Car accidents can be traumatic, leading to physical injuries and financial losses. In such difficult times, many individuals are left wondering whether it is worth hiring an attorney for a car accident in Tampa. While some may believe they can handle the situation on their own, the complexities of personal injury law often require professional guidance. From dealing with insurance companies to navigating personal injury law and maximizing compensation, having skilled legal representation can significantly improve your case’s outcome.
Is It Ever Okay to Not Hire an Attorney?
There can be certain situations where you may not need to hire a car accident lawyer in Tampa, such as:
- There is only vehicle damage: If the only damages incurred were to your vehicle, there is no need to hire an attorney. Instead, you file the property damage claim with your insurance company in Florida to have your vehicle repaired or replaced.
- There were only minor injuries: A few scrapes or bruises or other minor injuries may not fully justify hiring a personal injury lawyer
However, when unsure, having an attorney review your case with a free consultation and expert legal advice is always a good idea.
When Is It Important to Have an Attorney on Your Side?
While it may be tempting to handle a car accident case in Tampa on your own, there are certain circumstances where having a car accident lawyer on your side becomes important, including:
- You have been injured: Seeking legal advice ensures you receive fair compensation for your medical bills, pain and suffering, lost wages, and any other losses
- You sustained serious injuries: When you have serious injuries, like spinal cord damage or a traumatic brain injury, these can have long-term consequences on your future. It is vital to have legal assistance to guarantee you obtain compensation not just for your present damages but for ongoing and future losses.
- The other driver does not have insurance or is underinsured: The process of filing a car accident injury claim becomes more complex when the other driver is uninsured or underinsured. A car accident attorney will help determine the most beneficial options for recovering your damages.
- There are multiple parties/insurance companies involved: In cases where multiple parties or insurance companies are involved in determining liability, claim procedures can become complicated. An experienced car accident attorney has the expertise to investigate thoroughly, gather necessary evidence, and negotiate with the various parties involved while protecting your interests throughout proceedings.
- The fault is disputed: Even though Florida is a no-fault state, there are times when fault does matter when seeking damages for injuries from a car accident. Legal representation makes it easier to present the appropriate evidence and arguments in your favor to resolve fault disputes by the other party.
- A commercial or government vehicle was involved: When you were injured due to the negligence of a driver of a commercial or government vehicle, the laws regarding personal injury can be rather complex with their own set of filing deadlines and other special requirements. You need a car accident attorney to assist you to ensure you receive fair compensation.
When Is the Best Time to Contact an Attorney?
It is best to contact a car crash attorney in Tampa as soon as possible after your accident. Your primary concern should be to seek and receive medical treatment following the accident, even when the injuries seem minor. Your health and well-being should always come first.
While many people will want to start the claims process quickly, it is best to speak to an attorney and obtain free legal advice before speaking to any insurance company representative, accident investigators, or adjusters. If you do open your claim, only provide the insurance company with the basic details, such as:
- The time and date of the accident
- The location where the accident occurred
- The name and insurance details of the other driver
- The police report number
You should refrain from going into detail or oversharing any information about the accident until you speak with an attorney. It is crucial to remember insurance companies record phone calls, and anything you say or tell them could potentially be used against you later to reduce or even deny your claim.
What Can an Attorney Do for Me?
There are several benefits of hiring a Tampa car accident injury lawyer, including:
- Your lawyer handles all aspects of the case: Rather than having to deal with filing paperwork and dealing with the insurance company, your lawyer does this, allowing you to rest and focus on healing. If a settlement cannot be reached, your lawyer will also litigate your case at trial.
- Your lawyer handles all settlement negotiations: You do not have to worry about speaking to the insurance company, their adjusters, or even their lawyers to reach a settlement. Your lawyer does this on your behalf.
- Your lawyer gathers evidence to prove damages and fault: It can be time-consuming reviewing police reports, contacting witnesses, and obtaining medical records to prove damages and establish fault in your car accident. This is another benefit of having legal representation.
- Your lawyer gets you a higher settlement: Insurance companies know unrepresented accident victims are much easier to convince and get them to agree to the lowest settlement they offer. However, they are more likely to offer the actual compensation you deserve when a lawyer represents you.
If You Have Been Injured in a Car Accident, Give Jack Bernstein, Injury Attorneys, a Call
After being injured in a car crash in Tampa, take the time to get sound legal advice from Jack Bernstein, Injury Attorneys. Our car accident lawyers can assist you in determining if you could benefit from our legal representation, answer your questions, and offer free legal advice. We also provide you with an estimated claim valuation during your free consultation. Do not risk not getting the fair compensation you deserve without speaking to us first.
Sources:
Calculating Total Damages in Car Accident Claims & Lawsuits. (2023).
Florida Car Accident Laws. (2024).
Why You Should Seek Treatment After an Auto Accident. (2019).