Navigating the aftermath of a car accident can be overwhelming. You might find yourself dealing with severe injuries, property damage, and the frustration of a complicated insurance claim.
A car accident lawyer can help you through every step of your case. Your lawyer will negotiate on your behalf, handle the paperwork, and act in your best interests.
Since 2001, Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers has recovered tens of millions of dollars on behalf of our clients in Tampa, FL. Contact our law office today at (813) 223-6200 for a free consultation with a Tampa personal injury attorney to discuss your car accident case.
How Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help You After a Car Accident in Tampa, FL
After a serious car crash in Tampa, Florida, you should be focused on your recovery, not fighting an insurance company for the money you deserve. The team at Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers uses 119 years of combined experience to represent car accident victims.
When you hire a Tampa car accident attorney at our firm, you can count on us to:
- Conduct a thorough investigation into your crash
- Provide legal advice and guidance
- Handle communications and negotiate with the insurance company
- Work with experts to strengthen your claim
- Fight back against insurance company tactics
- Pursue maximum compensation for your injuries
- Take your case before a jury if necessary
We are ready to put our experience to work for you. Contact our law firm for a free case evaluation with a Tampa personal injury lawyer to discuss what we can do to help you.
How Can an Attorney Help After a Tampa Car Accident?
Below, we discuss the various roles and responsibilities an attorney takes when handling a Florida car accident claim.
Evaluate Your Case During a Free Consultation
Your first interaction with a car accident lawyer is during your free consultation. This in-depth evaluation of your case is a chance to ask questions, discuss your legal options, and learn what your case may be worth.
During the consultation, the lawyer will determine whether you have a case and help you understand your rights. They will also advise you on the next steps to take.
Provide Legal Guidance
Through every step of your case, your lawyer will provide legal advice to help you make informed decisions. They will answer any questions you have, explain potential issues with your case, and make sure you understand your legal rights. Your lawyer’s guidance will also help you avoid common mistakes that can hurt your case.
You won’t be left wading through complex legal jargon, settlement offers, policy details, and legal proceedings on your own. Your lawyer will explain everything plainly to ensure you understand all the nuances of your case.
Gather Evidence To Build Your Case
A strong case is built on evidence and sound legal arguments.
From the very beginning, your lawyer will work on gathering evidence to strengthen your claim by proving:
- Negligence, meaning the other party was careless or reckless and failed to exercise reasonable care
- Financial damages, including future financial losses related to your accident
- Personal non-financial damages such as your pain and suffering, and mental anguish
The stronger your evidence, the easier it is for your attorney to negotiate a fair settlement.
There are many forms of evidence your legal team may look for, such as:
- Photographs and physical evidence from the crash scene
- Photos of damage to all vehicles
- Your medical records
- Police and accident reports
- Traffic citations
- Witnesses
- Video evidence of the accident from dash cams or traffic cameras
- Subpoenaed cell phone records
Your lawyer will gather evidence to clear up any doubt about liability the insurance company could use to shift blame or minimize your damages.
Work With Experts To Strengthen Your Claim
Experienced car accident lawyers have a network of specialists they can call on for help. Experts, ranging from accident reconstruction specialists to medical professionals, lend their expertise to bolster your case. Your legal team may collaborate with these experts to analyze evidence or provide expert testimony.
Depending on the complexity of your case or the severity of your injuries, expert testimony may be the only way to establish causation and prove your damages. This is especially true with multi-vehicle crashes and disabling injuries with substantial future losses.
Prepare a Settlement Demand
After you reach maximum medical improvement (MMI) and your lawyer has determined your total damages, they will prepare a settlement demand. This is a formal demand package sent to the insurance company.
Your lawyer will include facts of the case, photos of damage and your injuries, and details of your medical expenses. It will also contain your attorney’s legal argument.
Handle Communications and Negotiate With the Insurance Company
Your lawyer will take over communications with the insurance company and other parties in your case. This protects you from making any statements that may be used against you. Your attorney will fight back against any attempts to blame you for your injuries.
One of the most important roles of a car accident lawyer is as a negotiator. Your attorney will negotiate on your behalf with the insurance company to seek a fair settlement offer. Experienced lawyers understand the tricks insurance adjusters use. Your lawyer acts in your best interest to pursue maximum compensation with an argument based on evidence.
File a Personal Injury Lawsuit and Take Your Case To Court If Necessary
If a fair settlement isn’t reached, your attorney will take your case to court. This is only done when negotiations fail.
After filing a personal injury lawsuit, your lawyer will:
- Prepare you for court
- Question witnesses
- Take depositions
- File pretrial motions
- Submit evidence
- Monitor court deadlines
- Present your case before a jury
Negotiations may continue. In many cases, the insurance company becomes more willing to negotiate after a lawsuit has been filed and during the discovery phase. Most personal injury cases ultimately reach a settlement. If a settlement still isn’t reached, your lawyer will present a compelling case before a jury.
Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Experienced Tampa Car Accident Lawyers
A Tampa car accident lawyer is more than just a legal professional; they are a staunch advocate for your rights. Your lawyer helps you level the playing field against the insurance company to seek the fair compensation you deserve.
Since 2001, Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers has represented car accident victims and recovered tens of millions in compensation. We are ready to help you through every stage of your car accident claim.
Call our law office today at (813) 223-6200 to schedule a free consultation with a personal injury lawyer to discuss the details of your accident.
