What if the other driver is blaming you for the accident? It happens more often than you’d think, especially in Florida.
Here’s the short answer. Just because they’re blaming you doesn’t mean they’re right, and it doesn’t mean you’re stuck with the fault.
Florida follows a comparative fault system. That means fault can be shared. Even if you’re partially responsible, you may still be able to recover compensation, just reduced by your percentage of fault. In other words, the other driver pointing fingers does not automatically decide the outcome.
What matters is the evidence. Police reports, photos from the scene, vehicle damage, witness statements, and sometimes traffic or surveillance footage all help tell the real story. Insurance companies will look at all of it, but they’re also looking for ways to limit what they pay. That’s why statements made at the scene or in early conversations with insurance adjusters can matter more than people realize.
If this is happening to you in St. Petersburg or anywhere in the Tampa Bay area, don’t try to sort it out based on what the other driver is saying. Their version is one piece of the puzzle, not the decision.
At Marsalisi Law, we deal with this all the time. The goal is simple, build a clear picture of what actually happened and protect you from being unfairly blamed.
The bottom line. Stay calm, document everything, and don’t assume fault just because someone else says it’s yours. The facts matter, and they’re what ultimately decide the outcome.
