There are numerous benefits of hiring an attorney after a Tampa car accident. For starters, dealing with insurance companies can be challenging. Perhaps you’ve already contacted the at-fault party’s insurance and struggled to get anywhere.
Or maybe your injuries are preventing you from returning to work and providing for your family. Whatever the case, getting in a car accident is stressful. So it’s worth hiring a lawyer to help you understand your rights and how to protect them.
Car accidents often result in significant property damage, severe injuries, and mental turmoil. An attorney could help you recover damage compensation for such losses. And remember, hiring an attorney does not automatically mean you have to go to court. Many car accident claims are settled outside of court.
A lawyer can be helpful to ensure you claim for all damages and receive fair compensation. After sustaining injuries caused by someone else’s negligence, the last thing you need is to be in debt from medical bills and accident-related expenses. In addition, with strong legal representation, you can relieve stress and do away with any uncertainty regarding your car accident claim.
Read on to find out why hiring a Tampa car accident lawyer is worth it.
How Can a Tampa Car Accident Lawyer Help Me?
An Attorney Can Offer Sound Legal Advice
Florida laws surrounding liability and traffic accidents can be complex. Therefore, when you hire a car accident attorney, you enroll the help of a legal professional who knows all relevant laws and procedures in Florida. They can also help you avoid mistakes that could delay or jeopardize your claim.
They Will Ensure You File a Claim on Time
Car accident victims have a time limit to file a claim. Florida’s statute of limitations for a negligence-based car accident is four years. While it seems like a long time, you don’t want to risk missing the deadline. Lawyers know there are deadlines and thus work effectively to move your case along.
They’ll Help You Gather Evidence
You will need supporting documentation and evidence to support your claim. A lawyer’s focus is to prove the value and viability of your case through evidence. Examples of evidence include medical records, police reports, surveillance footage, witness testimonies, and photographs. Strong evidence is the foundation for any claim with a chance of success.
They Known How to Accurately Calculate Damages
Plaintiffs might be unaware of all damages they are entitled to and how much they are worth. Accident damages are not limited to injury or medical expenses. In addition to medical bills, you might be eligible to seek compensation for losses like pain and suffering, lost income, property damage, and more.
They Are Skilled Negotiators
Dealing with insurance companies can be a headache. However, insurance adjusters are trained to limit the company’s financial liabilities. That means they will do what it takes to minimize payouts and undervalue our claim.
They Can Represent You in Court
You may have to go to court if you cannot reach a desirable settlement agreement with the insurance company. You’ll need legal representation in court to present your case in a convincing and clear manner. That way, the jury is more likely to give you a fair financial award.
It’s unlikely that your case will need to go to trial. However, if it does, a Tampa car accident lawyer can prepare your case for court. They will ensure your case is not delayed or thrown out due to technical or procedural errors.
What Types of Damages Can A Tampa Car Accident Lawyer Help Me Get?
Having an attorney will guarantee you compensation for all damages you are entitled to. Since every accident case is unique, the damages will vary from case to case. However, most car accident injury victims can seek compensation for some or all of the following damages:
- Medical bills
- Future medical costs
- Lost income
- Future lost earning capacity
- Pain suffering
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Permanent disability
Sometimes Car Accident Injuries Have Delayed Symptoms
Sometimes, car accident victims sustain injuries but don’t have symptoms until days or weeks later. So even if you feel fine immediately after the crash, getting medical attention is still necessary.
Just because you don’t have a broken bone or profuse bleeding doesn’t mean you are injury-free. Many of the most serious accident injuries, like traumatic brain injuries or internal bleeding, are hidden. Furthermore, the initial shock and adrenaline from the collision often mask pain. Therefore, it can be hard to tell if we have injuries. Failure to get immediate treatment for injuries can result in worsening or life-long conditions.
A Car Accident Lawyer Will Help Protect Your Rights
Let’s say you get into an accident caused by a negligent driver. Then, you exchange information with them, shake hands, and go on with your day. A week later, you get slapped with a court summon. You find out that the other party filed a lawsuit against you.
This sounds like a crazy scenario, but it does happen. To avoid a situation like this, it’s crucial to call the police to make an official incident report. No matter how minor you believe the accident was, still call the police. Without an official incident report, it’s merely your word against the other drivers.
While these suits don’t typically get very far, it’s still a hassle and an unnecessary scare. And remember, never admit fault or apologize for the accident.
Signs That You Should Hire a Car Accident Lawyer
If you find any of the following circumstances apply to your situation, it might be time to seek professional legal help.
You Are Not Familiar With Personal Injury Laws in Your State
Most people don’t have to worry about personal injury law until they get into a car accident. When it happens, they might be unsure what steps to take or how to protect their legal rights.
That’s when a personal injury lawyer can bring invaluable help to your situation. They know the local laws and how to deal with insurance companies. You will also need to gather evidence to prove that the other driver was at fault for causing the accident and causing your injuries. Lawyers do that for a living. They know what evidence to gather and how to obtain it.
The experience and education of a lawyer can make or break your case. Rather than guessing your way through the claims process, you can save yourself the stress and secure a successful outcome by getting professional legal help. A car accident is a nuisance, but it doesn’t have to completely disrupt your life.
You Suffered Serious Injuries and Other Damages
If you sustained injuries in a car accident, hiring a lawyer is a good idea. They will be able to identify and assess the value for all damages you are eligible to claim. In addition, personal injury victims could potentially claim various economic and non-economic damages.
The best thing for your claim is to work with a lawyer to help you calculate all damages. As a result, you’re more likely to get fair compensation.
The At-Fault Insurance Company Denies or Undervalues Your Claim
There are various reasons by insurance companies deny claims. However, you can avoid this by hiring a lawyer early on. For example, if the insurance company undervalues your claim or you receive an unfairly low settlement offer, talk to a lawyer.
Or, if the insurance company refuses the negotiate, your attorney knows how to rebuttal. You might have to go to court if they want to play hardball. Your lawyer can advise you on everything you need to know and how to prepare for trial.
How Do I Find a Good Car Accident Lawyer?
Not all car accident lawyers are of equal caliber. You should do your research to ensure you find a great lawyer. Some things you can look for when looking for a quality attorney include the following:
- A high success rate
- How long has the firm been in practice?
- The law firm’s reputation
- Online reviews
- News and press reports about the firm
- Their response to your initial inquiry
- How committed they seem to your case
Most Personal Injury Lawyers Work on a Contingency Fee Agreement
Most car accident lawyers work on a contingency fee, so you don’t have any upfront costs. Instead, you pay them a percentage of your settlement. So, you only pay your attorney if you win your case. This means that working with a car accident attorney is usually a low-risk investment and very worthwhile.
Contact a Tampa Car Accident Lawyer Today
Our legal team has over 60 years of experience handling all types of personal injury cases, including car accident claims. Our success rate and outstanding services have earned us a reputation as one of the leading law firms in Florida.
The community and insurance companies know that we are reputable lawyers and treat us with respect because they know what we are capable of. If we take your case, we promise to keep your interests a the forefront.
Contact us today for a free, no-risk initial consultation.
