions immediately can protect your health and your legal rights:

  1. Call 911 and request medical assistance and law enforcement.
  2. Move to safety if possible, but stay near the scene.
  3. Document the crash, including photos, witness names, and vehicle details.
  4. Avoid making statements to insurers before consulting an attorney.
  5. Seek medical attention, even if you feel fine at first. Internal injuries may appear later.

Understanding Your Legal Rights After a Miami-Dade Accident

Victims of auto accidents in Miami-Dade County may be entitled to compensation for:

  • Medical bills and emergency transport
  • Future rehabilitation and treatment
  • Lost wages or reduced earning ability
  • Pain, suffering, and emotional trauma
  • Damage to personal property

Even if you were partially at fault, Florida’s comparative negligence law allows injured individuals to pursue compensation proportional to the other driver’s responsibility.

At Campione Law, our attorneys represent injured drivers and passengers throughout South Florida, including Miami, Doral, and Hialeah. We investigate every aspect of a crash to ensure our clients receive fair and full compensation.

Campione Law: Protecting Victims Across Miami-Dade County

At Campione Law P.A., we know how overwhelming it can be to recover after a highway collision. Our firm has extensive experience handling cases across Broward and Miami-Dade Counties, including complex multi-vehicle crashes on major expressways like I-95, I-75, and SR 826.

We work with accident reconstruction experts, review traffic camera footage, and negotiate directly with insurance companies to protect our clients’ rights.

📞 For immediate help, call (904) 990-8400 or visit our Contact Us page to schedule a free consultation.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do after a highway crash in Miami-Dade County?
 Call emergency services, document the scene, and contact an experienced attorney before speaking with insurance companies.

Where do most serious crashes occur in Miami?
 Major highways like I-95, I-75, the Palmetto Expressway (SR 826), and the Dolphin Expressway (SR 836) see frequent collisions due to high traffic volumes.

Can I still recover damages if I was partially at fault?
 Yes. Florida’s comparative negligence rule allows partial recovery based on each driver’s share of responsibility.

How long do I have to file a claim?
 You generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim in Florida.

What if I was a passenger in one of the vehicles?
 Passengers may file claims against one or both drivers, depending on who was at fault.

Does Campione Law handle highway and expressway crashes?
 Yes. Our attorneys regularly represent clients injured in complex expressway accidents throughout South Florida.