What Happens With Multiple Parties In Car Accident – Florida Liability

When it comes to accidents and damages in Florida, one thing that makes the most difference is known as liability. Liability refers to the legal responsibility or obligation of a party (or parties) to cover damages caused by an accident. When an accident involves more than one party, determining liability is more complex. The truth is that accidents and injuries happen all the time and have many different ways of presenting itself depending on the involved parties. It could be a car crash, a trip/slip and fall incident, a workplace accident, or another incident resulting in injuries and losses. Knowing about liability and how that comes into play in your situation is important to ensure you receive fair compensation. In this blog, we’ll outline what you can expect when dealing with multiple parties in car accident cases, highlight similar scenarios, and provide actionable steps to take in the above situations.

Multiple Parties At Fault And Determining Liability Distribution 

Here in the Sunshine State, liability is determined by investigating comparative negligence. Outlined in Florida Statutes § 768.81, Florida’s Comparative Negligence Rule takes into account that all parties played in the unfolding of an accident. It stipulates that if you are partially at fault for the accident, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if the court assigns 60% fault to the defendant and 40% to you as the plaintiff, you may only recover 60% of the damages. In this way of determining fault and assessing damages, each party pays a proportional amount to their degree of fault.

Actionable Steps To Take When Dealing With Multiple Parties

• Document Everything: Gather evidence from the scene, including photos, witness statements, and police reports. This documentation will be crucial in establishing liability.
• Seek Medical Attention: Always prioritize your health. Document all medical treatments and expenses, as this information is vital for your claim.
• Consult a Personal Injury Attorney: Navigating multi-party liability can be complex. An experienced attorney familiar with Florida laws can help you understand your rights and guide you through the legal process.
• Notify Insurance Companies: Inform all relevant insurance companies about the accident. Be cautious when discussing details, as statements can work against you.
• Understand Florida’s Laws: Familiarize yourself with Florida’s laws regarding liability and comparative negligence. This knowledge can significantly impact your case.
• Anticipate Negotiations: Insurance companies may attempt to settle quickly. Be ready to negotiate and ensure that any settlement covers all your damages.

Common Scenarios We See Involving Multiple Parties

Car Accidents: Imagine a scenario where two vehicles collide at an intersection due to one driver running a red light. In the case where a third vehicle is hit because one of the vehicles tries to avoid the other, liability can differ. By an estimate of the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, in 2022, approximately 40% of all crashes involve multiple vehicles.

Workplace Injuries: In a construction site accident, if a worker is injured due to the negligence of a subcontractor, but the site owner also failed to provide proper safety equipment, both parties may be liable. The Florida Division of Workers’ Compensation notes that workplace injuries often involve multiple responsible parties, especially in complex environments like construction sites.

Rideshare Accidents: There may be a time where you happened to take an Uber or Lyft and they hit another car or even multiple other vehicles. Things get more complicated for some cases when the rideshare company itself can have some liability for a rideshare accident. Some possible grounds for holding the rideshare company responsible include inadequate driver background checks and faulty vehicle maintenance. In the case of the former, if an approved rideshare driver with a history of accidents or traffic offenses gets in an accident, the company could be liable for not properly screening before approving them for the platform. Additionally, pertaining to vehicle maintenance, rideshare companies have a duty to ensure that all vehicles are up-to-date and safe. If a defective rideshare vehicle is liable in an accident, the liability can route back to the company.

Public Transportation Accidents: For those who take advantage of city buses, trains, etc. we also handle multi-party accidents occurring to these riders. Collisions involving buses, trams, or other public transport vehicles can place the driver and the transportation agency liable in some instances. Injuries to passengers due to the negligence of the transportation company or the driver are not to be taken lightly and also add a deeper element of “red tape” in a city or state-regulated bureaucracy.

Prepare Yourself And Know What To Do With Multi-Party Accidents

Dealing with multiple parties in a personal injury case can be daunting, but understanding liability distribution in Florida and knowing the steps to take can empower you in the process. Our expert accident and injury attorneys have been handling these types of cases for a combined 50+ years, let our experience lead the way in handling your case with care. Always remember to document everything, listen to our professional legal advice, and stay informed about your rights. By doing so, we can navigate the complexities of multi-party liability and work towards achieving the compensation you deserve.

Having a dedicated legal expert by your side can significantly impact the outcome of your multi-party accident case.

Advantages of Hiring a Multi-party Accident Attorney in Orlando

Expertise in Navigating Legal Complexities

Consulting with a knowledgeable rideshare accident attorney provides you with the expertise your case needs. We specialize in thoroughly investigating accidents, ascertaining liability, and pinpointing all parties who may be responsible. Our tried and true comprehensive approach paired with tenacity ensures that everyone accountable for the accident is identified and dealt with accordingly.

Managing Insurance Negotiations

Your legal team handles all interactions and negotiations with the insurance companies of all involved parties. In this way, you can concentrate on healing and getting back to normal life while your lawyer advocates for you. We are confident in our ability to secure the compensation you rightfully deserve after your accident.

Advocating for Fair Compensation

A skilled multi-party accident attorney in Orlando is knowledgable in the various damages you can claim, including medical bills, lost income, emotional distress, and future medical care needs. We will vigorously pursue a settlement that accurately reflects the true impact of your injuries.

The Martindale Law Group: Your Reliable Ally for Rideshare Accident Claims in Orlando

Our personal injury and litigation attorneys help accident victims file claims to recover damages for many types of clients. Some that we specialize in are auto accidents, motorcycle accidents, truck accidents, wrongful death, aircraft accidents, boating accidents, sexual abuse, and brain and spinal cord injuries. We provide legal services to the residents of Florida, tourists, and visitors who receive unfair treatment from their insurance companies. It does not matter whether an insurance claim has been denied, delayed, or mishandled, we’d still like to review your case. We help our clients obtain the insurance coverage they need to repair their property. No matter your injury or wrongdoing due to the negligence of others, contact us today. We are more than happy to discuss your case, call now for a free case evaluation.