Tampa Bay is one of the fastest growing regions in Florida. With this increase in population comes an increase in road traffic. Unfortunately, increased traffic also means an increase in car accidents.
If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Tampa Bay that was the fault of another driver, it’s important to protect your rights to compensation for the losses from your injuries. Consulting with a Tampa Bay car accident attorney could be the smartest decision you’ll ever make. Car accident injuries often result in big medical bills, lost wages, and other losses. A car accident attorney can ensure you receive the total compensation you deserve for your accident-related losses.
The Limitations of No-Fault Insurance in Florida
Florida is a no-fault automobile insurance state. State law requires all drivers to carry at least $10,000 in no-fault personal injury protection (PIP) insurance. A PIP policy covers medical expenses and other damages for drivers and passengers who are injured as a result of an accident. It pays personal injury claims (up to the amount of coverage) regardless of who was at fault in an auto accident.
So, what do drivers do when their damages exceed the limits of the PIP coverage? In these circumstances, drivers can file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company. If the injured party determines the insurance company’s settlement offer is insufficient, they can file a personal injury lawsuit to recover what they believed to be fair compensation for their injuries.
Common Causes of Car Accidents in Tampa Bay
There are many ways that car accidents occur. Some of the most common causes include:
Reckless and Distracted Driving
Reckless driving and distracted driving are two the biggest causes of car accidents in Tampa Bay. Reckless driving occurs when drivers exceed the posted speed limit, make unsafe lane changes, fail to come to a complete stop at a stop sign, and generally ignore the rules of the road. Distracted driving accidents occur when a driver is engaged in an activity that takes their attention away from the road, such as texting while driving.
Impaired Driving
Impaired driving is another common cause of car accidents in Tampa Bay. Impaired driving happens when someone drives under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Impaired drivers create a dangerous situation for themselves and others on the road. Driving under the influence is against the law in Florida; a driver arrested for DUI faces criminal charges.
Road and Weather Conditions
Road and weather conditions also contribute to car accidents in Tampa Bay. Potholes, road debris, and road construction work are examples of road conditions that can lead to accidents. Drivers caught in adverse weather events like heavy rain, high winds, dense fog, and flooding need to slow down and drive cautiously to avoid accidents.
Poor Vehicle Maintenance
Poorly maintained vehicles (especially big trucks) can experience failures that result in accidents. In accidents caused by commercial vehicles, the company that owns the vehicle can be held liable for poor vehicle maintenance. Defective wheels, brakes, and other car parts can also be responsible for causing a car accident. In these cases, a manufacturer may share liability for accidents caused by a defective part.
What to Do After a Car Accident in Tampa Bay
All Florida drivers should know what to do in the event of an accident. Here is a list of the steps to take after you’ve been involved in a wreck:
- Check for injuries: Make sure everyone is okay. Call 911 if emergency medical assistance is required.
- Contact the local authorities: A police accident report will be an important piece of evidence if you are forced to go to court.
- Exchange information: Get the other driver’s name, contact information, and insurance information with those involved in the crash.
- Never admit fault: Don’t accept or acknowledge liability for the accident.
- Gather evidence: Collect as much evidence at the accident scene as you can. This includes pictures, the names and contact info of witnesses, etc.
- See a doctor: Seek medical attention ASAP, even if you don’t think you’ve been hurt. The symptoms of some injuries may take hours or even days after an accident to manifest themselves.
- Don’t say you’re OK: It’s important not to say that you’re “fine” or “OK” after a car accident until you’ve been examined. This can be something that insurance companies will try to use to deny compensation later.
- Speak with a personal injury lawyer. An experienced legal advocate will be able to protect your rights and negotiate with the at-fault party to obtain a suitable settlement that covers all your accident-related damages.
How Rivas Law Group Can Help
Hiring an experienced Tampa Bay car accident attorney gives you the best possible chance at securing the total compensation you deserve for your injuries after a wreck. Tania Rivas and Rivas Law Group can help you in many ways:
- Initial consultation: After an initial consultation, we’ll be able to determine the best way to move forward with your claim. We’ll explain the personal injury claim process and what damages you may be able to claim.
- You don’t pay us unless we win: If we decide to accept your case, there won’t be any up-front retainer charges. Our cases are handled on a contingency basis, which means you only pay us for our services after we’ve won your case.
- Thorough investigation: While you focus on recovering from your injuries, we’ll fully investigate the accident and obtain the evidence (police reports, medical reports, eyewitness accounts, etc.) that will be crucial to supporting your claim. We use this evidence during negotiations with the at-fault party’s insurance company.
- Negotiate and go to trial: In most instances, we can negotiate a settlement. However, if the insurance company refuses to pay its fair share, we are willing and able to take your case before a judge. This extends the duration of the case but could end up with you receiving more cash than you would if the insurance company had just settled.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tampa Bay Car Accident Claims
Where are some of the most dangerous intersections and roads in the Tampa area?
According to a 2022 report by local television news station WTSP, the 10 most dangerous roads in Tampa Bay and Hillsborough County are:
– Brandon Boulevard from Falkenburg Road to Dover Road
– Gibsonton Drive/Boyette Road from I-75 to Balm Riverview Road
– Hillsborough Avenue from Longboat Boulevard to Florida Avenue
– Fletcher Avenue from Armenia Avenue to 50th Street
– Dale Mabry from Hillsborough Avenue to Bearss Avenue
– Lynn Turner from Gunn Highway to Ehrlich Road
– Meridian Avenue from Channelside Drive to Twiggs Street
– Bruce B. Downs from Fowler Avenue to Bearss Avenue
– 50th/56th St. from MLK Boulevard to Hillsborough Avenue
– 15th St. from Fowler Avenue to Fletcher Avenue
What kind of compensation can I collect after a Tampa Bay car accident?
You can collect compensation for two types of damages: economic and non-economic damages in Florida personal injury claims. Economic damages are measurable losses that can be verified through receipts, bills, pay stubs, and other documentation. Pain, suffering, and disfigurement are examples of non-economic damages (also known as general damages). Because these damages can’t be objectively measured, they are often difficult to assign fair value to.
How long do I have after an accident to file a Tampa Bay car accident lawsuit?
Florida’s statute of limitations law states that you have two years from the date of your injury — or the date from which you became aware of your injuries — in which to file a claim. If you wait longer, chances are the courts won’t hear your case.
Contact Rivas Law Group Today to Schedule a Free Consultation
Rivas Law Group understands what it’s like to have your life turned upside down by a car accident. We’re dedicated to protecting your rights and fighting to get the total compensation you are owed for your car accident injuries. Tania’s legal skills have obtained millions of dollars in settlements for her clients, including an $850,000 settlement for a couple who suffered major injuries in an accident that took place on Bruce B. Downs Blvd.
The sooner you reach out to Tania Rivas and Rivas Law Group, the better your chances of obtaining the full compensation you deserve for the injuries stemming from your car accident. Call us today at (877) 299-5539 or submit our online contact form to schedule. Remote consultations are available.
