After a car accident in Tampa, FL, you may be struggling with physical and emotional injuries. Medical bills and lost wages can add further stress to your life. Florida is a no-fault state, meaning you can obtain personal injury protection (PIP) insurance benefits for a portion of these losses, regardless of who caused the crash.
However, what if your insurer denies part of your claim or your damages exceed your PIP policy limits? That’s where having an experienced car accident attorney in Tampa, FL can really pay off.
Your lawyer will handle your insurance claim and ensure you receive the benefits you’re entitled to. They can also identify all other sources of compensation, such as a personal injury case against the at-fault driver.
Below, we discuss three ways your attorney can maximize your compensation after a Tampa car crash.
1. Thoroughly Investigate the Collision and Collect Evidence
The first step your attorney will take is to investigate your collision to gather solid evidence proving your claim. They’ll begin by listening to your version of what happened and what you saw.
Once your lawyer has a preliminary understanding of your crash, they’ll launch a more in-depth investigation, which might include:
- Visiting the accident scene
- Requesting and reviewing videos, photos, and surveillance footage of the crash
- Obtaining relevant documentation, such as the crash report, insurance policies, and medical records
- Interviewing eyewitnesses, police officers, EMTs, and other witnesses
- Reviewing the other party’s version of events to identify discrepancies
- Consulting leading experts and specialists, such as accident reconstructionists, medical professionals, and financial advisors, as necessary
Once your Tampa car accident lawyer has collected and analyzed the necessary evidence, they can develop a compelling legal strategy. This will enable them to build a solid case and calculate the accurate value of your losses.
2. Accurately Assess All Damages
A PIP insurance claim will give you access to benefits for a portion of your medical bills and lost income. However, if you file a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver, you may be entitled to compensation for other types of damages.
Calculating these damages is a challenging aspect of any personal injury matter. For example, you may require ongoing medical treatment if you’ve suffered a severe injury or disability. In that case, you’ll need to prove the value of these future damages – which may require expert guidance.
In a personal injury case, you may be able to seek compensation for both economic and non-economic losses.
Economic damages are your financial losses, such as:
- Past medical expenses for treatment
- Future medical costs
- Physical therapy
- Out-of-pocket expenses
- Lost wages and benefits
- Diminished earning potential
- Property damage
You may also be entitled to non-economic damages, which may include:
- Mental anguish
- Pain and suffering
- Reduced quality of life
- Disability
- Scarring
Economic damages are typically easy to calculate, as they come with receipts and bills. However, as noted above, future losses like ongoing treatment and reduced earning capacity can be more challenging to put a dollar value on.
Additionally, non-economic losses are difficult to quantify. A qualified Tampa personal injury lawyer will be able to accurately assess these damages for you.
3. Strong Negotiation Skills and Tactics
Your attorney’s skills at the negotiating table will be pivotal to the success of your case. Most car accident claims are settled between the parties when they reach an agreement.
However, insurance adjusters are professional negotiators trained to undervalue and deny claims. Having an experienced car accident lawyer by your side evens the playing field. They’ll protect you from unsubstantiated claims and push back against unreasonably low offers.
For example, if the insurance company attempts to unfairly blame you for the collision using Florida’s comparative fault law, your attorney will fight back. Your lawyer will also engage in back-and-forth negotiations, aiming to maximize the amount you receive.
If the insurance company doesn’t offer an amount that fully compensates you, your Tampa attorney will be ready to go to court and advocate for your best interests.
Contact an Experienced Tampa Car Accident Attorney To Help You Maximize Your Compensation
The car accident claim process can be a long, challenging ordeal. However, with the right attorney in your corner, you’ll stand a much better chance of recovering maximum compensation.
Contact a car accident lawyer in Tampa for a free consultation to discuss your case and options for a full financial recovery.