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Tampa Bay is one of the most populated areas in Florida, resulting in crowded and sometimes dangerous driving conditions. If you were in a car accident in Tampa, seeking legal help should be a priority.
Read on to learn more about the steps post-accident and why working with a Tampa car accident lawyer can be helpful.
Car Accidents in Tampa: An Overview
Busy roads and unsafe driving habits create a dangerous environment for Tampa residents and tourists. Data from Hillsborough, Pasco, and Pinellas counties combined show more than nine crashes an hour in the Tampa Bay area. Hillsborough County motorists have had over 22,000 crashes in 2023, with 172 fatalities.
According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, there were over 3,800 DUI violations in Hillsborough County last year. Law enforcement issued over 22,300 speeding tickets and around 7,800 citations for careless driving.
These numbers suggest that unsafe driving behaviors are contributing to the high rates of car crashes. Population density is another factor. The Tampa Bay area population increased by 2.2% from 2021 to 2022, and over 26.7 million tourists visited the area in 2023.
The Immediate Aftermath of a Car Accident in Tampa
You should make every attempt to do the following:
- Seeking medical attention should be the first thing you do after a car crash. You might feel fine after an accident. However, it's best to have a medical professional screen you for concussion and whiplash since these conditions don't always appear right away.
- In Florida, drivers have 14 days to get medical care to be eligible to file a PIP claim. Getting compensation from your insurance provider will be difficult if you miss this deadline.
- Document the scene. Use your phone to snap pictures from different angles.
- Write down the name, contact details, and insurance information of everyone involved.
- Contact the Tampa Police Department to report the crash. An officer will file a police report with important details about the crash.
- If the crash was minor, you can report it online instead.
The evidence you gather at the scene of the accident will support your PIP insurance claim as well as any potential legal cases if you decide to seek additional compensation under tort law.
The Role of a Tampa Car Accident Lawyer
Florida is a no-fault state, except for cases involving serious injuries. A Tampa car accident lawyer can help you navigate the PIP claim process and determine if your injuries meet the tort threshold.
- Your lawyer will usually start by filing a PIP claim with your insurer. They'll know how to build a solid claim with enough evidence to document the extent of your injuries.
- If your PIP insurer adjusts or denies the claim, your lawyer will negotiate with them.
- If your injuries meet the tort threshold, your attorney will contact the at-fault parties to negotiate a settlement.
- If you can't reach a settlement, your lawyer will file a court case and represent you through this process.
Having an experienced lawyer by your side ensures that you obtain fair compensation after the crash while alleviating some of the stress.
Insightful Legal Steps Post-Accident
It's best to contact a Tampa car accident lawyer shortly after a car accident. Your legal representative can assemble all the necessary information to file a solid PIP claim. Your lawyer can also use their experience to negotiate with your insurer and obtain a fair payout based on similar settlements.
If your injuries meet the tort threshold, your lawyer will determine the best strategy for going after the responsible parties. They will start by using evidence to determine who is at fault. They will then negotiate with the responsible parties and file a legal case on your behalf if settling out of court isn't possible.
The Added Value of Local Legal Experience
Working with a Tampa lawyer can be helpful. Your legal representative will possess unique knowledge of the Tampa Bay area and its traffic patterns, which can be a plus when reconstructing the accident and establishing fault.
Your Tampa lawyer will also work with local experts, including the Tampa Police Department, medical professionals, insurance representatives, and expert witnesses. Being familiar with these local experts can streamline your insurance claim or legal case.
Take Action After Your Tampa Car Accident
It's important to take action right away after a car accident. Get the medical care you need, gather as much evidence as possible, and contact a Tampa car accident lawyer. A lawyer will advise you on the best course of action after reviewing your case.
Accident.com can put you in touch with a Tampa Bay car accident lawyer for a free consultation.
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