Florida Rights and Responsibilities for a Florida Automobile Accident - What Are the Laws and Legal Concepts That Apply?
When an automobile accident occurs in Florida, finding out who is at fault is not always as easy as you might think. There are some instances when a person or company could be sued for negligence in an auto accident even if the person or high ranking company official was not driving or even in the car at the time of the accident.
Here are the most common scenarios when you might be found at fault:
Someone Else Drives With Permission of Vehicle Owner – In Florida, a car owner is responsible for damages caused by accidents involving the negligent operation of their vehicle by anyone who has the owner’s permission to drive the car.
Children – if a child is at fault for an automobile accident, both the teen driver and the owner are equally responsible under Florida’s “dangerous instrumentality rule”.
An Unfit Driver – If a car is entrusted to an unfit driver and his or her negligence causes a Florida automobile accident, both will be liable for injuries and damage. This can include a driver who is intoxicated, unlicensed or under age, inexperienced, reckless or elderly. This is known as “negligent entrustment”.
Your Employee – If an employee is driving a company car and is involved in an accident because of negligence while working, the owner can be held liable.
If you need more information on negligence associated with a Florida auto accident, contact our Jacksonville personal injury attorneys for advice and consultation.
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Representing Adults and Children injured in Florida and their families for over 50 years. Handling an injury case requires knowledge of Florida laws, medical care, education, and family matters as they pertain to the injured person.
Personal Injury Attorney with Emphasis on Child Injury Matters, Author, Founder of Child Injury Lawyer Network