What to Do After a Car Accident in Tampa

Someone else’s mistake or momentary inattention can change your life forever and cause physical injuries, emotional trauma, and expenses for years to come. Knowing what to do after a car accident in Tampa can be crucial for your health and, if necessary, your legal claim for compensation for your damages.

Morgan & Morgan understands the challenges you face after getting hurt in a car accident. However, you are not alone. From dealing with insurance companies, gathering evidence, and advocating your rights, our determined lawyers are ready to take on the battle and fight for what you deserve.

Morgan & Morgan can help you understand your options and move forward with a claim if you suffer injuries and damages in a crash in Tampa. Contact us today for a free case evaluation to find out more.

Stay Calm and Assess the Accident Scene

Crash scenes can be chaotic and overwhelming, and you may not know what to do after a car accident in Tampa. In this situation, remaining calm and taking the necessary steps can be crucial to protect your rights.

1. Check Yourself and Others for Injuries

Your safety and well-being and that of other individuals at the crash should be your top priority. Check yourself and any passengers for injuries and call 911 for emergency medical assistance if needed.

2. Move to a Safe Location

If possible, move your car out of the road and to a safe location, such as the side of the road or a nearby parking lot. Moving away from traffic can help avoid further accidents or injuries.

3. Exchange Information

Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver(s) involved in the crash, including:

• Name
• Address
• Phone number
• License plate number
• Insurance company and policy details

4. Document the Crash Scene

Take photos of the accident scene, including the damage to all vehicles involved, the position of the vehicles, and any skid marks or debris on the road. Your pictures can be valuable evidence if you have to file an insurance claim or lawsuit later on.

5. Don’t Admit Fault

Emotions often run high at accident scenes. Therefore, refrain from discussing details of the crash and avoid arguments with other drivers. If another person becomes argumentative or belligerent, try to remove yourself from the situation and wait for law enforcement to arrive. Don’t mention anything at the crash scene that could be misconstrued as admitting fault. Remember that everything you say or do now could be used against you later.

Call the Police if You Are Injured

If you are injured or your car is significantly damaged, you should call the police to attend the scene of your Tampa accident, even if the other driver asks you not to. Law enforcement will make a comprehensive report that can be vital for your compensation claim and includes information such as:

• Drivers’ statements
• The names and contact details of any witnesses
• A description of how the accident happened
• Photos of the crash scene and vehicles
• Weather and road conditions
• Insurance information of all involved drivers
• Any citations issued, such as drunk driving or speeding
• The officer’s opinion as to who is at-fault

The information contained in a police accident report can be critical, especially if you decide to file a lawsuit against the responsible party.

Seek Medical Attention Promptly After a Crash in Tampa

One of the most important steps after a car crash in Tampa is to seek medical assistance as soon as possible, even if you feel fine. Seeing a doctor can be vital for your health and rule out any internal injuries or other hidden health issues. Consider taking the following steps to protect your health and legal rights:

• Get a medical evaluation soon after the crash, even if you don’t have any visible injuries.
• Keep records of all medical bills and treatments, such as hospital visits, doctor appointments, and medications prescribed.
• Follow your doctor’s orders for treatment and recovery, adhere to your treatment plan, and attend all appointments.

Failing to follow medical recommendations may harm your health and significantly affect your ability to seek compensation from the responsible party.

Morgan & Morgan is here to help. If you don’t know what to do after a car accident in Tampa, we could help you get adequate medical assistance and inform you about your legal rights.

Understanding Your Legal Rights After a Tampa Car Accident

Understanding your legal rights and obligations as a car accident victim can be crucial when seeking fair compensation. Here are some key points to keep in mind when you get hurt in an accident in Tampa:

Florida Is a No-Fault State

Florida follows a no-fault insurance system, meaning your insurance company is generally responsible for covering your medical expenses and lost wages regardless of who caused the accident. However, if you have suffered severe injuries and considerable property damage, you could file a claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance company and recover additional compensation.

Florida’s Statute of Limitations

If you seek compensation from the responsible party, you must file a lawsuit within the appropriate time frame or risk losing the right to sue. According to Florida Statute §95.11, victims generally have four years to file a personal injury claim. However, since certain factors can shorten or lengthen the deadline, consider talking to an experienced car accident attorney to clarify your options and any applicable deadlines.

Comparative Fault

Florida follows a comparative fault system, which means your compensation may be reduced if you are partially responsible for the crash. If you have some fault in the collision, consult a car accident lawyer as soon as possible. An attorney at Morgan & Morgan can argue your case and prevent the other side from assigning you an unfairly high degree of fault.

In all but the most minor of car accidents, working with an experienced car accident lawyer who understands the applicable laws and statutes in Florida can help you receive the compensation you deserve.

Types of Crashes Our Car Accident Lawyers Handle

If you don’t know where to turn or what to do after a car accident in Tampa, Morgan & Morgan has your back. Regardless of the type of crash you experienced, our Tampa car accident attorneys are ready to assist. Some of the more common car accidents we see in our practice include:

• Rear-end collisions
• T-Bone accidents
• Crashes in intersections
• Hit-and-run accidents
• Rollover crashes

Each accident type comes with its unique set of challenges. However, our car accident attorneys are tenacious and experienced litigators who have helped thousands of victims recover the compensation they needed to get their lives back on track. We can provide you with the expertise and support you need to pursue fair compensation. Remember to seek immediate legal advice and representation after a crash to preserve your rights.