Understanding Comparative Negligence in Florida Personal Injury Cases
If you’ve been hurt in an accident, figuring out who’s at fault is one thing—but what if you’re partially to blame? That’s where Florida’s comparative negligence law comes into play. It can directly impact how much compensation you receive, which is why having a knowledgeable personal injury attorney in Florida is so important.
What Is Comparative Negligence?
In simple terms, comparative negligence means that more than one person can be responsible for an accident, including the person who was injured. Under Florida law, your compensation can be reduced based on your percentage of fault.
For example, let’s say you were in a car accident and a jury finds that the other driver was 80% at fault, but you were 20% responsible—maybe you were speeding a little. If your total damages are $100,000, you’d still recover $80,000. That’s how comparative negligence works.
Why It Matters in Personal Injury Claims
This rule applies to many types of personal injury cases, including car accidents, motorcycle crashes, slip and falls, and more. Insurance companies often use it to argue for lower payouts. They may try to shift the blame onto you, even when your role was minor or nonexistent.
That’s why it’s crucial to have a personal injury attorney in Florida who can push back. A good attorney can gather evidence, question liability claims, and make sure your side of the story is fully presented.
What Changed in 2023?
Florida updated its comparative negligence laws in 2023. Now, if you’re found to be more than 50% at fault, you can’t recover any damages at all in most personal injury cases. This change makes it even more important to take quick, smart legal action—and avoid saying anything that could be twisted into an admission of guilt.
Talk to an Attorney Before You Talk to Insurers
If you’ve been injured and you’re being told you were at fault—or if you’re unsure how much blame you might carry—don’t guess. Attorney Kevin Sullivan has helped many Floridians protect their rights in complex personal injury cases. Call (813) 598-4868 for a clear, honest look at where you stand.
When fault is shared, your future could depend on getting the facts—and the law—on your side.
This post was written by a professional at Kevin L. Sullivan II. Attorney Kevin L. Sullivan II is your personal injury attorney Seminole FL, 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.
