Paul Catania | April 5, 2022 | Car Accidents
Car accidents are stressful enough, and it’s even worse when you are the at-fault driver. So you caused an accident in Tampa, only to find out that the other driver is suing you for damages. What do you do?
Don’t panic. News of a lawsuit doesn’t automatically mean that you’ll be financially destroyed. However, it’s imperative that you act quickly. A car accident attorney might be able to get you off the hook if you take the right steps. Here’s what to do when you’re being sued after causing a collision in Tampa.
Contact a Tampa Car Accident Lawyer Immediately
A collision lawsuit is a serious proceeding. If you don’t take prompt steps to defend yourself, you might end up on the losing end of the lawsuit. There’s a much higher chance of defeating the lawsuit or minimizing the damages when you have an attorney working on your behalf.
If another driver has initiated a lawsuit against you, they’re probably working with an attorney. You can’t afford to take on the legal system alone. Lawyers spend years learning and practicing the law. If you don’t have this type of experience fighting on your behalf, your chance of beating a lawsuit is slim.
Grounds for a Tampa Car Accident Lawsuit
There are only a few situations that lead to valid grounds for a car accident lawsuit in Tampa. As a first step, your car accident lawyer will make sure the other driver has a valid reason for suing you.
Drivers in Tampa are required to carry personal injury protection (PIP) insurance. Compensation for injuries should first be covered by PIP insurance. A driver can only sue over injuries if the cost of their damages exceeds the value covered by insurance. This is the most common reason for a car accident lawsuit in Tampa.
A driver can also sue if the cost to repair the damage to their vehicle exceeds the amount covered by insurance. If someone dies in an accident, their immediate family members can sue over wrongful death.
Car accidents in Tampa are subject to the statute of limitations set by the state of Florida. Another driver has four years from the date of the accident to bring a lawsuit against you. If they’re suing over wrongful death, they only have two years.
How a Tampa Lawyer Can Help You
On average, Tampa has the fourth-highest accident rate in the state of Florida. This means anyone who uses the roads in Tampa should be prepared for the worst.
Know how to respond after an accident in a way that will protect you legally and financially. Speaking with a lawyer is the first step, and you should do this before you speak with an insurance company.
Once you receive the complaint notifying you of the lawsuit, your attorney has 20 days to respond to it. The short timeframe means that immediately engaging a lawyer is essential to success.
Your attorney will investigate the other driver’s claims and the stated reasons for bringing the lawsuit. An investigation can reveal whether the other driver’s claims are legitimate or not. An attorney may be able to find valid grounds for reducing the other driver’s desired compensation.
Most individuals won’t have the income or savings to cover the cost of compensation for a Tampa car accident that results in extensive damages and expenses.
This means that it is in the best interests of all parties to mediate an agreement with the relevant insurance companies. This can be a stressful and drawn-out process, but an experienced car accident attorney can usually help achieve an outcome that protects you financially and satisfies the other driver.
Contact Our Car Accident Law Firm in Tampa, FL
If you’ve been injured anywhere in the Tampa Bay area and need legal help, please contact Catania & Catania Injury Lawyers. We have five convenient locations across Florida, including Tampa, St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Bradenton, and Sarasota, serving clients throughout the greater Tampa Bay region.
We proudly serve Hillsborough County, Pinellas County, Manatee County, Sarasota County, and surrounding areas across Florida:
Catania & Catania Injury Lawyers – Tampa Office
Bank of America Plaza, 101 E Kennedy Blvd Suite 2400, Tampa, FL 33602, United States
Phone: (813) 222-8545
Hours: 24/7
Catania & Catania Injury Lawyers – St. Petersburg Office
146 2nd St N Suite 310-R, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, United States
Phone: (813) 536-3527
Hours: 24/7
Catania & Catania Injury Lawyers – Clearwater Office
600 Cleveland St Ste. 329, Clearwater, FL 33755, United States
Phone: (813) 773-8254
Hours: 24/7
Catania & Catania Injury Lawyers – Bradenton Office
1215 Manatee Ave., Ste. 106, Bradenton, FL 34205
Phone: (813) 896-4192
Hours: 24/7
Catania & Catania Injury Lawyers – Sarasota Office
2033 Main St Ste. 514, Sarasota, FL 34237, United States
Phone: (941) 401-0141
Hours: 24/7
With more than 30 years of experience, Paul specializes in personal injury cases, auto accidents, wrongful death, and medical malpractice. As a co-founder of Catania & Catania, alongside his brother, he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of South Florida and his Juris Doctor from Stetson University.
Licensed to practice in all Florida courts, including the Florida Supreme Court and federal courts, this Tampa attorney is committed to advocating for justice in the community. As seen in the AV Preeminent award.
