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Should I Get a Lawyer for a Car Accident That Wasnt My Fault

Should I Get a Lawyer for a Car Accident That Wasn’t My Fault?

August 20, 2022

Trusted Personal Injury Lawyers

A safe, attentive, and careful driver could still end up in a crash. The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) reports that 569,182 drivers were involved in car crashes in the state in 2020 alone. Many of those drivers did nothing wrong. You may be wondering: Should I get an attorney for a car accident that wasn’t my fault? The short answer is that it still makes sense to consult with a lawyer. There are a number of different issues that must be considered.

At Bernheim Kelley, we go above and beyond to help our clients get real justice and the best possible results in their case. Even if you know that you were not at fault for a crash, you can still benefit from consulting an experienced attorney. Our Fort Lauderdale car accident lawyer provides an overview of the key things that you should know about motor vehicle collision liability under Florida law and how a legal advocate can help if you were not at fault.

What to Know About Florida’s No-Fault Auto Accident Liability Standard

As a starting point, is it crucial that you understand the implications of fault in a car accident in Florida. Although the majority of U.S. states operate under a fault-based standard of liability for all motor vehicle collisions, there are some important exceptions. Florida is a major exception. Under Florida law (Florida Statutes § 627.7407), the state operates under a partial no-fault insurance system for crashes. Here are three key things to know about fault and car accidents in Florida:

Should I Get a Lawyer for a Car Accident That Was not My Fault

Five Reasons Why You Should Still Retain a Florida Attorney if the Crash Was Not Your Fault 

You know that you are not at fault for a car accident. Do you still need to consult with an attorney? The answer depends on the specific circumstances of your case. That being said, there are major benefits to working with a lawyer even if you know you are not the one who caused the collision. You should always consult with a Florida car accident attorney if you or your loved one required medical treatment because of a crash. Here are five reasons to speak to a car accident attorney even if you know you are not at fault:

Still not sure if you need to hire a car accident lawyer for your case? The best step that you can take to protect your rights and interests is to set up a free, no obligation initial case evaluation. A top car accident lawyer, such as those at Bernheim Kelley, can conduct an in depth review and assessment of your case. They will be able to advise you on the next steps and let you know whether or not you need professional legal representation.  

How Is Fault for a Car Accident Determined in Fort Lauderdale?

You may be wondering: How is fault determined for a car accident in Florida? The general rule to keep in mind is that the state uses a comparative negligence system for fault-based car accident claims. Each party to such a crash will be held liable (at-fault) in a manner that is proportional to their negligence. Negligence can be broadly thought of as the failure to take due care. What constitutes negligence depends on the specific situation. Common examples of negligence include:

Fault will be determined by an evaluation of the evidence. All relevant evidence can be considered, including the testimony of the parties, photographs, the police report, eyewitness statements, and expert analysis. A police officer may make an initial finding of fault. The insurance companies involved in the matter may also make a finding of fault. However, none of these parties get the final say in a dispute. If there is a dispute over fault, the parties to the case have the right to go to court.  

What Compensation Can I Recover in a Car Accident Claim in Fort Lauderdale?

After a car crash, most people have a common question: How much is my car accident claim worth? It is an important question. After all, you need to know what you can expect so that you can pay your bills and support your family. In Florida, you have a right to pursue financial relief for economic and intangible damages. Unfortunately, large insurance companies are not exactly known for making the claims process easy on people. It is their goal to settle claims for less whenever possible. Our Fort Lauderdale, Florida, car accident lawyers fight tirelessly to help injured victims maximize their financial recovery—especially when they were not at fault for the crash. You may be able to get a settlement or verdict that includes compensation for:

Schedule a Free Consultation With a Fort Lauderdale Car Accident Attorney Today

Navigating the car accident claims process is never easy—particularly after a serious crash. Fault could be disputed, sometimes in bad faith by another driver. Even if fault is not an issue in your case, you may still have trouble getting a full and fair settlement offer from your insurance company. At Bernheim Kelley , we have experience you can trust. If you or someone you know was hurt in a crash, we are more than ready to help. Contact us today to arrange a free, no commitment case review. From our legal offices in Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Starke, and Jacksonville, we represent people and families in car accident injury claims throughout the State of Florida.

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