Kibbey Wagner Injury & Car Accident Lawyers | July 8, 2025 | Car Accidents

What Happens When You Are at Fault for a Car Accident?

Car accidents are stressful, no matter the cause. But when you are the one at fault, the situation can feel even more overwhelming. Knowing what to expect and understanding your legal and financial responsibilities is important. If you live in Florida, there are specific laws and insurance rules that apply to car accidents. 

This article will explain what happens when you are at fault, what steps you should take, and how to protect yourself moving forward.

Understanding Fault in Florida Car Accidents

Florida is a no-fault insurance state, which means your own insurance pays for your injuries and some of your lost wages after an accident, no matter who caused it. This is done through Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage, which is required for all drivers in the state. However, being in a no-fault state does not mean fault doesn’t matter. 

If you cause an accident, you may still be held responsible for damage to other people’s vehicles or property. You may also be sued if the injuries are serious enough to fall outside the no-fault system.

Reporting the Accident to Your Insurance

Florida law requires you to report car accidents to your insurance company as soon as possible. Most policies also have time limits, so don’t wait too long. Your insurance company will investigate the accident and may determine who was at fault. If you are found to be at fault, your liability coverage will pay for the other driver’s vehicle damage and possibly other losses. 

Florida requires minimum liability coverage of $10,000 for property damage. However, this may not be enough to cover all costs in a serious accident. If your insurance limits are too low, you might have to pay out of pocket for any remaining costs. That’s why it’s a good idea to carry more than the minimum coverage. 

Even though Florida is a no-fault state, serious injuries can lead to lawsuits. If someone’s injuries meet the “serious injury” threshold, they can sue you for pain and suffering, lost income, and more.

When you’re at fault, legal consequences can vary depending on the accident’s severity. For small accidents with no injuries, you may only face higher insurance rates. However, if the accident caused serious injuries or death, things can be much more serious. You could be sued in civil court. If the court finds you responsible, you may have to pay a large judgment. 

If your insurance doesn’t cover the full amount, the other party may try to collect from your personal assets. In some cases, such as if you were driving under the influence or driving recklessly, you could face criminal charges as well. This could lead to fines, a suspended license, or even jail time. 

Being at fault can also lead to points on your driving record. Too many points can cause your license to be suspended and make your insurance premiums go up.

Paying for Damages and Injuries

Your auto insurance will usually be your first line of defense when paying for damages if you are at fault. Here’s how it works:

  • Property Damage Liability (PDL): Helps pay for the other person’s car repairs or replacement.
  • Bodily Injury Liability (BIL): Can cover medical expenses if the other person was seriously hurt and sues you. BIL is not required in Florida unless you’ve been in a serious accident before, but it’s wise to have it.

If you don’t have enough insurance coverage and are sued, a judge may allow the injured party to go after your personal property, such as your savings, home, or future wages. Because of these risks, it’s important to have strong insurance protection, even if the law doesn’t require it.

Will Your Insurance Rates Go Up?

If you are at fault in a car accident, your car insurance rates will likely increase. Insurance companies raise premiums for drivers who are seen as higher risk. The increase depends on how serious the accident was, your driving history, and your insurance provider’s policies. 

You could also lose any safe driver discounts you previously had. Some insurance companies offer accident forgiveness programs, but those often only apply to your first accident and only if you’ve been accident-free for several years. Your rates may stay high for three to five years after the accident, depending on your insurance company and driving record. 

Shopping around for new insurance may help you find a better rate.

Contact a Florida Car Accident Lawyer for Help

Being at fault for a car accident in Florida is serious, but it doesn’t have to ruin your life. Knowing what to do, staying calm, and handling the situation responsibly can make a big difference. Make sure you report the accident, cooperate with your insurance company, and consider speaking with a lawyer if the accident involved injuries or large damages. 

By understanding Florida’s laws and your insurance coverage, you can be better prepared and avoid bigger problems later. To learn how a lawyer can help and schedule a free consultation, contact Kibbey Wagner Injury & Car Accident Lawyers today.

For more information, please contact the Stuart, Port St. Lucie, or Palm Beach Gardens personal injury law firm of Kibbey Wagner Injury & Car Accident Lawyers to schedule a free consultation today.

We proudly serve Martin County,  St. Lucie County, Palm Beach County, and its surrounding areas in Florida:

Kibbey Wagner Injury & Car Accident Lawyers Stuart
73 SW Flagler Ave
Stuart, FL 34994
(772) 444-7000

Kibbey Wagner Injury & Car Accident Lawyers Port St. Lucie
1100 SW St. Lucie West Blvd. Ste 202
Port St Lucie, FL 34986
(772) 247-3374

Kibbey Wagner Injury & Car Accident Lawyers Palm Beach Gardens
300 Ave of the Champions Ste 170
Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33418
(561) 944-4000