What to Know After a Tampa, FL Auto Accident
If you’ve been involved in a recent auto accident, navigating Florida’s rules for filing an injury claim can be complicated and intimidating. Under Florida’s no-fault system, you are entitled to file a claim on your own Personal Injury Protection (PIP) policy, and in fact, must do so before you file a lawsuit. If your injuries are sufficiently severe, you may be able to file a lawsuit against the other party to recover damages related to your injuries. This is especially true when your medical expenses exceed your PIP coverage.
In Florida, you must file a claim on your own insurance policy regardless of who was at fault for the accident. In this article, we will discuss how a Tampa car accident attorney can help you recover damages related to injuries sustained in a car accident.
Remain at the scene
If you were involved in a car accident, you should remain at the scene. Head injuries, neck injuries, and spinal injuries are common in car accidents, so you will want to wait until paramedics arrive to assess your condition. Florida law also requires that you stay at the scene, even if the accident was not your fault.
Contact a Tampa, Florida car accident attorney
You will want to involve a car accident attorney in the process as early as possible. Soon after the accident, you will be contacted by an insurance adjuster whose major goal is to limit the amount of damages they have to pay. A car accident attorney will preserve the value of your claim and ensure you are compensated for all of your injuries. Enlisting the aid of a car accident attorney early in the process is of paramount importance to preserve the integrity of your claim. You will want to speak to an attorney prior to talking to an insurance adjuster. The more severe your injuries are, the more important it will be to get the help of an experienced attorney.
How much time do I have to file a lawsuit?
You will have only two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit against the other driver. The rules have recently changed. The statute of limitations on a car accident lawsuit used to be four years from the date of the accident. Today, lobbyists have successfully railed to change the rules. Now, you only have two years.
It is important to move quickly after a car accident to discuss the matter with an attorney. Insurance companies can be tricky to deal with and will often offer low-ball settlements unless you have an experienced attorney litigating the claim on your behalf.
Talk to a Tampa, FL Car Accident Attorney Today
The Matassini Law Firm represents the interests of those who have been injured in car accidents. We will protect the integrity of your claim and handle the insurance companies on your behalf. If your injuries are severe, you will want to ensure that you get a fair settlement. Call our office today to schedule a free consultation to learn more about how we can help.
