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Tampa Car Accident Lawyers > Blog > Car Accidents > How To Win A Florida Car Crash Case

How To Win A Florida Car Crash Case

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Strong evidence is the foundation of all successful car wreck claims in Tampa. Victim/plaintiffs have the burden of proof in these cases. They must establish negligence by a preponderance of the evidence (more likely than not). Negligence is more than just fault for the accident. Instead, negligence is basically a lack of ordinary care.

But evidence alone is not enough. Facts in a car crash case are like pieces of a jigsaw puzzle. A skilled attorney must put these pieces together and create a compelling picture for the jury. If that happens, a Hillsborough County jury is likely to award fair compensation to the victim.

This compensation usually includes money for both economic damages, such as medical bills, and noneconomic losses, such as pain and suffering.

Traditional Sources of Evidence in Tampa Car Wreck Cases

The police accident report is usually a very important component of the victim/plaintiff’s case. While they are not professional accident reconstructionists, most first responders are very good investigators. Their reports are usually quite accurate in non-serious injury cases.

But if the victim is seriously injured or killed, the police accident report may be deeply flawed. In these cases, first responders often only hear one side of the story when they make their reports.

Medical bills are important as well. These documents contain important information about the victim’s injuries and the costs involved. Additionally, medical bills usually have treatment notes and other additions that give a clear picture of the nature of the victim’s injuries.

Finally, witness statements are often key. There is usually something quite compelling about a disinterested witness who takes the stand and tells the jury what s/he saw.

The police accident report often has the names and contact information of a couple of witnesses. But there are usually others who, for whatever reason, did not voluntarily come forward at the scene. A Tampa attorney, sometimes working through a private investigator, can often reach these people.

How Tampa Injury Attorneys Use Technology

There is often another issue with witness statements. Some people did not have a good view of the crash or their testimony is unsure for other reasons. Their testimony is also rather subjective, because it comes from a certain point of view.

The vehicle’s Event Data Recorder has none of these weaknesses. Computers almost always report accurate information. Furthermore, a witness might say that the tortfeasor (negligent driver) appeared to be speeding. But an EDR may show that the tortfeasor was travelling 66.7mph at the time of the crash.

Florida has a very strict EDR privacy law. Unless the owner consents, an attorney usually needs to get a court order to examine and download the EDR’s contents. Furthermore, especially in large truck crash cases, EDRs are very complex machines. Attorneys need vast resources and special skill to use their information.

All newer vehicles in the United States have EDRs, which are basically like the black box flight recorders in commercial jets. But most insurance companies destroy totalled vehicles within a few days. Any physical evidence they contain, including the EDR, is gone forever at that point.

To prevent this outcome, an attorney can send a spoliation letter to the insurance company. This correspondence prevents the insurance company from “accidentally” destroying evidence before the victim/plaintiff has a chance to examine it.

Contact Assertive Lawyers

An attorney must be a good investigator as well as a good advocate and advisor. For a free consultation with an experienced personal injury attorney in Tampa, contact The Matassini Law Firm, P.A. We do not charge upfront legal fees in negligence cases.

Resource:

nhtsa.gov/research-data/event-data-recorder

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The experience you need in your pursuit of justice

The greatest distinguishing feature among attorneys is their level of experience. Our firm has more than 60 years of legal experience, much of it spent in the courtroom at trial. As a result, our Tampa personal injury lawyers rarely encounter an unfamiliar situation and can thoroughly answer your urgent questions. Our criminal defense practice features a board certified criminal trial lawyer and two former prosecutors with impressive knowledge of trial tactics and procedures.

The resources to provide quality representation for the length of your case

Whether your case involves medical malpractice, an auto accident or a wrongful death, your attorney must be prepared to take the case all the way through trial to verdict. Many personal injury attorneys advance the cost of litigation, so they can only last so long before financial pressures start to mount. As a client, you have to wonder whether an attorney's advice to settle your case reflects the quality of the offer or your attorneys need to get paid. Fortunately, The Matassini Law Firm has the resources to pursue civil verdicts and settlements that reflect the actual value of your case.

Call our Tampa Bay car accident lawyers for a free consultation

A crisis in your life calls for capable and compassionate assistance. The Matassini Law Firm, P.A. addresses your needs all the way through the legal process. For your free initial confidential conference with one of our Tampa car accident attorneys, call us today at 813-217-5715 or contact us online.

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