Following a car accident, it can be difficult to determine who is at fault, particularly when several drivers and vehicles were involved in the incident. These types of multi-vehicle accidents, also known as chain-reaction crashes, are common in Florida. Determining fault isn’t an issue when damages equal less than $10,000, as this amount is covered by personal injury protection coverage. However, when damages in a chain-reaction crash exceed this amount, it becomes necessary to figure out who caused the accident. This can be a complicated process, so it’s advisable to hire an experienced Florida personal injury attorney when pursuing compensation for damages suffered in a chain-reaction crash. Below is an overview of the legal issues associated with chain-reaction crashes in Florida.
Determining fault in chain-reaction crashes
Determining fault in a chain-reaction crash involves identifying the person or persons whose negligent behavior caused the accident. Also referred to as reckless driving or careless driving, negligent behaviors that routinely cause chain-reaction crashes in Florida include:
- Driving on the wrong side of the street
- Driving at night with no lights on
- Driving in poor weather with no lights on
- Texting and driving
- Talking on the phone while driving
- Driving while distracted
- Driving while under the influence of drugs
- Driving while under the influence of alcohol
- Failing to wear a seatbelt
- Speeding
- Swerving in and out of traffic
- Failing to use turn signals
- Driving a car that has not been properly inspected
While all of the above behaviors are considered negligent, they can be difficult to prove without the assistance of an experienced personal injury attorney. Therefore, if you’ve been injured in a chain-reaction crash, contact an experienced Florida personal injury as soon as possible.
Comparative negligence
An additional issue to consider in Florida chain-reaction crashes is comparative negligence. Under Florida’s comparative negligence laws, if a driver who files a lawsuit for damages is found to have partially contributed to those damages, then his or her compensation will be reduced accordingly. The ultimate result of Florida’s comparative negligence laws is that drivers often attempt to lay the blame on each other following a chain-reaction crash, making experienced legal representation imperative for anyone seeking damages following such an accident.
Pensacola Personal Injury Attorneys
If you’ve suffered injuries in a chain-reaction crash in Pensacola, Florida, you need an experienced Pensacola car accident attorney on your side. Located in Pensacola, Florida, Staples, Ellis + Associates, P.A., has over seventy years of combined legal experience representing car accident victims in Northwest Florida and Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, and Walton Counties. If you or a loved one has been injured in a chain-reaction crash in Northwest Florida, Staples Ellis is here to help you overcome the harm you have endured. Please contact our office as soon as possible to set up a consultation with one of our talented attorneys.
Posted in: Personal Injury