Do I have to pay for the other person damages after being found not guilty in court?

Criminal cases are different than civil. If the other driver sues you, turn the papers over to your insurance company to take care of.

Careless driving is still just a non-criminal traffic infraction. Nonetheless, the state must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. The standard in a civil action (a lawsuit) is preponderance of the evidence, a much lower standard. The other person can still sue in small claims court since damages are less than $5,000. Think of it this way. It's the reason that OJ was found not guilty on his criminal case, but in the civil case he was still found liable.

You should refer the matter to your insurance company. Beating the "careless driving" ticket does not guarantee wriggling out of paying for the damages if the accident was your fault.

the careless driving citation it called a civil traffic infraction. The determination of guilt or innocense on a civil traffic citation does not in it of itself determine guilt or innocense as it pertains to the accident and the subsequent personal injuries and property damage resulting from the accident. To better answer you particular question we would need to know why you were found not guilty fo rthe citation. is it becasue the injured party and/or eye witness to the accident did not appear at the hearing? or is it becasue the judge took testimony from all parties that were a witness to the accident and than concluded, based on the testimony, that you were not guilty of the citation? the later could be benificial to you in the event the injured party brings a claim against you. But keep in mind, the Judge was making a decision as to whether you were guilty of Careless driving, not wheather you are guilty of causing an accident. There is a fine distinction between the two but a very important distinction none the less. Either way, if you receive a letter from an attorney proporting to represent the injured party all you have to do is contact your insurance provider and forward them a copy of the letter. Your insurance company has attorneys on staff to handle these types of matters. After all, that is why you pay for insurance in the first place.

There is a difference between civil and criminal/traffic court. While the traffic charges against you may have been dismissed, that has no bearing upon your possible civil liability. Pursuant to Florida Law, all owners/operators of a motor vehicle are required to have $10,000.00 of property damage coverage. Assuming you carried the state mandatory insurance, then you should direct the other person's claim to your insurance company.