Tampa Car Accident Frequently Asked Questions

Car accidents in Tampa, FL, can cause traumatic injuries to innocent victims. Our Tampa car accident attorneys at Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers have helped clients recover compensation for damages since 2001. We have recovered millions of dollars in jury verdicts and settlements in that time.

We are known as “The Aggressive Attorneys” because we fiercely fight to obtain the maximum compensation for our clients. Our legal team pursues every available legal claim for you.

If you were injured in a car accident, contact our law office to schedule a free consultation with an experienced Tampa car accident lawyer at (813) 223-6200.

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How Our Tampa Personal Injury Lawyers Help You With a Car Accident Claim

Car accident cases can be complicated and challenging to win. However, our Tampa car accident lawyers have over 119 years of combined legal experience handling personal injury cases. As a result, we have the experience and skills necessary to handle the most complex car accident claim.

When you hire Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers to handle your case, our top-rated car accident lawyers will:

Analyze your case and explain all legal options
Conduct an independent accident investigation to determine the cause of the crash
Identify all liable parties
File insurance claims and personal injury claims
Determine how much your claim is worth and fight to obtain that amount for your case
Handle all communications and negotiations related to the claims
Assist you in documenting damages
Work with the top expert witnesses in their fields, as necessary
Fight allegations of contributory fault by the insurance company
File a car accident lawsuit and have a skilled trial lawyer argue your case before a jury

Contact us to schedule a free case evaluation with a car accident lawyer in Tampa, Florida. We want to help you receive a fair settlement for your car accident claim.

Frequently Asked Questions About Car Accident Claims in Tampa, FL

Our personal injury lawyers provide answers to the most common FAQs our clients ask about Tampa car accident cases:

What Are the Steps I Should Take After a Car Accident in Tampa?

Here’s what you should do:

First, call 911 to report the collision. By law, you must report car accidents that result in property damage or personal injury.
While waiting for the police officers to arrive, gather evidence. If it is safe to do so, take photographs and make a video of the vehicles and the accident scene. Ask bystanders for their names and telephone numbers.
When you talk with the police, briefly describe the accident. However, do not admit fault or comment on what you were doing immediately before the accident.
Seek immediate medical treatment for your injuries. Delays in care could hurt your case.

What Is Personal Injury Protection Insurance Coverage?

PIP (Personal Injury Protection) is no-fault insurance coverage. Every driver in Florida is required to have $10,000 in PIP coverage. Your PIP insurance pays up to 80% of your medical bills and 60% of your lost wages, even if you caused the accident.

Can I Sue the Other Driver for a Tampa Car Accident?

Even though Florida is a no-fault state, you might have a claim against the other driver. If your injuries meet the serious injury threshold, you can file a lawsuit against an at-fault driver. Your PIP benefits would not prevent you from filing a lawsuit if you sustained serious or catastrophic injuries.

What Is the Deadline to File a Car Accident Lawsuit in Florida?

The deadline (statute of limitations) for filing a car accident lawsuit in Florida is typically two years from the accident date.

Exceptions to the Florida statute of limitations can shorten or lengthen the filing deadline. Therefore, we encourage you to contact our office now to discuss your case with one of our Tampa car accident attorneys.

What Damages Can I Recover if I Sue the Other Driver?

PIP benefits do not compensate you for all losses and damages. However, if you file an insurance claim with the other driver’s liability insurance company or file a lawsuit, you can demand compensation for all damages.

Damages in a car accident case include economic damages such as:

Diminished earning capacity
Medical bills
Rehabilitative therapies
Personal care
Lost wages
Out-of-pocket expenses

You can also seek compensation for your non-economic damages. These damages include:

Mental anguish
Disfigurement and scarring
Physical pain and suffering
Loss of enjoyment of life
Disabilities and impairments
A decrease in quality of life
Emotional distress

The value of your damages depends on the facts of your case. Many factors can increase or decrease how much a case is worth. Call our office to discuss how much you could receive for a car accident case.

Can I Recover Damages if I’m Partially to Blame for Causing a Car Accident in Tampa, FL?

Florida personal injury laws do not bar a person from receiving compensation for damages if they are partially at fault for causing their injuries. However, under Florida’s modified comparative fault rules, your compensation will be reduced to account for your share of fault. You could not recover compensation if you were mostly at fault (i.e. > 50%).

For example, suppose a jury awards you $1 million for your car accident case. However, the jurors found that you were 50% to blame for causing the accident. The most you could receive would be $500,000, which is the total award less your percentage of fault.

Should I Settle My Car Accident Case with the Insurance Company?

Knowing when to settle a car accident claim can be tricky. First, you need to know how much your claim is worth to evaluate whether a settlement offer is fair. Therefore, you must understand damages and personal injury laws.

Insurance companies consistently undervalue claims to save money. As a result, many people are shocked to discover their personal injury claim is worth much more than the insurance adjuster offered.

Before signing a settlement agreement, call Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers, to discuss your case. If you sign the agreement and accept a payment, you could lose your right to pursue a legal claim.

What Are the Common Mistakes People Make After a Car Accident?

Some common mistakes to avoid when dealing with a car accident claim include:

Admitting fault or apologizing for the accident
Not seeking prompt medical care or failing to follow the doctor’s treatment plan
Returning to work and ordinary activities against a doctor’s recommendation
Using social media and posting online, especially about the car accident
Accepting a settlement offer without legal advice
Signing a settlement agreement without asking an attorney to review the agreement

Prompt legal advice can help you avoid common mistakes in car accident cases. We offer free consultations, so it does not cost you anything to talk with a lawyer. We also accept cases on a contingency fee basis, so there are no upfront attorneys’ fees if you hire Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers to handle your case.

Schedule a Free Consultation with Our Tampa Car Accident Lawyers

We understand you have many questions about your car accident case. Please contact us to schedule a free consultation with one of our Tampa personal injury lawyers. We are here to help you with all aspects of your personal injury claim.

Our attorneys handle all kinds of auto accidents: