In a city as bustling as Miami, car accidents sadly happen every day. When two cars collide, it can be difficult to determine liability and decide which car was the cause of the crash. If you are deemed the negligent party, you may be wondering what steps you can take to pay your own medical bills or recover compensation to offset the damage done to your vehicle. Let our Miami auto accident law firm explain.
What happens if you caused a car accident in Miami? Florida is a comparative negligence state, which means that the state of Florida holds the responsible driver liable for any injuries caused up to the amount of their determined negligence. For example: if the injured party was considered to be 30% responsible for the accident, then they could not sue the other party for 100% of their injuries and damages. They could only hold the responsible party liable for the percentage of damages that they caused. In this scenario, that would be 70% of the damages.
This limits the number of damages that can be collected in a case, but it certainly does not mean that a case isn’t worth pursuing. If you’re facing expenses from a car accident, then 70% of damages that the other party is responsible for are worth pursuing to lessen your burden.
What Is Considered Negligent Driving In Florida?
All drivers have an obligation to operate with a duty of care to others. If you breach that duty of care by driving recklessly or negligently, and that breach can be proven in court, you may be held liable for the accident.
Negligent driving includes, but is not limited to, speeding, driving while intoxicated or under the influence of drugs, or driving distracted such as texting or talking on the phone while on the road. Reckless behaviors like tailgating, or rushing through red lights all may contribute to reasons why you might be held liable for a car accident. In some cases, even eating while driving or using a GPS can deem you liable for an accident, if it can be proven that you were operating your vehicle negligently, and therefore put another driver on the road in danger.
No two car accidents are alike, and it is rarely a simple task to determine which car caused an accident. Never admit fault or guilt at the scene of the crash, even if the other driver is pressuring you into doing so. You should also consult with a car accident lawyer before divulging any information about the crash and, if you can remember, always collect evidence like photographs at the scene of the accident. This will help prove your side of the story before a judge.
Even if you’re unsure whether or not you’re at fault, your lawyer can guide you through the personal injury lawsuit process and defend you before a judge, in order to minimize the financial impact of the crash on you.
If I Caused A Car Accident Can My Insurance Still Cover My Damages?
In most states, car insurance is the primary source of compensation after a car accident in Florida. If you caused an accident, you’re likely wondering if your insurance carrier can still help you. Fortunately, even if you have been determined to be at fault in a car accident, your insurance company will likely cover the cost of your injuries and the damage done to your car.
As with any insurance policy, there are limits to your car accident insurance coverage. Most people are only insured for a certain amount of damage, which depends on the specific terms of their policy and their deductible. Unfortunately, insurers do have the right to deny insurance claims for a variety of reasons. If insurance expires or your insurance provider denies your claim, you might be held responsible for damages following the accident if you are sued by the other party.
Should I Hire A Personal Injury Lawyer After Suffering A Car Accident?
Florida allows car accident victims to recover certain damages for their losses via filing a personal injury lawsuit. The liable party can be held responsible for damages to your vehicle and expenses incurred from car accident injuries. Regardless of whether or not you are at fault after a car accident, it is wise to contact a personal injury lawyer and consult with them about what happened. At Lipcon and Lipcon Attorneys At Law, we offer a free, no-obligation consultation so car accident victims can gain an understanding of the legal process that might soon be unfolding before them.
Hiring a lawyer is especially important if you believe you were at fault in the accident, or the opposing party claims that you are. Bringing a personal injury claim against the liable party through the legal system can allow you to collect damages for your pain, suffering, and financial losses. If you choose to handle a car accident case on your own, you run the risk of accepting too much fault, leaving you on the hook for these financial payments.
Lipcon And Lipcon Attorneys At Law Can Help You Even If You Believe You’re At Fault After A Car Accident
If you believe you caused a car accident in Miami, call Lipcon and Lipcon Attorneys At Law right away. You have the right to be represented by a qualified legal aide and have a right to have your side of the story told in court and defended before a judge. Even if you believe you may be liable for the crash, your lawyer can help you minimize the amount you need to pay and will defend your right to do so.
With so many car accidents happening every day in Miami, it’s crucial you understand the impact of getting into an accident and that you know the full scope of options you can take to minimize the financial impact after causing or suffering a crash. Lipcon and Lipcon Attorneys At Law have offices in Miami and Miami Gardens, Florida, and offer a free, no-obligation case evaluation for any Florida resident that has suffered a car accident.