Personal Injury Lawyer Bonita Springs

Victims of negligence in Bonita Springs don’t have to face the aftermath of an accident alone. The personal injury lawyers at Donaldson & Weston are here to provide trusted legal guidance and aggressive representation to help you recover the compensation you need. Reach out now at 866-939-7576 for a free consultation.

Our personal injury services in Bonita Springs include:

• Motorcycle Accidents
• Car Accidents
• Truck Accidents
• Pedestrian Accidents
• Slip and Falls

How to Handle Personal Injury Cases Involving Multiple Defendants

Not all personal injury cases are straightforward. In some situations, more than one party may share responsibility for the harm caused. These cases can become complex quickly, especially when each party tries to shift blame or limit their share of liability. If you were injured in Bonita Springs and multiple people or entities were involved, it’s important to understand how these types of cases work—and how to protect your rights.

From car accidents with several drivers to construction site injuries involving contractors, cases with multiple defendants require careful strategy. Knowing how to approach them from the beginning can make a big difference in your ability to recover compensation.

When More Than One Party Is Responsible

A personal injury claim involving multiple defendants arises when two or more people or organizations contributed to your injuries. Each may have acted in a negligent way that led to the accident or made the situation worse. These cases are not uncommon in Bonita Springs and can involve a variety of scenarios, such as:

• Multi-vehicle crashes

• Premises liability incidents involving property owners and contractors

• Product liability cases involving manufacturers and distributors

• Workplace accidents with third-party involvement

These claims often lead to a shared responsibility between the defendants, which must be sorted out during the legal process.

How Liability Works with Multiple Defendants

Florida follows the principle of comparative fault, which means liability can be divided among the parties involved based on their degree of fault. In a case with several defendants, the court or insurance companies may assign each party a percentage of blame.

For example, if you were in a car accident caused by two drivers who were both acting negligently, one may be found 60% at fault and the other 40%. The total damages you’re awarded would then be divided accordingly. If you win $100,000, the first driver’s insurer would be responsible for $60,000 and the second’s for $40,000.

In some cases, one defendant may try to claim that another is more to blame. That’s why it’s important to have an attorney who can sort through the details and make sure all liable parties are held accountable.

Why These Cases Are More Complex

Claims involving multiple defendants tend to be more challenging for several reasons:

• Different insurance companies: Each defendant may have their own insurer, and these companies often have conflicting interests.

• Blame shifting: Defendants may argue among themselves about who was more responsible. This can slow down negotiations and complicate the process.

• More paperwork and evidence: Your legal team needs to gather more documentation and analyze each party’s role in the incident.

• Increased litigation risk: If the case goes to trial, multiple defense attorneys may present different versions of events, each trying to reduce their client’s share of the blame.

Without strong legal representation, these factors can delay your case or result in a reduced settlement.

Steps to Take If Your Case Involves Multiple Defendants

Handling a personal injury claim with more than one responsible party requires a focused approach. Here’s what you should do:

• Seek medical care immediately. Your health comes first. Document all injuries and follow your treatment plan closely. This creates a medical record that links your injuries to the incident.

• Avoid making statements. Insurance adjusters may contact you early on to ask about what happened. Be cautious, especially when multiple parties are involved. Anything you say could be used to reduce liability.

• Preserve evidence. If possible, take photos of the scene, your injuries, and any property damage. Keep copies of any reports or correspondence related to the incident.

• Identify all potentially responsible parties. This isn’t always obvious. Your attorney can help determine who may be liable by reviewing contracts, investigating the scene, and speaking with witnesses.

• Let your lawyer handle communications. Dealing with several insurance adjusters can be overwhelming. Your attorney can take over conversations, preventing you from accidentally weakening your claim.

How a Lawyer Can Help in Multi-Defendant Cases

An experienced personal injury lawyer in Bonita Springs can be a critical ally in cases with multiple parties. At Donaldson & Weston, we’ve handled many complex injury claims and know how to navigate these legal challenges.

Here’s how legal representation can support your case:

• Thorough investigation: Your attorney will examine each party’s role and gather the necessary evidence to prove fault.

• Negotiation with multiple insurers: We manage negotiations with several insurers at once, pushing for full compensation from each.

• Legal strategy development: If the case involves cross-claims between defendants, your lawyer will build a strategy to defend your rights and ensure the facts are clearly presented.

• Litigation preparation: If the case heads to court, your attorney will be ready to argue your case against multiple defense teams, presenting expert testimony and detailed evidence.

These steps are critical in helping you avoid low settlement offers or legal roadblocks.

Understanding Joint and Several Liability

While Florida follows comparative fault rules, it’s also important to understand the concept of joint and several liability, which has limited application. In some cases involving intentional harm or specific types of negligence, a court may hold one defendant responsible for the full amount if the others cannot pay. Your lawyer can advise whether this rule may apply in your case.

Settling with One Defendant Doesn’t End the Case

You may receive a settlement offer from one of the responsible parties before the others are ready to settle. This can be acceptable in some situations, but it requires careful coordination. Accepting one offer might limit your ability to pursue claims against others, depending on how the agreement is structured.

Always review any proposed settlement with your attorney before signing. That way, you avoid unintended consequences and preserve your ability to seek full compensation.

Your Bonita Springs Personal Injury Attorney Is Here to Help

Navigating the aftermath of an accident in Bonita Springs can be overwhelming, but you’re not alone. A personal injury attorney from Donaldson & Weston is ready to provide the legal support you need to move forward. Contact us at 866-939-7576 for your free consultation and take the first step toward justice.