TRAFFIC SAFETY IN THE SUNSHINE STATE
Car accidents are commonplace in Florida. There are approximately a quarter-million auto collisions in the Sunshine State each year, and Tampa is no exception. Hillsborough County witnesses thousands of car accidents each year, many of which result in severe or fatal injuries.
The majority of these accidents are a result of driver negligence, which includes speeding, drunk driving, distracted driving, and driver fatigue. When a driver’s carelessness causes a crash, injured innocent parties are entitled to financial compensation for their accident damages.
If you or a loved one sustained a severe or fatal injury in a Tampa car accident, hiring an attorney can help you secure financial compensation for your losses. Call 1-800-Injured to get connected with a car accident attorney today.
COMMON TYPES OF CAR ACCIDENTS IN TAMPA
In 2018, there was a total of 27,904 car accidents in Hillsborough County, Florida. These crashes resulted in a total of 20,687 injuries and 191 traffic fatalities. While most accidents are minor, some of the most dangerous car crashes in Tampa are head-on and side-impact collisions.
Head-on Collisions: Head-on collisions occur when the front ends of two different vehicles collide from opposite directions. These accidents are the most dangerous, mainly due to the speed at impact, and often result in severe or fatal injuries. Front-end accidents also qualify as a single vehicle collision if the driver ran into a stationary object.
Side-Impact Collisions: Side-impact car accidents, also known as T-bone collisions, occur when one vehicle crashes into the broadside of another car. These life-threatening accidents are common at intersections when drivers make a left turn without yielding to oncoming traffic. It could also happen if a driver ran through a red-light or stop sign.
Other Frequent Accidents
Other types of frequent car accidents in Tampa, Florida include rear-end collisions, merging accidents, and single vehicle accidents.
Rear-End Collisions: Rear-end collisions are frequent and occur when the front end of one vehicle crashes into the backside of another care. This type of crash is often the result of tailgating, which is when one car follows another car to tightly. In most cases, the following vehicle is held liable for the crash.
Merging Accidents: Merging accidents occur when one car enters a roadway or changes lanes without adequately checking their blind spots. These accidents are common on Tampa’s I-4 which is one of the deadliest interstates in the nation based on fatalities per mile.
Single Vehicle Accidents: Single vehicle accidents also account for a substantial portion of the total car accidents in Tampa. These accidents happen when one car collides with a stationary object and could be caused by intoxicated or distracted drivers.
COMPENSATION AFTER A TAMPA CAR ACCIDENT
A car accident can happen in a split second and instantly change the course of your life. If you or a loved one sustained a severe or fatal injury in a Tampa car crash, it is vital that you understand how to recover financial compensation for your accident losses. Getting the money you need is key to a successful recovery, so it’s essential that you report the accident and file a claim with your auto insurance provider.
Filing an Insurance Claim
Since Florida is a no-fault state, after a car accident, drivers have to file an injury claim with their car insurance company to obtain coverage for some of their accident losses. By law, all motorist must purchase a minimum of $10,000 in Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage. Your PIP benefits are intended to cover a portion of your medical bills and lost wages.
Having legal representation when filing an insurance claim can be very beneficial. A car accident attorney can protect your settlement amount from being based on improper investigations and shady adjustment practices. Your attorney will stand up to resistant insurance companies so that you recover a reasonable settlement that covers all of your injuries.
HOW 1-800 INJURED CAN HELP!
If you need help recovering the money for your damages after a Tampa car accident, 1-800-Injured can connect you with a lawyer near you. 1-800-Injured is an attorney and medical referral service that assists car accident victims in South Florida to get in touch with the help they need. We work with a network of personal injury attorneys that work hard to get their clients the best possible outcome for their case. Call us toll-free at 1-800-Injured to get started on your case today.