Car accidents are a common occurrence in Florida. If you ever find yourself involved in an accident, it’s important to have a basic understanding of auto negligence. In a car wreck, the negligent party is the party responsible for the accident. In order to recover damages in a Florida car accident case, you must prove that the other driver’s negligence caused the accident. Below is an overview of Florida auto negligence.
What is Auto Negligence?
Negligence occurs when someone acts in a manner that is unreasonable under the circumstances. Negligence can occur by action or inaction. Auto negligence occurs when a driver fails to drive reasonably and responsibly. This often results in auto accidents.
Proving Auto Negligence
If you suffer injuries in an auto accident, you’ll have to prove the other driver’s negligence in order to recover damages. In order to demonstrate another driver’s negligence, you must prove that
- the other driver owed you a duty of care,
- the other driver breached this duty,
- the driver’s breach caused your accident, and
- the accident resulted in damages.
How a Lawyer Can Help
If you are injured in a car accident in Florida, an experienced Florida car accident attorney can be an invaluable ally in your case. Although you aren’t required by law to hire an attorney, doing so can help you in multiple ways. When you hire a Florida car accident attorney to represent you, he or she will
- thoroughly investigate your claim,
- gather relevant evidence,
- interview witnesses,
- calculate damages, and
- negotiate for a reasonable settlement.
Of course, if the other party is unwilling to provide a reasonable settlement amount, your Florida car accident attorney will fight for you in the courtroom. However, if you fail to hire an attorney, it will be difficult for you to accurately value your case, and this can result in an unfair settlement. Insurance companies want to settle car accident cases quickly, and they are notorious for making lowball settlement offers to injured drivers.
The Bottom Line
A car accident can leave you injured, frustrated, and in debt. However, with a qualified Florida car accident attorney on your side, your odds of a successful outcome increase, and you can focus on your recovery with the peace of mind that your case is in good hands.
Contact a Pensacola and Northwest Florida Personal Injury Attorney
If you’ve been injured in an auto accident, you need an experienced Florida personal injury attorney to fight for you. At Staples, Ellis + Associates, P.A., we have over seventy years of combined experience representing car and truck accident victims in Pensacola and throughout Northwest Florida. If you or a loved one have been injured in an auto accident in Pensacola or Northwest Florida, please contact us today to schedule a consultation with one of our talented Florida car accident attorneys.
Posted in: Auto Accidents