Tampa Car Accident and Injury Lawyers

WHAT TO DO AFTER A TAMPA CAR ACCIDENT

Finally, you should protect yourself and your rights after a car accident. As a matter of fact, most people don’t know what to do after an accident. So, these tips can help anyone involved in a car accident.

• Stop and Get to Safety – In all honesty, you should never leave an accident. Instead, if your car is drivable move it to the side of the road out of traffic. Then, check yourself and passengers for injuries. Next, check on the other driver if possible. But, if you have injuries call 911 and don’t move.
• Call the Police – Always call the police. They will file an accident report. More importantly, you will need this report when you file your claim.
• Exchange Information – Even if they do not have insurance, you will need their contact and vehicle details. Furthermore, you should get the contact information from any witnesses.
• Document the Details – Write down the other driver’s vehicle information, the time and location, and the officer’s name with a badge number. Also, try to document any details that may help when you file your claim.
• Take Pictures – Additionally, take pictures of the accident scene. Include photos of the damage to each vehicle, the other driver’s license plate, and traffic signs.
• Seek Medical Attention – Often, injuries are not immediately apparent. So, don’t wait to seek medical attention from your local emergency room or your family physician.
• Contact a Car Accident Lawyer – Actually, it is a good idea to consult with an attorney after an accident. Because they can use their knowledge of relevant laws to help protect your rights. As well as, handling all the paperwork and filing deadlines. Thus, allowing you to focus on recovering and getting your life back to normal.

THE 14-DAY RULE

The first 14-days after your auto accident are critical to protecting your rights and benefits. Seeing a doctor right away can help you from worsening any injuries. Not to mention, Florida law states, you have 14-days to receive medical care to qualify for your PIP benefits. In addition, make sure you see an approved healthcare provider. Like, the emergency room, urgent care, or a primary care doctor.

Common Car Accident Injuries

Securing financial support is so important because the consequences of a frightening accident can be so severe. The resulting injuries can be major and require weeks or months in the hospital and build up thousands of dollars in medical debt for innocent victims.

For some unfortunate victims, going home doesn’t mean their recovery is over. Long-term injuries and permanent disabilities should earn adequate monetary support when months of physical therapy or perhaps a lifetime of care is necessary.

The problem is, most victims won’t know how much they’ll need over the course of recovery. That’s why having a personal injury attorney is so beneficial for your family.

Most Common Types of Injuries

These are some of the most common injuries diagnosed in Tampa emergency rooms after an accident:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) – From severe concussions to permanent brain damage, head injuries can change lives and rob victims of their memories. TBIs can lead to confusion, blurry vision, nausea, mood swings, and a host of other symptoms.
• Neck and Spine Injuries – Thoracic Spine Injury (whiplash) involves disc nerve and ligament damage and is debilitating and painful. Spine cord compression can cause numbness and a lack of function in the lower half of the body.
• Upper and Lower Back Injuries – Debilitating pain in the small of the back, sciatica, and disc damage all come from a back injury. Lumber injuries can affect the patient’s control of bladder and bowel movements and sexual function.
• Broken Bones – Breaks and hairline and compound fractures are common results in the force of a vehicle impact. Broken legs and arms are frequently diagnosed and when bones don’t heal properly, multiple surgeries may be necessary.
• Muscle and Ligament Damage – Soft tissue injuries can tear and bruise muscles and tendons. Damage to internal organs and the tissue that connects them is also frequent.
• Permanent Disability or Disfigurement – A lost limb, an eye injury, a loss of the use of one’s legs can forever change the lifestyle of an accident victim. A life of relying on medical equipment or a wheelchair may be the only way to restore some freedom. A disfigurement can require plastic surgery and even cause a loss of desire to go out in public due to a change in appearance.

BENEFITS YOU CAN SECURE AFTER A TAMPA TRAFFIC ACCIDENT

After you or a family member have fallen victim to a careless driver, it’s critical that you file a claim for damages. This civil claim targets the at-fault driver’s car insurance provider. It goes further to make sure you are reimbursed for every hardship you and your family endure.

After your personal injury attorney secures an insurance settlement or a judgment in court in your favor, you can receive compensation for several factors in your case:

• Hospital and medical expenses now and those expected in the future.
• Costs associated with a permanent physical disability such as medical equipment, training for a new career, house renovations, and other changes in lifestyle.
• Travel costs while attending medical appointments and seeing specialists in other cities and states.
• The physical pain experienced and the expensive prescriptions are often necessary to manage pain.
• Emotional anguish. The anxiety and depression experienced after a traumatic accident. The loss of enjoyment of life suffered while dealing with difficult recoveries and sometimes long-term injuries.
• Paychecks you’ve lost will missing work.
• Damage or destruction of property.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Do I Have To File An Accident Claim In Florida?

Four years. Florida has a statute of limitations for filing an injury claim that starts on the date of the accident. Waiting for years to file can hurt your case because obtaining evidence and locating witnesses become harder after delaying so long.

What If I Am Partially To Blame For An Accident?

You can still secure compensation. Florida is a pure comparative negligence state. This means several drivers can share fault in an accident. You can still be awarded damages for your injury, but your percentage of fault in the crash would be deducted from the money you receive.

What If An Insurance Company Tries To Blame Me Unfairly?

Talk to an experienced Tampa attorney. Insurance companies like to see if innocent drivers will accept blame so they can save money. Allow a skilled attorney to build a strong case for you that proves you weren’t at fault. Don’t pay for your recovery out of your own pocket.

CONTACT YOUR TAMPA CAR ACCIDENT LAWYERS

BOLD REPRESENTATION. BOLD RESULTS.

Let RHINO Lawyers’ car accident attorneys start helping you immediately by giving you free advice regarding the facts of your case.

So, get YOUR Free Case Analysis now by texting us, chatting with us online, completing the form below, or by calling 844.RHINO.77.

Additional Resources

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