By Marcus Fernandez
Tampa Bay has undergone enormous growth in recent years. The build out of our urban corridor means that some of our busiest streets are now bustling with even more cars, bicyclists and pedestrians. More and more people are recognizing our community’s vibrant arts scene, incredible dining and popular events that make Tampa, Florida such a special place to live.
That growth is a wonderful thing, but it also comes with its fair share of growing pains. If you have been a resident of Tampa for some time, you’ve probably noticed an increase in the amount of traffic. We see motorcycles roaring down I-275, big rigs rolling along I-4, and family sedans making their way to work.
That extra traffic makes it more likely that you will be involved in an accident, and when that occurs, you need to know what to do next. Simply being involved in a car, truck or motorcycle crash is extremely traumatizing –even if no one is hurt. What happens in the aftermath of that accident can be even more difficult to deal with.
When to contact an accident attorney
One of the first things to consider after an accident is contacting a local personal injury law firm. Waiting too long could compromise your ability to recover any expenses you might incur and the compensation you deserve. Time is of the essence, so try not to delay the call.
If you are injured in a crash that was someone else’s fault, the other driver could be held liable for your medical expenses, as well as lost wages and pain and suffering. These damages are payable under the negligence theory, and can be recovered with the help of a qualified auto injury accident attorney.
Unfortunately, demonstrating that the injuries sustained were the result of negligence on the part of the other driver is not always easy. That’s why it’s so important to have an experienced local law firm in your corner. Many Tampa residents think it will be easy to prove who was at fault, especially if there were witnesses to the crash. But no matter how many witnesses saw the accident, proving fault can still be quite a challenge without a skilled lawyer at your side.
Automobile Accident Injuries
Even a minor automobile accident can result in serious injuries, so it’s important to protect your rights. The amount of the settlement drivers can expect to receive will depend on a number of factors. The right attorney will help assess the kinds of injuries sustained, the cost of the medical care received and how long the individual is expected to be off work as a result of the crash. They will also take into account the associated medical follow-up.
Similarly, the amount of pain and suffering that can be recovered is also dependent on the nature of the crash and the severity of the injuries sustained. Pain and suffering recovery is proportional and based on what an experienced automobile injury attorney is able to prove. The same goes for the amount of lost wages that can be recovered, too.
The nature of the injuries sustained as a result of the car, motorcycle or truck crash will also play into the amount you can expect to recover for lost wages, medical expenses and pain and suffering. Common motor vehicle injuries include:
- Fractures
- Knee injuries and dislocations
- Bruises and lacerations
- Damage to internal organs
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Road rashes and burns
- Temporary or permanent disfigurement
- Whiplash
- Paralysis
- Limb loss and amputations
These physical injuries are serious. In some cases, they are long-lasting or even permanent, but they are not the only consequences of a motor vehicle crash. Whether the culprit was an inattentive big rig operator or a careless car driver, the results of an accident go far beyond the physical. Vehicle crashes can also result in some serious emotional and financial stresses. Here are just some of the possible emotional and financial consequences of a motor vehicle crash:
- Unpaid hospital bills
- High copayments and deductibles
- Unreimbursed medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation costs
- Emotional trauma
- Pain and suffering
Wrongful Death and Just Compensation
Having a family member or other loved one injured in a car accident is bad enough, but suffering a wrongful death is even worse. If someone you love was the victim of a wrongful death at the hands of a careless or negligent driver, it’s important to protect your rights to just compensation. It’s critical to contact a local auto accident attorney as soon as possible.
Seeking legal compensation may not be at the top of your mind in the wake of a wrongful death, but it is an important part of the process. Victims of wrongful death resulting from a car, truck or motorcycle crash may be entitled to compensation for things like medical bills, funeral expenses, loss of future income, loss of companionship and other tangible and intangible expenses.
Car Accident Causes
Every car, motorcycle, and truck crash is different, and a good accident attorney will be able to help you understand the situation and protect your rights. There are many kinds of driver negligence that can cause crashes and injuries, including:
- Speeding
- Failure to yield
- Rolling through a stop sign
- Running a red light
- Distracted driving, including texting behind the wheel
- Drowsy or medicated driving
- Drunk or impaired driving
- Inattentive driving
If your accident attorney can prove that the other driver was negligent in the crash, that negligence opens the door to additional compensation for pain and suffering, lost wages, out-of-pocket costs and reimbursement for medical bills.
Whether you or a family member has been involved in a car accident, hiring an experienced firm to guide you through the process is essential. From determining the at-fault party to assessing pain and suffering compensation, the right accident attorney can ensure all necessary steps have been taken. Remember, accidents happen, but you can do your part to help prevent them. Stay vigilant and stay safe.
