October 15, 2022
In late July, a Florida man faced multiple charges, including aggravated child abuse, grand theft auto, and driving with a permanently revoked license. He was responsible for causing multiple car accidents. As a result, several people were sent to the hospital with injuries related to the accident. The accident left a path of destruction, leaving debris all over the roads that remained the next day. It was later found that the man’s reckless driving resulted from a domestic dispute while operating a motor vehicle. Although several people were hospitalized, all are expected to recover.
Accidents that have resulted from reckless driving are often difficult for victims to prevent. As a car accident lawyer from Tuttle Law, P.A. will share that numerous actions can constitute as reckless driving, for example:
- Road Rage
- Unlawful Passing
- Driving While Under the Influence
- Racing
- Driving at High Speeds
- +More
Because Florida is a no-fault state, victims of motor vehicle accidents must ensure they have personal injury protection (PIP); however, despite this, victims must still prove negligence to ensure they receive the compensation and benefits they deserve.
What Is A No-Fault State?
A no-fault state allows drivers and passengers to receive support for medical expenses and lost income regardless of who was at fault for the accident. Because of this, all drivers in no-fault states must procure what is known as personal injury protection (PIP). Personal injury protection is a form of insurance that drivers and their passengers turn to after an accident, regardless of fault. However, it’s important to note that there are policy limits for personal injury protection. Drivers and passengers are only eligible to receive up to $10,000 each should they experience an accident. There is a relatively short time frame for PIP claims, as they must be filed within 14 days of the accident. Once the injured party has exhausted their PIP coverage, they may pursue the process of filing a claim with the other party’s insurance company to cover damages like medical expenses, lost wages, and in some cases, pain and suffering. Navigating the legal complexities surrounding personal injury protection and exceeding policy limits can be challenging, especially when in the process of recovering from an injury. Because of this, it may be helpful to consult with a lawyer for guidance.
Overcoming Your Word Against Theirs
Sometimes, determining the party responsible for the accident may seem obvious. While parties may seem out of sorts at the accident scene and, in some cases, agreeable, things can quickly change following the aftermath. Victims of such accidents may soon learn that their case has become your word against theirs. This can be incredibly frustrating, especially when the responsible party is bending the truth. However, remember that these situations can be overcome with solid evidence that helps prove negligence. A lawyer plays a vital role in proving negligence in cases of this nature. Still, it’s essential to remember that before pursuing compensation from the responsible parties, victims must first recover damages from their personal injury protection (PIP) because Florida is a no-fault state. Because of this, victims can not pursue damages from the responsible party until they have exceeded the limits of their policy. Receiving total compensation for losses can become complicated, especially in no-fault states. A lawyer can play a significant role in holding the responsible party accountable.