Not all car accidents in Fort Walton Beach, Florida, are caused by careless or reckless drivers. Sometimes, passengers are negligent and cause an accident.
If you have been injured in a car accident in Fort Walton Beach, FL, you have the right to pursue compensation from any party at fault for your crash. This may include other drivers and even passengers in your own car or another vehicle. An experienced Fort Walton Beach passenger negligence lawyer can help you explore your legal options.
Brannon & Brannon Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers is here to fight for you. We have more than 60 years of combined experience representing accident victims like you. Contact our law office today at (850) 863-5297 to schedule a free case evaluation with a Fort Walton Beach passenger negligence attorney. We will help you explore your options and take the next steps to pursue the money you need.
How Brannon & Brannon Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help After a Crash Caused by Passenger Negligence In Fort Walton Beach
Have you been injured in a crash caused by passenger negligence? Legal representation can make a significant difference. Brannon & Brannon Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers has over 60 years of combined experience handling personal injury cases. We are ready to give you the dedicated legal support you deserve.
For over three decades, our father-son legal team has recovered millions on behalf of injured clients across the Panhandle. Our co-founding partner, WM. Dennis Brannon is a certified civil mediator and former insurance defense attorney. He brings valuable insight into how insurance companies handle claims.
Here’s how our Fort Walton Beach personal injury attorneys can help you:
- Investigate your crash to identify all parties who may be liable
- Gather evidence to prove your case and show how passenger negligence contributed to your accident
- Collaborate with experts to bolster your case and accurately value your damages
- Handle all communications and negotiate on your behalf to seek a settlement offer that fairly compensates you
- If necessary, proceed to court and present your case to a jury
- Provide legal advice and guidance throughout your case
After a serious accident in Fort Walton Beach, Florida, you should be focused on your recovery, not fighting the insurance company. Let our Fort Walton Beach car accident lawyers handle your case on your behalf to protect your rights and fight for the fair compensation you deserve.
Contact our law firm today to schedule a free consultation with a Fort Walton Beach passenger negligence attorney. We will listen to your story and help you understand your options. We work on a contingency fee basis, so you pay no out-of-pocket attorneys’ fees for the representation you deserve.
How Can Passenger Negligence Cause a Car Crash?
Passengers can be a major distraction, especially for younger drivers. Talking to a passenger may distract a driver. Passengers are expected to act responsibly to ensure the driver can safely operate the vehicle. When passengers engage in negligent behavior, they can distract or interfere with the driver. This can lead to a dangerous accident.
Examples of passenger negligence include:
- Distracting the driver by yelling, arguing, or making loud noises to startle the driver
- Interfering with the driver’s ability to steer or control the car,
- Intentionally grabbing the steering wheel
- Obstructing the driver’s ability to see the road
- Encouraging reckless driving, such as speeding or ignoring traffic laws
- Encouraging other dangerous behaviors like driving under the influence
- Assaulting or hitting the driver
Drivers are primarily responsible for safely operating a vehicle. Still, passengers’ actions can contribute to or cause an accident. Passengers are held to the same legal standard for negligence as drivers. They have a duty to obey safety laws and avoid behavior that a reasonable person would consider careless or dangerous.
Can a Passenger Be Liable for Damages In a Car Accident In Florida?
Passengers can be held liable for damages if their negligent behavior caused or contributed to an accident. In Florida, liability depends on proving that the passenger’s actions breached a duty of care and directly caused harm.
Florida follows a comparative negligence rule. This means that liability can be divided among multiple parties based on their percentage of fault. A negligent passenger may be found partially or even completely at fault for a crash and required to compensate injured victims for their share of damages.
For example, if a passenger grabbed the steering wheel unexpectedly and caused a collision, they may be found 100% responsible for damages. If the passenger started a heated argument with the driver and the distraction caused a crash, the passenger and driver may both share blame.
Florida’s comparative negligence rule can also affect an injured passenger’s ability to recover compensation. Injury victims can step outside Florida’s no-fault system if they are seriously hurt. However, damages are reduced according to the plaintiff’s share of the assigned fault. Someone found 51% or more at fault for an accident is barred from recovering damages.
If you were hurt in an accident caused by a passenger’s negligence, you may have multiple options for pursuing compensation. You may recover damages by filing a claim against the vehicle owner’s insurance. If the passenger has their own liability insurance, it may also cover your losses.
How Long Do I Have To File a Lawsuit After a Car Accident In Florida?
Florida law provides a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims related to car accidents. This means you have two years from the date of the crash to file a lawsuit seeking compensation. Waiting too long to take legal action can result in losing your right to recover damages.
Note that Florida law requires that car crash victims seek medical care within 14 days of the accident. If you fail to do so, your personal injury protection (PIP) coverage may not pay for your medical bills.
It’s important to act quickly after your accident to preserve evidence and protect your claim.
Contact Our Fort Walton Beach Passenger Negligence Lawyers for a Free Consultation
Have you been hurt in a crash in Fort Walton Beach, FL, that you believe was caused by a passenger’s actions? You may be entitled to compensation, and Brannon & Brannon Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers is here to help you.
You don’t have to face the aftermath of your accident or deal with the insurance adjuster alone. Call our office today to schedule your free consultation with a Fort Walton Beach passenger negligence lawyer. Let us fight for the compensation and justice you deserve.
