Gainesville Passenger Negligence Lawyer
Typically, a passenger has no control over a driver’s actions or conduct behind the wheel. They are the innocent victims of a car accident.
However, passenger negligence can be a factor in some car accidents in Gainesville, FL. If so, the passenger could be liable or partially liable for damages sustained by the victims.
When you are in a car accident, hire our Allen Law Firm, P.A. Gainesville personal injury lawyers to fight for you. We have won hundreds of millions for our clients in jury verdicts and settlements. Our contingency fee payment system means you pay nothing unless and until we recover money for your injury claim.
We are available 24/7 to discuss your case with you. Contact us today at (877) 255-3652 to schedule your free consultation with an experienced Gainesville passenger negligence lawyer.
How Allen Law Firm, P.A. Can Help if You’ve Been Injured in a Gainesville Crash Involving Passenger Negligence
Passenger negligence claims are complex personal injury cases. You need an attorney with substantial experience and resources to handle your claim. Our lawyers at Allen Law Firm, P.A., have over 100 years of combined legal experience.
Our lawyers have an AV Preeminent rating with Martindale-Hubbell, its highest peer rating. We also have a Superb 10.0 rating with Avvo in personal injury. The National Trial Lawyers, Expertise, and the American Institute of Personal Injury Attorneys have recognized our attorneys for their exceptional legal services.
When you hire our top-rated Gainesville car accident lawyers, we will:
- Investigate the car accident to determine the factors that contributed to the cause of the crash
- Identify all parties who could be liable for your damages
- Gather evidence to prove causation, fault, and liability, including working with expert witnesses when necessary
- File insurance claims and pursue settlements in the total amount of your damages
- Protect your interests during all phases of your case, including defending you against contributory fault allegations
- File a lawsuit and pursue the at-fault parties in court
Contact our law firm to discuss your case with an experienced passenger negligence lawyer in Gainesville, FL. Your initial consultation costs you nothing, and there are no strings attached.
What Is Negligence and What Does it Mean for My Gainesville Car Accident?
Florida is a no-fault insurance state. Therefore, negligence and fault are not factors in many car accident claims. Victims and drivers file claims with their PIP providers, which does not require proving fault to receive compensation for medical bills and lost wages.
However, Florida’s no-fault insurance laws include an exception for serious injuries. You can sue the at-fault party for damages if you sustain serious injuries in a car accident.
Generally, negligence is the basis for most car accident claims. You must prove negligence when you pursue a claim against the at-fault party. Negligence is failing to use the level of care a reasonable person would use in a similar situation.
Additionally, you must prove that the at-fault party’s negligence was a direct and proximate cause of the car crash. Examples of driver negligence that can lead to a car crash include:
- Speeding and reckless driving
- Distracted driving
- Intoxicated driving
- Driving in a bicycle lane
- Texting while driving
- Fatigued and drowsy driving
- Failing to follow Florida traffic laws
If you prove the driver’s negligence caused the car crash and you sustained injuries because of the crash, you could receive compensation for your economic and non-economic damages.
Can Passenger Negligence Cause a Car Accident?
While passengers are generally not at fault for a car crash, the passenger could be liable for damages if they acted negligently and that negligence led to a car accident.
For example, suppose a passenger punches the driver, causing the driver to become disoriented. The driver runs a red light and causes a crash because they are disoriented. The passenger could be liable for damages.
Another example is a passenger grabbing the steering wheel. If the car crashes because of the passenger’s actions, the passenger could be liable for damages if their negligence caused the crash.
Determining fault when passenger negligence is involved can be challenging. The best way to address the challenge is to hire an experienced Gainesville passenger negligence lawyer who understands the complex nature of these cases and how to address the issues involved.
Contributory Negligence Could Impact a Passenger’s Accident Claim
Florida’s contributory fault law could impact the money a passenger receives if their negligence contributed to the cause of a crash. Injured parties are not able to recover compensation if they are mostly to blame. Sharing less blame than that, however, will not bar a victim from getting damages altogether – though they may be reduced.
Suppose a jury awards a passenger $150,000 for a car accident lawsuit. However, the jurors found that the passenger was 20% to blame for the cause of the accident. The judge could reduce the passenger’s jury award by 20% for their fault for causing the accident.
If you hire a car accident lawyer, they can advocate for your interests and ensure you aren’t assigned undue blame.
Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Gainesville Passenger Negligence Lawyers
If you believe passenger negligence contributed to your car accident, contact our team at (877) 255-3652 for a free case review with an experienced Gainesville passenger negligence attorney. You may have a claim against one or more parties. You may also need to defend yourself against claims from accident victims who believe you are to blame for the car crash.
