Odessa Car Accident
Auto Collision Lawyers Representing Injured People in Odessa, Florida
Whether you are traveling at higher speeds on the Suncoast Parkway through Odessa, Florida, or you are simply backing out of a parking spot in a local retail establishment or restaurant, a car accident can lead to life-threatening and disabling injuries. Much too often, another driver’s negligence leads to a serious auto wreck. If you or someone you love recently suffered serious injuries in a car crash, it is important to discuss your case with a Odessa car accident lawyer as soon as possible. One of the experienced personal injury lawyers at Kemp Law Law Group can speak with you about your options.
Steps for Seeking Compensation from a Odessa Car Accident
If you or someone you love was involved in a Odessa car accident, it is important to understand the steps you will need to take in order to seek compensation. Most car crash claims begin with an auto insurance claim, but in some cases, it could make sense to begin the process of seeking financial compensation by filing a car accident lawsuit. Generally speaking, the following are the steps you will need to take in order to seek compensation after a car collision:
- Gather information at the scene of the collision: You should obtain as much information as you can at the scene of the crash. Most importantly, you should take a wide variety of photos that you can use when you file an insurance claim and when you file a car accident lawsuit. You should take photos that depict multiple angles and perspectives, with some close-up shots showing details and other pictures depicting the larger area where the accident occurred. You can take these photos on your smartphone. In addition to photographs, you should obtain contact information for any witnesses, as well as for anyone involved in the collision. Be sure to obtain contact information and insurance information and other data from any other drivers who were involved in the crash.
- Seek medical attention: You should seek medical attention as soon as possible after you have been involved in a car accident. Many types of auto crash injuries do not result in immediate signs or symptoms, and your injury could worsen if it is not treated in a timely manner. If something like this happens, the at-fault party could argue that you are partially at fault for the severity of the injury. Florida’s comparative fault law could then result in your damages award being reduced by your percentage of the fault.
- File your insurance claim: Since Florida is a no-fault state for insurance purposes, you will need to begin the claims process by filing a first-party auto insurance claim through your own auto insurance company. You will likely be eligible for compensation through your personal injury protection (PIP) insurance. However, if you suffered a serious injury in the collision and your own auto insurance is insufficient to cover your losses, you may be able to file a car accident lawsuit.
- File your car accident lawsuit: In no-fault states like Florida, in order to be eligible to file a car accident lawsuit against the at-fault party, you will need to be able to show that you suffered a serious injury. Your Odessa car accident lawyer can help with this process. You should also know that the statute of limitations for most car accident lawsuits under Florida law is four years. Accordingly, you will only have four years from the date of the car accident to file a lawsuit. It is always better to begin working with a car accident attorney as soon as possible to prevent valuable evidence from being lost in your case. The longer you wait, the more likely it is that witnesses will not be able to remember precise details from the collision, for example, that could help you to win your case.
Contact a Odessa Car Accident Attorney
There are also a lot of technical details for an attorney to deal with. For example, in Florida, it can be necessary to file a lawsuit before the statute of limitations runs out. This is important because failing to file before then means the loss of your right to file one forever. If your claim is against any type of government, the limits and restrictions on filing are often more difficult.
Call us at (727) 788-6792 or submit a contact form for a free consultation.
Directions to Our Nearest Office
Why Should I Hire Kemp Law?
It is very easy to describe what Kemp Law Law Group does. Our mission statement says it all. We strive to “relentlessly pursue protecting our clients and improving our community through respect, communication and service.” Put more simply, we help people.
Everything we do is with that singular purpose in mind. If a client has been injured by someone else, we will do everything we can to make sure they get the best possible medical care at little or no expense to them. If a client is going through a divorce, we will vigorously work to help them get everything they need to put the pieces of their life back together and to make sure their rights are protected.
Our firm is unique; we are committed to our community and our clients with a level of legal expertise that is among the highest in the area. In fact, we were featured in Positively Tampa for our efforts.
Our attorneys are members of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum and the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum, a national group that provides a network for information exchange, local assistance and case referrals to top trial lawyers in America who have won large, complex cases. Fewer than 1% of attorneys nationwide earn this high distinction. We always provide legal representation in your best interests, maintaining open communication lines, and keeping you updated about your case every step of the way.
Regardless of where you live in the Tampa Bay region, including Hillsborough, Pasco, Pinellas, and Hernando Counties, we look forward to helping you make the best of your situation. Many of our attorneys have been acclaimed as among the 1% of all attorneys in the country, and they’re right here in our area, ready to help you.
Common Questions About Car Accidents in Odessa, FL
- How much does it cost to hire a personal injury lawyer? All personal injury cases we agree to take on are handled on a “contingency fee basis”. This means you pay nothing upfront. Instead, our pay depends upon our recovering money for your damages from the insurance company. If we are unable to recover money on your behalf, you owe us nothing. In the event we are successful in recovering money, we will get paid a portion of the settlement.
- What kind of compensation can I receive? Depending on the severity of the injury, you can receive compensation for medical expenses, lost wages for missing work, and pain & suffering.
- How long do I have to file a personal injury claim? In Florida, the statute of limitations depends on the type of injury. It can range from two (2) to four (4) years and sometimes five (5) years, after the injuring incident.
Living in Odessa
Odessa, Florida is a small lake-filled suburban community that sits just a short drive from Tampa Bay. It has a population of just under 8,000 people and most of them are homeowners. Home values here exceed both the national average and the Florida average.
Odessa, which sits within both Pasco and Hillsborough counties, was historically a horse ranching community before many of its ranches became neighborhoods. Take a drive through Odessa, and it’s easy to see why its residents enjoy its small-town feeling and the lushness of the many orange groves that still dot the landscape.
According to government statistics, this is one of the safest communities in Florida. It’s home to many families and retirees who enjoy living in a relatively small community while still being fairly close to Tampa.
Odessa Local Services & Emergency Contact Information
In an emergency, always call 911.
After a motor vehicle crash:
- Florida Highway Patrol – (727) 788-6792
- Pasco County Sheriff’s Office Emergency Dial 911 Nonemergency (727) 788-6792
- Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office Emergency Dial 911 Nonemergency (727) 788-6792
- Odessa Car Accident Lawyer – (727) 788-6792
Fire Department
- Odessa Fire Emergency – Dial 911
Police/Sheriff Departments
- Florida Highway Patrol – (727) 788-6792
- Pasco County Sheriff’s Office Emergency Dial 911 Nonemergency (727) 788-6792
- Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office Emergency Dial 911 Nonemergency (727) 788-6792
- Odessa Car Accident Lawyer – (727) 788-6792
Hospital
- AdventHealth Central Pasco ER (727) 788-6792 – Dial 911
FAQs
you deserve answers
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How Do I Know Who Was At-Fault?
Fault is determined by the evidence collected during the investigation. We look to many things to determine fault in the case: we look to the police report, we look to witness statements, we look to the property damage to the vehicles, skid marks, layout of the cars, etc. Sometimes we even have to refer to accident re-constructionists to do a professional examination of the all the evidence to do a recommendation for us, but that does not happen in very many cases.
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Will I Recover Monetary Damages?
It depends on who was at fault for the accident. If you were at fault, your insurance company will pay for the damage to the vehicle. If you were not at fault, the at-fault driver’s or owner’s insurance policy will pay for the damage, and if they do not have enough coverage to cover the damage to your vehicle, your collision coverage (if purchased) would pay for the damage to your vehicle.
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What Documents Will I Need?
We like you to bring the driver’s exchange of information that the police officer gives you at the scene. We also like you bring any photographs of damage at the scene. Also bring your health insurance cards and your auto insurance cards or declarations page, so we can review the coverage available to you.
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What Should I Say To The Insurance Company?
The at-fault party’s insurance company could ask you to give them a recorded statement. You do not have to give them a recorded statement. However, if your own insurance company asks you for a recorded statement please seek advice from your attorney so that they can assist you in giving that statement. But yes you do have to comply and you do have to give your insurance company a recorded statement.
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Will I Have To Go To Court?
Actually, most cases, or a large percentage of the cases are resolved pre-suit, which means the cases never go to court. We work with the insurance companies before filing suit to try to find a fair resolution for the client, which save money on expenses, court costs and attorney’s fees.
