Earlier this month in Okaloosa County, near the Mid-Bay Bridge, a four-vehicle accident seriously injured one teen and left several others with minor injuries. According to one local news source, the accident took place on northbound State Road 293, as the driver of a 1997 Lexus was approaching a curve in the roadway.
Evidently, as the driver of the Lexus approached the curve, she lost control and entered the lanes of oncoming traffic. As she did so, she collided with two vehicles heading south. The force of the collision with the Lexus sent one of the two vehicles it hit into a fourth vehicle. The driver of the Lexus suffered serious injuries and was immediately taken to Fort Walton Beach Medical Center.
The occupants of one of the other cars were critically injured and taken to Sacred Heart Hospital in Pensacola. The occupants of the other two vehicles suffered only minor injuries and were not taken to the hospital.
The driver of the Lexus was charged with failure to maintain a single lane of travel after a police investigation.
Determining Legal Liability in Florida Car Accidents
Determining who is legally responsible in a Florida car accident is not always straightforward. Even in cases, such as the one discussed above, where it seems as though one party is at fault for the accident, recovery is never a certainty.
Before an accident victim is entitled to recover for their injuries, they must prove the four elements of a Florida negligence lawsuit, including:
- Duty: Did the defendant owe the plaintiff a duty of care?
- Breach: Did the defendant violate the duty of care owed to the plaintiff?
- Causation: Were the defendant’s actions the proximate cause of the plaintiff’s injuries?
- Damages: Did the plaintiff suffer some kind of compensable damages in the accident?
If all of the elements above are met, the plaintiff may be entitled to monetary compensation to help them cover the costs they incurred as a result of the accident. In addition, depending on the circumstances, a plaintiff may be eligible for damages to compensate them for the pain and suffering they experienced as a result of the defendant’s negligent conduct. To learn more, contact a dedicated South Florida personal injury attorney.
Have You Been Injured in a South Florida Car Accident?
If you or a loved one has recently been involved in any kind of South Florida car accident, you may be entitled to monetary compensation. However, the insurance companies who are ultimately responsible for paying out claims will often vigorously contest even the most seemingly straightforward case against them. To ensure that you are treated fairly, consult with one of the dedicated accident attorneys at the Law Offices of Robert Dixon. With ample experience in all Florida personal injury matters, the attorneys at the Law Offices of Robert Dixon know what it takes to successfully represent their clients in any kind of Florida personal injury case. Call 877-499-HURT today to set up a free consultation.
More Blog Posts:
Speeding Accidents in Florida, South Florida Injury Lawyer Blawg, June 29, 2015
Understanding Damages in Florida Personal Injury Cases, South Florida Injury Lawyer Blawg, June 29, 2015