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Helping Victims of Tampa Car Accidents Seek Justice
Tampa is a beautiful city with many attractions for adults and families alike. You can stroll through the stunning Busch Gardens, visit the animals at the ZooTampa at Lowry Park, or expand your mind at some wonderful museums. With so many activities to enjoy in our fine city, the population is booming, and more tourists are visiting than ever before.
However, Tampa is notorious for heavy traffic and “malfunction junctions” around popular highways and exit ramps. We’ve all sat in traffic around Westshore Boulevard between Gandy Boulevard and Swann Avenue, and County Line Road between US 41 and Dale Mabry Highway.
All this means a higher level of congestion, road rage, and auto accidents. Hillsborough County recorded nearly 28,000 car accidents in one year alone, including 191 fatalities and 20,682 injuries.
If you or a loved one was injured in a car accident in Tampa, you shouldn’t have to bear the burden alone. Our compassionate Tampa car accident lawyers are here to help you in your time of need.
Call Farah & Farah today at (813) 358-0490 for a free, no-obligation case review.
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What Should I Do Immediately After A Car Accident?
Auto accidents can be scary, traumatic events, and you may be unsure of what to do next in the aftermath. If you can, you should take a few steps immediately following a car accident:
- Call 911 immediately.
- If you are able, exchange information with the other party.
- Take many photos and videos of the accident scene.
- Never admit fault.
- Give your information to a police officer.
- If a police officer was not present at the scene, go to a local Tampa police station to file a report.
- Contact your insurance, but do not provide a statement.
- Get a free case review with Farah & Farah’s Tampa car accident attorneys.
What if the At-Fault Party Doesn’t Have Car Insurance?
All drivers are required by law to carry insurance. However, sometimes a driver is underinsured or completely uninsured. These drivers will face many penalties, such as fees, license suspension, license plate confiscation, and criminal charges.
Your insurance company is your first source of compensation after an accident. As an insured driver in Florida, you are entitled to a few types of compensation:
- Personal Injury Protection (PIP), worth $10,000
- Property Damage Liability, worth $10,000
Personal Injury Protection is usually enough to cover initial costs after an accident, like medical expenses and lost paychecks. If you tragically lost a loved one in the accident, PIP will cover up to $5,000 in funeral costs. Contact our car accident lawyer in Tampa, FL, for a free case review to learn more about your compensation options.
Why Hire a Tampa Car Accident Attorney?
As if being in a car accident isn’t upsetting and traumatic enough, the aftermath can be a living nightmare for you and your family. You’re under so much stress physically, emotionally, and financially, and there’s too much paperwork to go through on your own. That’s why hiring a car accident attorney in Tampa can help you get your life back on track. We will:
- Find physicians to treat and document your injuries
- Get you a rental car
- File all insurance, medical, and other paperwork related to your claim
- Thoroughly investigate your case
- Collect evidence
- Identify witnesses
- Stand up to insurance providers who are hassling you
- Take your case to court, if necessary
When Should I Contact A Car Accident Lawyer?
You should contact a car accident lawyer in Tampa, FL, as soon as possible. After you’ve been in an accident, you may feel pressure from insurance companies or other parties to accept lowball settlement offers. You deserve better, and that is why you should always get legal counsel before providing any statements.
Also, avoid giving official statements to your insurance company until you have talked to a lawyer. This is the best way to ensure that you are treated fairly during the claims process. Otherwise, insurance may offer you a lower settlement than you deserve.
What Is The Statute Of Limitations On A Car Accident?
After a car accident, you need to file a claim as swiftly as possible. In Florida, the statute of limitations dictates a time limit to file your car accident claim. You must seek medical attention within 14 days and get your injuries documented. Otherwise, you will not have access to PIP benefits, which can cover the initial expenses after an accident.
After getting medical attention, you should contact a car accident attorney in Tampa, FL, to file your claim as quickly as possible.
Who Is Liable For My Injuries In A Car Accident?
Determining liability is a complex process that is crucial in deciding your settlement amount and whether a case needs to go to court. Sadly, there is no easy answer to who is liable in a car accident. That being said, several factors help us determine liability:
- The duty of care was breached. All drivers are obligated to consider the safety of everyone else on the road. Evidence of negligence can help us determine liability.
- Causation. There must be proof that negligent actions were the main cause of the accident.
- Florida Comparative Negligence Statute. Parties may share liability for the accident. For example, if you weren’t wearing a seatbelt and you were injured, you may bear some liability for your injuries.
What Damages Can You Pursue After a Tampa Car Accident?
There are many types of damages available after an auto accident. Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance may be a good source for initial compensation, but you should contact a lawyer to find out what other types of damages you are entitled to. This may include:
- Economic damages
- Non-economic damages
- Punitive damages
What Is The Average Settlement For A Car Accident in Tampa?
Every auto accident is unique, so there is no way to estimate your average settlement without understanding the details of your case. Some factors that affect your average settlements are:
- Injury severity
- Property damages
- Causation of the accident
- Liability
- Coverage limits
- Your lawyer’s skills and dedication
Contact our Tampa, FL car accident lawyers today to understand what compensation is available.
How Long Does it Take To Settle A Tampa Car Accident Case?
No hard or fast rule dictates how long your auto accident case will take to settle. Many claims can be settled within 6-18 months, but it depends on the complexity of your case and other factors. If there is a lack of evidence or witnesses, it may take longer to prove liability, which can prolong your case. A Tampa, FL car accident attorney can handle your claim with expert care and speed.
Who Pays My Medical Bills After A Car Accident?
If you were in a critical accident, you may be taken to or advised to visit a medical center like Tampa General Hospital. It can be a shock to see the expense of your injury when your medical bills arrive.
After an accident, your original source of compensation should come from your PIP insurance. This should cover some initial costs like medical care and lost wages. Once your case is settled, the liable party will be responsible for providing compensation.
What Causes Most Tampa Car Accidents?
The most common causes of Tampa car accidents are similar to other challenges that American drivers face on our roads. Poor road conditions, bad weather, road rage, and distracted driving are all common ways that auto accidents occur.
How Do I Get A Temporary Rental Car After An Accident?
Vehicle damages can throw a wrench into your life, negatively impacting your daily routine. You need to be able to visit the doctor, transport your loved ones, and perform day-to-day activities but you’ll need a car to do these things. Getting a rental car after an accident should be easy but figuring out who is responsible for that cost ultimately boils down to your insurance policy and liability in the wreck.
You may not be eligible for rental coverage if you were entirely or partially responsible for your Tampa car accident. Some insurance plans will provide a car regardless of who was at fault.
What If I’m In An Accident In A Rental Car?
Driving in a rental car can be strange, and drivers may deal with unfamiliar roads and controls. With Tampa’s congested roadways and “malfunction junctions” around I-4 and I-275, rental car drivers are at a higher risk for accidents. Getting into an accident in a rental car adds a new layer of complexity to your case with the involvement of the rental company. The more parties that are involved, the more difficult it is to settle your claim.
What Is PIP Insurance?
PIP, or Personal Injury Protection insurance, provides immediate coverage following a car accident. All insured Florida drivers have this policy, which helps you pay for initial costs of medical care, lost paychecks, and more.
Our Tampa Car Accident Lawyers are Ready to Serve Your Case
Scenic parks, great restaurants, sunny beaches, historic landmarks, and other attractions make Tampa the biggest cultural hub in Hillsborough County. Sadly, auto accidents are all too common in our community. With access to busy highways like I-4 and I-275, there are more people on the road, which means more car collisions.
You deserve compensation if you or a loved one were harmed in a Tampa car accident. Our experienced legal team has collected millions of dollars in damages for our clients.
Contact Farah & Farah’s Tampa car accident attorneys at (813) 358-0490 for a free, no-obligation case review today.
Types of Car Accident Cases We Handle in Tampa
Our Tampa, FL car accident lawyers handle many auto accident cases, including:
