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To qualify for compensation in most car accident lawsuits, you need to prove that someone else was to blame for what happened.
In Florida, there are different degrees of blame, such as negligence and recklessness, although the legal concept in a car accident case is always the same. If successful in a lawsuit, the responsible driver must pay you full compensation for your injuries.
You can learn more about the legal process and how you may file a claim by contacting the Pensacola car accident attorneys at Stevenson Klotz Injury Lawyers today.
What Is Negligent Driving in Florida?
Negligence is when a driver does something that a reasonable driver would not have done under the circumstances. A driver may have just been careless and not paying attention. A driver can make a simple mistake, although they will be held responsible for it. There does not have to be any conscious behavior to be legally deemed negligent.
A reasonable driver pays attention behind the wheel, and they obey all traffic laws and rules. Any conduct that is short of that could expose a driver to liability for an accident.
Some examples of negligent driving could include:
- Rear-ending a car in front because the driver did not allow enough room between the vehicles or was not paying attention
- Causing a sideswipe accident because the driver did not properly check their blind spots before changing lanes
- Running a red light because the driver tried to go through the intersection after the signal had turned yellow or red
- Striking another car because the driver was on the phone at the time of the accident
What Is Reckless Driving?
Reckless driving Is even worse than “plain” negligence. With reckless driving, a motorist acts with conscious disregard for the safety of other drivers. The driver could be acting willfully, or they may have been so careless that it could be considered “wanton.”
For illustrative purposes, examples of reckless driving include:
- Going more than 20 mph over the speed limit
- Weaving in and out of lanes
- Aggressively tailgating other vehicles
- Acting in a fit of road rage
Negligent and reckless driving have something in common: both could expose the driver to legal liability. They are both wrongful acts behind the wheel, although reckless driving would be deemed more severe conduct.
Regardless of how the driver caused the car accident, you would be entitled to financial compensation when you prove in a lawsuit that they are to blame.
If the other driver was reckless, it could put you in a stronger position during settlement negotiations. The insurance company may be less willing to drag out the legal process when they know that their driver acted egregiously.
Contact a Pensacola Car Accident Lawyer Today
Stevenson Klotz Injury Lawyers represent car accident victims who have been injured due to someone else’s wrongful actions. We can help you fight for full and fair compensation for your injuries.
To schedule a free initial consultation, send a message through our website or call us today at 850-444-0000.