Every car on a Florida street, road, or highway must be equipped with two functioning headlights. Since it is illegal to drive with one headlight, operators of offending vehicles could be pulled over and ticketed. They also put their driving privileges at risk, and their actions could result in noncriminal traffic law consequences.
In addition, driving with one headlight puts everyone on the road in jeopardy. If you or someone you love was injured because of another driver’s negligence, a car accident lawyer in Orlando can help you seek financial compensation.
What Does the Law in Florida Say About Driving With One Headlight?
Ensuring both headlights are in good working order is part of responsible vehicle ownership. According to Florida Statutes § 316.220, every vehicle on the road is required to meet the following headlight specifications:
- Have a minimum of two headlights on your car
- Have one headlight on each side of its front end
- Headlights must beam a white light
- Nothing can cover or obscure either headlight
- Headlights must comply with height regulations
Failure to comply with the law regarding headlight use and functionality is classified as a “noncriminal traffic infraction” that could result in a fine. Depending on the offending motorist’s driving record, a violation could also add points to their driver’s license.
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How Does Having One Headlight Out Affect On-the-Road Safety?
Visibility while driving is decreased at night or during weather events like rain or fog. When headlights are used in these scenarios, they greatly improve visibility for the driver in the car and for other drivers who need to see everything on the road in front of them.
It is illegal for a person to drive with one headlight because:
- Low visibility impedes their ability to make appropriate driving decisions
- Low visibility means operators cannot see enough of the road, and other drivers, bicyclists, and pedestrians cannot see them
- The car can be mistaken for a motorcycle, causing others to misjudge its breadth and width
To increase your own safety and the safety of others, ensure both headlights work and replace a blown or missing bulb or broken light as soon as possible.
What Are Your Rights if You Are Involved in a One-Headlight Accident?
Driving without a functioning headlight is negligent. You can file an insurance claim or lawsuit if another driver’s negligence caused or contributed to an accident. To recover damages, you have to establish the four elements of negligence:
- Duty of care
- Breach of duty
- Causation
- Damages
This usually means building an evidence collection that documents the cause of the accident. It also means proving the monetary value of the damages you are seeking.
How Can You Prove the Other Involved Driver’s Headlight Was Out?
A compelling collection of evidence is part of every personal injury lawsuit. On your own, it can be hard to prove the condition of another driver’s car. Our Orlando personal injury lawyers can request and compile supporting evidence, including:
- Tickets
- Police reports
- Witness statements
- Vehicle inspection reports
- Photos and video footage
Evidence that proves the accident’s costs can include bills, receipts, estimates, and proof of income. If you are requesting non-economic damages, your lawyer can obtain tangible proof of their value. This can include medical bills and a written prognosis describing treatment you will require in the future.
Can You Get Compensation for a Car Accident if it Was the Other Driver’s Fault?
Floridians are required to carry personal injury protection (PIP) insurance. It will cover many of your own accident-related expenses and losses regardless of fault. If you suffered a severe injury due to someone else’s negligence, you can file a claim with their insurer as well as your own.
The compensation available in a personal injury case can include:
- Medical bills, including current and future medical expenses for emergency services, physical therapy and rehabilitation, surgeries, and medications
- Lost wages and other forms of income
- Lost earning potential, if you are unable to return to your job and earn the benefits and wages you should have received
- Disability and disfigurement, and the mental trauma that can come with these injuries
- Physical pain and suffering caused by your injuries
- Mental and emotional trauma, like anxiety or depression
- Loss of consortium, as accidents can often impact your personal relationships
- Diminished quality of life, if the accident makes it difficult to live your life and seek enjoyment
Our lawyers can help you prove your right to file a third-party insurance claim or lawsuit. We can also help you understand and accurately interpret the appropriate filing deadline, according to Florida Statutes § 95.11. If you do not file your lawsuit within the period outlined in the statute of limitations, you may not be able to seek compensation from the at-fault party at all.
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Do You Need a Lawyer to Recover Damages for This Type of Car Accident?
Whether or not to hire an attorney is your decision. Having one, though, can benefit your case. A car accident lawyer familiar with handling cases like yours can:
- Prove the at-fault party’s negligence
- Assign a monetary value to your case
- Compile the evidence your case needs
- Speak with interested parties on your behalf
- Complete and submit required paperwork
- Respond to your legal questions and concerns
- Provide ongoing updates as your case progresses
Many personal injury law firms also offer free consultations and will accept your case on a contingency-fee basis. With a contingency-fee agreement, you do not owe your lawyer any money until they are successful. This payment structure allows injury victims access to justice, regardless of their financial situations.
Get Immediate Help From Our Car Accident Team
It is illegal to drive with one headlight because of the danger it poses to others on the road. If you or a loved one was injured in an accident caused by a failed headlight, the negligent driver can be compelled to compensate you.
Learn more about your right to compensation and the steps our car accident lawyers can take to win it for you. Get started by contacting our consultation team at Bogin, Munns & Munns today.
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