What Happens if You are at Fault in a Car Accident in Florida? Here’s What to Expect Next
by Ankita Tripathy Legal 19 November 2024
Car accidents are overwhelming and dangerous. Naturally, everything becomes worse if you are determined to be at fault for what happened. Now, you have to worry about paying for the damages you caused.
We understand that accidents happen. Even if the accident was unintentional, there are steps you can take to achieve the best possible outcome. Our purpose today is to tell you what to expect after you are determined to be liable for the crash.
What happens if you are at fault in a car accident in Florida? This page provides a general overview of what you need to know. However, nothing beats the advice of an experienced attorney.
If you have specific questions about the process, it’s best to consult with a legal professional. Those seeking a Hollywood, Florida, car accident lawyer should contact Levy & Partners Law Group PLLC. The attorneys at this firm focus on this kind of case and can address your concerns.
About Florida’s Insurance System
What if you’re at fault for a car accident in Florida? Your insurance company may cover certain expenses. They will typically cover medical expenses and property damage, regardless of who’s at fault.
Thanks to this, even if you are at fault for a car accident, you won’t have to spend all your money paying for the other person’s losses. The same happens with the damages you suffer.
Florida law needs drivers to have (PIP) or personal injury protection and property damage liability (PDL) insurance. These policies cover a portion of lost wages, medical expenses, and property damage for those involved in an accident.
Can Victims of a Car Accident in Florida Sue the Other Driver?
While the insurance company will cover the damages the victim suffers to a limit, they can still sue you, depending on the circumstances. This happens if you are liable for additional personal injuries that exceed PIP and PDL coverage.
In such cases, victims may seek compensation for lost wages, pain and suffering, and, in certain circumstances, punitive damages.
Regardless, your insurance company will investigate the accident to determine your liability. They may review evidence such as police reports, medical records, and vehicle damage estimates.
What Happens if You are at Fault in a Car Accident in Florida? What to Expect After a Car Accident in Florida
While no one anticipates being at fault for a car accident, it’s wise to be prepared. The process following an accident is generally similar. This is what you can expect after being at fault in a car crash in Florida:
Constant Communication with Your Insurance Company
This is applicable to both the liable party and the victim of the accident. You need to constantly be in touch with the insurance company. Otherwise, the company might ignore the request and deprive you of the amount that you actually deserve.
It is recommended that you stay in touch with them constantly. Provide them with all the information they need and do it quickly. Do not lie and mislead them, as they will find that out eventually, and then you will be the one in trouble. The situation will get worse.
However, do not admit that you were at fault in front of the police, the witnesses, or the drivers. Tell the insurance company everything they can possibly need and make the situation easy for them.
Never post anything on social media regarding the incident. This will give the other party an opportunity to use information against you in the court of law. This is a major reason why a defendant should never say anything in front of anyone when their lawyer is not present.
Medical Help
Even if you were the one who caused the accident, you should get medical help. Being liable doesn’t mean you don’t have the right to take care of your injuries. Depending on what happened, they could be severe.
Remember that you could still get coverage for your medical bills if you are at fault for the crash. Therefore, collecting hospital bills and evidence of what happened is essential to receive that financial support.
If possible, take pictures of the accident scene and keep a record of lost wages and medical treatment estimates. Those things will come in handy when you talk to the insurance company.
Legal Assistance
Hiring an experienced and qualified lawyer is one of the most important parts of the whole process. They could be the difference between spending a lot of money on a personal injury claim or receiving compensation from your insurance carrier.
The lawyer you hire will fill you in with your rights and responsibilities after the accident. Your legal and financial safety is in the attorney’s best interest. They will do everything they can to ensure you can get at least some compensation for the crash.
Never hide details of the process from your lawyer. They won’t set you up or do anything that could jeopardize your case.
Possible Legal Process
What happens if you are at fault in a car accident in florida? Although it’s not the best-case scenario, you should mentally prepare for the possibility of going through a legal process. We are talking about a personal injury claim.
If this happens, you and your lawyer must work to win the case. That means using all the evidence you can find to show you weren’t at fault for what happened.
Depending on how the situation goes, your lawyer may recommend agreeing on a settlement with the other party. In this case, you will have to give them some compensation, but not as much as you would if they won a trial.
Wrapping Up
You should always do what you can to avoid a car accident. Yet, we understand some situations are unforeseeable. So, what happens if you are at fault in a car accident in florida? Following what you read on this page should help you minimize the legal and financial consequences of the crash.
There are some common mistakes you should avoid. First, never delay taking legal action. Always act promptly. Consequently, don’t talk to your insurance company without your attorney by your side.
Unfortunately, the insurance company is likely to avoid offering compensation, or at least it will try to do it. Experts on the matter will know the strategies they may use and how to fight against them.
Did you like this guide? There are many more of them on our website. Check it out to learn about personal injury claims and how to handle them properly.
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