Getting fair compensation after a car accident can be a long and frustrating legal process. If you or someone you love was injured, you might wonder whether you need a lawyer for a Tampa car accident case or if you can handle the process on your own. Whether you hire a lawyer is your decision, but having one by your side can provide a myriad of benefits to you and your personal injury claim.
Tampa car accident lawyers typically work on a contingency fee basis and manage all the difficult parts of building an effective claim. An attorney can navigate challenging cases, including multi-vehicle accidents and other situations where fault is disputed. They can deal with the liable party’s insurance company, handle all paperwork and communication, and negotiate for a fair settlement.
What Are The Benefits Of Hiring A Lawyer For A Tampa Car Accident?
Sound legal advice and support from a Tampa personal injury lawyer can help you navigate the complex personal injury system. Your attorney can benefit your claim by:
- Reporting your accident to the insurance company
- Assessing the financial value of your claim or lawsuit
- Identifying the at-fault driver
- Handling all communication with the insurance adjuster
- Obtaining, completing, and submitting claim forms
Your auto accident attorney will also handle any information or evidence requests from the at-fault party’s insurance carrier and work hard to recover the financial compensation you need and deserve.
A Lawyer Can Build A Comprehensive Collection Of Evidence
Hiring an experienced car accident attorney means they can handle the time-consuming and potentially daunting task of collecting all the evidence your claim needs, including:
- Medical records and bills
- Detailed future prognosis
- Salary history records
- Official police report
- Accident reconstruction
- Accident scene photos
- Witness statements
- First responder reports
- Expert consultations
An experienced car accident lawyer can also collect some evidence that might be emotionally challenging for you, such as a loved one’s death certificate and autopsy results. They can also obtain evidence you might find difficult to access on your own, including driver history and vehicle inspection reports.
An Auto Accident Lawyer Can Help You Tap Into Your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) Coverage
PIP coverage is mandatory under Florida’s no-fault insurance system. After a car accident, an experienced attorney can help you obtain these immediate benefits. According to Florida Statutes § 627.736,PIP will cover up to 80% of your accident-related medical bills (up to $10,000), up to 60% of your lost wages, and up to $5,000 in death benefits for a fatal Tampa car accident.
A Lawyer Can Seek Damages For An Accident With An Uninsured Driver
According to the Insurance Information Institute (III), nearly 16 percent of Florida drivers were uninsured as of 2022. If the driver who caused your accident did not have insurance coverage, your Tampa uninsured car accident lawyer can sue the driver, pursue damages from your insurance policy if you have uninsured motorist coverage, or help you explore other potential legal options.
A Lawyer Can Accurately Assess Your Tampa Vehicle Collision Damages
A car accident can result in several types of recoverable damages. Without legal representation, economic damages could come out of your pocket. Your personal injury attorney can document and fight hard to recover economic damages such as:
- Ongoing medical expenses
- Ongoing lost wages
- Lost earning ability
- Property damage
- Property destruction
- Diminished property value
Your car accident attorney can also request non-economic damages, including:
- Disabling injuries
- Disfiguring injuries
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Emotional distress
- Diminished quality of life
The bills, receipts, estimates, and other documentation that prove the individual and combined value of your damages are an important part of a complete evidence collection. A lawyer can collect these for you after a motor vehicle accident.
Wrongful Death Damages For Surviving Families
After a car accident fatality, the decedent’s family—typically their spouse and children—can recover compensation for their funeral expenses. Additional recoverable damages include your loss of their financial and household support, and loss of consortium, companionship, guidance, and care. A Tampa fatal accident lawyer can help you through this challenging process.
Is It Worth Hiring A Tampa Car Accident Lawyer?
Financial concerns should not prevent you from getting legal guidance. Traffic accident lawyers typically work on a contingency fee basis—they only receive compensation when you do. Your lawyer will receive a percentage of your settlement or judgment, and you will owe no attorney fees if you do not recover damages.
A Lawyer Can Help You Fight For A Fair Financial Recovery
Another benefit of hiring a lawyer is their ability to ensure you seek financial compensation for all your losses. They can:
- Document your injuries
- Build a compelling insurance claim
- File your personal injury lawsuit on time
- Negotiate with the negligent party’s insurance provider on your behalf
Their familiarity with personal injury and insurance law can also streamline the financial recovery process.
When Is The Best Time To Hire A Car Accident Lawyer In Hillsborough County?
The state limits your time to take legal action after a car accident. You generally have two years to file a personal injury lawsuit (Florida Statutes § 95.11(4)(a)) or a wrongful death lawsuit (Florida Statutes § 95.11(4)(e)).
Complying with the statute of limitations can be challenging on your own since it can fluctuate based on several factors. In addition, the statute of limitations changed in 2024, leading to potential confusion. If a car accident lawyer represents you, they can take the confusion out of the filing deadline and file your lawsuit for you—on time and in the appropriate venue.
Additional Benefits Of Hiring A Lawyer Sooner Rather Than Later
The statute of limitations is not the only reason to hire an experienced lawyer as soon as possible. The sooner they are involved in your case, the more time they have to speak to witnesses while their memories are vivid and canvass for smartphone, residential, and CCTV photos and videos.
Get A Free Review Of Your Tampa Car Accident Claim
If you or someone you love was injured in a recent car accident, you could be entitled to compensation. While you are not required to hire a lawyer, you should examine the details of your case and decide whether securing legal representation would benefit your Tampa car accident case.
When our personal injury law firm represents you, you can focus on recovering while we handle everything else. Contact us today at the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine for a free initial consultation.
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