Car accidents involving uninsured and underinsured drivers can get complicated. Unfortunately, your only recourse might be to file a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver. Our Tampa car accident lawyers could help you file a claim with your insurance company and sue the person who caused your injuries.
When we accept your case, our team can take the stress and guesswork out of seeking financial awards by handling every aspect of your case. We can identify all liable parties and explore every available avenue for compensation.
Contact us today for a free consultation.
Your Insurance May Cover a Portion of Your Injuries
According to the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FHSMV), the state’s no-fault insurance law requires all drivers to carry a minimum of $10,000 in personal injury protection (PIP) insurance. In addition, drivers must demonstrate financial responsibility by carrying liability coverage.
If you suffered injuries in an automobile accident, your PIP coverage might pay for 80% of your necessary medical treatment, up to $10,000. Florida Statutes § 627.736 stipulates that you must receive your initial medical treatment within 14 days of the collision to be eligible for PIP benefits.
Normally, if another driver caused your accident, you would seek additional compensation through a claim against their liability insurance policy. However, this is not an option if the driver is uninsured.
Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage
Getting into an accident with one of the many uninsured motorists in the Tampa Bay area could mean you’ll need to sue the at-fault party. Unfortunately, in some cases, the other driver will not have the means to pay the judgment immediately.
However, you may still have recourse through your insurance provider if you purchased optional coverage against accidents caused by underinsured or uninsured drivers.
Uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage could pay for your injuries and those of covered passengers. It also typically covers a portion of your lost wages (and your passenger’s).
If you are hurt, the last thing you want to focus your energy on is dealing with an insurance company. You may not have time and energy to waste on phone calls, paperwork, or keeping track of deadlines. A Tampa personal injury lawyer from our law firm can deal with your insurer.
You Could Have an Insurance Claim Against Another Liable Party
Sometimes, there is more than one liable party involved in a collision. Your lawyer can examine the circumstances of your crash and determine if there may be other parties you can go after.
Other liable parties may include:
- Another motorist: If at least one other vehicle was involved in your crash, there could be more than one negligent driver. The other responsible party or parties may have insurance coverage.
- A car maker or auto parts manufacturer: Faulty brakes, blown tires, and engine defects can also cause accidents. If a defective vehicle or part contributed to your crash, an attorney from our firm could assist you with a claim against the manufacturer.
- The owner of the roadway: City, state, and federal governments, as well as private entities, are responsible for roadways under their control. You could have a claim against one of these parties if poor road maintenance, bad design, or another unfavorable condition caused your collision.
A Tampa Uninsured Car Accident Lawyer Can Help You With a Civil Lawsuit
If your only available option for compensation is through a personal injury lawsuit, a Tampa uninsured car accident attorney with our firm can help you file your case and represent you throughout the litigation process.
If a motor vehicle accident caused your loved one’s death, you might have grounds for a wrongful death lawsuit.
Time Limit for Filing a Personal Injury or Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Florida
You do have limits regarding how long you have to take legal action. According to Florida Statutes § 95.11, you can file a personal injury claim up to four years from the accident date. In addition, if a loved one passes away, you have two years from the date of their death to file a wrongful death lawsuit.
Why You May Need a Lawyer
Hiring an experienced attorney is the best way to ensure fair compensation. Your lawyer will be able to review all of the details of your case and determine what kind of compensation you are entitled to receive.
Possible Accident Lawsuit
A qualified attorney can advise you on available legal options, such as filing a lawsuit against the at-fault driver or negotiating a settlement with your own insurer.
They can help you understand your legal rights and options so that you can make informed decisions about how to proceed with your case. They can also represent you in court, which may be crucial in an uninsured motorist case.
Serious Injuries
Car accidents can cause severe injuries resulting in loss of mobility, chronic pain, and other permanent, life-altering conditions. As a result, the medical care required for your recovery may cost thousands of dollars.
Common injuries sustained in motor vehicle collisions include the following:
- Soft tissue damage: This includes sprains, strains, contusions, and tears of muscles, tendons, ligaments, and other connective tissues. These injuries are often difficult to diagnose because they do not appear on X-rays or other imaging tests.
- Broken bones: Breaks and fractures are common in car accidents and require extensive medical treatment, including surgery, physical therapy, and rehabilitation.
- Internal injuries: These injuries occur when a person experiences blunt force trauma or a puncture wound to their internal organs, such as the heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, or spleen.
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) can occur when the head is hit or jolted violently. Symptoms vary depending on the severity of the injury but can include confusion, memory loss, difficulty concentrating, and problems with motor skills.
- Spinal cord injuries can cause paralysis, loss of sensation, and other disabilities.
Potentially Recoverable Damages
Your personal injury attorney can help you seek reimbursement for your medical expenses and awards for future care.
You may have also suffered severe physical and emotional damage, such as pain and suffering or a diminished quality of life. Getting compensated for these non-tangible items can be difficult without professional representation, which is why having an attorney is beneficial.
You could receive compensation for the following:
- Medical expenses (including anticipated future ones)
- Property damage to your vehicle
- Lost wages
- Lost or reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Reduced quality of life
- The mental toll of the accident, including depression, anxiety, and emotional distress
- Awards on behalf of your deceased loved one, including funeral and burial costs
If a loved one passes away, your wrongful death claim could also include damages for losing your loved one’s companionship and financial support.
Call Our Tampa Car Accident Law Firm for a Free Consultation
Uninsured motorists are breaking the law by driving around Tampa Bay without liability coverage. The team at Anidjar & Levine is here to help you seek justice. A Tampa car accident lawyer from our firm can handle your case from beginning to end while you focus on recovering.
We know that you need results and don’t have time to waste. We want to help you get the settlement you need as quickly as possible. If we do not prevail in your case, you owe us nothing. Contact us to learn more and take advantage of a no-cost consultation.
We Can Help.
