Were you recently involved in a car accident in Tampa, Florida? If so, you probably have many questions about what comes next. From dealing with insurance companies to figuring out how to pay for medical treatment, the process can feel almost impossible to navigate.
Catania & Catania Injury Lawyers is here to help, with over 120 years of combined experience and more than $500 million in recoveries for our clients. Our Tampa car accident attorneys can walk you through every step of your case and help you pursue the maximum compensation you are entitled to.
Contact us today at (813) 222-8545 for a free consultation. Below are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions (FAQs) we hear from accident victims in Tampa.
How Catania & Catania Injury Lawyers Can Help After a Car Accident in Tampa, Florida
Florida’s car accident laws are more complex than most people realize, and the insurance process can be just as frustrating. Having an experienced Tampa personal injury lawyer on your side can make a significant difference in how your case turns out.
If you hire an attorney at Catania & Catania Injury Lawyers to handle your car accident case in Tampa, FL, we can help by:
- Investigating your accident and gathering evidence to support your claim
- Identifying every potential source of compensation
- Calculating the full extent of your economic and non-economic damages
- Handling all communication with the insurance companies
- Negotiating for a settlement that reflects what your case is actually worth
- Filing a lawsuit and representing you at trial if the insurance company refuses to be fair
Get in touch with our Tampa car accident attorneys today for a free case review. We can go over the details with you and help you determine your options from there.
How Does Florida’s No-Fault Insurance System Affect My Claim?
Florida currently operates under a no-fault auto insurance system, which means that after a crash, you will typically file a claim with your own insurance company first through your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) policy. This applies regardless of who caused the accident.
PIP coverage pays for up to $10,000 in medical expenses and lost wages, but there are limits on what it covers. PIP generally pays 80% of your medical bills and 60% of your lost income. It does not cover non-economic losses like pain and suffering.
One important rule to keep in mind is that Florida law requires you to seek medical treatment within 14 days of your accident to qualify for PIP benefits. If you wait longer than that, your coverage may be denied.
Can I Sue the Other Driver After a Car Accident in Tampa?
In some cases, yes. Florida law allows you to step outside the no-fault system and file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver if your injuries meet what is called the “serious injury threshold” under state law.
You may also have this option if your losses exceed your insurance policy limits, as well as in cases involving a drunk driver. Our lawyers can help you look into your best course of action during your free consultation.
What Should I Do Right After a Car Accident in Tampa?
The steps you take immediately after a crash can have a big impact on your ability to recover compensation later on.
Here is what we recommend:
- Call 911 so that the police can respond and create an accident report.
- Get medical attention as soon as possible, even if you feel fine at the scene.
- Exchange contact and insurance details with the other driver.
- Take photos and videos of the vehicles, the scene, and any visible injuries.
- Get names and phone numbers from any witnesses.
- Do not admit fault or apologize for the accident.
- Contact a Tampa car accident attorney before speaking with an insurance adjuster.
Following these steps can help protect both your health and your legal rights as your case moves forward.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Car Accident Lawyer in Tampa?
Our firm works on a contingency fee basis, which means you will not owe us any attorney’s fees unless we recover compensation for your case. You won’t have to pay a cent up front or anything by the hour. We will explain our fee structure in detail during your free consultation, so there are no surprises down the road.
How Long Do I Have to File a Car Accident Lawsuit in Florida?
The statute of limitations for most car accident cases in Florida is two years from the date of the accident. If you do not file your lawsuit before this two-year window closes, you will almost certainly lose your right to seek compensation.
Keep in mind that there are exceptions that can change this time limit for some cases. It’s best to contact a lawyer as soon as possible to ensure you take legal action on time.
Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Award-Winning Tampa Car Accident Attorneys
If you still have questions about your car accident case in Tampa, the best thing you can do is sit down with an experienced attorney who can give you answers based on the specific facts of your situation. Catania & Catania Injury Lawyers has been helping accident victims across Tampa for decades and can do the same for you.
Call our Tampa car accident lawyers today to schedule your free consultation. We are here to help you figure out your next steps.
