Can I Be Held Liable for a No Contact Accident in Florida?

It is no secret that driving in Florida can be stressful and even dangerous. With a wide range of drivers on the road, from inexperienced first-time drivers to tourists who are unfamiliar with the area, car accidents can occur when least expected. While car accidents may be caused by one or more cars hitting another, it is also possible for a car accident to be caused without a car even making contact with another vehicle. If you have been involved in a no-contact accident in Florida, you may be wondering if you can be held liable for the damages.

Wooten, Kimbrough, Damaso, and Dennis, P.A. is a personal injury law firm with experience helping clients in Florida who have been involved in no-contact accidents. If you have been involved in this type of car accident you may be feeling helpless and like you will be unable to collect any compensation for your losses. However, with the help of our team of legal professionals, we can help you pursue the financial compensation you deserve.

What Is a No Contact Accident?

When an accident occurs without one car touching another, resulting in losses, this is known as a no-contact car crash. Generally, these accidents take place between two vehicles. However, a no-contact accident may occur between several cars. Common examples of no-contact car accidents in Florida are:

• A driver cuts you off and caused you to swerve and crash
• A driver suddenly stopped in front of you and caused you to swerve out of the way
• A driver ran you off the road as a result of them changing lanes without looking
• A driver did not yield the right-of-way and caused you to swerve out of the way

After a no contact accident, it can be incredibly difficult to prove liability as the other driver is often unaware that they even caused an accident and kept driving without realizing it. It is crucial that you know what steps to take following a no-contact accident because if you are unable to find the driver who caused the accident, you may be held liable for the collision by your insurance provider. 

How to Prevent Being Held Liable for a No-Contact Accident in Florida

If you are unable to identify the driver who caused your accident, you will be held liable for the no-contact accident. This is because insurance companies consider no-contact accidents to be synonymous with single-car accidents. In this case, you will have to pursue compensation for your losses through your personal injury protection coverage. 

To avoid being held liable for a car accident that you did not cause, it is crucial that you try to get any information regarding the car that almost hit you after the crash occurs. Important information to try to get includes:

• The make and model of the vehicle
• The type of vehicle
• The license plate number
• A description of the driver’s appearance
• What color the vehicle was
• Any distinguishing features on the vehicle

If you are unsure if you have the evidence necessary to identify the liable party that caused your no-contact accident, contact an Orlando car accident lawyer today.

Frequently Asked Questions About No Contact Accidents in Florida

What is considered a no contact accident in Florida?

A no contact accident occurs when a crash happens without any physical contact between vehicles. For example, if a negligent driver cuts you off and causes you to swerve and crash, even though they didn’t hit your car, it still qualifies. These cases can be difficult because the other vehicle often drives away, unaware they caused an accident.

Can I still recover compensation if the driver who caused the no contact accident left the scene?

Yes, you may still be able to recover compensation, but it depends on your coverage. If the negligent driver can’t be identified, you may have to use your personal injury protection (PIP) benefits, which cover medical expenses and certain other losses. If you have uninsured motorist coverage, that may also help cover your damages when the at-fault party is unknown or uninsured.

How can I prove liability in a no contact accident?

To prove liability in a no contact accident, it’s crucial to gather as much evidence as possible. Try to write down the make, model, color, and license plate of the other vehicle involved. Eyewitness statements, dashcam footage, and photos of the scene can all support your claim. The more details you can provide, the stronger your case will be.

Why might I be held liable for a no contact accident I didn’t cause?

If the other vehicle is not identified, your insurance company may classify the crash as a single-vehicle accident, and you could be held responsible by default. In this case, you’d rely on your personal injury protection coverage, which may not fully compensate you. That’s why it’s critical to take steps to document the crash and contact car accident lawyers who can help protect your rights.

Do I need a lawyer for a no contact accident in Florida?

While not required, working with experienced car accident lawyers can significantly improve your chances of receiving fair compensation. These cases often involve challenges in identifying a negligent driver, negotiating with insurance companies, and proving fault without physical contact. A lawyer can help you navigate your options, including using uninsured motorist coverage, and fight for compensation for your medical expenses and other losses.

Contact a Florida No Contact Accident Lawyer

If you have been injured in a no contact accident, you may be owed compensation for the losses you have suffered. To get help with your car accident injury claim, contact a Florida no contact car accident lawyer as soon as possible. 

At Wooten, Kimbrough, Damaso, and Dennis, P.A., our car accident lawyers are dedicated to helping clients get the fair compensation they are owed for their injuries and losses. Our award-winning law firm is proud to provide clients with the trusted legal representation needed to get the best possible result for their claims. To speak with our Florida lawyers, contact us here or call (407) 843-7060.