Recovering civil damages after a car accident works a little differently in Florida than in many other states. There are several aspects of Florida civil injury law which might be an obstacle to plaintiffs without counsel from seasoned legal professionals.
Hiring a Kenneth City car accident lawyer is not legally required if you are injured in a crash in the area, but it is almost always a good idea. An experienced personal injury attorney could help identify all the damages you may be entitled to, ensure they are valued accurately, and tirelessly fight to win full compensation for you in and out of court.
Comparative Fault in Kenneth City
The core definition of legal negligence is the same in Florida as it is anywhere else. When a person who breaches a duty of care they owe to someone else, causing an accident, they may be held financially liable for any injuries and losses that result. However, a key difference is in how courts in Kenneth City address the issue of plaintiffs who share liability for their own injuries.
According to Florida Statutes §768.81, someone who is found partially liable for their own damages may have any compensation awarded reduced proportionate to their degree of blame. However, unlike many other states, Florida law does not establish a maximum amount of fault a plaintiff can bear before they become ineligible to recover any damage award. With the work of a dedicated and experienced car accident lawyer, Kenneth City plaintiffs may still be able to recover damages even if they are primarily at fault.
Insurance Requirements Following Car Crashes in Florida
Everyone operating a registered vehicle in the state of Florida must hold a minimum of $10,000 worth of coverage for property damage and $10,000 of coverage for personal injuries. In the event they get in an accident, they must first file a claim with their own insurance for any economic damages they experienced, excepting the repair or replacement costs for a damaged vehicle, before filing suit against anyone else.
In this “no-fault” insurance system, non-economic damages like pain and suffering are typically unavailable unless the plaintiff suffers a “serious injury” such as a bone fracture or other damage resulting in significant disability or disfigurement. In this case, a car accident lawyer in Kenneth City could help an injured party file a third-party lawsuit for non-economic damages as well as any economic damages their own insurance did not cover.
Talk to a Kenneth City Car Accident Attorney as Soon as Possible
Unfortunately, the circumstances under which you can file a lawsuit against someone else following a car crash are limited by Florida state law, but you may still be owed compensation. If you have suffered a severe injury that resulted in substantial limitations and difficulties in your day-to-day, your next move should be to discuss your legal options with a seasoned attorney.
With a Kenneth City car accident lawyer by your side, you could take full advantage of your legal rights and effectively pursue the best possible outcome for your case. Call today to schedule a consultation and learn more.
