The Driver Who Caused My Tampa Car Accident Never Faced Charges: What Can I Do?

After being injured by a negligent driver, you may be curious to know whether this individual faced any consequences. If you discover that they seemingly walked away with zero penalties, this can be an unwelcome shock. How could they cause injuries to an innocent person and experience no consequences? What can you do to ensure that they experience at least some degree of accountability? You may want to ask a Tampa car accident lawyer these questions.

Why Authorities May Decide Not to Pursue Criminal Charges

In Florida, there is a major distinction between traffic offenses and criminal offenses. A traffic offense usually can’t lead to criminal penalties, such as incarceration. On the other hand, traffic offenses usually involve fines. A driver might also lose their license after committing a major traffic offense.

As an injured victim, you may view the traffic offense that caused your crash as a “crime.” The person who caused your crash may have been texting. Perhaps they were driving in a highly aggressive, reckless manner. Whatever the case may be, these actions are serious. However, the authorities may view them as “mistakes” rather than intentional crimes. Intent forms the basis for many crimes in Florida.

You Can Still Hold the Negligent Driver Accountable

Even if the person who caused your crash might not face criminal charges, you can still hold them accountable in civil court. Although the local authorities might not have enough evidence to press charges, you only need to show a “preponderance of evidence” to establish liability in Florida.

The penalties associated with civil lawsuits are financial in nature. Again, jail time is impossible to enforce. However, financial penalties can help you achieve a sense of closure and justice when this legal process is over. Financial penalties may also help the negligent driver understand that their future actions have consequences.

Cooperate With Local Law Enforcement

If you have evidence that the driver committed a legitimate crime in connection with your crash, consider communicating with law enforcement. For example, you might have dashcam footage that shows the driver holding a bottle of liquor while driving. Perhaps you noticed that the driver was texting behind the wheel moments before the impact. You might have been caught in the middle of an illegal street race.

Whatever the case may be, you should cooperate with local law enforcement and provide any evidence you can to help with their investigations. This can help ensure that those who caused your crash experience real consequences.

Can a Tampa Auto Accident Lawyer Help Me?

A Tampa auto accident lawyer may be able to help if you’re trying to ensure accountability for the person who caused your injuries. You have every right to assess your legal options in this scenario, including the possibility of a civil lawsuit. Contact Anderson & Anderson today to discuss your options in more detail.

Sources: 

newswav.com/article/video-shows-high-speed-police-chase-before-car-crashes-into-crowd-at-tampa-A2511_DrZ3eh

chronicle-tribune.com/news/wire/a-car-fleeing-police-slams-into-a-bar-in-florida-killing-4-and-injuring-11/article_f54bfd7d-b953-517f-ab13-a8176982be38.html