Accountability After Florida Fender Benders
Fender benders are a common occurrence on Florida’s roads, and even minor accidents can leave drivers frustrated, injured, and facing unexpected expenses. These collisions may not always cause severe damage, but they still carry financial and legal implications.
When recovering from a fender bender, you likely have questions about financial relief and criminal accountability. In many cases, working with a Clearwater criminal lawyer is your best bet for pursuing justice and compensation.
What is a Fender Bender?
Typically defined as a minor car accident involving little to no injury and minimal vehicle damage, fender benders often occur at low speeds, such as in parking lots, at stoplights, or in bumper-to-bumper traffic. While they might seem initially insignificant, even a small accident can result in repair costs, medical bills, and the need to file insurance claims.
In Florida, drivers are required to carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance, which covers medical expenses and lost wages after an accident, regardless of fault. PIP provides coverage for up to 80% of medical costs and 60% of lost wages. If you’ve been involved in a fender bender, PIP can help cover your immediate costs, even if the other driver was responsible for the collision.
But while PIP coverage is a good option for immediate financial relief, there are limits. PIP may not be enough to fully compensate you for your injuries, especially if the harm is more severe than initially realized. If your medical expenses exceed your PIP coverage, you may need to pursue compensation through the at-fault driver’s insurance company. This is where proving liability becomes important.
Can I Hold a Driver Criminally Responsible?
Not all fender benders are simple accidents. In some situations, criminal accountability may come into play, especially if the other driver’s actions were reckless or illegal.
- DUI/DWI. If the driver responsible for the fender bender was under the influence of drugs or alcohol, they may face serious criminal charges. Driving under the influence is a crime in Florida, and a driver can face criminal penalties, including fines, license suspension, and even jail time.
- Hit-and-run. When a driver leaves the scene of the accident, they may be charged with a hit-and-run. In Florida, leaving the scene of an accident without providing contact and insurance information is illegal, even in minor fender benders.
- Reckless driving. Drivers who engage in reckless behavior, such as speeding or texting while driving, can face criminal penalties for endangering others on the road. Reckless driving charges can result in fines and even jail time, depending on the circumstances.
A Clearwater criminal lawyer can help you pursue legal action if the at-fault driver broke the law. They can assist in working with law enforcement and prosecutors to ensure that the responsible party is held accountable. Additionally, your attorney can guide you through the process of seeking compensation for expenses related to the accident.
Are you recovering from a fender bender? The attorneys at King Law Group can help you navigate the legal complexities, press charges if necessary, and secure the compensation you need for accident-related expenses. Schedule a confidential consultation today.
