Car accident injuries in the Tampa or Hillsborough County area, the chances are you do not just have to deal with vehicle damage. Pain, anxiety, medical bills, and insurance headaches can accumulate fast. When you are in recovery, figuring out Florida’s legal and insurance systems by yourself can seem all but impossible.
If you suffered injuries in a car accident, the dedicated Tampa auto accident lawyers at The Black Law Company can help with all aspects of your case – protecting your rights and helping fight for compensation.
Key Takeaways
- The state of Florida uses a no-fault system, so your insurance is going to be responsible for the wreck regardless of who’s at fault.
- You must seek treatment within 14 days to qualify for benefits.
- PIP is only going to cover so much, and you might have to file a claim against the at-fault driver if you meet Florida’s threshold for a “serious injury.”
- There are strict time limits—a Florida personal injury lawsuit must generally be filed within two years.
Understanding Florida PIP Law & Your Auto Accident Claims
Florida operates under a no-fault insurance system, also known as Personal Injury Protection (PIP). This law requires that after most Tampa car accidents, your own insurance is the first to pay for your medical expenses, regardless of who caused the crash.
What You Need to Know About PIP
Mandatory Coverage
Florida law mandates that all drivers carry at least $10,000 in PIP coverage.
What PIP Covers
- 80% of medical expenses
- 60% of lost wages
- Up to the $10,000 policy limit
This coverage kicks in quickly but may not be enough—especially if your injuries are serious.
The 14-Day Rule
You must seek medical treatment within 14 days of the accident to remain eligible for PIP benefits. Missing this deadline could mean losing out on thousands of dollars in compensation.
The “Serious Injuries” Threshold
PIP benefits have limits. You also might be able to step outside the no-fault system if your car accident injuries are very serious and sue the at-fault driver. To qualify, your injuries must exceed a certain threshold in Florida known as “serious injury,” which includes:
- Permanent and substantial loss of an important body function
- Injuries that are permanent within a reasonable degree of medical probability
- Permanent, serious disfigurement or scarring
- Death
Should you have the type of injuries that do qualify, a Tampa personal injury lawyer at The Black Law Company may be able to help you seek compensation in excess of what PIP provides.
Florida Statute of Limitations: Know the Deadlines
In personal injury lawsuits, timing is everything. Strict time limits apply under Florida laws for pursuing a legal claim.
Personal Injury Lawsuit
I’m not sure exactly what it means by this. Does it mean I have 2 years since the accident happened to sue them for any injuries?
Wrongful Death Lawsuit
The family generally has two years from the date of death to file a wrongful death claim if their loved one dies as a result of the accident.
Insurance Claims
Deadlines to file with your own insurer (including PIP) can be as short as a few days or weeks, depending on the policy.
Miss a deadline, and your compensation opportunity might disappear. That is why it’s so important to call a Tampa car accident lawyer after your crash.
What to Do After a Car Accident
After a crash, things can be chaotic and confusing, but the actions that you take after a crash, both in those first few minutes and in addition to hours and days thereafter, are crucial when attempting to seek compensation for an injury.
1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Even if you are feeling “okay,” there can be some serious injuries that don’t have obvious symptoms. By going, you also establish a medical record, which will be important both for your recovery and for your legal case. And don’t forget: Florida’s PIP 14-day rule makes quick treatment mandatory.
2. Preserve the Evidence
If it’s safe to do so:
- Use your camera phone or other device to take photos or video of the incident, damage, and any visible injuries.
- Collect contact information from witnesses.
- Document — all of it — police reports, hospital bills, repair estimates, and anything related to the accident.
3. Report the Accident
Under Florida law, a police report must be made for all traffic accidents resulting in injury and death or property damage over a certain monetary amount. Ask for a copy of the report to keep in your records.
4. Be Cautious with Insurance Companies
Do not talk or provide a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurance company without talking with a lawyer first. Their adjusters are trained to reduce payouts, and anything you say may be held against you to weaken your claim.
Instead, all insurance matters will be referred directly to The Black Law Company, and a qualified Tampa insurance lawyer will deal with your situation.
Why You Need a Tampa Car Accident Attorney
We have won millions of dollars for accident victims, and we don’t rest until we’ve fully exhausted every avenue to justice. Our lawyers know the Tampa streets, courts, and local insurance companies – and we use that expertise to take on even the most difficult adversaries.
Don’t wait until you’ve already sustained car accident injuries. For your free consultation with a respected Tampa personal injury lawyer, call The Black Law Company at 813-321-7380.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How Do I Know If My Injuries Are Serious Enough to Sue?
If your injuries are permanent, disfiguring, or cause you to lose a bodily function, they might reach the threshold of what Florida calls a “serious injury” and take you out of the no-fault system.
2. What If I Miss the 14-Day Deadline for PIP?
You might give up your entitlement to PIP benefits. But based on your injuries, options may still be available to you by filing a suit for personal injury. Consult a Tampa auto accident attorney as quickly as possible.
3. Should I Talk to the Other Driver’s Insurance Company?
No. Not without legal advice. Insurance adjusters may take advantage of your words to reduce the amount you get. Always direct them to your lawyer.
4. Can I Afford a Car Accident Lawyer?
Yes. At The Black Law Company, we only get paid if you do.
5. What Is My Car Accident Case Worth?
Every case is unique. Issues such as the severity of your injuries, lost wages, medical bills, and lingering effects all come into play. Your free consultation is when we will assess your case.
Services We Offer
- Auto Accident
- Boating Accident
- Bus Accident
- Motorcycle Accident
- Amusement Park Accident
- Brain Injuries
- Burn Injury
- Child Sexual Abuse
- Construction Site
- Dog Bite
- Medical Malpractice
- Metaverse Injury
- Negligence Security
- Ride Share Accident
- Sexual Assault
- Slip and Fall
- Spinal Cord Injury
- Train Accident
- Truck Accident
- Uninsured Motorist Claims
- Wrongful Death
Call us at 813-321-7380
