Car Accident Claims Against Friends and Family

Many times, car accident victims are passengers riding with a family member or friend. If that relative or friend is the person responsible for causing an accident and a victim’s injuries, it is often necessary to file a claim, either in court or with an insurance company, so that a victim can receive the compensation necessary to heal. However, these situations can become personal and emotional at times, making legal action more difficult for victims. The Miami car accident lawyers the Law Offices of Robert Dixon understand the nuances involved in filing a car accident claim against a responsible friend or family member, and we offer compassionate yet zealous legal advocacy for victims faced with this dilemma.

Our firm represents people throughout Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach Counties in personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits, working tirelessly to ensure that victims’ rights are protected throughout the course of any insurance dealings or litigation. If you have been injured in a collision involving a friend or relative, contact our office today to schedule a free consultation and see how we can help.

When a family member, such as a parent, child, grandparent, uncle, aunt, or other close relative, or even a friend, is responsible for causing a car crash, victims may need to file insurance claims or personal injury lawsuits in order to recover financial assistance for their injuries. Many insurance policy benefits will include coverage for members of a policyholder’s immediate family, such as parents, spouses, or children. However, extended family or friends are often considered ‘strangers’ for insurance purposes if they do not live in the same household. In Florida, drivers are required to carry a minimum of $10,000 in personal injury protection (PIP) coverage, which is applied to treating both a driver and any passengers who were injured in the driver’s own vehicle. These benefits are designed to cover medical and disability damages. Even $10,000 does not cover the majority of the costs of a serious injury, however, especially when multiple victims are involved. When insurance coverage is not available or not enough, many victims must turn to the legal process for compensation related to their injuries.

Personal injury cases against a relative or friend may involve competing interests, even for a victim hoping to save a relationship and also not unduly burden a friend or family member. However, victims with significant injuries like spinal cord damage, traumatic brain injuries, or multiple broken bones need damages that may be only recoverable via litigation. To receive compensation in these cases, victims must show that a driver has breached the duty to act as a reasonable and prudent person acts, therefore causing a victim’s injuries and resulting in damages. For example, a driver distracted by a phone who causes a collision with another motorist is likely to be found to have acted unreasonably, and therefore negligent. If liability is established, compensation can be awarded for a victim’s past and anticipated medical costs, lost wages, diminished earning capacity, and pain and suffering. In Florida, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is four years from the date of the victim’s injury.

Car accidents involving relatives and friends may be relatively complex, given the delicate relationships between parties that may need to become somewhat adversarial. These issues can become even more volatile if a crash involves a fatality. Having a lawyer who is looking out for your best interests is vital to aid in the process. The Miami attorneys at the Law Offices of Robert Dixon assist people who have been injured around Miami, and West Palm Beach due to a friend or family member’s negligence. If you have questions following a serious motor vehicle accident, you can call our office at 877.499.4878 or contact us online for a free consultation to learn more about your legal rights and options.