Tampa is one of Florida’s largest and busiest cities, so it’s possible for unexpected injuries to occur that can be life-changing. Whether you were hurt in a car accident on I-275 or in a slip-and-fall accident, it’s vital to know what to do after a serious injury. If you believe another party is responsible for the injury, hire a Tampa personal injury lawyer at your first opportunity so they can help you build a personal injury case.
What to Do After a Serious Injury in Tampa
The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) reported 381,423 crashes statewide in 2024. There is a no-fault insurance requirement for drivers in Florida, so you must file a claim against your own policy after an accident for part of your medical bills and lost wages so they get paid quickly (up to a limit), regardless of fault. However, it is important to know that you can always recover other losses and unpaid bills from the at-fault driver and/or owner of the other vehicle and their insurance company.
You may have grounds to file a personal injury case against the at-fault driver if you suffered a severe injury or had other losses. A skilled attorney can help explore whether you have grounds to file a personal injury case, and if so, they can help you maximize your compensation for your losses.
To increase your chances of success with a personal injury case, you should:
- Call 911 and request an officer and medical assistance: Make sure there is a crash report completed by the officer.
- Document the scene of the accident if you are able: This means you (or someone at your direction) should take photos and videos at the scene of the roadway, all vehicle damage including the other vehicle, and your injuries. This way, you can support your version of events. People who cause car crashes may apologize right at the scene and may even say that they caused the accident or admit fault. All too often, that changes once they leave the scene or talk to their insurance company. They start blaming you. It’s important to document an incident yourself if you can to prove what really happened.
- Collect as much information as you can about the crash: You should gather the names of witnesses, their phone numbers, and their addresses. If there are businesses nearby, ask if they can give you a copy of any video they captured of the day of the crash to help you prove who was at fault.
- Get medical help right away, even if you think you are fine: A medical doctor trained to assess medical injuries is the right person to determine the full extent of your accident-related injuries. A doctor can rule out internal damage that may not have caused noticeable symptoms right away. They can help provide you with any necessary referrals for any additional care.
- Once you get home, write down everything you remember about what happened before, during, and after the accident: Write down what was said by the witnesses and the other driver. Keep a journal of any injuries or medical care. Keep information about any medical costs you incur and keep the receipts for all of your medical treatment.
- Call your insurance company and report the crash but don’t give any recorded statements: If they ask you if anyone was injured or is receiving medical care, tell them yes if that is true or I’m not sure” if you don’t know. It’s ok to say that it is too soon to know the extent of all of your injuries.
- Keep everything off of social media, even if you think your profile settings are private: That is not the right place to argue or prove your case. Please avoid posting any pictures of yourself after your accident. Those photos can potentially be used against you to present a false narrative attacking your case.
- Most importantly, call an attorney that understands how to help those that have been injured by the negligence of others: When you call a lawyer, they can explain the next steps. It’s important to consult an attorney right away, since you only have a limited time to file a personal injury claim.
Following these tips can potentially help you build a strong personal injury case. If another party caused a serious injury, a skilled attorney may assist you with holding them accountable and claiming compensation for your damages, harms, and losses. Ronald Bone, P.A., has more than 30 years of experience with complex personal injury cases in Tampa, so reach out to our team as soon as possible to learn more about our legal services for your serious injury case.
FAQs
How Do You Prove Liability for a Serious Injury in Tampa?
To prove liability for a serious injury in Tampa, you need to gather evidence that shows the defendant’s was at fault and their negligence directly caused your damages, harms, and losses. Hire a serious injury lawyer who can help you gather and preserve important evidence, and they can walk you through the initial steps of building your case. You must establish liability for your damages before you can claim any compensation.
What Is a Serious Injury Case Worth in Tampa?
The potential value of a serious injury case in Tampa depends on several factors. You may have grounds to claim compensation for property damage, medical bills, lost income, lost future earning capacity, future care, and pain and suffering. Depending on how the defendant caused your injury, they could also be forced to pay punitive damages. Consult your Tampa personal injury attorney for an estimate of your case’s total potential value.
What Does Comparative Negligence Mean in a Personal Injury Case?
In a personal injury case, comparative negligence means multiple parties share fault for the damages the plaintiff suffered. A plaintiff can still recover compensation if they were partially at fault, but they lose a percentage of their case award to reflect their shared liability. However, if the plaintiff’s fault percentage is determined to be greater than 50% in Florida, they may be barred from recovering compensation. Your attorney can explain how this works and whether this could come into play in your case.
Why Should I Hire a Serious Injury Lawyer?
You should hire a serious injury lawyer because your case is likely to be far more difficult to resolve than it may appear at first. It may also have many unanticipated factors that affect value that are not easy to see or understand. An experienced trial attorney will uncover and address important factors in your case that could change the outcome completely. Your attorney can handle the procedural aspects of your case while you focus on your recovery, and you’re more likely to maximize your total compensation with their help. You are much more likely to reach a positive outcome with an attorney representing you.
Contact Tampa Personal Injury Lawyer Today
Ronald Bone, P.A., has years of experience helping Tampa clients build personal injury claims for serious injuries. When it comes to what to do after a serious injury in Tampa, one of the most important steps to take is to hire an injury lawyer with proven experience handling important cases like yours. Contact us to schedule a free consultation.
