Amid pain, frustration, and confusion, you may be unsure what to do after an accident in Tampa. We recommend obtaining license and insurance information from the at-fault party and seeking immediate medical treatment. You should also consider hiring a lawyer to protect your interests and fight for the compensation you need and deserve. You may be able to recover your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
The immediate aftermath of an accident can be stressful in multiple ways, making it hard to know what to do. The days and weeks following the accident can also be stressful and frustrating, involving the responsible party, their insurance company, and multiple rounds of negotiation. A Tampa car accident lawyer can guide you through this process at no upfront cost to you.
Do These Things Immediately After An Accident In Tampa
After calling emergency personnel to the accident scene, we recommend taking additional steps to protect your health and your potential personal injury claim.
Get Medical Care And Track Its Costs
After an accident, your priority should be treating your injuries before they worsen. The treatment you require will depend on the type of accident you were involved in.
The person or entity who caused your accident may be liable for the costs of your injury-related medical care. Track all expenses and obtain a written prognosis describing the treatment you will require in the future and the related costs.
Exchange Information With The At-Fault Party
Unless your injuries prevent you from doing so, exchange identifying and insurance information with all other involved parties. Avoid apologizing, casting blame, or otherwise discussing the accident.
Document The Accident Scene
If possible, use your cell phone to take photos or a video of the accident scene. Capture anything that may be relevant, including the weather, road conditions, nearby traffic signs, all vehicles or objects involved, and your injuries.
The Benefits Of Hiring A Personal Injury Lawyer In Tampa
You do not have to cope with your injuries and the legal and insurance aspects of your accident claim on your own. Depending on the type of accident you were injured in, you may seek assistance from a:
- Tampa bicycle accident lawyer
- Tampa boat accident lawyer
- Tampa bus accident lawyer
- Tampa construction accident lawyer
- Tampa motorcycle accident lawyer
- Tampa pedestrian accident lawyer
- Tampa premises liability lawyer
- Tampa truck accident lawyer
When you hire an accident attorney to represent you, they will:
- Conduct a private investigation
- Assess your financial recovery
- File your personal injury lawsuit before the statute of limitations expires
- Gather evidence of the at-fault party’s negligence
- Complete and submit insurance claim forms
- Address your questions and concerns
Your accident lawyer will also provide updates as your case develops and throughout settlement negotiations.
A Lawyer Can Help You Gather Additional Evidence After A Tampa Accident To Protect Your Personal Injury Claim
If you hire an accident attorney to assist you, they can help you gather evidence to bolster your claim. The goal of a comprehensive evidence collection is to prove the accident’s cause and its costs. Your case file should ultimately include evidence such as:
- Police report
- Medical records
- Accident reconstruction
- Witness statements
The at-fault party’s insurance company will demand proof of its policyholder’s negligence and financial liability. A solid collection of evidence will accomplish this for you.
Assessing And Documenting Your Recoverable Damages
You may be able to recover economic and non-economic damages after a negligence-based accident, including:
- Accident-related medical bills
- Accident-related lost wages
- Property damage or loss
- Disability and disfigurement
- Physical pain and suffering
- Mental and emotional distress
- Wrongful death damages, if applicable
Your lawyer will include relevant bills, receipts, estimates, proof of income, and other documentation in your evidence collection to prove the monetary value of your compensation request.
A Lawyer Can Negotiate The Best Possible Settlement For You
Negotiating a settlement after an accident is a complex process. Your personal injury attorney will field offers, weigh their pros and cons, and make counteroffers, where appropriate. Their guidance and direction may help you obtain a fair financial recovery and start putting your life back together.
It Costs Nothing To Hire A Personal Injury Lawyer To Represent You
Personal injury lawyers typically work on a contingency fee basis. They will cover all the costs of preparing your claim without requesting a retainer or any upfront fees. Instead, they will receive a percentage of your settlement or judgment as compensation. If you do not recover damages, you will not owe any legal or attorney’s fees.
Avoid Doing These Things After An Accident In Tampa
Everything you do after an accident can affect your injury claim. There are also things you should not do, including:
- Do not apologize, admit fault, or speak to anyone other than your attorney about the accident’s details.
- Do not say or sign anything without letting your personal injury lawyer examine it first.
- Do not avoid calling a law enforcement officer to the scene to make an official accident report, even if the at-fault party offers to pay your expenses.
- Do not post photos, video footage, or remarks about the accident on social media.
If an attorney represents you, they will handle all the moving parts of your injury claim. They will also communicate with all relevant parties on your behalf—in writing, via phone, and via email. Allowing your lawyer to handle communication can help you avoid mishaps and misunderstandings.
Do Not Delay Filing An Accident Lawsuit In Tampa
You generally have two years to file your personal injury lawsuit, according to Florida Statutes § 95.11(4)(a). You also have two years to file a wrongful death lawsuit, according to Florida Statutes § 95.11(4)(e). If you do not take legal action before the deadline expires, the court could prohibit you from doing so.
Get A Free Review Of Your Tampa Accident Today
If you were injured in a negligence-based accident, you should know all the steps involved in getting compensation from the at-fault party. Our personal injury law firm will handle all these details for you, keeping you updated at each step. In short, you can focus on recovering while we handle everything else.
Learn more about what you should do after an accident in Tampa. Contact our legal team at the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine to get started with a free initial consultation today.
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