Could you please give me some instances wherein I don’t have to file a claim with my car insurance company here in Florida regarding an accident? Also, it will be much appreciated if you give instances on when it is necessary to file a claim.

Adrien

Miami Beach, FL

In case there is already a point on your driving record because of a speeding violation, you may inquire with the California department of insurance to see their rules about nonrenewal. Be cautious to report the accident to your car insurance company in case filing a claim for an accident you cause, plus your previous ticket, will indicate a nonrenewal. However, if there is another vehicle concerned or you have other people in your car, you might want to file a claim for that. You will never foresee what may happen after the accident and if you don’t report it, your car insurance provider will have a drawback in defending you.

In some instances that do not have bodily injury, it is enticing to just privately resolve the issue with the other individual/s involved without reporting it to your insurer or the authorities. However, you have to be cautious if you were not the one who caused the accident and you have endured damages. On the other hand, if injuries were not instantly obvious after the accident and they show up the following day and you know that those injuries need medical attention, you have to inform your insurer about that accident.

A friend of mine was charged with DUI here in Florida. He had a reading for blood alcohol content which is below the legal limit. Why was he still charged with DUI? Can they really do that?

Anne

Coral Springs, FL

In Florida, drunk driving is becoming a very grave situation where authorities involved in enforcing laws are finding it a very big challenge.

A motorist can be charged with DUI if he/she was stopped while driving with blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08 percent. In, Florida you will be penalized for the offense if your BAC is above the legal limit. The current penalties would include fines between from $250 and $1000 depending on whether the offense is the first one or a repeated one. The offender can also have a jail term which is a minimum of 6 months to a maximum of 30 years, if vehicular homicide is involved. Vehicles can also be impounded and licenses suspended by the authorities. The court orders a mandatory 50-hour community service for the accused in most of the convictions.

The state of Florida can actually charge you with DUI with a BAC below 0.08 percent. The BAC is determined either by blood or breath test. If you are impaired of have a BAC of above 0.08 percent, you will be charged with DUI. In your friend’s case, he is considered as an impaired driver with a BAC below 0.08 percent. That’s why he was still charged and can be convicted. Impairment is based on the police officer’s of behavior of the driver in general, the Field Sobriety Tests, any video, etc. In other words, any driving after drinking or taking drugs puts anyone at risk for the DUI.