Tampa lawyers handle uninsured driver accidents by determining alternative options for compensation. For example, they may find that you are eligible to recover damages from your personal injury protection (PIP) coverage, uninsured motorist coverage, or via a personal injury lawsuit.
An attorney can build your claim against the liable driver as they would with any other personal injury case. You can expect your Tampa car accident lawyer to collect evidence, identify liable parties, negotiate for a fair settlement, and handle communication with all involved parties. Many lawyers offer their help on a contingency-fee basis, meaning they don’t take any fee unless and until they secure financial compensation for you.
Types Of Compensation You May Obtain After An Uninsured Car Accident In Tampa
Depending on the type of action you take, you may qualify for different forms of compensation. Your Tampa uninsured car accident lawyer might request damages for:
Medical Expenses
People are at risk of sustaining various injuries from a car accident, including:
- Burns
- Lacerations
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Spinal cord injuries
- Broken bones
- Whiplash and other soft tissue injuries
These and other injuries can lead to extensive medical bills. If you were injured in a car accident with an uninsured driver, the compensation you secure may cover expenses for all current and future medical treatment.
Lost Wages
If you suffered serious injuries, you might have to take time off work to recover. As a result, you might be unable to earn your salary, hourly pay, vacation time, bonuses, raises, tips, or other benefits.
It’s also possible that you have to accept a different job that doesn’t pay as much to accommodate the limitations of your injuries. In that case, you can request compensation for the difference in your pay.
Property Damage
If your car was damaged or totaled, financial awards for vehicle repair or replacement may be available to you.
Pain And Suffering
The effects of a car accident go beyond financial. They can also take a physical and mental toll. Your compensation may account for the pain and other limitations your injuries have inflicted on you.
Wrongful Death Damages
Sadly, many people lose their lives due to car accident injuries. If your loved one passed away in a fatal accident, you may qualify for wrongful death damages that cover:
- Burial and funeral costs
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of consortium
- Loss of society
- Final medical costs
A Tampa wrongful death lawyer can identify your eligibility for taking legal action and which forms of damages you may recoup.
Our Tampa Car Accident Attorneys Can Explore Your Options For Compensation After An Uninsured Driver Accident
You have a few different options for recovering your losses following a crash with an uninsured driver in Tampa.
Your Personal Injury Protection Coverage
When registering a four-wheeled vehicle in Florida, you must show proof of insurance, specifically PIP and Property Damage Liability (PDL) car insurance. All drivers must have a minimum of $10,000 in PIP and $10,000 in PDL.
According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FHSMV), the former generally covers 80% of medical bills up to $10,000 for injuries, regardless of who caused the crash.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Uninsured motorist coverage is not required in Florida. All insurance carriers must offer it, but you can opt-out if you choose. However, we recommend purchasing it, as it can become invaluable if you are involved in a motor vehicle collision with an uninsured or underinsured driver.
Personal Injury Lawsuit
You may also have the option to go after the uninsured driver’s personal assets through a personal injury lawsuit. Per Florida Statutes § 95.11, the state enforces a two-year deadline from the crash date to sue the other party. If you want to file a wrongful death lawsuit because you lost a loved one, the two-year statute of limitations starts running on their death date.
Starting on your case early may be crucial to securing compensation. If you wait too long and miss the deadline, the court may refuse to hear your case, and you may be unable to recover your damages. However, if you start working with a Tampa personal injury lawyer soon enough, they can help you meet the deadline.
Our Tampa Lawyers Can Handle Your Uninsured Driver Case From Start To Finish
The uncertainty of the aftermath of a crash with an uninsured driver coupled with painful injuries is no way to enter a legal battle. Your only worry should be getting better, while your lawyer takes care of everything else. Your Tampa personal injury attorney can handle your uninsured accident case by:
Compiling Different Types Of Evidence To Show Fault And Liability
Every effective case relies on strong evidence. Your auto accident attorney may gather:
- Photos of visible injuries, the crash at different angles, and the damaged vehicles
- Traffic camera footage that recorded the accident
- The accident report
- Your medical records
- An accident reconstruction report
- Witness statements
This information can help point your lawyer to the responsible party. Although the uninsured driver might bear fault in the accident, another party might have also contributed. For example, a defective car part may have contributed to your accident. If the at-fault driver’s brakes failed and caused them to lose control of their car, the car manufacturer may be partly to blame.
Your attorney can identify each party who played a role in the crash and pursue them for compensation according to their degree of responsibility.
Managing All Correspondence
If your insurance company calls you after the accident, refer them to your attorney. They can handle all correspondence and ensure the insurer doesn’t act in bad faith.
Your car crash lawyer will negotiate with the insurer, counter any offer that won’t cover your damages, and fight for fair compensation on your behalf. Most cases don’t go to court, but if your case calls for it, your attorney can continue the fight there.
Secure Legal Representation For Your Uninsured Accident Case Today
A Tampa car accident lawyer from the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine will do everything possible to support you and secure fair compensation following an accident with an uninsured driver. Call us today for a free initial consultation.
We Can Help.
