Third-Party Liability in Florida Car Accidents: What You Should Know

If you’ve recently been involved in a car accident, it’s likely that you’re feeling a mix of confusion, worry, and stress about your case. It’s completely understandable to be overwhelmed during such a difficult time. At our firm, we want to assure you that we’re here for you. We understand how unsettling this situation can be, and we are committed to helping you navigate the complexities of third-party liability in Florida car accidents. Our goal is to help you understand the process, so you can make informed decisions about your future. We believe in standing by your side, helping you seek the justice you deserve and guiding you through each step with empathy and care.

What is Third-Party Liability in Car Accidents?

In Florida, a third party refers to someone who is not directly involved in a car accident but may still be held responsible for the damages caused. Third-party liability comes into play when another party’s actions or negligence contributes to the cause of the accident. It can be a situation where a person other than the driver of the vehicles involved in the crash is found to have caused or contributed to the accident. In such cases, the third party may be held liable for the injuries and damages suffered by those involved in the crash.

Third-party liability can apply to a variety of situations. For example, if the accident was caused by a defective vehicle part or poor road conditions maintained by a local government agency, those responsible parties could be considered third parties. Similarly, in cases involving drunk driving or reckless driving by an individual who was not part of the accident but was involved in an earlier collision that led to the crash, that person might also be a third party liable for the damages.

How Does Third-Party Liability Affect Your Case?

When third-party liability is involved in your car accident case, the scope of the legal process can be broader and more complex. You might be able to seek compensation not only from the at-fault driver but also from other parties who contributed to the accident. The involvement of multiple parties can result in more complicated legal negotiations and a longer timeframe to resolve the case.

Michael Serrano

Founding Attorney

Candace “Cea” Hartley

Associate Attorney

For example, if the accident was caused by a defective vehicle part, you might be able to file a claim against the manufacturer of the vehicle or the maker of the defective part. If road conditions played a role in the crash, a claim could be made against the local government responsible for maintaining the roads. In these situations, multiple entities may be involved in your claim, which is why having an experienced legal team can be so valuable in helping you understand your options and navigate the legal process.

What Damages Can Be Recovered in a Third-Party Liability Case?

In a third-party liability case, the damages you may be able to recover include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage. In some cases, if the responsible third party’s actions were particularly reckless or malicious, punitive damages might also be awarded. However, it’s important to remember that the exact amount of compensation you’re entitled to depends on various factors, including the severity of the accident, the extent of your injuries, and the degree of fault of the third party.

One of the most important steps in ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve is to gather sufficient evidence. This evidence can include police reports, medical records, witness statements, and any other relevant information that supports your claim. A thorough investigation of the accident is essential to establish who is at fault and to identify any potential third parties who may be held liable.

Mike Serrano’s law office was everything I needed after a very traumatic accident. He was always super up front and honest with me. I never got the feeling he was trying to sell me on something or to do something that I wasn’t comfortable with. He listened to my concerns and when it tough moments came that I needed to stand my ground. He backed me and made me feel 100% secure. He got me exactly what I needed in a settlement and I would never consider using anyone else. His office staff is also phenomenal.”

- Mary

Mike Serrano was a great attorney for my case!! He was very flexible with phone calls/ Zoom meetings. His staff are always friendly, whether it be on the phone or emails. They keep you updated during your entire case! They don’t leave you silent for months. if you call, they always call back with updates! Highly recommend!"

- Kylie Collier Border

I’ve never had to deal with a lawyer before but Mike has set the bar HIGH. He was always available to communicate my concerns and explain each step of the way. I know no other lawyer would have been able to achieve the same results because he jumped on an opportunity that was a little out of the ordinary and it paid off. He really fought for my case and over delivered. I really hope I never have another accident but if I do I’m running to Mike for help."

- Sandy Carter

What Role Does Insurance Play in Third-Party Liability?

Insurance is another critical aspect of third-party liability cases. In many car accidents, the at-fault driver’s insurance will be responsible for covering the damages. However, if there is a third-party involved, such as a vehicle manufacturer or a government entity, their insurance policies may also come into play.

In the case of a product defect, for instance, the vehicle manufacturer’s insurance may be responsible for compensating you for damages caused by the defective part. Similarly, if the accident was caused by poor road conditions, the government entity responsible for road maintenance may have liability coverage to handle claims related to their negligence.

Understanding how insurance works in these cases can be tricky, as it’s often a matter of determining who is at fault and who is covered under different insurance policies. That’s why it’s essential to have an attorney by your side who can help you navigate the complexities of insurance claims and ensure you’re seeking the full amount of compensation you’re entitled to.

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The Importance of Hiring an Attorney for Third-Party Liability Cases

While it’s possible to handle a third-party liability case on your own, it can be challenging to navigate the complexities of the law and the insurance companies involved. Having a skilled attorney on your side can make all the difference in achieving a successful case result. An experienced lawyer will know how to investigate the accident, gather the necessary evidence, and work with insurance companies to secure the compensation you deserve.

In addition, your attorney will help you understand the legal process and ensure that all deadlines and procedural requirements are met. In Florida, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is four years from the date of the accident. If you miss this deadline, you could lose your right to seek compensation. An attorney will help you stay on track and ensure that all necessary paperwork is filed in a timely manner.

Case Results

Car Accident

This client was injured in an auto accident with a driver who improperly merged into her lane. Her vehicle was totaled. She sustained an aggravation of her pre-existing disc herniations in her neck and new disc herniations in her lower back. We obtained the full limits of both the at-fault driver’s bodily injury coverage and our client’s underinsured motorist coverage, which were significant. The settlement was achieved without a law suit and within four months after the client finished treating.

Rear End Collision

This particular client was injured in an accident in late 2015 when she was rear-ended. She sustained an aggravation of pre-existing disc herniations in her neck and a new disc herniation which ultimately required a surgical fusion. By the time of trial, her medical bills exceeded $180,000.00. The Defendants’ offer pre-suit was $20,000.00. We were able to obtain a jury verdict of $441,000.00, plus attorneys’ fees.

Car Accident

A client was injured in a rear-end collision where he sustained an aggravation of a pre-existing disc bulge that developed into a herniation in his lower back. We obtained a jury verdict which was over 6 times what had been offered prior to trial.

Car Accident

In this case, our client injured her shoulder after being struck by a vehicle while she was performing volunteer services. The driver was traveling at such a high rate of speed entering a parking lot that he clipped another vehicle, hit a parking barrier and was launched into a tree. After the client attempted to negotiate with the insurance company prior to hiring us, we were able to obtain an amount that was over double the prior offer.

Intentional Torts

Our client was injured from an assault by a patron of a party while working security. His shoulder required multiple surgeries. He hired our office to pursue a claim to recoup his medical bills, which exceeded $130,000.00. After his assailant offered him $10,000.00 to resolve his case, we took the case to a jury to decide. The jury awarded our client all of his medical bills and tripled his award for pain and suffering.

Car Accident

This client came to us about a car wreck that occurred in 2014 where she sustained injuries. She approached our firm just one week before the statute of limitations was set to expire after being turned away by several other law firms. We filed a lawsuit and were able to obtain the limits of the at-fault driver’s bodily injury coverage and an additional settlement from the client’s insurance carrier.

Truck Crash

This couple was injured in an automobile accident after they were rear-ended in a seven-car pileup caused by a semi-trailer. Of the 15 people who made claims on the same insurance policy, our clients each received the second and third highest offers, which covered all of their past and future medical bills and their attorney’s fees.

Truck Crash

In this case, our client was injured from a rear-end collision with an eighteen-wheeler. Her original lawyer procured a settlement offer of $7,000.00 to settle her case. Because the offer did not approach the amount of bills she incurred from accident related treatment, she came to our firm for a consultation. She decided to hire us. We promptly filed suit and obtained a settlement for her.

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At our firm, we are committed to providing you with the support you need to resolve your third-party liability case successfully. We understand that dealing with the aftermath of a car accident can be overwhelming, and we are here to help you through every step of the process. Our team will work tirelessly to investigate your case, identify any third parties who may be responsible, and pursue the compensation you deserve.

We know how important it is to have a legal team that understands your concerns and works hard to achieve the best possible outcome. If you’ve been involved in a car accident and believe third-party liability may be involved, we’re here to help. Let us put our experience to work for you and guide you through the legal process with compassion and care.

If you are ready to take the next step and learn more about how we can assist you with your third-party liability case, contact us today. We are here to listen, provide guidance, and help you achieve a favorable resolution for your case.

To learn more about this subject click here: Determining Fault in Florida Car Accidents: What You Need to Know