After a car accident in Tampa, you need to know how long you have to file a claim or lawsuit to pursue compensation for your injuries. The clock starts ticking when the collision happens, and you have limited time to act. Don’t miss your chance to get the compensation you deserve for your injuries and losses.
Statute of Limitations for Car Accident Injury Claims
In Florida, the statute of limitations for most car accident injury claims allows an injured party two years from the accident date to file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver. If you don’t file your lawsuit within this time frame, you lose your right to seek compensation through the court system.
Some exceptions to this rule exist. If the at-fault driver leaves Florida after causing the accident, you could be granted an extension on the statutory deadlines. This exception arises because the at-fault driver should be unable to avoid responsibility for their actions by simply leaving the state. If they leave Florida, the clock on the statute of limitations may pause until they return.
Another exception to the two-year statute of limitations applies to injured minors. If the person hurt in the car accident is under 18 years old at the time of the crash, the two-year time limit doesn’t begin to count down until they reach their 18th birthday. This gives minors more time to file a claim and seek compensation for their injuries.
It’s important to note that the statute of limitations applies to filing a lawsuit, not to reporting the accident or your injuries to the insurance company. You should always report the accident and your injuries to your insurance company as soon as possible, regardless of whether you plan to file a lawsuit. If you fail to report the accident promptly, the insurance company could deny your claim. Check your insurance policy to determine the filing deadline your insurer assigns to auto insurance claims.
Getting Medical Treatment for Your Injuries
One of the most important things you can do after a car accident is to get medical treatment for your injuries. Even if you don’t think you were seriously hurt, getting checked out by a doctor is always a good idea. Some injuries, like whiplash or concussions, may not show symptoms right away, but they can still cause serious problems down the road.
When you see a doctor, be sure to tell them that you were in a car accident and describe your symptoms in detail. Be specific about where you feel pain, how severe the pain is, and identify any other symptoms you’re experiencing, such as dizziness, headaches, or difficulty sleeping. Follow the treatment plan from your doctor and attend all your follow-up appointments. This will help you recover from your injuries and demonstrate to the insurance company that you’re taking your injuries seriously.
Keep a record of all your medical bills and expenses, as you can include them in your injury claim. Keep copies of the bills for doctor’s visits, hospital stays, prescription medications, and other medical expenses related to your injuries. Additionally, make sure to track any out-of-pocket expenses, such as transportation to and from your medical appointments.
If your serious injuries require ongoing treatment, you may need to take time off work to recover. Keep track of any missed work days and lost wages, as you may be able to include these in your injury claim. Your attorney can help you find out what types of compensation you may be able to seek for your claim.
Gathering Evidence to Support Your Claim
To build a strong injury claim, you’ll need evidence to support your case. Start gathering this evidence as soon as possible after the accident. Take photos of the scene of the accident, as well as any injuries and damage to your vehicle. If there were any witnesses to the accident, get their names and contact information. Their testimony could be valuable in supporting your claim.
If the police responded to the accident, get a copy of the police report. This report will contain important information about the accident, such as the names and contact information of the parties involved, a description of what happened, and any citations or violations issued.
Keep track of every expense related to your injuries. This can include prescription medications, physical therapy, and even transportation costs to and from your medical appointments. The more documentation you have of your expenses, the stronger your claim will be.
If you miss work because of your injuries, keep track of your lost wages as well. You can include these in your injury claim. Provide your attorney with copies of your pay stubs or other documentation of your income before the accident, as well as any documentation of the time you missed from work due to your injuries.
Working with an Experienced Car Accident Attorney
Navigating the aftermath of a car accident is overwhelming, particularly when you’re also dealing with injuries. This is where the skills of a seasoned car accident attorney come into play.
By hiring an attorney, you can shift the legal burdens of your case onto their shoulders, which allows you to prioritize your recovery. They’ll manage all the details of the case, including communication with insurance companies, collecting evidence to bolster your claim, and engaging in negotiations with insurance adjusters to pursue a just settlement. Should negotiations stall, your attorney is prepared to take your case to court, advocating on your behalf before a judge and jury.
The Importance of Acting Quickly
Time is of the essence when it comes to car accident claims. The sooner you report the accident and your injuries and hire a lawyer, the better your chances of building a strong case and getting the compensation you need to cover your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other expenses.
Don’t let the statute of limitations run out on your injury claim. Take action now to protect your rights and move forward after a serious car accident. Contact Jurewitz Law Group Injury & Accident Lawyers at (619) 233-5020 today to schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced Tampa car accident attorneys. We’ll assess your case thoroughly and advise you about your legal avenues. Let us take on your case so you can concentrate on your recovery while we pursue the compensation you’re entitled to.
