Established in Tampa in 1976, The Matassini Law Firm, P.A. takes pride in being a hometown law practice delivering world-class advocacy in personal injury and criminal defense. If you’ve suffered an injury or have been arrested, our experienced and dedicated legal team is ready to assist. Clients who choose The Matassini Law Firm get the full benefit of:
Our stellar reputation rests on our friendly, attentive service to clients, our ethical, straightforward approach to case management and successful outcomes at trial or in settlement talks. Nearly 95 percent of our clients come from recommendations of former clients, people from the community, doctors, and attorneys. Contact our experienced Tampa car accident lawyers today, we can help.
Many people think that common sense dictates what is to be done after an auto accident. Maybe so, but our common sense can desert us under stress. It is a good idea to keep this simple checklist in your car with your other important papers (registration, etc.).
If you have been in an accident and have questions about whether you need a lawyer or whether you have a right to monetary damages, call us. Decisions that must be made after an accident are very important. We can advise you and, if appropriate, deal with the insurance company or other parties on your behalf.
The experienced legal team at the Matassini Law Firm is ready to:
Liability (or blame/responsibility for the accident) is one of the most difficult elements you must prove to claim compensation, but it’s not the only factor in your recovery. Even if there’s no doubt which driver is at fault, as in cases of rear-end collisions, and most left-turn accidents, you still must prove:
So even when liability is not an issue, if for example, the motorist who struck you was texting while driving, you still need professional legal representation to recover full and fair compensation.
In personal injury cases, The Matassini Law Firm advances all litigation costs on behalf of our clients. Unlike some law firms that look to settle auto accident cases quickly due to financial pressures, our Tampa car accident lawyers have the resources to litigate all the way to verdict, regardless of the size or capacity of opposing counsel. The Matassini Law Firm’s principal lawyers, Nick M. Matassini and Nicholas G. Matassini, are AV® Preeminent™ Peer Review RatedSM by Martindale-Hubbell®, the highest rating given for professional skill and ethics. In criminal defense, lead attorney Nicholas G. Matassini is board certified by the Florida Bar.
Our small family-run firm gets ample support from a team of trained paralegals and legal assistants who keep pace with the latest developments in technology, research, regulations, court decisions and important legal precedents. We have a roster of renowned expert witnesses, which we constantly update, so your case benefits from credible testimony on difficult issues.
A car accident can turn your life upside down, and you will have many questions afterward. It is important to know your legal rights, and how to protect them after any crash. The below Tampa car accident FAQ will address some of the most pressing questions you have, and the answers to them.
What Steps to Take After a Crash?
The most important step after a car accident is to remain at the scene. This is not only required by law but if you are injured, you should also stay at the scene until a paramedic arrives. If no one else calls for an ambulance, you should so you can get the medical attention you need. Remaining at the scene will also ensure you are there when the police arrive so you can provide details for the police report.
While waiting for emergency personnel, you should exchange information with all other drivers involved, as well as with eyewitnesses. If you can, also take pictures of the accident scene, the vehicles involved, and your injuries.
What is the No-Fault Law in Florida?
Under Florida’s no-fault auto insurance laws, you must file a claim with your own insurance company after a car accident, regardless of which party was at fault. If your own personal injury protection (PIP) does not fully cover the cost of your losses, you can then file a lawsuit against the negligent party.
What if More than One Person Was to Blame?
It is not uncommon for more than one person to be at fault for a car accident. When this is the case, Florida’s comparative negligence law will apply. Under this law, you can still claim damages even if you were 99 percent at fault for the crash. However, it is still important to work with a lawyer that can refute these claims so you recover the full damages you deserve.
When are You Required to File a Police Report?
There are certain instances in which you are required by law to file a police report. These include when an accident results in injury, death, or property damage that exceeds $500. If the accident involved a drunk driver or a hit-and-run driver, you should also call the police.
How Much Time Do I Have to File a Lawsuit?
The statute of limitations in Florida states you have just four years to file a lawsuit after a car accident. If you do not file a lawsuit within that time, you will likely lose your legal right to claim any compensation at all.