Understanding Florida’s negligence law is essential for all drivers. The state recently made changes to how fault is determined in car accidents. These changes are not just formalities. They represent significant shifts in how road accidents will be handled.
Negligence occurs when a person fails to act with the same level of care as a reasonable person in similar circumstances. This failure can result in damage or injury. Florida has historically operated under the comparative negligence system, which allows courts to assign fault based on each party’s level of negligence. Recent amendments clarify these measures and affect how liability is assessed and what damages victims can recover.
Changes to Florida’s Negligence Law
Recent changes to Florida’s negligence laws introduce modifications that are especially significant for car accidents. The main change is an adjustment to the comparative fault system. Previously, Florida law allowed damages to be divided among parties according to their level of fault in an incident. The new law improves on this method by more precisely defining how to calculate fault percentages and distribute damages.
The law includes provisions that could affect drivers found to have minimal fault. These changes aim to ensure that minor infractions do not result in disproportionate punishment for individuals.
Comparative Analysis with the Old Law
In the old system, if a driver was found 10% responsible for an accident and the total damages were $100,000, the driver could be liable to pay $10,000. The new law has thresholds that could limit the financial liability of drivers at fault.
This refinement ensures that the responsible parties bear more of the financial responsibility. This change reflects a nuanced understanding of fault and responsibility for vehicular accidents.
This post was written by a professional at Kevin L. Sullivan II. Attorney Kevin L. Sullivan II is your auto accident attorney Largo and the best personal injury attorney near you for LeavenLaw. Kevin is proud to serve Florida accident victims that have been injured in auto accidents, motorcycle accident, slip and falls or have suffered any other type of injury caused by negligence. Kevin offers a FREE no-obligation consultation to discuss your claim. There are NO upfront fees or costs and if he does not collect for you, you do not owe him anything.
