Not every accident is a clear-cut fender bender or a devastating head-on collision. In fact, many accidents involve multiple vehicles, sometimes of different types.
These multi-car accidents can also be some of the most complicated accidents to recover personal injury compensation from in Florida, as it is not always immediately clear who is at fault, and multiple parties may blame each other for the accident and thus, your injuries.
One of the most common types of multi-car accident is the three-way rear-end collision in which one car runs into another which causes the second one to impact a third one.
In a three-way rear-end collision in Florida, determining fault typically depends on the circumstances of the wreck. However, general principles of fault in rear-end collisions can be applied to multi-car collisions:
After an accident involving multiple drivers, it is vital to figure out who is financially responsible for your medical bills and property damage. The key to financial responsibility is ultimately tied up in the fault, as any driver at fault is responsible for a share of the total damage proportional to their fault due to Florida’s comparative negligence rule.
In a multi-car accident, it is not always immediately clear whose insurance to turn to claim damages from. Worse, if the at-fault car is uninsured, the situation becomes much more complicated, especially when covering bodily injuries along with property damages.
The following guidelines can help you figure out which insurance company to turn to, but you should always consult with an experienced accident and personal injury attorney before filing a claim.
This includes all expenses directly connected to a physical injury to your body you suffered as a result of the multi-car accident.
Florida’s no-fault laws indicate that each driver’s insurance is responsible for covering their medical expenses and lost wages through Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage, regardless of who is at fault in the accident. PIP usually covers up to $10,000. For damages beyond that limit, the comparative negligence rules kick in, and the at-fault driver(s) pay whatever proportion of the remaining damages they are responsible for.
However, if the at-fault driver is uninsured or does not have sufficient insurance to cover the cost of the injuries, the injured parties can turn to Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist coverage also known as UM/UIM coverage. This is a specific additional coverage you may or may not have with your own insurance policy, and it is highly recommended to get UM/UIM coverage if you do not already have it. Uninsured Motorist insurance can pay for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages that exceed the limits of your PIP coverage.
If the driver of the middle car has UM/UIM coverage, their insurance may cover their injuries and the injuries of other passengers, depending on the policy language. If the middle car is presumed at fault as well, then their bodily injuries (BI) if any, would also come into play. You should note that drivers must have BI coverage to have UM coverage. You can have BI with no UM but you cannot have UM without BI.
Usually far less than bodily injury damages, property damages are harm done to the vehicle or other property damaged in the accident.
Normally, the at-fault driver’s Property Damage Liability or PDL insurance would cover the cost of repairing or replacing the other vehicles involved in the accident. However, if the at-fault driver is uninsured, this coverage would not be available.
Fortunately, the driver of the middle car or front car can use their Collision Coverage to cover the damages to their car. Collision coverage typically covers the cost of repairs to the insured’s car regardless of who was at fault in the accident. However, the driver would still be responsible for paying their deductible.
If the middle car’s driver has Uninsured Motorist Property Damage (UMPD) insurance it might cover the damages caused by the uninsured driver.
If the uninsured driver is at fault, you may have the option to sue the uninsured driver personally for your damages. Unfortunately, collecting on a judgment can be difficult if they lack financial resources.
Hiring a personal injury attorney provides you with professional legal guidance to help you maximize potential compensation while minimizing the stress of navigating the legal system. Given the insurance companies’ attempts to pay you the least amount of compensation possible, it is vital to have someone on your side who knows their tricks and can help you deal with them.
Fenstersheib Law Group’s experience handling complex multi-car accident cases and claims makes us an excellent choice to protect your rights while pushing for the best possible outcome. Here are some of the ways and situations we can help in:
In a multi-car accident, determining who is at fault can be complicated and the different drivers might share in the responsibility. Insurance companies will more than likely challenge who is at fault to minimize their payouts. Your personal injury attorney can help by investigating, collecting evidence, and ensuring that fault is accurately determined to protect your best interests and recovery options.
Florida’s comparative negligence rule means that your compensation can be reduced if you are found to be partially at fault. A car accident attorney can help minimize your percentage of fault to maximize your financial compensation.
Personal injury attorneys are experienced in assessing the true valuation of claims. Your attorney will consider your medical bills, future possible medical care, pain and suffering, property damage, and even lost wages to get you the compensation you deserve.
Insurance companies will try to settle your claim for the least amount possible. Your attorney will negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf to secure a fair deal. Without legal representation, you might accept an offer for significantly lower financial compensation than what you would have been entitled to.
Personal injury attorneys are familiar with the process of filing claims, deadlines, and the proper handling of paperwork. As your attorneys, we will make sure that all necessary documentation is completed accurately and on time to help prevent delays or denials.
Attorneys will ensure that your legal rights are protected. We can handle communication with other parties in your case and manage legal procedures, which will allow you to focus on your recovery.
If a fair settlement cannot be reached with the insurance company, your case may need to go to court. Your Florida personal injury attorney will represent you during litigating and be responsible for presenting the strongest case possible to a judge and/or jury.
If the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured, recovering compensation can be difficult. Your attorney can help you explore alternative avenues for compensation, such as your own UM/UIM insurance coverage or filing a personal lawsuit against the at-fault driver.
Your personal injury attorney can provide advice on whether it is worth pursuing legal action or whether you have other possible options for obtaining the compensation you are entitled to.
The Fenstersheib Law Group is ideally suited to handle your personal injury claim or litigation due to our extensive experience, client-focused approach, and successful track record in personal injury cases, including multi-car accidents.
Importantly, our firm operates on a contingency fee basis, meaning there are no upfront or out-of-pocket costs for you, which makes high-quality legal representation accessible to all.
In case you have not yet settled on a law firm to represent you after an accident, here are a few reasons to choose the Fenstersheib Law Group:
The Fenstersheib Law Group has nearly 40 years of experience handling personal injury cases, including complex multi-car accidents. Our attorneys are well-versed in Florida’s personal injury laws and know how to deal with insurance companies to help you get a better financial outcome on your case.
Our firm has a proven track record of securing favorable compensation for accident victims just like you. This includes substantial settlements and judgments in Florida cases from as far south as Key West to as far north as Jacksonville, all of which reflect the firm’s dedication to fighting for injured Floridians’ rights.
Fenstersheib Law Group is known for personalized attention to each client. The firm understands that every Florida accident case, whether it is in Hollywood or Tampa, is unique, and customizes its approach to meet the needs and goals of its client’s cases.
The firm is dedicated to treating you with compassion, empathy, and respect, grounding in an understanding of the emotional and physical toll that accidents can cause. Fenstersheib Law Group aims to make the legal process as stress-free as possible while getting the maximum compensation you deserve.
From the initial consultation through the settlement of your case, Fenstersheib Law Group will handle all aspects of your case. This includes handling investigations across the state (we have covered accidents in places as different as Miramar and Fort Lauderdale, or as similar as Orlando and Sarasota) dealing with insurance companies, and representing you in court if needed.
Our firm has access to a network of experts, including accident reconstruction specialists, medical experts, and economic consultants, to build the strongest case possible on your behalf.
You pay nothing unless we win your case. We operate on a contingency fee basis, ensuring you get the representation you deserve without upfront costs.
You are always welcome to discuss your case with us at no cost, with no strings attached. We’re here to help you understand your options.
If you or someone you love has been involved in a multi-car accident in Florida, navigating the legal complexities can be overwhelming. Determining fault, understanding insurance coverage, and ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve requires expert guidance.
Don’t face this challenging situation alone—call 1-800-TellRobert, contact us online, or visit our Hallandale Beach office for a free, no-obligation consultation, and let us help you secure the financial compensation you need to heal and rebuild your life.
FREE CONSULTATION 1-800-TELLROBERT
954-456-2488
