Understanding the Urgency of Car Accident Cases
Based on the latest statistics, death occurs as a result of a motor vehicle accident on average every 16 minutes. An injury occurs from a motor vehicle accident every 14 seconds. The primary causes of these injuries and deaths include:
- Impaired driving (alcohol and drugs)
- Speeding
- Running red lights
- Fatigue
- Distracted driving
On average, over 10,000 people are killed each year as a result of alcohol-impaired driving crashes. Additionally, speed is a contributing factor in approximately 30% of all fatal crashes in the U.S.
A car accident lawyer in Tampa understands the urgency of these cases and is here to help car accident victims recover compensation for their car accident injuries and losses. At Burnett Law, P.A., we are a dedicated personal injury law firm serving Tampa, FL, and we specialize in representing car accident victims. Our experienced attorneys have handled numerous car accident cases and understand the complexities involved in proving fault and securing fair compensation for our clients.
While the dangers of impaired driving have been known for years, incidents of alcohol-related deaths continue to rise. Another concerning trend is the increase in cellphone use while driving. A recent study found that among drivers aged 18-29, almost half (48%) accessed social media while driving, contributing to distracted driving accidents. Determining the cause of a motor vehicle accident is often complex, involving conflicting eyewitness testimony and the need for accident reconstruction. Our Tampa car accident attorneys at Burnett Law, P.A., have extensive experience consulting with car accident reconstruction experts and will utilize their expertise to support your personal injury case effectively.
What to Do After a Florida Car Accident
Car accidents in Florida can be traumatic, stressful, and confusing. Your immediate concern (of course) should be your safety and the safety of your passengers. If the accident occurred in the middle of the street, try to move to the side of the road if it is safe to do so. You should only leave an injured victim in the middle of the road if you suspect spine or neck injuries, as moving such an individual can result in additional injuries to the victim. If possible, set up road flares or markers alerting other drivers of the accident and summon emergency medical help.
If the car accident occurred because of the carelessness of another driver, motorcyclist, or bicyclist, you and any injured passengers may be entitled to recover compensation. To assist your Florida car accident attorney in preparing and presenting your car accident case – and to increase your chances of a favorable outcome – you should take the following steps after a car accident:
- Seek Out Medical Care: Even if you feel okay or do not believe you need assistance. Sometimes, symptoms of serious injuries may not appear for hours or even days after a car accident. The sooner you seek out medical attention and are diagnosed with an injury, the easier it becomes to prove that your car accident injuries were, in fact, caused by the car accident.
- Take Photographs: Picture the accident scene and your injuries if you are able to do so. Car accident scenes and injury victims are often cleaned up before photographs can be taken. This can result in a reconstructionist, a judge, or a jury making a wrong assumption about the cause of the accident or the extent of your injuries.
- Refrain from Admitting Fault: Even simple phrases like “I’m so sorry” or “I didn’t see the light change” can be used against you to establish that you were responsible – in part or in whole – for the auto accident. This can result in a reduction of your compensation award. In some extreme cases, you may be precluded from obtaining any compensation at all because of these words.
- Write Down Important Details: Including how the accident occurred, who was involved, statements admitting fault made by the other driver, and injuries you and your passengers sustained. Write down the names and contact information of any witnesses to the auto accident as well. These important details can help you prove your car accident case but can become difficult to remember accurately after a period of time. This information is also vital for your insurance company, helping to establish a clear account of the incident and supporting your insurance claim for compensation.
It is crucial to have a skilled Tampa car accident lawyer on your side to navigate through the complexities of car accident cases and ensure you can recover the compensation you deserve for your car accident injuries and losses.
How Can Tampa Car Accident Lawyers Help
Tampa car accident lawyers play a crucial role in helping car accident victims navigate the challenges of car accident cases and secure fair compensation for their personal injury and damages. Here’s how they can assist:
- Expert Legal Guidance: Experienced car accident lawyers provide expert legal guidance throughout the entire process, ensuring clients understand their legal rights and options. They assist in interpreting complex car insurance policies and applicable laws related to motor vehicle collisions.
- Case Evaluation and Investigation: Most lawyers offer a free case evaluation to assess the strength of the case and determine potential outcomes. They conduct thorough investigations into the car accident, gathering crucial evidence such as witness statements, police reports, and medical records to build a strong case against the at fault driver.
- Negotiation with Insurance Companies: Lawyers handle all communications and negotiations with insurance companies and adjusters on behalf of their clients. They aim to secure a fair settlement that covers medical expenses, lost income, and other damages resulting from the car accident.
- Maximizing Compensation: Car accident lawyers advocate for maximum compensation for their clients, including reimbursement for medical treatment, medical bills, and lost wages due to injuries sustained in the accident.
- Litigation Support: If a fair settlement cannot be reached through negotiation, auto accident lawyers are prepared to represent their clients in court. They present compelling arguments and evidence to support their clients’ claims in their car accidents and seek justice through legal proceedings.
Having a skilled Tampa car accident lawyer ensures that individuals receive the necessary support and legal representation to recover physically, emotionally, and financially from a car accident. They are dedicated to fighting for their clients’ rights and securing the compensation they deserve for the hardships caused by the car accident.
Types of Compensation Car Accident Attorneys Can Help Recover
A Tampa car accident lawyer can assist in recovering various types of compensation for individuals injured in a Florida car accident case. Here are the key areas where an experienced car accident lawyer can help:
- Medical Expenses: Lawyers ensure that all medical expenses related to the accident, including medical bills, surgeries, medications, rehabilitation costs, and any other medical care, are covered.
- Future Medical Costs: Lawyers consider future medical treatment and ongoing care needs when negotiating compensation, ensuring that clients are financially prepared for long-term healthcare expenses.
- Lost Income and Lost Wages: They work to recover compensation for lost wages due to missed work days or reduced earning capacity caused by the car accident.
- Pain and Suffering: Lawyers advocate for compensation for the physical and emotional pain and suffering endured as a result of the car accident.
- Property Damage: They assist in recovering compensation for damage to the motor vehicle and other property affected in the car accident.
- Loss of Consortium: In cases where the accident causes a loss of companionship or support, lawyers pursue compensation for the impact on personal relationships.
- Wrongful Death: In tragic cases resulting in death, lawyers help surviving family members seek compensation through a wrongful death claim for funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and emotional suffering.
Navigating the aftermath of a car accident can be overwhelming, but with the support of an experienced car accident lawyer, individuals can focus on recovery while their legal rights and financial interests are protected.
Contact Tampa Car Accident Lawyer Today
Because Florida is a “comparative negligence state,” even if the injured in a car crash party is partially at fault for the car accident, he or she can still recover a percentage of the total damages. If you or a loved one has suffered a personal injury or death as the result of a car accident in Tampa and you believe that the negligence of another is at fault, we encourage you to call the car accident attorneys at Burnett Law, P.A., for a free initial consultation at 813-221-5000.