What To Do After A Car Accident In Tampa (2026)
Contributor
Reviewed By Adam Ramirez, J.D.
Editor
Summary
- Taking the right steps after a car accident can protect your rights
- Speak with the police and gather evidence from the scene before leaving
- Don’t accept settlements or record a statement without consulting a lawyer
The aftermath of a crash can be stressful and confusing. But knowing what to do after a car accident in Tampa can protect your right to recover losses.
Florida laws are complex when it comes to auto accidents, so being able to prove the type of injuries you suffered and how the crash occurred could mean the chance to file a claim not just with your own personal injury protection insurance, but also against the other party’s.
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Key Steps to Take After a Tampa Car Accident
Knowing what to do after a car accident can protect both your health and your odds of securing a settlement in the future. Here’s what to do if you’ve been involved in a crash:
Check for Injuries and Contact Emergency Services
The first thing to do is to assess whether you or anyone else in your vehicle is hurt. If you’re actively bleeding, experiencing significant pain or think you have hit your head or spine, you should avoid moving. Otherwise, get out of the vehicle if you can to wait for paramedics.
As soon as emergency services arrive, have them assess you fully. Some injuries might not be apparent right after the crash, so getting medical care is important. Aside from receiving quick help, this begins a record of your medical needs, which could be important for a future legal claim.
Seek Medical Treatment
If you suffer serious injuries in the crash, you might be rushed straight to a hospital. If you aren’t, it’s still important to seek medical treatment as soon as you reasonably can. Florida has a strict 14-day deadline for seeking medical care after a car accident. If you wait more than 14 days after the crash to see a doctor, your PIP provider can deny your claim.
Waiting too long to seek treatment can also weaken your legal claim if you file a lawsuit. If you don’t see a doctor right after the crash, the other side could reasonably argue that your injuries are not as serious as you’re claiming.
Speak With the Police and Get a Report Number
When considering what to do after a car accident in Tampa, ensure that police officers get to the scene. They will likely create a crash report for the accident that you might find helpful later. If you’re not certain how to get a police report for a car accident, know that you can do so at your local station or online via the Traffic Crash Reports portal.
Gather Evidence From the Scene
If you’re able, take pictures and videos of the vehicles, your injuries, road conditions and anything else that clearly shows how the crash occurred. You should get contact information and statements from witnesses, too.
Let Your Insurer Know About the Accident
Tell your insurance company that you have been in an accident. Until you speak with a Tampa car accident lawyer, however, you should not offer too many details about how the crash occurred. This includes taking the blame for the wreck.
Contact an Attorney to Represent You
You will also want to make sure you hire a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. This is especially important if you sustain losses that go beyond what your insurance covers.
Common Mistakes to Avoid After a Tampa Car Accident
Knowing what to do after car and truck accidents is important, but so is understanding what to avoid. These tips may help you avoid costly mistakes down the line:
Don’t Apologize or Admit Fault
Many people automatically say “I’m sorry” at the scene of a crash. Don’t do this! Apologizing, admitting fault or even insinuating you were at fault (by saying things like “I didn’t see the other car coming”) can be used against you.
Don't Agree to a Recorded Statement Without Consulting a Lawyer First
Technically, the adjuster that the insurance company assigns to your claim is supposed to be an impartial investigator. However, they often look for ways to twist your words and use them against you.
Recorded statements make this even easier. If you’re asked to make one, politely decline until you talk to a lawyer.
Don’t Give the Insurance Company Too Many Details
Insurance companies will scrutinize any statement you give them, looking for a reason to deny your claim. Keep any answers you give them concise, and don’t volunteer information they didn’t ask for.
Don’t Post About the Crash on Social Media
Insurance adjusters may comb through your social media accounts to see if they can use your posts to devalue your claim. Most lawyers suggest you refrain from posting about the accident.
Don’t Accept Settlement Offers Without Consulting a Lawyer
An insurance company may reach out to offer you a car accident settlement soon after the crash. When an insurer does this, they are trying to lock you into a settlement before you realize what your case is worth.
You should never accept an early settlement before consulting an attorney. A lawyer can tell you whether the offer is reasonable or not.
Free Car Accident Case Review
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Trust ConsumerShield After a Tampa Car Accident
Not sure how to find a trusted local lawyer for your accident claim? At ConsumerShield, we can help you connect with a dependable and experienced attorney in Tampa. Contact our team to learn more about your options today.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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You can step outside of Florida’s no-fault insurance laws if you have sustained serious injuries.
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Florida has modified comparative negligence laws. These laws permit accident victims to still recover losses as long as they don’t hold the majority of the blame.
