Have you been injured in an auto accident in Florida? If so, you might be eligible for a personal injury claim.
Negligence in Florida
What is negligence and why is it important? Negligence is the portion of fault you share for an auto accident. If you were "negligent" while driving and caused the crash, you may not be eligible for a personal injury claim. Negligence is important because you'll be filing a claim with the insurance company of the negligent driver.
The state of Florida uses what's called "pure comparative negligence," so your damages awarded in a personal injury claim will be reduced by whatever percentage of fault you share for an auto accident. For example, if you were involved in a collision and are found 10% at fault for a settlement worth $10,000, your actual payment will be reduced to $9,000.
Why Does an Auto Accident Scenario Matter?
The specific scenario you're involved in while driving in Florida will make a difference when a court determines who caused the crash. For example, if you were rear ended, it'll be almost impossible for the other driver to argue that you were at fault for the crash. On the other hand, if you didn't use a turn signal while merging, it's likely any potential personal injury claim will be reduced to reflect your shared fault.
Here are some common auto accident scenarios in Florida:
