Automobile accidents occur due to drunk driving, driver error, or reckless driving. Regardless of the reason, if someone else caused the crash, you have a legal right to hold them accountable. Our team of experienced car accident lawyers could help you recover the compensation you qualify for.
If you were injured in a car wreck, a Tampa, FL, car accident lawyer will be your advocate for justice. We will work with you to hold the liable parties accountable and fight for your settlement. Call for a free consultation with an experienced lawyer on our team today.
Injuries You Could Sustain in a Car Collision
Tampa car accident lawyers are often asked about the injuries sustained in a Tampa auto accident. The most common injury is whiplash, which occurs when the head and neck whip back and forth rapidly due to an impact or collision. Accident injuries include:
- Neck pain
- Headaches
- Head injury
- Traumatic brain injury
- Back pain
- Tingling sensations
- Numbness
- Spinal cord injury
- Muscle spasms
Other injuries that could occur in a Tampa car accident include broken bones, internal organ damage, brain trauma, spinal cord damage, and paralysis. You might also suffer from loss of enjoyment and other emotional trauma. We recommend you see a psychiatrist to help if you have depression.
Getting proper treatment as soon as possible is essential to your recovery since it could take up to two years to fully heal. If you are not getting better after six months, you should seek further medical advice. These are things our lawyers will consider in your personal injury claim.
For a free legal consultation with a car accidents lawyer serving Tampa, 800-747-3733
How Florida’s No-Fault Laws Could Affect Your Car Accident Claim
Florida follows a no-fault insurance rule, which means you usually make a claim against your automobile insurance policy for a minor crash. Florida law requires all drivers to have coverage for personal injury protection (PIP).
If you suffered significant injuries, you could sue the negligent party for your losses. You must satisfy the “permanent injury threshold” to seek damages outside your no-fault coverage, per Florida Statutes § 627.737.
Most of our car accident cases are settled through insurance claims. Yet, if your insurance coverage does not account for your losses, we will determine whether you qualify to file a lawsuit. Then we could take your case to court and advocate for you.
TampaCar Accident Lawyer Near Me 800-747-3733
Statute of Limitations for a Florida Car Crash
According to Florida Statutes § 95.11(3)(a), you must file an insurance claim four years from the accident date. To get the maximum compensation, you should file your claim after you receive medical attention and a medical professional diagnoses your injuries.
A Tampa car accident lawyer could help you navigate the claims process. We could also determine if your car crash qualifies for a deadline extension due to a delay in the investigation or another circumstance.
Wrongful Death Statute of Limitations
If you lost a loved one, our team is sorry for your loss, and we’re ready to help you get justice for your loved one. To recover damages for a beloved’s death, you must submit a wrongful death within two years of their death.
Dealing with a legal case while you’re still grieving is difficult. Our auto accident attorney in Tampa will help you navigate the process, making you eligible for compensation.
If you file your case outside these deadlines, you could lose the right to seek damages through the court system. The liable insurer might also have no incentive to pay your losses, leaving you with few options.
Liable Parties in a Florida Car Collision
When you get injured by someone else’s negligence, you need to know the proper party to hold accountable. Our personal injury lawyers will help you determine which of the negligent parties is responsible for your injuries and owes you compensation:
At-Fault Driver
When you get into an accident, the most common negligent party to blame is often another driver on the road. Other drivers on the road could be negligent by ignoring traffic laws, texting and driving, being under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs, and even changing the radio at the wrong time if it is enough distraction.
One of the most common examples of an at-fault driver is rear-end collisions. Many of these types of accidents occur due to a lack of attention. When people are stuck in traffic, they are more tempted to fidget with their phones or the radio.
Car Manufacturer
Another party you could hold accountable for your injuries is the car manufacturer. Companies are responsible for making cars and have a duty of care to ensure there are no issues with the cars they sell.
If you purchased a car that had an unannounced recall or a faulty part and it caused your vehicle to malfunction and cause an accident, you could file a claim against the manufacturer.
Negligent Mechanic
You could hold a mechanic accountable if they fail to properly repair the issue you told them about, and it causes a car wreck. A mechanic’s negligence can be especially disappointing because their job is to fix cars.
You can hold a mechanic accountable for failing to do a proper inspection, failing to fix an issue, and causing additional problems with your car.
Pedestrian
While it may sound odd, a person walking on the street can also cause a car accident. Pedestrians have the right of way but must obey the laws set for them. If pedestrians walk at the wrong time on the crosswalk, suddenly appear in front of a car, or jaywalk, you could hold them accountable for causing a crash.
Also, if a person walking on the street is intoxicated and is distracting to traffic, resulting in a car collision, they could be at fault.
Our attorneys are ready to help hold the correct parties accountable for your pain. If one or more parties contributed to your injuries, you may be eligible to recover compensation from multiple parties.
Damages You Might Recover Following a Car Accident in Tampa
You can recover compensation for your various injury-related losses. We understand your medical bills could make up a large part of your case’s value, and you can rest assured we will fight for the damages you need. Our lawyers can fight for you to recieve damages such as:
Your Lost Income
Whether you own your own business or work a nine-to-five job, we can pursue compensation for any lost income, tips, and bonuses. In addition, we can help you recover damages for pain and suffering, emotional distress, medical expenses, and more. We can also seek the cost of lost contracts or commissions if you work freelance.
Pain and Suffering
We believe no part of your accident should go unaccounted for, which goes for your physical and emotional pain. While pain and suffering do not have inherent value, we can calculate this loss based on your situation. Therefore, we aim to help you recover the maximum amount possible from your insurance company.
We are committed to providing you with the best legal representation available. Our Tampa car accident attorneys will work tirelessly to ensure you receive all your compensation.
Property Damage Expenses
When you get in a Tampa car crash, your car will likely sustain some damage. We understand this can be frustrating because of all the costs of fixing your car. However, you can recover damages for any damage to your car and other personal belongings, such as your phone.
We hope this gives you a sense of relief now that you know you can afford to pay for any work your car requires. This damage would cover repairs and replacements if your car was totaled in the accident.
Physical Therapy
If you sustained significant physical injuries, you should seek medical attention and consider joining a physical therapy program. Therapy targeting your injuries can help you regain your strength and help you recover sooner.
Our lawyers can review your injuries to see if you qualify for this damage after your accident. If you have severe physical injuries, you likely qualify for and can benefit from physical therapy.
Wrongful Death-Related Losses
If you lost a loved one to a car accident in Tampa, our hearts go out to you and your family. While you celebrate your loved one’s life and lay them to rest, we can pursue the following losses:
- Funeral expenses
- Embalming
- Burial
- Cremation
- Final medical expenses, like life support
- The decedent’s lost income
We’re experts at gathering evidence from accident scenes and identifying the damages you can recover. When you work with our team, you don’t have to worry about missing out on your full settlement amount.
When Should I Consider Hiring a Car Accident Attorney in Tampa?
When choosing a personal injury attorney, there are many things to consider. How long have they been practicing law? What types of cases do they handle? Do they accept clients without charging upfront fees? Are they willing to take on my case? These questions and more are important to know before making a decision.
The best way to find a good Tampa car accident lawyer is to ask around. Ask friends, family members, and coworkers about their experiences with lawyers. Look for reviews and testimonials online if you don’t know anyone personally.
What Steps Should You Take if You’re Involved in an Accident in Tampa?
If you are injured due to the fault of another person, it is important to know how to seek recovery for your losses. If you are hurt while driving, consider filing a car accident lawsuit against the responsible party. However, there are many things to keep in mind before doing so.
For example, you must know what types of damages you can claim. Also, you must understand Florida law regarding negligence claims.
Types of Damages Available
In most states, including Florida, you can collect three categories of damages for your injuries. These include economic damages, non-economic damages, and punitive damages. Monetary damages compensate you for the financial costs associated with your injuries.
Non-economic damages cover the emotional distress and mental anguish you suffer from your injuries. Finally, punitive damages are designed to punish wrongdoers for their actions. They are awarded in addition to compensatory damages.
Typically, a judge or jury decides whether a case receives punitive damages. However, our firm’s Tampa car crash attorney can tell you if the at-fault party’s actions could qualify as grossly negligent.
Florida Law Regarding Negligence Claims
When you file a personal injury lawsuit, you must prove another party’s negligence caused your injuries and damages. Under Florida law, negligence occurs when one party fails to act reasonably under the circumstances. Failing to act reasonably includes failing to use reasonable care, warn others of a dangerous situation, and follow safety procedures.
You must show the other party knew or should have known harm could occur if they failed to exercise reasonable care. Furthermore, you must demonstrate the other party’s conduct was a substantial factor in causing your injuries.
What Factors Influence My Compensation Amount?
Many clients ask about how much their settlement is. We wish we could give you an average settlement, but our answer is always: it depends on your accident. The amount of compensation you receive depends on many different factors, including:
- How badly you were hurt
- Did you require medical care?
- Whether you require ongoing care and treatment
- What type of insurance coverage did you have before the collision?
- The cost of future medical expenses
- Your age, health, and work history
Reviewing your case, we’ll consider these questions to determine your settlement amount. Some injuries, such as spinal cord injuries and traumatic brain injuries, are worth more and will warrant a higher damage amount which could increase your settlement.
How a Tampa Car Accident Attorney With Our Firm Can Help With Your Injury Claim
We have a long track record of success in helping clients who seek a passionate legal team. We have the resources necessary to fight for you, whether in negotiations or the courtroom. Here are the ways we can help you with your Tampa car wreck legal process:
We Can Deal with the Insurance Adjuster for You
Dealing with multiple insurance policies, meaning your PIP coverage and the at-fault driver’s liability insurance, can be perplexing. A car accident lawyer on our team can sort through your coverage options and develop a plan for maximizing your settlement.
Most people fear taking on one insurance company without a legal professional to help, much less two or more insurance carriers. With us on your side, you only have to worry about getting better; we’ll take care of everything else.
We Can Evaluate Your Damages
We want you to leave with compensation with no outstanding expenses. To do this, we will calculate the sum of your losses by reviewing your:
- Medical bills
- Pay stubs and employment records
- Property damage receipts
- Information from your doctor
When we calculate your damages, we bring in other experts to ensure you get all the damages you qualify for after your motor vehicle accident. We may also consult economists to determine your long-term injury-related expenses.
We Can Protect You Against “Red Flags” That Could Hurt Your Case
We recommend working with us after a car accident because even the slightest error could jeopardize your case. Here are some “red flags” we can spot and protect you against:
- The insurance company unjustly stalls the claims process
- The insurance company asks you to give a recorded statement
- The insurer offers you a settlement and pressures you into accepting it on the spot
- The other party personally tries contacting you, offering cash
We’re not just your law firm; we’re your protectors. You can always call your lawyer if you feel something’s wrong. We’ll take care of it.
Our lawyers know what to look for, especially during insurance company negotiations. We’ll alert you if the insurance claims adjuster is trying to decrease your settlement value by using common tactics.
We’re Ready To Represent You
A car accident lawyer will help you file a personal injury claim against the person responsible for causing your damages. If you are injured because of another driver’s negligence, you can hold them liable for paying for your medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
In addition, you may be entitled to compensation for property damage, such as vehicle repairs, loss of use, and other expenses. You may even be able to receive punitive damages to punish negligent drivers.
An experienced Tampa car accident lawyer will negotiate settlements with insurance companies and help you obtain financial compensation for your losses. However, it is essential to hire a qualified attorney. Otherwise, you might lose out on compensation for your injuries.
How Our Lawyers Get Paid
Our lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, so you don’t have to worry about paying anything while we work on your case. We advocate for car accident victims, so we do not charge our clients upfront legal fees on personal injury cases. Under Florida law, we can handle these cases on a contingency fee basis.
We wait until the case settles or gets resolved in court. Then, we take a percentage of the settlement proceeds or jury award. There are no legal fees unless you win your case.
Contact Our Team of Attorneys for a Free Consultation
If you suffered injuries in a Tampa, FL, car accident, our team at Anidjar and Levine is ready to take you on as a client if you qualify for a case. A Tampa, FL, personal injury attorney can help you recieve medical attention, file a claim, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Call us or fill out the contact form on our website to get a free case evaluation today.