Tampa Bay Auto Accident Lawyers
The effects of an auto accident can be lasting and life-altering. If you’ve been seriously injured, the physical pain and limitations, medical bills, and lost wages you experience are likely just a fragment of your overall damages.
At Busciglio, Sheridan & Schoeb, we have extensive experience and a proven track record of positive results for clients throughout the Tampa Bay area. If you or a loved one were involved in a car collision, our law firm can help you avoid costly mistakes and will fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to schedule an initial consultation.
Auto Accidents in Tampa Bay Are a Serious Issue
In 2021, 401,068 crashes took place on Florida’s roads, and 3,735 people died in these collisions. On top of that, 252,850 people were injured. But Tampa Bay is an inherently dangerous place to drive.
The latest statistics report that Tampa is the ninth fastest-growing metropolitan area in the country. It’s also the fourth worst place to drive in terms of accidents. While accidents are bound to happen, you deserve compensation if you were hurt through no fault of your own.
Common Causes of Auto Accidents in Florida
The common causes of auto accidents in Florida include the following:
Distracted Driving
The state of Florida has laws against texting and driving, but many people do this anyway. Motorists also have many other reasons that they take their eyes off of the road ahead of them. This leads to severe accidents and serious injuries.
Defective Parts
The car collision may not necessarily be the fault of the driver. If a vehicle’s parts fail while the motorist is operating it, the part’s manufacturer can be held liable for the collision.
Drunk Driving
Even though driving under the influence is against the law in every state, police officers are stopping a large number of people who decide to do this. Being under the influence increases the chances of causing a collision, and the people involved are highly likely to be seriously injured.
Hazardous Roads
When the state or the local government fails to fix large cracks or potholes in the roads, there is a chance a motorist can lose control of the vehicle and collide with another car. In this case, the government agency that was in charge of the upkeep of the road needs to be held accountable for your accident.
Can You Still Sue if Florida Is a No-Fault State?
Florida is a “no-fault” state, so you may believe that you cannot sue a negligent driver in the event that you are injured during a car collision. According to Florida law, you are required to purchase PIP insurance that will pay $10,000 for your injuries and all of your other expenses. Injuries that occur during car collisions can be catastrophic, and $10,000 may not be enough to cover all of your expenses. The good news is that you can sue the at-fault driver even though Florida is a no-fault state.
First, your auto accident attorney must demonstrate to the court that the other driver was negligent. Negligence means that the at-fault driver failed to exercise the amount of care that was required at the time of the collision. After this fact has been clearly demonstrated, your auto accident lawyer must show that you were injured because the negligent party failed to conform to a reasonable standard of care.
Damages You Can Collect in an Auto Accident Case
You may collect the following damages in your auto accident case:
- Medical bills and hospital bills
- Future medical bills
- Wages lost when you were unable to work
- Loss of future earnings
- Pain and suffering
- Damages to your vehicle and other property
- Mental anguish
- Punitive damages
- Wrongful death
The Reasons You Need an Experienced Tampa Accident Attorney
You need an experienced Tampa auto accident attorney because an attorney will have the education, knowledge, and experience needed to fully investigate your car accident. You cannot file a claim against the at-fault driver unless you conduct an investigation into the cause of the collision. In addition to that, you must have a police report, but you may be able to file a police report online.
It will help with the investigation if you take the names and numbers of the witnesses. Then, your auto accident lawyer will interview the witnesses to the collision at a later date. As was mentioned above, the car collision may be the result of driver error, conditions on the road, or defective parts. This can make it difficult for you to know who to name as defendants in your lawsuit. This is another reason that you must hire an auto accident attorney. Your lawyer will make these determinations on your behalf.
The main reason to consult with an auto accident lawyer may be because you are severely injured. You shouldn’t have to handle the investigation and the at-fault driver’s insurance company while you are in pain. Allow an auto accident lawyer to do this for you.
The at-fault driver’s insurance adjuster is not your friend. The adjuster will do everything that they can to keep the at-fault driver’s insurance company from paying you what you deserve. You are not familiar with the tactics that adjusters use to prevent their companies from parting with their money, but an auto accident lawyer is familiar with those tactics. Despite this, your lawyer will help present a strong case for the at-fault party’s negligence.
Not every auto accident case goes to trial. In most cases, both parties come to an agreement and settle the issue outside of court. You would be at a horrible disadvantage if you were to negotiate with the at-fault insurance company on your own. An auto accident attorney has years of experience negotiating settlements for clients and is the best person to perform this duty.
Lastly, the at-fault driver’s insurance company may offer you a settlement that doesn’t cover enough of your expenses, and you may need to file a lawsuit to recover adequate monetary compensation. You need an auto accident lawyer to do this because it is your best chance of receiving the money you need to make yourself whole again.
Contact an Experienced Tampa Bay Auto Accident Attorney
If you or a loved one has been injured in an auto accident in the Tampa Bay area and you’d like to discuss your options for a personal injury claim, schedule an appointment with a seasoned and compassionate Florida auto accident attorney at Busciglio, Sheridan & Schoeb. Call our office at 813-225-2695 or contact us online for an initial consultation.
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