Many accidents take place in intersections as a result of a driver failing to yield right of way or failing to stop at a stoplight or stop sign. Even though fault may seem clear, you should be extremely careful of what you say to the insurance company of the at-fault driver. A seemingly innocent statement can result in the insurance company assigning a percentage of the blame on you.
At the Hancock Law Firm, P.A., our lawyers represent people who are injured in all types of accidents involving motor vehicles. Before you talk to the insurance company, contact us today for a free consultation with our Tampa intersection accident lawyers.
Fault and Intersection Accidents
Florida is a comparative fault state. This means that your recovery in a motor vehicle accident can be reduced by any percentage of fault that can be assigned to you.
Even though the other driver may accept responsibility for the accident, his or her story can change later when you seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. It's important to gather and preserve evidence such as skid marks, vehicle damage and witness statements immediately following the accident. Otherwise, this evidence can be lost.
Insurance companies are experienced in getting people to say things that will damage their claim. For example, the insurance adjuster may ask you if you looked both ways before crossing the intersection. If you say you didn't look both ways because you had the right of way, you could still be assigned a percentage of fault because you failed to look. To protect your right to full compensation, you should let your lawyer talk to the insurance company for you.
From our office in Tampa, our lawyers represent car accident victims in the Tampa Bay area, including St. Petersburg and Clearwater, and throughout Florida.
Contact Our Hillsborough County Red Light Violation Accident Lawyers
We offer a free, confidential consultation at 888-975-1110 (toll free) or 813-915-1110 , and our phones are answered 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can also reach attorney Mike Hancock or Claire Hancock by e-mail.
