4 Important Florida Car Accident Laws You Should Know

When driving in Florida, knowing relevant state laws that could affect you if you get into an accident is crucial. However, if you suffer injuries in a crash due to someone else’s negligence, you may forget or not completely understand the terms of these laws, as they can be confusing. Fortunately, you do not have to interpret these laws and go through the legal process alone. Our knowledgeable lawyers at the Law Offices of Scott Sobol have a thorough understanding of Florida law and have the communication skills to help you understand them clearly.

We have successfully represented thousands of Florida car accident victims over the last 20 years, so you can trust us to treat your claim with the care and attention it deserves. We work with you every step of the way to create a personalized plan tailored to your needs. Our dedicated lawyers handle every aspect of your claim so that you can focus on recovery. In addition to holding the liable party accountable for their negligence, we strive to help you make informed legal decisions and understand the full scope of your claim.

4 Florida Car Accident Laws That May Impact Your Claim

Understanding Florida car accident laws is essential to understand your legal options and the steps you must take after a crash. However, the language of these laws is often challenging to understand. We can use our vast legal knowledge to explain the most important laws that may affect your car accident claim, including the following:

Reporting an Accident

After a car accident, you may wonder if you need to report it to the police. According to Florida Statutes §316.065, you must inform the local police department, the county sheriff’s office, or the Florida Highway Patrol of an accident if it resulted in injury, death, or over $500 of damages. You must file this report within ten days of the crash.

No-Fault Insurance System

If you suffered injuries from another person’s negligence in a car accident, you must first turn to your own insurance company for compensation. This is called a no-fault insurance system, and it requires car accident victims to seek damages from their personal injury protection (PIP) insurance coverage, no matter who is at fault. If your damages exceed your insurance policies, we can help you seek full compensation for your losses from the liable party’s insurance holder.

Comparative Negligence

Car accidents are often complicated, with all parties contributing some fault to the crash. Therefore, Florida uses a pure comparative negligence system, per Florida Statutes §768.81. Each party involved in the accident receives a percentage of responsibility, which gets deducted from their respective damages. For example, if your claim is worth $250,000, and you are 15% at fault for the accident, you would receive $212,500, which is 85% of full compensation. Even if you are more at fault for the accident than another driver, you can still recover some damages. We can negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf to ensure they do not assign you an unfair fault percentage. 

Statute of Limitations

According to Florida Statutes §95.11, car accident victims typically have four years to file their claims, but there may be some exceptions depending on the circumstances. While you may think this leaves you plenty of time to file your claim, recovery, gathering evidence, and other delays can be a lot to balance on your own. Our efficient lawyers can take these difficult tasks to ensure you don’t miss your opportunity to fight for your rights.

Speak With a Knowledgeable Florida Car Accident Lawyer at the Law Offices of Scott Sobol

The aftermath of a Florida car accident can be overwhelming, especially if you suffered injuries. You deserve representation that will make the legal process stress-free and explain the terms of your claim in easily digestible terms. At the Law Office of Scott Sobol, we do just that by informing you about the laws that may affect your claim and the decisions you have to make to achieve a successful outcome. 

We have experience handling a wide variety of car accident claims, giving us the tools to take on your claim, regardless of the circumstances. Our compassionate team listens to your story and gets to the heart of your claim by gathering clear and compelling evidence and fiercely advocating for your rights with insurance companies and in court, if necessary. To schedule a free consultation, fill out our contact form or call (954) 440-2000.