Norden Leacox Accident & Injury Law | March 17, 2025 | Car Accidents
A car accident can be a stressful situation to deal with. It’s hard enough coping with injuries and vehicle damage when just two vehicles collide. Adding a third or fourth car can make it even less clear whose insurance pays.
Florida’s unique auto insurance system brings more questions, since it uses “no-fault” rules for many crashes but also follows a fault-based approach in certain circumstances. In this blog post, we’ll break down how insurance typically handles multi-car wrecks in the Sunshine State.
Florida’s No-Fault Rules and PIP
Florida law requires most drivers to carry personal injury protection (PIP) insurance. If you’re hurt in a crash, your PIP policy will pay for some medical bills and lost income, no matter who caused the accident. This rule can help people get quick treatment without arguing about fault right away.
But PIP has drawbacks, too. For example, standard PIP coverage may only pay up to $10,000. It also doesn’t cover pain and suffering or other non-economic losses. If your injuries are serious, your costs exceed PIP, or if another exception applies, you might step outside the no-fault system and go after the at-fault driver’s liability insurance. That’s where questions about blame and coverage amounts become key.
Figuring Out Fault in Multi-Car Crashes
When there’s more than one vehicle involved, multiple people might share blame. One driver might brake too quickly, while another was speeding or not paying attention. Police or accident reconstruction experts often help figure out how the chain reaction started. They look at details like vehicle positions, skid marks, dashcam recordings, or witness accounts.
In Florida, if you can prove that at least one driver’s careless behavior caused your injuries and your damages exceed PIP coverage (or if your accident falls into another exception), you can pursue a claim against their liability insurance. It’s common in multi-car collisions for two or more drivers to share responsibility. For instance, one driver might be 60% at fault while another is 40% at fault. The distribution of fault affects how insurance companies split the payout.
Shared Fault Concerns in Florida Car Accident Cases
Florida has a modified comparative negligence standard with a 51% bar that will apply to any claims against the other driver (not against your PIP). This means you can still recover damages even if you share part of the blame. However, your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault, and you cannot be mostly to blame (51% or more).
For example, if you’re 20% responsible for the wreck, your award is cut by that amount. In a multi-car crash, insurers often claim each driver played some role, which can complicate the final payout. By having a lawyer build a strong case, you stand a better chance of limiting or avoiding claims that you share fault.
Contact a Car Accident Lawyer in Florida for a Free Consultation Today
After a multi-car accident, you may face confusing insurance rules, big medical bills, and finger-pointing from multiple parties. An attorney can clarify which policies should cover your losses and how to pursue full compensation.
Many lawyers offer free consultations, so you can ask questions without obligation. If you’re worried about blame or about paying for ongoing treatments, don’t wait—speak with a Florida car accident lawyer to protect your rights and explore all possible ways to secure the financial help you deserve.
Contact an Orlando Car Accident lawyer at Norden Leacox Accident & Injury Law Today.
For more information, please contact Norden Leacox Accident & Injury Law to schedule a free consultation. We have five convenient locations in Florida, including Orlando, Palm Bay, Melbourne, Cocoa, and Titusville.
Norden Leacox Accident & Injury Law – Orlando, FL Office
633 E Colonial Dr
Orlando, FL 32803
Phone: (407) 801-3000
Hours: Open 24/7
Our firm is located near you. We have an office in Orlando, FL.
Find us with our GeoCoordinates: 28.5534238,-81.3692001
Norden Leacox Accident & Injury Law – Palm Bay, FL Office
4620 Lipscomb Street N.E Suite #3K
Palm Bay, FL 32905
Phone: (321) 677-5964
Hours: Open 24/7
Our firm is located near you. We have an office in Palm Bay, FL.
Find us with our GeoCoordinates: 28.039083,-80.6083109
Norden Leacox Accident & Injury Law – Melbourne, FL Office
1600 W Eau Gallie Blvd #205j
Melbourne, FL 32935
Phone: (321) 450-7134
Hours: Open 24/7
Our firm is located near you. We have an office in Melbourne, FL.
Find us with our GeoCoordinates: 28.1289147,-80.6461588
Norden Leacox Accident & Injury Law – Cocoa, FL Office
717 S Cocoa Blvd STE 203
Cocoa, FL 32922
(321) 449-8042
Hours: Open 24/7
Our firm is located near you. We have an office in Cocoa, FL.
Find us with our GeoCoordinates: 28.3511613,-80.7312948
Norden Leacox Accident & Injury Law – Titusville, FL Office
4527 S Hopkins Ave Suite B
Titusville, FL 32780
Phone: (407) 801-3000
Hours: Open 24/7
Our firm is located near you. We have an office in Titusville, FL.
Find us with our GeoCoordinates:28.5584923,-80.8010051