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Tampa Auto Accident Lawyers > Tampa Car Accident Lawyer

Tampa Car Accident Lawyer

Car accidents happen every day. While many are minor, many come with lasting injuries. They can also cause significant property damage, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. The damages can total six or seven figures, which is not a small amount of money. There’s a lot at stake, so don’t lose out on your rights to compensation. The Tampa car accident lawyers at Anderson & Anderson can help you get the settlement you deserve.

What to Do When Injured in a Car Accident

One moment, you’re on the road home. The next, another driver made a big mistake and caused a car accident. Now, you’re hurt, and you’re not sure what to do when injured in a car accident.

Luckily, the Tampa lawyers at Anderson & Anderson are here to help. Be sure to take these steps when dealing with the aftermath of a car accident.

Get Medical Care

Your health comes first when you’re injured in a car accident. If you’re injured and suffering because of a car accident, you may need to call an ambulance right away. Even if you feel fine, a delayed injury may only get worse without treatment. This can turn deadly fast, so take time to get the care you need first.

Report the Accident

You’ll also need to notify the police as soon as possible. Leaving the scene of an accident is a crime, and you could face harsh penalties if you don’t stay. Luckily, the police may arrive with the paramedics and you can talk to the police about your accident report. That gives you a chance to make your statement now, while it’s fresh on your mind. Later, when you’ve forgotten important details, reviewing your report may help you file a lawsuit.

Notify Your Insurance Company

You’ll also need to let the insurance company know you were in a car accident, you were injured, and you may seek a settlement for your losses. But you may need to be careful about what you say. If you’re not careful, you could take some of the fault for the accident. That could reduce the compensation you receive, so talk with your car accident lawyer in Tampa on what to say or not say before you call.

Your insurance company may also be important for seeking funds when you’re hurt by a hit-and-run driver. If you’re unable to get funds from the at-fault party, your insurance may cover the costs. Your uninsured motorist coverage can help you recover, but talk with your lawyer before you accept a settlement offer.

How to Get Compensation

If you’re struggling with the effects of a car accident that was not your fault, you may wonder how to get compensation for your damages. We can guide you through the process and make sure you are taking the right steps to secure your compensation.

Make sure you follow these steps:

  • Take photographs. It is important to document the damage to all cars involved in the crash. If you are able and it is safe to do so, take photographs of the cars where they came to rest after the crash. If possible, take a photograph of the other driver’s insurance card and driver’s license.
  • File a police report. After an accident that caused severe injuries or damage, it’s best to call the police. A police officer will come and assess the scene. They will compile all their information into a report, which will be useful for the insurance company. The information in the report could also bolster your case, so make sure you get one.
  • Seek medical attention. Even if you feel fine, it’s a good idea to get checked out by a doctor. That’s because some injuries may not appear until days or weeks later. Plus, some injuries, such as internal injuries, can be fatal if not treated promptly. If you decide to see the doctor later on, the insurance company will try to claim that you were not seriously injured. This can impact your compensation, so it’s best to get a checkup from your doctor right away just in case.
  • Contact your insurance company. Your insurer will need to know the specifics of your accident so they can get you the right amount of compensation, so be sure to give them the information they need. However, you also want to avoid saying too much. Insurance companies are in the business of protecting their interests, not yours. When they have to pay a claim, they lose money. Therefore, you may not get the most compensation possible. Be prepared for a lowball settlement amount.
  • Contact a lawyer. A lawyer can assess your case, determine how much compensation you deserve, and help you file a lawsuit against the liable party, if necessary.

What Injuries You Can Sue for After a Car Accident

When you’re hurt in a Florida car accident, it’s not always easy to determine how much your claim is worth. You’re hurt and suffering, and you may not have the tools you need to recover compensation.

Your lawyer from Anderson & Anderson can help you determine what injuries you can sue for after a car accident. If you’re struggling to get compensation for all your losses, reach out to your attorney about your injuries.

Life-Threatening Injuries

In a car accident, things can turn deadly fast. You may have been hit at high speeds, or you may have been hit in a head-on collision. These accident types can make recovery more difficult than ever.

Below are just a few of the life-changing injuries you may suffer in a car accident:

  • Head trauma
  • Strokes
  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Internal organ damage
  • Broken bones

Less-Severe Injuries Can Still Change Your Life

Your car accident doesn’t have to be extreme to warrant compensation, though. You don’t have to pay out of pocket for someone else’s carelessness, even if your injuries aren’t as severe. If you suffered emotional or physical trauma, especially injuries like the following, you may be eligible for compensation.

Miscarriages

Losing a pregnancy because someone else was careless is devastating. You’ve not just suffered trauma to your body—you’ve also suffered a severe emotional loss. That can be difficult to overcome, and in some cases, it may even feel impossible. That’s especially true if you don’t have a lawyer on your side to seek justice against the at-fault party.

Herniated Discs

Herniated discs, or slipped discs, can happen after a car accident if the discs between your vertebrae are damaged. This can cause severe back pain, which makes everyday tasks agonizing. The good news is, you may be eligible for compensation that covers the medical care and the pain you’re experiencing.

Vertigo

After your accident, you may have found that you now face balance problems and dizziness. When you need to lay down frequently or stop what you’re doing to deal with the dizziness, it can make work or leisure feel impossible. You deserve recompense for the aftermath of an accident you didn’t cause.

Tampa Car Accident FAQ

No one ever expects to be involved in an auto wreck, let alone be injured in one. But when you are, the person who is liable for the cause of the accident should be compelled to cover your losses. With that being said, we can imagine what a traumatic and stressful time this must be for you, which is why we have addressed some commonly asked questions regarding car accident claims below.

Do I need to give the insurance adjuster a statement?

No. In fact, we typically strongly recommend against giving a statement to the insurance adjuster responsible for your claim. Unfortunately, the insurance company isn’t working for you here; their goal is to minimize the amount they’ll be obligated to pay you, even if in some cases that means going to unscrupulous lengths to do so. Your best bet is to refer the insurance adjuster to your attorney, who can then make a statement on your behalf.

How long do I have to decide if I want to file a civil claim in Tampa, FL?

Filing a personal injury claim in Florida means that you’ll have four years after the car crash to get your claim filed within the Florida court system. This is important because attempting to file your claim after the statute of limitations has expired means your case will be barred from being heard in court. Working with your attorney is the best way to ensure that your car accident claim is filed before time runs out.

Who Is Responsible for a Single-Vehicle Accident?

If you’ve been hurt in a single-vehicle accident, you may be concerned about how you’ll get compensated for your injuries and the damages you’ve suffered. Who’s liable for your injuries when you’re hurt? The answer isn’t always obvious without another driver’s involvement.

Fortunately, that’s what the Tampa car accident lawyers at Anderson & Anderson are here for. If you’re not sure who’s liable for your injuries, reach out for help. We can guide you to the at-fault party and represent you in court against them.

Manufacturers

One moment, you may have been on the road without a problem. The next, your brakes failed, or your steering wheel locked up, or maybe your airbag deployed at the wrong time. All these issues are mechanical failures, and they may be someone else’s fault.

When a manufacturer releases a product for consumer use, they’re expected to make the product as safe as possible for the user. If they fail to do their part to prevent an accident, they may be held liable for your injuries and your suffering caused by the accident.

Unsure how to determine the manufacturer who’s liable for your injuries? Your lawyer can investigate your claim and help you identify the at-fault party, calculate your claim’s worth, and represent you in the courtroom.

Government Agencies

Even if you’re driving carefully, without distractions, and your car is running as it should, a single-car accident can still happen. When it does happen, your car accident lawyer may look into the roadway where the accident happened.

In some cases, a defect in the road may have caused your accident. That may be a pothole, for example, or it may be a defect in the road design—say if the road wasn’t built to drain water after heavy rain, and you were put at risk of hydroplaning and crashing.

In these cases, the local Department of Transportation may be responsible for your injuries. But suing a government agency isn’t easy. Talk to your lawyer about how Florida laws can impact your claim before you file.

How Do Car Insurance Deductibles Work?

When your car is damaged—or worse, when it’s totaled—in an accident, you may be worried about your finances even if you weren’t at fault for the accident. Even with insurance coverage, a car accident can be incredibly costly.

For example, you may be worried about paying your car insurance deductible after an auto accident. How does this deductible work, and what do you need to know about it before you accept an offer for an insurance settlement? Reach out to a car crash lawyer at Anderson & Anderson if you’re unsure of how your car insurance deductible will factor into your claim.

What Is a Car Insurance Deductible?

When you signed up for car insurance, you may have been told what your deductible was—for example, $500. But what does that mean in practice? Your deductible is the amount you must pay out of pocket after an auto accident before the insurance coverage begins to kick in.

For example, your car might have sustained $5,000 in damage in a crash. If your deductible is $500, you’re expected to pay that out of pocket while your insurance company pays the rest. In this case, the insurance company would pay $4,500 to repair your vehicle, and you would pay $500.

That means your insurance company may not pay if your accident isn’t serious enough. For example, if your car only sustained $300 in damage, you may be expected to pay the full amount to get it repaired because the amount is less than your deductible.

My Insurer Isn’t Paying. What Can I Do?

After a crash, you are probably relieved to know you have insurance that should cover your damages. You may even have already accepted that you’ll have to pay your deductible, but you need the rest of the compensation your insurance company is supposed to provide.

So, what if the insurance company denies your claim? They may claim they’re not responsible for the costs of your crash.

In these cases, you may need an expert on your side. Your car accident lawyer can help you gather evidence that your vehicle was seriously damaged, including the fair market value of your car and the damage estimates you have already received. This information will go in your demand letter.

Of course, the insurance company may continue to deny you. These companies are for-profit businesses, which means it doesn’t benefit them to pay you fairly.

That’s bad news, but there is some good news: You can hire a lawyer. Your attorney can determine whether your insurance company is acting in bad faith. If the company has denied you unfairly, your lawyer can help you take your case to court to get the compensation you deserve.

I Have Whiplash After a Car Accident—Can I Sue?

When you’re seriously injured in a car accident, you may know you’re due compensation. But what about a less-severe injury like whiplash? Can you still sue?

Car accidents can lead to injuries of varying severity, but all your suffering should be compensated. The lawyers at Anderson & Anderson are here to help you get that compensation. Reach out for a car accident lawyer in Tampa if you’re hurt and struggling to get compensated for your whiplash injuries.

Is Whiplash That Serious?

When many people think about whiplash, they may not take it that seriously. But whiplash can lead to severe pain and can be difficult to recover from.

Whiplash happens when the neck is strained, damaging the soft tissue of the neck. When this happens, the pain may not start right away, but it may impact your life and your health. It may take weeks or months of physical therapy, rest, and treatment for pain before you’ve recovered from these injuries.

Who’s Liable for My Whiplash Damages?

When you’ve suffered whiplash in a car accident, you may have grounds for a lawsuit against the at-fault party. But determining who’s liable isn’t always easy.

For example, you may have been injured by a careless or distracted driver. They may have been texting while driving and rear-ended you. But they’re not always the at-fault party. They may have been driving as part of their job, which may put the fault on their employer.

In other cases, your accident may have been the fault of a manufacturer. They may have made and sold a faulty car part, which caused a driver to lose control of their vehicle and hit you. Detangling fault, especially when both drivers were driving carefully, can be tough, so speak with your lawyer before you make a decision.

Compensation for Car Crash Victims

When you’re hurt in a car accident, you need compensation that covers your needs. But you may be unsure what those damages, or suffering caused by the accident, are worth. Because of this, you may need to speak to your lawyer about what your claim is worth. They can help you calculate the value of the economic and non-economic (financial and non-financial) damages you suffered.

If you’re suffering from whiplash, talk to your lawyer about seeking the following damages, among others:

  • Medical bills
  • Lost wages
  • Car repairs
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress

How to Calculate a Car Accident Settlement in Florida

When you have endured severe injuries in an auto wreck, you more than likely want to ensure that the person or persons who are to blame are held accountable. One way you can take legal action against them is by pursuing a personal injury claim.

If successful, this will allow you to recover a settlement for compensation from whoever is liable for causing your injuries. Below, we go into greater detail about how we calculate car accident settlements in Florida.

Obtaining the Value of Your Economic Losses

The first losses that will need to be calculated are your financial costs, also referred to as economic damages. These might include the expenses incurred due to your medical treatment and care, your property damages, and any loss of income and damage to your earning capacity, to name a few.

For the most part, economic losses are easier to quantify than non-economic losses, due in large part to the fact that they already have a monetary value. Non-economic damages, on the other hand, do not.

The Value of Your Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages consist of the losses you’ve endured that do not have anything to do with money. They include things like pain and suffering, lost quality of life, emotional distress, loss of companionship and love, loss of household services, and more.

As you can imagine, these losses often prove to be more challenging to quantify, as they will have varying effects of injury victims’ lives. How much would you expect to be compensated for your inability to play the piano, for example, when you once found joy in doing so? A Florida lawyer can help you determine the appropriate amount with special resources they have on hand.

What Happens if I’m Partly at Fault for a Tampa Accident?

When a serious accident happens, you need compensation for your injuries. But what happens if you’re partly at fault for a Tampa accident? If you’re not careful, accepting part of the blame can hurt your chances of getting maximum compensation. To protect the compensation you’re due, reach out to a lawyer at Anderson & Anderson. They have the tools and experience necessary to properly defend you from accusation of responsibility within Georgia’s shared fault laws.

How Common is Shared Fault?

Rarely are Tampa accidents the result of only one negligent person. In many cases, both parties are, to some degree, at fault for the accident. But sharing the fault can hurt your chances at maximum compensation.

Let’s say you were struck in a crosswalk by an oncoming car. They neglected to stop and protect you, but they claim you were on your phone when the accident happened. If you’re found partially at fault for the accident, you may lose that percent of your compensation. For example, if you’ve been found 20 percent at fault, you may only receive 80 percent of your compensation.

Defending Your Compensation

Luckily, you don’t have to accept a portion of the fault and let your compensation be decreased. Instead, a trusted lawyer has the right tools to build a case that you are due full compensation, not just a portion of it.

For example, you may have been accused of distracted driving. Your lawyer understands the system and has access to resources and evidence you may have trouble getting. That means they can help you prove your case utilizing evidence such as videos, photos, and phone records.

What is shared fault, and does it impact my case?

Shared or comparative fault refers to the injury victim having contributed to the cause of their accident. In these situations, the person injured can still file a lawsuit against the negligent party, but their award will be reduced by their portion of culpability. With this in mind, we won’t know whether comparative fault laws will influence your case until we discuss the details of your collision during your free consultation.

Can I Sue for PTSD After a Car Accident?

If you’ve been hurt in a car accident, you may have suffered severe injuries and emotional damage. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in particular can affect your life following the car accident.

But can you sue for the effects of PTSD after a car accident? With a dedicated car accident lawyer, like those at Anderson & Anderson, you have a chance to get compensated for losses involving PTSD. Talk to your lawyer about your claim and the suffering you experienced.

PTSD’s Lasting Effects After a Car Accident

When you’re injured and suffering from PTSD, it’s difficult to recover from the mental and emotional toll caused by the accident.

After a violent or traumatic event, PTSD causes victims difficulty regulating their fight-or-flight response. Images, sounds, and other triggers can cause flashbacks, panic, and other problems, even if you’re not in danger. While it may not be as visible as a broken bone, it causes millions to suffer immensely.

For example, driving may be a part of your job. If your PTSD prevents you from working, you may be due compensation for your lost wages.

Suing for Non-Economic Damages

One of the more complex parts of your claim is suing for your intangible losses like PTSD. How do you determine the value of the anxiety and emotional trauma you’ve suffered since the injury that caused your condition?

This non-economic loss can be difficult to calculate fairly. Your lawyer has the tools to quantify these values based on their severity and impact on your life. For example, someone who now experiences panic attacks when they’re in a car could be awarded non-economic damages as compensation for how their life has been negatively affected by the accident.

How a Lawyer Can Protect Your Compensation

When you’ve suffered PTSD because of a car accident, your lawyer can help you get compensated for all the losses you’ve experienced. They have the tools you need, of course, to calculate your claim and turn your claim into a success. But that’s not the end of your lawyer’s guidance.

Your lawyer can also help you protect your compensation if the at-fault party claims you were partially to blame. That means your lawyer may be key to winning the full compensated you’re due. If you’re suffering, your lawyer can help you gather evidence and seek maximum compensation.

What Is No-Fault Insurance?

After a serious injury in a Florida car accident, you need coverage for your losses. If you’re not keen on going to court, you may be considering your other options, like seeking a settlement with your insurance company. But what is no-fault insurance, and how can it help your claim?

At Anderson & Anderson, we’re here to help you get the maximum settlement when you’re hurt. If you have questions about your insurance and what your insurance company will cover, reach out for guidance for your claim.

Personal Injury Protection

As a Tampa driver, you have personal injury protection, or PIP, insurance coverage. Your PIP insurance covers the costs of injuries in a car accident, regardless of who’s at fault. This no-fault coverage helps you recover from your injuries without worrying about proving fault.

In states with no-fault insurance, all you have to do is report your Tampa car accident and let the insurance company know you need a settlement. Your insurance company can then investigate the car accident and provide the compensation you’re due.

What if My Insurance Coverage Doesn’t Meet My Needs?

Insurance companies don’t always settle fairly with their clients. You may have no-fault insurance, but the insurance company may downplay or refuse your claim to protect its own profits. In these cases, you and your car accident lawyer in Tampa may need to file a bad-faith insurance claim against your insurance company.

In some cases, the insurance company may be unable to cover your losses. PIP insurance only covers a maximum of $10,000 for medical expenses. If your losses are more severe, you may need to seek compensation through a lawsuit with your car accident lawyer in Tampa.

What Will My No-Fault Insurance Cover?

A car accident can be devastating, especially when you’ve been seriously injured. Unfortunately, your injuries may be long-term losses—and costly ones, too. You may have a no-fault insurance policy, but what does that really cover?

If you’re not sure where to start on a no-fault insurance claim, reach out for the lawyers at Anderson & Anderson. We know Florida insurance policies can be confusing, and we understand how difficult it is to get fair compensation after an accident. Luckily, your lawyer can simplify the process and help you get the maximum insurance settlement you deserve.

How No-Fault Insurance Covers Your Economic Losses

When you’re hurt in a Florida car accident, your required no-fault insurance should cover the costs of your personal injuries. For example, you may have suffered a head injury, or maybe you need surgery for a broken arm you suffered in the crash. Your no-fault insurance is here to cover those losses.

You may also be eligible for coverage of a portion of your lost wages. In some cases, you may be unable to work after an accident, but you still need your income to cover your rent, groceries, and similar expenses. If your injuries were related to the accident, you may be eligible for coverage for these days or weeks you’re unable to work.

What Florida No-Fault Insurance Doesn’t Cover

No-fault insurance doesn’t cover everything. Your personal injury protection (PIP) insurance is there to cover the costs of a personal injury. That means your no-fault insurance may not cover the costs of your car repairs.

Luckily, your insurance policy may include property damage liability coverage, which covers the costs of car repairs. If both parties are covered, that can help you avoid time in court seeking compensation from the at-fault party.

What If My Insurance Company Refuses to Pay?

Of course, it’s not always easy to get compensated fairly. Your insurance policy may not cover the total costs of your injuries and expenses, especially if your injuries are severe. In other cases, your insurance company may be acting in bad faith, intentionally avoiding paying you for the suffering you experienced.

In these cases, you may need help from an auto accident lawyer. Getting compensated isn’t easy, especially when you’re hurt and suffering. Your attorney can step in, mediating between you and the insurance company. If the insurance company continues to wrongfully deny your claim, your lawyer can help fight for what you deserve in court.

How Do Tampa Car Accident Court Proceedings Go?

The thought of bringing your Tampa car accident claim to court can be intimidating, and in many cases, when you feel intimidated, you are less likely to follow through. This is especially true for injury victims who are struggling to cope with the aftermath of their accident.

We want to ease some of the fear that comes with the unknown by detailing the civil claims process. For more individualized help, reach out to our team for a complimentary consultation.

Presenting the Evidence

The first part of the court proceedings is the presentation of evidence. You file a civil lawsuit against the named liable party, so your attorney will be responsible for presenting evidence you’ve gathered to support your case. This might include medical documentation, expert testimony, photographs and videos, witness statements and other supporting evidence.

The Rebuttal

After you have had the opportunity to present your evidence in court, the respondent (the accused liable party) will have the opportunity to defend themselves and present any evidence that could help them escape culpability.

We need to prove, based on a preponderance of the evidence, only that they are liable, so as long as the evidence we’ve presented shows that they are more than likely the at-fault party, your claim should be a success.

A Decision Is Made

Once both parties have had a chance to call witnesses and present their cases, the jury will retire to deliberate and determine whether we have proven liability. If we have, the jury should also return with an amount of compensation the liable party will be responsible for paying you as a result of their negligence.

Can I Change My Accident Lawyer?

If you have been injured in a Tampa car accident, you may wish to pursue legal action against the other party. If this is the case, contacting an attorney is one of the best options. However, changing lawyers in the middle of a case is never fun, even if it’s sometimes necessary.

You’ll need a dependable lawyer. If you are not completely confident in your current attorney’s ability to win your case, you may need to seek out an attorney at Anderson & Anderson. If you’re asking whether you can choose a new lawyer, read on to learn more.

Why Change Your Car Accident Lawyer?

If you hired an attorney under duress and discovered that they are unable to win your case or, at the very least, negotiate a favorable settlement, it is time to find a new lawyer. It is critical to obtain honest testimonials, evaluations, and recommendations about the lawyer and his or her firm before hiring an attorney.

Attorneys and other professionals who fail to interact with you in a timely and effective manner are acting unprofessionally. If you are experiencing apathy or silence, it is time to find a new lawyer to handle your case. If an attorney is unable to speak with you directly, the firm’s staff should be able to help.

Process for Changing a Car Accident Lawyer

You may have decided you’re eligible or ready to change lawyers, but how do you go about it? Changing your accident lawyer is a simple process. All you have to do now is meet with your new attorney, sign a retainer agreement, and notify your previous attorney that your case will no longer be handled by him or her.

If your accident case goes to court, changing attorneys becomes a little more complicated. A formal request for a change in attorney must be submitted to the court and approved by the judge. To avoid delays and increase your chances of having your petition granted, you should choose a new attorney before filing for a change of counsel.

Moving Forward With Your New Attorney

A new lawyer may also help you terminate your attorney-client relationship with your previous counsel. In most cases, you’ll need to go over the contract again. When it comes to terminating your relationship with your first lawyer, there is usually a procedure to follow.

Your new lawyer will be able to help you and ensure that everything goes as planned. Because expertise, communication, and trust are so important, you should work with a lawyer with whom you have complete trust. Your lawyer can help you take these next steps, like sending certified mail to your previous attorney to inform them of your new situation.

Contact Our Experienced Tampa Car Accident Lawyers Today

Car accidents can cause a variety of injuries. If you have suffered a variety of damages in a car crash, make sure you get the right legal help on your side. The Tampa car accident lawyers at Anderson & Anderson can assist you with your case. When you’re hurt in a car accident, we’re here to make things right. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation. Call 813-251-0072 or fill out the online form.

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