What To Do After a Car Accident in Tampa?

Every week, we meet with Tampa and Orlando residents whose lives changed in an instant because of someone else’s careless driving. They come to us asking the same urgent question: “What to do after a car accident?” It’s a question that deserves more than generic advice; it requires understanding Florida’s specific laws, insurance requirements, and the critical deadlines that can make or break your claim. This guide will walk you through what to do if you get in a car accident, so you can rebuild your life, protect your rights, and secure fair compensation.

What To Do If You Get Into a Car Accident: 5 Immediate Steps to Take

In the chaotic moments following a Tampa car crash, your well-being comes first. While adrenaline is pumping, immediately take these 5 steps:

1. Check yourself and passengers for injuries and call 911 if medical help is needed.
2. Move vehicles safely out of traffic lanes and turn on your hazard lights.
3. Stay at the scene and wait for law enforcement to arrive. Leaving early is a criminal offense under Florida Statute § 316.061.
4. Stick to the facts when talking with first responders. Avoid admitting fault or making statements that could be interpreted as accepting responsibility, even if you feel it might be your fault.
5. Exchange contact, license, and insurance info with all parties involved and witnesses. Take photographs of the scene, vehicles, and any visible injuries to strengthen your Tampa car accident claim.

Be cautious when communicating with insurance companies, as they will often seek to limit the payout. Make sure to only provide basic facts and avoid detailed statements or admissions without our legal advice.

What Are Florida’s Accident Reporting Requirements?

Florida law mandates that you must report accidents within 10 days if:

• There are injuries or deaths, including complaints of pain.
• A vehicle is rendered inoperable, requiring towing.
• The accident involves suspected impaired driving or a hit-and-run.
• A commercial motor vehicle is involved, or property damage exceeds $500.00.

Note: If police don’t respond to the scene, you must file a crash report with the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) within 10 days.

What Evidence To Collect After a Car Accident in Tampa, FL?

Once you’ve ensured everyone’s safety and contacted authorities, thorough documentation is the next step. We can get a better understanding of your case if you’ve gathered:

• Photographs of vehicle damage from multiple angles, license plates, street signs, and road conditions.
• Photos of any visible injuries sustained by you or your passengers.
• Detailed notes of the exact accident location and time.
• Contact and insurance information from all drivers and passengers involved in the crash.
• Contact details of any witnesses who saw the accident.
• The official police report number.

What is Florida’s 14-Day Medical Treatment Rule?

Florida’s no-fault insurance system includes a strict 14-day deadline to seek medical care to qualify for your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits. Treatment must be from a licensed healthcare provider such as a medical doctor, osteopathic physician, chiropractor, or dentist. PIP covers 80% of reasonable medical expenses and 60% of lost wages, up to $10,000, regardless of fault. Missing this deadline can forfeit your immediate PIP coverage and weaken your injury claim, so keep treatment records and follow all medical plans.

What Do I Do After a Car Accident If I’m in a Rental Car?

If your accident involves a rental car, follow the safety steps above, then promptly notify the rental company and follow their instructions on towing, vehicle return, and accident reporting. Your PIP coverage still applies for medical expenses, but vehicle damage coverage depends on whether you purchased rental company insurance, have personal auto insurance, or are relying on the at-fault driver’s insurer. Rental companies typically are not liable for damages caused by renters, but may charge additional fees for damages or loss of use.

How Do Florida’s New Legal Deadlines Affect Your Claim?

Recent 2023 reforms may affect compensation eligibility:

• Modified Comparative Negligence: If you are over 50% at fault, you cannot recover any damages. If you are 50% or less at fault, your compensation is reduced by your fault percentage.
• Statute of Limitations: Most personal injury claims must be filed within 2 years of the accident under Florida’s new House Bill 837. Claims before March 24th, 2023, have a 4-year window.

Unsure about your filing deadline? Contact Jonathan De Armas, and we can personally explain your rights so that you don’t miss the deadline and forfeit your rights to compensation.

Looking for Legal Support After a Tampa Car Accident? Call De Armas Law

The truth is, you shouldn’t navigate insurance battles while healing from your injuries. We’ve seen too many good people get taken advantage of simply because they didn’t know what to do after a car accident to protect their rights. At De Armas Law, you’re not just another case number; you get direct attorney access and pay nothing unless we win. With our experience on both sides of these cases, we know how to fight for every dollar you deserve. Call 813-680-7777 (Tampa) or 407-362-7777 (Orlando) anytime.