In Florida, typically both the driver and the owner are liable and sued in the same lawsuit. In some instances, you may also be sued as the driver’s employer if the driver was employed by you at the time of the accident. When a trial court signs a judgment, this is a determination of fault and responsibility. If the judgment is against you, this means that the Court found you at fault for the accident, and you now owe the Plaintiff the amount listed in the judgment. Your time to argue the facts of the case or present any additional evidence on your behalf has ended.
In most, but not all cases, our office can assist you by working out a monthly payment arrangement to prevent any further collection activity against you on the judgment, such as garnishment, execution/levy (seizure of bank accounts and assets). If the judgment against you is the result of an auto accident and you did not have the required insurance under the Florida Financial Responsibility Law, the Plaintiff may also seek to have your driving privileges suspended and/or your motor vehicle registrations revoked. To work out a settlement on your judgment and prevent further collection activity, contact our office.