How to proceed after traffic accident in an uninsured car?
Get Legal Help Today
Compare Quotes From Top Companies and Save
Secured with SHA-256 Encryption
How to proceed after traffic accident in an uninsured car?
I rear-ended a car just after a traffic light when the driver slammed on his brakes in front of me. I was driving a co-worker’s car for work related business and it was uninsured. The person that was rear-ended is a lawyer.
Asked on July 11, 2016 under Accident Law, Florida
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 8 years ago | Contributor
1) If you were at-fault in causing a car accident, you are legally liable (responsible to pay) for all repair or other costs (e.g. towing; medical costs) resulting from your accident.
2) If you hit another car from behind, you are almost certainly legally at fault: it doesn't matter if the front driver "slammed on his brakes," because you are legally obligated to maintain a safe speed and following distance, so that you could stop in time if the front driver brakes suddenly. If you did not stop in time, you are at fault.
Therefore, you are most likely liable for the damage. It may be a good idea to settle without having to be sued and defend yourself in court, since that would cost you time and money and you'd likely end up paying, anyway. If you do come to a settlement, get in writing from him that this settles ALL claims from the accident and he can't sue you.
IMPORTANT NOTICE: The Answer(s) provided above are for general information only. The attorney providing the answer was not serving as the attorney for the person submitting the question or in any attorney-client relationship with such person. Laws may vary from state to state, and sometimes change. Tiny variations in the facts, or a fact not set forth in a question, often can change a legal outcome or an attorney's conclusion. Although AttorneyPages.com has verified the attorney was admitted to practice law in at least one jurisdiction, he or she may not be authorized to practice law in the jurisdiction referred to in the question, nor is he or she necessarily experienced in the area of the law involved. Unlike the information in the Answer(s) above, upon which you should NOT rely, for personal advice you can rely upon we suggest you retain an attorney to represent you.