Accident with Injuries Lawyer in Florida
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Accused of Causing an Injury Accident in Florida? Know Your Rights
Being accused of causing a car crash with injuries in Florida is upsetting and scary. You face severe penalties for causing a car accident with injuries, potentially including a civil lawsuit, criminal charges, driver’s license points or suspension, fines, and even jail time in severe circumstances.
Florida law treats car accidents with injuries seriously, especially if the accused was under the influence or driving recklessly. Always understand your legal options before talking to law enforcement or insurance companies about the incident. The best choice is to retain skilled car accident lawyers immediately after a car accident with injuries.
You’ll never have to face the Florida justice system alone with The Ticket Fighter Law Firm in your corner. The Ticket Fighter has helped thousands of drivers accused of causing car accident injuries avoid tickets, fines, driver’s license points, and more.
The Ticket Fighter Law Firm is an experienced car accident lawyer law firm that will work diligently on your case to avoid points, suspension, and a court appearance. (Terms & Conditions). Don’t go to court alone after a car crash with injuries. Contact the Ticket Fighter now for a free consultation at (407) 476-5120.
Florida Car Accident Statistics
Florida offers good weather, lovely beaches, and a booming economy, so it’s understandable that many people live and vacation here. Unfortunately, a growing population and tourism industry mean more serious car accidents and car accident injuries.
According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), approximately 400,000 motor vehicle accidents occur statewide each year. In 2023, the FLHSMV reported 391,428 crashes, resulting in 250,037 injuries and 3,331 deaths This translates to approximately 1,072 accidents per day.
Miami-Dade County reports the highest number of car crashes, with 63,837 incidents in 2023, followed by Broward County at 40,286. Florida ranks third nationally for total car accidents and 12th for crash fatalities, with about 16 deaths per 100,000 accidents. The state also sees a significant economic impact, with accidents costing between $46 million and $4 billion annually due to medical expenses, lost wages, and vehicle repairs.
Top Causes Of Florida Motor Vehicle Accidents
Distracted driving is the leading cause of car accidents in Florida, contributing to one in seven crashes according to state government estimates. Activities such as texting, eating, conversing with passengers, or adjusting vehicle controls divert attention from the road, with cell phone use alone linked to 5.92% of crashes in 2022.
Speeding is another major factor in serious auto accidents, often leading to loss of control, especially in adverse conditions. Driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol or drugs remains a significant issue, with 146 crashes in 2024 attributed explicitly to impaired driving, resulting in 112 fatalities. Running red lights and failing to yield, particularly at intersections, often result in T-bone collisions. These preventable behaviors underscore the need for stricter enforcement and public awareness campaigns.
Pedestrian and Hit-and-Run Car Accidents
Motorcyclists, pedestrians, and bicyclists face greater risks on Florida’s roads in auto accidents. In 2023, there were 9,540 motorcycle crashes (620 fatalities), 10,294 pedestrian crashes (789 deaths), and 8,413 bicycle crashes (227 fatalities).
These groups are more likely to suffer serious car accident injuries due to their lack of protection compared to vehicle occupants. Hit-and-run accidents are alarmingly common, with 105,023 incidents in 2023, leading to 279 fatalities and 22,650 injuries. Approximately 76% of hit-and-run auto accident fatalities involve pedestrians or bicyclists, often occurring at night.
The high number of serious car accidents with injuries in Florida highlights the need for outstanding legal assistance for people charged after serious motor vehicle accidents. The Ticket Fighter Law Firm boasts a team of tenacious car accident lawyers who ensure that every client receives the best legal representation at an affordable price. Our track record demonstrates that our car accident lawyers achieve results – hundreds of our car accident and traffic ticket clients have had their cases dismissed or charges reduced.
Potential Penalties for Injury-Related Car Accident Traffic Offenses in Florida
Injuring someone in a car accident can trigger civil and criminal liability, such as reckless driving, DUI with serious bodily injury, hit and run, or vehicular homicide. Specific Florida statutes govern each potential charge with increasing consequences based on prior convictions, the extent of injuries, or fatalities. If convicted, you could face fines, community service, jail time, driver’s license points, or a driver’s license suspension. An experienced car accident attorney may help you reduce or dismiss many accident-related penalties with injury.
Common auto accident with injury charges may include:
Reckless Driving
Reckless driving, defined under Florida law as driving with willful or wanton disregard for the safety of others, becomes particularly serious when it results in injuries. If reckless driving causes property damage or minor injuries, it is classified as a first-degree misdemeanor, punishable by up to $1,000 in fines and/or one year in jail.
When serious bodily injury occurs after a car accident, defined as an injury creating a substantial risk of death, disfigurement, or long-term impairment, the offense escalates to a third-degree felony, with penalties including up to $5,000 in fines and/or five years in prison.
A conviction for a car accident also results in four points being added to the driver’s license, and repeat offenses can lead to harsher penalties, including longer jail time and potential designation as a habitual traffic offender, which can result in a five-year license suspension.
Our car accident lawyer will vigorously defend this charge and work to protect your driving privileges. Always remain silent if the police arrest you for any of the following charges, then contact The Ticket Fighter Law Firm immediately.
Driving Under the Influence (DUI)
DUI offenses involving car accident injuries, governed by Florida Statute § 316.193, are treated with significant severity. A DUI causing serious bodily injury is a third-degree felony, carrying penalties of up to five years in prison, five years of probation, and a $5,000 fine.
Under the Florida Criminal Punishment Code, this is a Level 7 offense, with a primary offense point value of 56, and up to 40 additional points if the victim’s injuries are classified as “severe.” You could face a minimum mandatory prison sentence of 51 months (4 years and 3 months). Additional consequences include a permanent criminal record, compulsory DUI programs, vehicle impoundment, and restitution to compensate victims for losses like medical bills. Defenses, such as challenging the legality of the traffic stop or the severity of the injuries, may reduce the penalties.
Leaving the Scene of a Car Accident (Hit and Run)
Leaving the scene of a car accident involving injuries, as outlined in Florida law, is a serious offense with penalties escalating based on the injury’s severity. If the accident results in non-serious bodily injury, it is a third-degree felony, punishable by up to five years in prison, five years of probation, and a fine of up to $5,000.
Serious bodily injury after a car accident elevates the charge to a second-degree felony, with penalties of up to 15 years in prison, 15 years of probation, and a $10,000 fine. If the auto accident results in death, it becomes a first-degree felony, carrying up to 30 years in prison, a mandatory minimum of four years, and a $10,000 fine.
All convictions for car accident injury-related hit and run result in a mandatory driver’s license revocation for at least three years, and failure to provide aid can exacerbate victim injuries, potentially increasing sentencing points. Our car accident lawyers are ready to defend you.
Vehicular Homicide
Vehicular homicide is defined under Florida Statute 782.071. It occurs when a driver recklessly operates a vehicle in a manner likely to cause death, resulting in a fatality. This is a second-degree felony, punishable by up to 15 years in prison, 15 years of probation, and a fine of up to $10,000.
If you fail to stop and provide aid after a car accident, the charge can escalate, and additional penalties may apply under hit-and-run statutes. Convictions often lead to license revocation, significant restitution to victims’ families, and a permanent criminal record, severely impacting employment and housing opportunities. Designation as a habitual traffic offender is also possible if the driver has committed prior qualifying offenses, such as DUI or reckless driving, within the past five years.
These car accident penalties reflect Florida’s no-nonsense approach to ensuring road safety, with consequences extending beyond fines and jail time to include long-term impacts like increased insurance rates, loss of professional licenses, and civil lawsuits for damages.
The state’s point system further compounds car accident penalties, as accumulating points from these offenses can lead to license suspension or revocation. Twelve points in 12 months trigger a 30-day suspension, 18 points in 18 months result in a three-month suspension, and 24 points in 36 months result in a one-year suspension.
You need an experienced car accident lawyer to navigate these serious charges successfully. Your car accident lawyer may employ various defenses to mitigate the charges. They may challenge evidence or negotiate plea deals, which can result in reduced charges or penalties.
Common Scenarios That Lead to Car Accident Injury Accusations
Many types of car accidents can cause serious injuries. Below are common car accident scenarios that may lead to accident with injury charges:
Rear-End Crashes and Whiplash Claims
Rear-end collisions are among the most frequent car accidents in Florida, often resulting in injury accusations, particularly for whiplash. These crashes occur when one vehicle strikes the back of another, typically due to driver inattention, tailgating, or sudden stops. The sudden jolt can cause the head and neck to whip back and forth, leading to soft tissue injuries like whiplash, which may not be immediately apparent but can cause prolonged pain and disability.
The trailing driver is usually deemed at fault, making them a target for injury claims, especially when the lead vehicle’s occupants report neck or back pain. In Florida’s no-fault system, victims first seek compensation through their Personal Injury Protection insurance. However, severe cases may lead to lawsuits if the injuries meet the “serious injury” threshold, such as a significant loss of bodily function.
Side-Impact and Left-Turn Car Accidents
Side-impact car accidents, including T-bone and left-turn accidents, frequently lead to injury accusations due to the severe injuries they cause. These collisions occur when the front of one vehicle strikes the side of another, often at intersections where a driver fails to yield during a left turn or runs a red light. The lack of side protection in many vehicles increases the risk of broken bones, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), and spinal damage.
Injury claims often arise when victims allege negligence, such as distracted driving or speeding, against the at-fault driver. In Florida, proving negligence is crucial for lawsuits outside the no-fault system, and these cases often involve allegations of serious injuries, such as fractures or permanent disfigurement, prompting legal action to recover damages beyond PIP coverage.
Hit-and-Run and Criminal Negligence Cases
Hit-and-run car crashes are a significant source of injury accusations in Florida, often escalating to criminal charges. When a driver flees the scene of a crash involving injuries or substantial property damage, victims may accuse them of negligence and seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
These car crash cases are complicated by the difficulty of identifying the at-fault driver, but when identified, the accusations can lead to steep fines and potential jail time. Florida law requires drivers to report accidents involving injuries or damages over $500, and failure to comply can strengthen injury claims. Victims may pursue claims through their own insurance or file lawsuits if the injuries are severe, often citing the driver’s reckless or criminal behavior.
Multi-Vehicle Pileups and Disputed Liability
Multi-vehicle car crashes, common on Florida’s highways, often result in complex injury accusations due to disputed liability. These crashes involve multiple vehicles and can include rear-end, side-impact, or head-on collisions, leading to a range of injuries from minor fractures to life-threatening TBIs or spinal cord injuries.
Determining fault is challenging, as each driver may accuse others of negligence, such as speeding, making improper lane changes, or engaging in distracted driving. Florida’s comparative negligence law apportions fault among drivers, meaning injury claims may target multiple parties. Victims with severe injuries may step outside the no-fault system to sue for damages, especially when medical costs exceed PIP limits or long-term care is required.
Single-Vehicle Car Accidents and Third-Party Claims
Single-vehicle accidents, such as running off the road or striking a stationary object, can also lead to injury accidents, though fault is often attributed to the driver. However, accusations may target third parties, such as another driver who caused the vehicle to swerve or a municipality for poor road maintenance. Injuries like broken bones, concussions, or internal organ damage can prompt claims if negligence by another party is proven. In Florida, victims must act quickly to file PIP claims within 14 days, but serious injuries may lead to lawsuits against third parties.
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How Ticket Fighter Builds a Strong Defense Strategy
In Florida, serious car accidents involving injuries, particularly pedestrian accidents, require a robust defense strategy due to the state’s no-fault insurance system, comparative negligence laws, and severe legal consequences for certain offenses. Ticket Fighter Law Firm leverages its experience and skill in traffic law to build strong car accident defense strategies for clients facing citations or charges related to serious car accidents. When we take your case, we will investigate the car accident and take the following actions:
Case Assessment and Evidence Gathering
Our experienced car accident attorney starts by conducting a thorough case assessment, reviewing the details of the accident, the citation issued, and the circumstances surrounding the incident. For a pedestrian accident with serious injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) or spinal cord damage, our car crash attorney will review police reports, crash scene evidence, and the specific traffic violation cited, such as careless driving (Florida Statute 316.1925) or failure to yield to a pedestrian.
We collect critical evidence, including traffic camera footage, witness statements, and photos of the scene, to challenge the officer’s observations or the pedestrian’s actions. For example, if a driver is cited for speeding through a crosswalk, we may collect evidence showing the pedestrian was jaywalking or that signage was unclear, potentially reducing the driver’s liability under Florida’s comparative negligence rules.
Challenging an Officer’s Judgment and Citation Validity
Many citations in serious accidents, like careless driving, rely on the subjective judgment of the responding officer. Our car accident attorney may scrutinize the officer’s interpretation of the violation, questioning whether the citation was justified. In pedestrian accidents, officers may assume driver negligence without considering factors like sudden pedestrian movements or obscured visibility.
The firm argues that the driver operated the vehicle with “due care” under Florida Statute 316.1925, which requires prudent driving based on road conditions. For instance, if a pedestrian darted into traffic unexpectedly, Ticket Fighter may present evidence of your reasonable response, such as braking attempts, to dispute a careless driving charge. This approach can lead to citation dismissal or reduced penalties, protecting the driver from points on their license and insurance rate hikes.
Leveraging Car Accident Defenses for Specific Charges
Our car accident attorney will leverage various defenses to the nature of the charge and accident. In pedestrian accidents, common charges include failure to yield, reckless driving, or leaving the scene of an accident (hit and run).
For hit-and-run cases involving serious injuries, classified as a second-degree felony under Florida Statute 316.027, our experienced car accident attorney may utilize defenses such as lack of knowledge or emergency circumstances.
If you are accused of causing serious injuries, our car accident attorney may argue that the pedestrian’s actions contributed significantly to the incident, reducing the driver’s fault percentage under comparative negligence laws. Our car accident attorney may challenge the classification of injuries, working with medical experts to dispute whether the injuries meet the “serious bodily injury” threshold, which can downgrade felony charges.
Negotiating with Prosecutors and Insurance Companies
Ticket Fighter car accident attorneys are skilled at negotiating with prosecutors to reduce charges or penalties, especially in cases involving mandatory court appearances for serious offenses like reckless driving or hit-and-run.
For example, in a pedestrian accident case, they may negotiate a plea to a lesser charge, such as a civil infraction, to avoid felony convictions that carry up to 15 years in prison for severe injury cases. Car accident attorneys will advise you on interactions with insurance companies, ensuring you avoid admitting fault, which could jeopardize the defense or compensation claims. Even if you are partially at fault, Ticket Fighter car accident attorneys help secure PIP coverage for injuries and negotiate to minimize liability in civil claims, protecting you from excessive financial burdens.
Court Representation and Client Convenience
Ticket Fighter car accident lawyers provide comprehensive court representation, allowing you to usually avoid attending hearings, which is critical in severe accident cases that may involve complex legal proceedings. Ticket Fighter often files motions to challenge evidence, such as questioning the accuracy of police reports or the reliability of witnesses. It presents a strong defense in traffic or criminal court.
Our online portal keeps clients informed about case progress, including hearing dates and outcomes, thereby reducing stress for those dealing with the aftermath of a serious accident. This streamlined process is particularly valuable when you face significant injuries or emotional distress from a pedestrian accident, ensuring that your defense is handled efficiently.
Ticket Fighter’s Strong Track Record
Ticket Fighter’s years of success stem from its focus on Florida traffic law and a client-centric model. Our car accident attorneys have a history of successfully dismissing citations, as seen in cases such as a speeding ticket being dismissed for a driver involved in a minor accident, thereby preserving their clean record.
Our flat-fee structure, starting as low as $99 for some cases, and free consultations make legal representation accessible to every Floridian. In severe pedestrian accident cases, Ticket Fighter’s car accident attorneys use their deep understanding of Florida’s traffic statutes to craft defenses that mitigate penalties, preserve driving privileges, and minimize civil liability, even when serious injuries complicate the case.
Our Florida car accident lawyers build a strong defense for serious car accidents with injuries in Florida by meticulously analyzing evidence, challenging subjective citations, leveraging specific defenses, negotiating favorable outcomes, and providing expert court representation. For pedestrian accidents, our strategies focus on reducing driver liability, disputing injury severity, and navigating Florida’s no-fault and comparative negligence laws to achieve the best possible outcome, whether through dismissal, reduced charges, or minimized financial impact.
You can always count on The Ticket Fighter Law Firm car accident lawyers to represent you aggressively after an accident with injuries. Our goal is to get your case dismissed or the charges reduced to minimize fines, points on your driver’s license, and other penalties.
Why Immediate Legal Representation Matters
Immediate legal representation after a car accident with injuries in Florida, especially in severe cases like pedestrian accidents, is critical due to the state’s complex no-fault insurance system, strict legal deadlines, and the potential for significant financial and legal consequences. Prompt action by a skilled Ticket Fighter attorney can protect your rights, maximize compensation, and navigate the intricacies of Florida’s laws.
Navigating Florida’s No-Fault Insurance System and PIP Deadlines
Florida’s no-fault insurance system requires all drivers to carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage, which pays up to $10,000 for medical expenses and lost wages regardless of fault. However, for serious injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, or compound fractures, PIP coverage is usually inadequate.
An attorney must act quickly to file a PIP claim within 14 days of the accident, as Florida law mandates prompt medical treatment to qualify for benefits. Immediate legal representation ensures compliance with these deadlines. It explores additional compensation options, such as suing the at-fault driver if injuries meet the “serious injury” threshold. Without timely action, victims risk losing PIP benefits or the ability to pursue further claims.
Preserving Car Accident Evidence and Building a Strong Case
Evidence in car accidents with serious injuries, particularly pedestrian cases, can disappear quickly. Skid marks fade, traffic camera footage may be overwritten, and witnesses’ memories become unreliable. Our car accident lawyer, when hired immediately, can dispatch investigators to collect critical evidence, such as photos of the crash scene, vehicle damage, or road conditions, and secure police reports or eyewitness statements.
For example, in a pedestrian accident where you allegedly failed to yield at a crosswalk, causing a traumatic brain injury, our car accident lawyers can obtain traffic camera footage to prove negligence. Early legal intervention also ensures medical records are appropriately documented to link injuries to the accident, strengthening claims for compensation beyond PIP limits and countering insurance company tactics to minimize payouts.
Protecting Against Car Accident Insurance Company Tactics
Insurance companies, including your own PIP provider and the at-fault party’s insurer, often act fast to limit their liability. Adjusters may contact victims shortly after an accident, pressuring them to accept low settlements or give recorded statements that could undermine their claims.
Without legal representation, victims may inadvertently admit partial fault or downplay injuries, weakening their case. A skilled car accident lawyer steps in immediately to handle all communications, preventing missteps. In severe injury cases, where medical costs and long-term care can exceed $100,000, a skilled car accident lawyer ensures insurers don’t undervalue claims for pain and suffering, lost income, or future medical needs, especially when negotiating settlements or preparing for litigation.
Meeting Legal Deadlines for Lawsuits and Criminal Charges
Serious car accidents involving injuries may result in civil lawsuits or criminal charges, each with strict deadlines. Florida’s statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits is two years from the date of the accident, but taking early action allows attorneys to build stronger car accident cases before evidence degrades.
In hit-and-run cases or accidents involving reckless driving, drivers may face felony charges. Hiring a skilled car accident lawyer immediately helps defendants challenge citations or charges, such as careless driving, and protects their driving privileges. For victims, attorneys ensure that claims are filed promptly to pursue damages from negligent drivers or third parties, such as municipalities, for poor road maintenance.
Immediately hiring car accident lawyers after a Florida car accident with injuries is essential to secure evidence, meet deadlines, counter insurance tactics, and maximize compensation. For pedestrian accidents with serious injuries, attorneys navigate no-fault laws, comparative negligence disputes, and potential criminal charges to protect clients’ rights. Victims or defendants should contact Ticket Fighter car accident lawyers for a free consultation as soon as possible to ensure a strong legal strategy and avoid costly mistakes.
Contact The Ticket Fighter Law Firm Today
Being charged after a car accident with injuries is terrifying. But you will not have to deal with the criminal justice system alone when you hire The Ticket Fighter Law Firm to represent you. Our experienced car accident lawyers have successfully had hundreds of traffic citation cases dismissed, and we will work diligently to achieve the best possible outcome in your situation. If a case dismissal isn’t possible, we’ll negotiate for a lesser charge to reduce your penalties and expenses.
Don’t go it alone after a serious car accident with injuries. Contact the Ticket Fighter now for a free consultation at (407) 476-5120.
What to Do If You’ve Been Involved in an Injury Accident
You should take the following actions if you are involved in a car accident with injuries:
Ensure Safety and Seek Medical Attention
First, prioritize safety. If possible, move to a safe location away from traffic, turn on hazard lights, and check for injuries. Call 911 to report the accident and request emergency services, especially if injuries are severe, such as unconsciousness, severe bleeding, or suspected fractures. Florida law requires reporting accidents involving injuries or damages over $500. Even if injuries seem minor, seek medical attention within 14 days, as required by Florida’s PIP law to qualify for benefits and document injuries like whiplash or internal damage that may worsen over time.
Document the Accident Scene
Gather evidence at the scene, if you’re able, to support future claims or defenses. Take photos of vehicle damage, road conditions, traffic signs, and visible injuries. Collect contact information from witnesses, as their statements can help prove fault or negligence. Obtain the other driver’s name, license number, insurance details, and vehicle information. Avoid admitting fault or discussing the accident in detail, as this could harm your case. If police respond, note the officer’s name and badge number and request a copy of the crash report, which is critical for insurance claims or lawsuits.
Notify Your Insurance Company
Report the car crash to your insurance provider as soon as possible to initiate a PIP claim, which covers up to $10,000 in medical expenses and lost wages, regardless of fault. Be factual when describing the accident, but avoid speculating about fault or downplaying injuries, as insurance adjusters may use your statements to limit payouts. If the car accident involves a pedestrian or serious injuries exceeding PIP limits, consult a car accident lawyer before providing a recorded statement to ensure your rights are protected, especially if the other party’s insurer contacts you.
Consult Your Car Accident Lawyers Immediately
Hire car accident lawyers as soon as possible to navigate Florida’s complex legal landscape. Ticket Fighter car accident lawyers ensure compliance with PIP deadlines, preserve evidence like traffic camera footage, and counter insurance company tactics to undervalue claims. For serious injuries, those meeting Florida’s “serious injury” threshold, a car accident attorney can pursue a lawsuit against the at-fault driver for damages beyond PIP, such as pain and suffering or future medical costs.
In pedestrian accidents, where comparative negligence may reduce compensation, having legal representation is vital to minimize your percentage of fault and maximize your recovery. Our car accident attorneys also defend against citations or criminal charges, like hit-and-run, which carry severe penalties.
Avoid Quick Settlement Offers
Insurance companies may offer quick settlements to close claims early, often before the full extent of injuries is known. In serious injury cases, where long-term care or rehabilitation may cost hundreds of thousands, these offers are typically inadequate. A car accident lawyer evaluates settlement offers to ensure they cover all damages, including future medical needs and lost earning capacity.
Always have any settlement offer reviewed by your car accident lawyer before you accept it.
Follow Your Doctor’s Advice
Adhere to your doctor’s treatment plan and attend all follow-up appointments to aid recovery and strengthen your claim. Insurers can use gaps in treatment to argue that injuries are not serious or unrelated to the accident. For severe injuries like paralysis or internal organ damage, consistent medical care documents the need for ongoing treatment, supporting claims for long-term compensation. If you’re unable to work, obtain a doctor’s note to substantiate lost wage claims.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I’m found at fault for an accident that caused injuries in Florida?
In Florida, if you’re found at fault for an accident that caused injuries, several legal, financial, and insurance-related consequences may follow, primarily governed by Florida’s no-fault insurance system and comparative negligence laws.
Florida operates under a no-fault insurance system, meaning that regardless of who caused the accident, each driver’s own insurance typically covers their medical expenses and certain other losses through Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage.
If you’re at fault, your PIP coverage (required at a minimum of $10,000) will pay for your medical bills and lost wages up to the policy limit, typically covering 80% of medical costs and 60% of lost income. However, the injured party’s PIP will cover their initial medical expenses as well, regardless of your fault. If their injuries are minor and costs stay within their PIP limits, they generally cannot sue you for additional damages unless their injuries meet specific thresholds.
If the injuries you caused are deemed “serious” under Florida law, the injured party may step outside the no-fault system and sue you for additional damages. Florida law defines serious injuries as those involving significant and permanent loss of a bodily function, permanent injury, significant scarring or disfigurement, or death.
If the injured party’s medical expenses or losses exceed their PIP coverage or meet this threshold, they can file a lawsuit against you for pain and suffering, additional medical costs, and other non-economic damages. If you have bodily injury liability (BI) coverage, which is optional in Florida, your insurance may cover these claims up to your policy limits. Without BI coverage, you could be personally responsible for paying these damages out of pocket.
Will my license be suspended automatically after an injury accident?
If you’re involved in an accident causing injury and are found at fault, your license may be suspended if you lack adequate insurance or fail to meet financial responsibility requirements. Florida law requires drivers to carry Personal Injury Protection and Property Damage Liability insurance, with minimum coverage of $10,000 per person and $20,000 per accident. If you don’t have bodily injury liability (BIL) coverage, which is not mandatory but often required post-accident, you must show proof of coverage ($10,000 per person, $20,000 per accident) or post a bond to cover damages. Failure to provide this proof can lead to a suspension of your license and vehicle registration for up to three years.
Another scenario triggering automatic suspension involves leaving the scene of an accident with injuries, commonly called a hit-and-run. Florida Statute 316.027 requires drivers to stop, provide information, and render aid if someone is injured. Leaving the scene can result in criminal charges and an automatic license revocation for at least three years, especially if serious bodily injury or death occurs. This applies regardless of fault, as the state prioritizes ensuring victims receive assistance. Always get a car accident lawyer if you are accused of a hit and run with injuries.
Can I go to jail for a car accident with injuries?
If the accident results in injuries and you were driving lawfully, and the crash is deemed accidental, you typically won’t face jail time. More severe scenarios, like driving under the influence or leaving the scene of an accident, significantly increase the likelihood of jail time. If you’re found to be DUI and cause an accident with serious bodily injury, Florida law classifies this as a third-degree felony, with penalties similar to reckless driving (up to 5 years in prison or $5,000 fine). Leaving the scene of an accident with injuries, known as a hit-and-run, is also serious. According to Florida law, failing to stop and render aid when someone is injured is a second or third-degree felony, depending on the severity of the injury, with a potential prison sentence of up to 7 years for severe cases.
What if I left the scene without realizing someone was injured?
If you leave the scene without realizing someone was injured, the law still holds you accountable for stopping and fulfilling your duties. Ignorance of an injury doesn’t automatically exempt you from liability, as Florida courts generally expect drivers to take reasonable steps to assess the situation before leaving.
For a crash involving bodily injury, failing to stop is classified as a third-degree felony, punishable by up to five years in prison, a $5,000 fine, and potential driver’s license suspension. If the injury is severe or results in death, the penalties escalate significantly; leaving the scene of a crash causing death is a first-degree felony, with up to 30 years in prison and mandatory license revocation. Retain our car accident lawyer immediately if you left the scene of an accident with injuries.
Can I still drive while my case is pending?
Florida law does not automatically prohibit you from driving simply because you’re involved in an accident with injuries or have a pending legal case related to it. Your ability to drive is primarily tied to the status of your driver’s license. If your license remains valid and has not been suspended, revoked, or otherwise restricted, you can generally continue to drive, assuming you meet all other legal requirements.
However, if the accident with injuries involves DUI, hit and run, or reckless driving, you could face charges that could trigger a driver’s license suspension or revocation. Contact a Ticket Fighter car accident lawyer today to discuss maintaining your driving privileges while your case is pending.
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