Michael Damaso / 07-26-2022 / Auto Accidents

Can I Lose My Home if I’m at Fault in a Florida Car Accident?

Whenever a person gets behind the wheel of their car, they are at risk of being involved in a car accident. All drivers hold a duty of care to act reasonably when driving in order to avoid causing an accident. However, everyone makes mistakes. If you have caused a car accident in Florida, you may be feeling anxious as you consider what penalties you may face as a result. After being found liable for a car accident, you may be concerned that you could be at risk of losing your home. 

Wooten, Kimbrough, Damaso & Dennis is a Florida personal injury law firm dedicated to helping clients who have been found to be at fault in a car accident. While you may be at risk for several different penalties as a result of a car accident, in Florida, you are not at risk of losing your home after causing a crash.

The Florida homestead exemption law shields at-fault drivers from losing their homes due to car accident lawsuits. Regardless of the severity of injuries to the other party, this law ensures the home of the at-fault driver remains protected.

 

Does Florida Protect At-Fault Drivers From Losing Their Homes?

If you have been found at fault for a car accident in Florida, you may be facing various consequences as a result. However, you do not have to worry about the risk of losing your home. In the state of Florida, the homestead exemption will protect the property of the at-fault driver. 

The Florida homestead exemption allows individuals to protect an unlimited amount of value. However, in regards to property, it is limited to a house situated on a half-acre lot in a city and 160 acres located in an unincorporated area. The tenants by entirety exemption may also be useful in protecting your home after being in an at-fault car accident. If you are unsure if your home will be protected by either of these exemptions, contact a Florida personal injury lawyer who may be able to help you better understand your rights in regard to the accident and how it may affect your assets. 

 

How Much Can You Be Sued for After Causing a Florida Car Accident?

Accidents happen when they are least expected. Unfortunately, if your actions have been found to be the cause of the car accident, you may be at risk of being sued by the driver who you hit. Every car accident case is different, and there is no set amount or limit to how much a person may be sued after a collision occurs. However, there are several factors that may determine how much a person will pursue compensation from the at-fault driver. Those factors include:

  • Medical Expenses: Car accidents often leave victims with damaging injuries which require extensive medical care in order for them to recover. These medical bills can become costly, and the victim of a car accident will often pursue compensation from the at-fault driver to help cover these expenses.
  • Lost Wages: Car accident victims will sometimes sue for the cost of any lost future or present wages that they have been able to earn as a result of the injuries that have prevented them from working. 
  • Property Damage: Many car accidents result in extensive property damage that can be highly costly. This results in the victim pursuing compensation for the cost to repair or replace the damaged property.
  • Pain and Suffering: Victims of car accidents often suffer extensive pain. It is their right to pursue compensation for the mental and physical anguish they have suffered as a result. 

To get help understanding your rights as the at-fault party of a car accident, contact a Florida lawyer as soon as possible. 

 

Get Help From a Florida Car Accident Lawyer

Accidents happen, and if you have caused a car accident in Florida, it is important that you know your rights. While you are not at risk of losing your home, it is crucial that you are able to protect your other assets. 

The award-winning legal team at Wooten, Kimbrough, Damaso & Dennis is dedicated to helping clients by providing them with the trusted representation they deserve. To schedule a consultation, contact us here or call (407) 843-7060.

Disclaimer: All verdicts and settlements listed here are gross amounts before deductions for attorney fees and costs. Past results do not guarantee similar results in the future. Most cases result in a lower recovery. It should not be assumed that your case will have as beneficial a result. Before choosing a lawyer, ask for written information about the lawyer's legal qualifications and experience.