What To Do if You’re Accused of Being at Fault After a Florida Car Accident
Being involved in an auto accident is stressful enough. Being accused of being at fault for the accident can result in more stress and add a layer of complexity. When you are blamed for a Florida car accident, it could leave you liable for thousands of dollars, if not more. It is vital to understand the steps to take if you are accused of being at fault after a Florida car accident.
If you are accused of being at fault for a Florida car accident, here are the steps to take;
- Remain Calm and Composed
While it is understandable to experience several emotions, such as anger and frustration, after an accident, it’s crucial that you remain calm and composed to ensure you make the right decisions and protect your legal rights. If you let your emotions control you, you might say things that could hurt your case. Remaining calm and composed can also help in interactions with the other involved parties, the police, and insurers.
- Call the Police
Call the police, even if it seems that the accident is minor. If the other party is accusing you of causing the accident, a police report can be a vital piece of evidence for your defense. A police report will detail what happened from the perspective of the police and witnesses. It may include important details, such as assessments of the accident scene and citations issued.
- Don’t Admit Fault
Another vital step to take if you are accused of causing a Florida car accident is to avoid admitting fault. Even if you think you may have done something that contributed to the accident, you may not know what other factors may have contributed to the accident until investigations are complete and all the evidence has been evaluated.
It’s vital to note that admitting fault does not only entail saying things like “It was my fault” or “I caused the accident.” Admitting fault after a car accident can also include apologizing or making other statements that imply responsibility, such as “I didn’t see you.” While it may feel instinctive or polite to apologize, such statements can be interpreted as admissions of guilt.
- Gather as Much Evidence as Possible
Evidence can help give a clear account of the incident and support your innocence. Take pictures of the accident scene. Also, take the names and contact information of anyone who saw what happened. Eyewitnesses can help support your version of events.
- Understand the State’s Comparative Negligence Rule
In Florida, liability for a car accident personal injury claim is divided among the involved parties. If you are found to be partially at fault for your accident, your compensation will be reduced based on your percentage of fault. Understanding how the comparative negligence system works is vital as it could significantly impact your legal rights and the compensation you deserve.
- Reach Out to an Attorney
Contacting a qualified car accident attorney is one of the best steps to take when accused of being at fault after a car accident. An attorney can help protect your rights. They can help you collect evidence that can support your side of the story.
Contact Us for Legal Help
If you’re accused of being at fault for a Florida car accident, contact our Lakeland car accident attorneys at Darla K. Snead, P.L. for legal help.
Source:
flhsmv.gov/traffic-crash-reports/crash-dashboard/
