What if a driver in Florida causes an accident because they forgot to put on their headlights?
Headlights not only help drivers when there is poor roadway lighting but also when there is low visibility and a driver cannot see what’s up ahead of them. Headlights aren’t only helpful to drivers as they make driving easier and safer, but the law requires that they must be used at certain times of the day or when certain weather conditions are present. In fact, according to Florida Statute §316.217, drivers must turn on their headlights when the following conditions are present:
- Anytime from sunset to sunrise (i.e. the nighttime hours).
- During the twilight hours, which is the time between sunset and nighttime and nighttime and sunrise.
- When rain, smoke, or fog are present.
When a driver fails to use their headlights during the times outlined above, they are not only violating the law, but they are also putting the lives of the other drivers traveling around them at risk. If an individual was involved in an accident with a driver whose headlights weren’t on or were broken, they should speak with a Fort Walton Beach, FL accident lawyer about recovering compensation for their injuries.
How can a driver recover compensation after an accident that was caused by a lack of headlights?
If another driver’s broken or unused headlights were responsible for causing a collision in Fort Walton Beach, FL, an individual may be entitled to recover compensation from their insurance policy or even the other driver’s insurer. When a driver engages in an accident in Florida, they have the option of filing an insurance claim under their personal injury protection (PIP) policy regardless of who is at fault for causing it.
PIP insurance will usually provide drivers with up to $10,000 in immediate medical coverage if they choose to file a claim with their insurer, according to the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation. If a driver decides to file a claim with the other driver’s insurer, they may need to prove the driver was responsible for causing the accident. If the at-fault party isn’t accepting the blame or tries to throw some of it on the other driver who had their headlights on, it can make the claims process more difficult to get through.
Why hire an accident lawyer after a collision in Fort Walton Beach, FL?
Some of the benefits of hiring an accident lawyer in Fort Walton Beach after a crash include:
- They will help a driver understand what their legal rights are as a victim.
- They can determine how much compensation, if any, the driver is entitled to.
- They will assist with the claims process and handle most matters involving the insurer.
If a driver is ready to connect with an accident lawyer in Fort Walton Beach, FL to discuss compensation and claims, they can contact Browning Law Firm at 850-344-1736.
Browning Law Firm can be reached at:
418 Racetrack Rd. NE, Ste B
Fort Walton Beach, FL 32547
Phone: 850-344-1736
Website: www.browninglawfirm.com