Tampa is considered the fourth most dangerous city in the U.S. for car accidents. According to the latest statistics, nearly 400,000 car accidents occurred in Florida throughout the last year, with 19,278 people sustaining injuries in Hillsborough County alone. Although road accidents aren’t uncommon, people don’t always know how to react when they’re involved in an unexpected collision.
Drivers in Tampa should ensure they know what to do – and what not to do – after a collision. By seeking medical help and hiring a lawyer after a car accident in Tampa, you can ensure that you don’t suffer unnecessary harm following a car accident and that you’re able to obtain financial compensation for the injuries you’ve sustained.
You can also avoid certain actions that might hurt your claim. We discuss these in more detail below.
To ensure you’re prepared for whatever may happen on the road, take a look at these seven things you should never do after a car accident in Tampa:
1. Underestimate Your Injuries
The shock of an accident can mask pain and injuries, so don’t assume that you haven’t been seriously hurt. Instead, seek medical assistance so any potential injuries can be fully diagnosed and treated.
2. Leave the Scene
Leaving the scene of an accident is illegal and can lead to fines and jail time, so make sure you remain on the scene until the matter is properly dealt with.
3. Admit Liability
Even if you think you were at fault or contributed to the incident, don’t admit fault before you have sought legal advice from car accident lawyers in Tampa. Other factors may have contributed to the accident, so a full analysis will be required to determine who is liable for the incident.
4. Apologize
It can feel natural to apologize following a collision, even if you weren’t responsible for the crash. However, apologizing can be construed as admitting liability, so avoid saying sorry to other road users.
5. Speak with the Other Parties’ Insurers
Following an accident, it’s customary to exchange insurance information with other parties. However, don’t risk speaking to anyone else’s insurance company until you’ve contacted a car accident lawyer in Tampa. The role of their insurance company is to protect their insured and minimize your claim for compensation, so speaking with their insurers could be a costly mistake.
6. Throw Away Evidence
In the days, weeks, and months after a collision, you’ll need to gather as much evidence as possible to show who was responsible for the incident and what impact the crash has had on your life. If you throw away documentation, such as a copy of a police report or copies of your medical records, this could make it harder for you to obtain compensation in the future.
7. Share Too Much Information
Whether you’re speaking with the other people involved in the accident or witnesses at the scene, don’t give too much information away in the aftermath of a collision. Instead, disclose all relevant information to your car accident attorneys and let them assist you in claiming personal injury compensation.
Seeking Help After a Car Accident in Tampa, FL
The best way to learn more about your rights and options after a car accident in Tampa is to contact an experienced car accident lawyer. A legal professional can assess whether you have an injury claim, identify possible avenues for compensation, and formulate a strategy to maximize the value of your case.
Your lawyer can also handle all aspects of your case and help you avoid mistakes that could cost you compensation. Contact a car accident lawyer today for help after a crash in Tampa.