Multi-car accidents are among the most complex types of collisions on Florida roads. With several vehicles involved and different versions of events, determining fault is rarely straightforward. If you’ve been involved in a multi-car crash in Florida, understanding how liability is determined is crucial for protecting your rights and pursuing compensation.
Florida’s No-Fault Insurance System – What It Covers
Florida has a no-fault insurance system, so after a collision, each driver usually resorts to their insurance (more precisely, Personal Injury Protection, or PIP) to pay for medical bills and lost income, no matter who was responsible.
But if your injuries are severe or surpass the PIP limit, you may seek a claim against the at-fault party. That’s when liability determination becomes crucial, particularly in an accident involving multiple cars.
How Fault is Established in a Multi-Car Crash?
In a multi-vehicle or chain-reaction pileup, the responsibility may rest with more than one driver. Florida uses the comparative negligence model, under which each party is assigned a percentage of fault. Your settlement is decreased by your percentage of responsibility. If you are more than 50% at fault, you will be ineligible to receive damages altogether (according to the latest Florida legislative changes as of 2023).
Common Factors to Consider:
- Police reports and citations
- Witness statements
- Dashcam or traffic camera
- Vehicle damage and skid marks
- Weather or road conditions
- Driver behavior (speeding, distracted driving, tailgating)
For instance, if the initial driver brakes hard and triggers a chain reaction of collisions, they might be partially responsible, but the drivers who were tailgating and weren’t able to stop fast enough could also be culpable.
Insurance Companies and Fault
Don’t count on insurance companies being in your corner. Every insurer will do whatever they can to defend their bottom line, frequently finger-pointing to keep from paying full value. In a multi-car collision, finger-pointing becomes even more convoluted.
What You Should Do Following a Multi-Car Crash?
- Call 911 and have everyone treated by medical personnel.
- Take pictures and videos of every vehicle, roadway conditions, and license plates.
- Obtain contact information from all drivers and witnesses.
- Avoid admitting fault, even casually.
- Consult a personal injury attorney before speaking to insurance adjusters.
This post was written by Kelly-Ann Jenkins of Jenkins Law P.L. Kelly-Anne is a Homeowners Insurance Attorney St Petersburg FL. She focuses on insurance claims and property damage. The information on this site is not intended to and does not offer legal advice, legal recommendations, or legal representation on any matter. Hiring an attorney is an important decision, which should not be based on advertising. You need to consult an attorney for legal advice regarding your situation.
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