Many states require motor vehicles to have annual inspections. The inspections ensure that the vehicles are safe to operate on roadways. In addition, many states also include emissions inspections to ensure that the vehicle complies with all federal and state emission standards.
Florida has repealed its annual motor vehicle inspection requirement. Therefore, drivers are no longer required to have their vehicles inspected each year. However, there are a couple of instances in which a vehicle owner must have their car inspected.
How Catania and Catania Injury Lawyers Can Help After a Car Accident in Tampa
Have you been injured in a car accident in Tampa, Florida? If so, you could be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, pain, lost wages, and other damages.
The Tampa car accident attorneys of Catania and Catania Injury Lawyers, have over 120 years of legal experience. We have recovered over $500 million in settlements and jury verdicts. We want to help you obtain money for your injuries and damages.
When you hire our law office, you can count on us to:
- Conduct an investigation into your crash to gather evidence and identify liable parties
- Evaluate the full extent of your damages
- Handle communications and negotiations with the insurance company and defense attorneys
- Take your case to trial, if necessary, to get the money you deserve.
Contact our Tampa law office near you today at (813) 222-8656 for a free consultation with a Tampa car accident attorney. And enjoy this resource detailing the car inspections laws in Florida.
When Do I Need to Have My Car Inspected in Florida?
According to Florida Statute §627.744, a private passenger motor vehicle must have a pre-insurance inspection unless one of the following situations applies:
- The vehicle was purchased new and unused from a licensed motor vehicle dealer or leasing company, OR
- The policyholder has had insurance without interruption for two years or longer under a policy that includes physical damage coverage
Florida inspections are also required if a person purchases a motor vehicle in another state or purchases a pre-owned vehicle in Florida.
What Happens During a Florida Vehicle Inspection?
Florida no longer requires extensive vehicle inspections that test the condition and safety of a vehicle. Today, Florida’s car inspections mainly focus on identifying stolen vehicles by verifying the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) during the inspection.
During a car inspection, the inspector takes a physical imprint of the VIN to compare it to the legal title and lien. The inspector also records any accessories that are required to be noted on an inspection and describes any property damage to the vehicle.
Drivers should bring a copy of their Florida driver’s license or photo ID to the inspection. They must also bring proof of vehicle ownership, such as a certificate of title, and proof of insurance.
Who Can Perform a Car Inspection in Florida?
Only state-certified inspectors can perform state car inspections. So before you have your car inspected, ask to see the person’s state certification. Many mechanics obtain their certification, but police stations also have the authority to conduct car inspections in Florida.
What Does It Cost to Have a Vehicle Inspected in Florida?
Florida law does not set a standard fee for car inspections. Therefore, the inspector is permitted to set the fee for the car inspection.
Some inspectors charge a minimal fee or might perform the can inspection for free. Other inspectors might charge up to $150 for a car inspection. Drivers can shop around for a free or low-cost car inspection.
What Should You Do if You Are Involved in a Tampa Car Accident with an Uninspected Vehicle?
Unfortunately, many drivers ignore the requirement to inspect, register, and insure their vehicles. If you are in a car accident with an uninspected vehicle, our Florida car accident lawyers recommend taking the following steps:
Call 911 to Report the Accident
It’s critical to call 911 right after the car accident. An emergency operator dispatches police officers and emergency medical services. Remain at the accident scene until the police officers arrive.
If possible, document the accident scene and gather evidence. Make a video and take pictures of the accident scene. Try to capture the location of the vehicles, damage to the vehicles, and the surrounding environment.
Ask bystanders for their names and contact information. Eyewitness testimony can help prove fault if the other driver disputes causing the car accident.
Seek Prompt Medical Attention
Depending on the severity of your injuries, you may be transported to the hospital or given the choice of seeking medical care from your family doctor. Never state that you are not injured.
You cannot be sure whether you sustained injuries until a doctor examines you. Even if you believe you are “fine,” you do not want to say anything that could be used against you to deny your personal injury claim.
Call Your Automobile Insurance Company
Report the car accident to your car insurance provider. Even though you trust your insurance company, be cautious about what you say. Avoid providing any unnecessary details about the accident until you have a chance to speak with a car accident lawyer.
Seek Legal Advice
Deciding whether to hire a lawyer to handle a car accident claim can be complicated. Whether you need a lawyer depends on several factors.
If you do hire a lawyer to handle your case, our attorney will help you fight for fair compensation of your economic and non-economic damages by:
- Reviewing the case and conducting a comprehensive car accident investigation
- Answering your questions about personal injury claims
- Providing you with legal advice, including explaining your legal rights and options
- Working with experts, such as accident reconstructionists, engineers, medical experts, and financial professionals
- Identifying each party responsible for causing the car crash
- Handling all aspects of the legal process and claim
- Monitoring deadlines for filing claims and lawsuits
- Searching for and gathering all relevant evidence related to fault and damages
- Documenting your damages and calculating the value of your claim
- Negotiating a settlement with the insurance company
- Filing a lawsuit and representing you in court, if necessary
Most attorneys offer a free consultation, so it is in your best interest to take advantage of the free legal advice before deciding how to proceed.
Other Car Accident Claims We Handle
At Catania & Catania Injury Lawyers, we also handle all types of car accident cases, including:
- Airbag injuries,
- Drunk Driving,
- Head-on crashes,
- Highway crashes,
- Lane change accidents,
- Left Turn accidents,
- Rear-end collisions,
- Recreational vehicle accidents,
- Red and yellow light accidents,
- Rollover accidents,
- Seatbelt injuries,
- Self driving cars,
- Single-vehicle accidents,
- Speeding,
- Claims with uninsured motorists,
- And more.
Contact Our Tampa Car Wreck Lawyers for a Free Consultation
Were you in a car accident in Tampa, FL? The Tampa car accident lawyers of Catania and Catania Injury Lawyers, can help you fight for the compensation you deserve. We do not stop fighting until we exhaust every legal cause of action and every source of compensation for your damages. Contact our law firm to schedule a free consultation with one of our Tampa personal injury lawyers.
