No one wants to think about being sued. But if you are involved in a car collision in Florida, it is a possibility. If you cause a collision, you could be sued for damages by the other driver, passengers, or pedestrians involved.
So, what happens if you are sued after causing a collision in Florida? In this piece of writing, we will explore the potential outcomes of such a lawsuit. From court proceedings to insurance claims and more, read on to learn more about what to expect if you are sued after a car collision in Florida.
Car Accidents in Florida
Car accidents are a leading cause of personal injury in Florida. If you are involved in a car accident, you may be sued by the other driver or passengers in the vehicle.
If you are found to be at fault for the accident, you may be required to pay damages to the injured parties. You can do several things to avoid being sued after a car accident:
- Make sure that you have adequate insurance coverage. Don't take responsibility for what happened; that's rule number two.
- Cooperate with the police and insurance companies during their investigations.
- Consult an experienced personal injury attorney who can help protect your rights.
Types of Damages You Can Be Sued For in Florida
There are many different types of damages you can be sued for if you cause a collision in Florida. These include:
- Property damage - This is the most common type of damage people are sued for after causing a collision. If you cause damage to someone else's property, they may sue you to recover the cost of repairs or replacement.
- Personal injury - If you injure someone else in a collision, they may sue you for their medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
- Wrongful death - If you cause a collision that results in someone's death, their family may sue you for their loss.
- Punitive damages - If the court finds that your actions were careless or reckless, they may award punitive damages to the plaintiff and any other damages they are entitled to.
How Much is the Average Settlement in a Florida Car Accident Case?
If you are sued after causing a car accident in Florida, the settlement amount will depend on several factors.
The most important factor is the severity of the injuries suffered by the victim. If the victim has suffered serious or permanent injuries, they will likely receive a higher settlement than if they have only suffered minor injuries.
Other factors that can affect the settlement amount include the amount of property damage caused by accident, whether the victim was partially at fault for the accident, and whether the victim contributed to their own injuries by not wearing a seatbelt or taking other precautions.
When You Are at Fault for an Accident, Does Your Insurance Cover the Other Driver’s Injuries?
If you are at fault for an accident in Florida, your insurance will cover the other driver’s injuries up to your policy limits. If the other driver’s injuries exceed your policy limits, they may sue you for the difference.
In a lawsuit, the other driver would have to prove that you were at fault for the accident and that their injuries resulted from it. If successful, they could recover damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage.
Does Your Insurance Cover Your Injuries if the Other Driver Is at Fault?
If the other driver is at fault, your insurance will cover your injuries up to your policy limits. If you have a $100,000 policy, for example, and your medical bills total $50,000, your insurer will pay the full $50,000.
But if your bills come to $120,000, you’ll be responsible for the remaining $20,000.
What to Do in the Collision and How to Stay Safe?
If you are involved in a collision, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself:
- Even if you don't think you're hurt, you should see a doctor immediately. Documentation from a medical professional will be important if you end up needing to file a personal injury claim.
- Even if the other driver doesn't want to report it, you should call the police and lodge a complaint. This will generate an official record of the accident that can be beneficial later on.
- Collect as much evidence as possible at the scene, including photos of the damage and witness contact information.
- Don't say anything that could be interpreted as admitting fault for the accident. Even something as innocent as "I'm sorry" can be used against you in court.
- Contact an experienced personal injury attorney who can help you understand your rights and options under Florida law.
Hughes Law: Your Car Accident Attorneys
If you've been in a car accident, you know how stressful and confusing the process can be. With so many things to think about - from getting your car repaired to dealing with insurance companies - it's easy to feel overwhelmed.
But you don't have to go through it alone. At Hughes Law, our experienced car accident lawyers are here to help.
We understand the ins and outs of Florida car accident law, and we can help you navigate the claims process so that you can focus on what's most important - recovering from your injuries.
We also know how to deal with insurance companies so we can handle all the paperwork and red tape for you. Most importantly, we're here to fight for you. We'll ensure you get the compensation you deserve for your injuries and damages.
So if you've been in a car accident in Florida, call Hughes Law today for a free consultation. We're here to help.
Conclusion
If you are sued after causing a collision in Florida, there are a few possible outcomes. First, you could be ordered to pay damages to the other party. This could include medical expenses, property damage, and even pain and suffering.
The second outcome is that you could be found liable for their injuries, which means you would be responsible for their medical bills and any wage loss they suffered as a result of the accident.
The third outcome is that you could be found guilty of a crime, such as reckless driving or DUI, and face criminal penalties.
Regardless of the outcome, speaking to an experienced attorney who can help you understand your rights and options under Florida law is important.
