Interstate 75 is one of the best ways to travel the length of Florida’s Gulf Coast, moving motorists from the Georgia border all the way to Miramar and Miami. However, convenient as it may be, I-75 is not without risk. Even on bright, sunny days, accidents can still happen—and they often do, occurring with alarming regularity. For survivors, the consequences could seem borderline catastrophic, wrecking their bodies and depleting their bank accounts. While no amount of money can ever compensate for a life-changing accident, a personal injury settlement might help victims regain control over their lives and protect their rights after a Florida I-75 car accident. 
Since our founding in 1976, DeLoach, Hofstra & Cavonis, P.A., has fought relentlessly for our clients’ best interests, securing millions of dollars in damages for car crash victims and their families.
5 Steps to Take to Protect Your Rights After an I-75 Car Accident
Nobody should ever be forced to bear the burden of another driver’s mistake. In Florida, accident victims have a legal right to file a claim for compensation against the person or party who caused their injuries.
Unfortunately, negotiating an insurance settlement—let alone swaying a judge or jury—is rarely an easy feat. Survivors must often be proactive, striving to protect and preserve their rights before even filing a complaint. If you or a loved one was injured in a car crash in or around Sun City Center, take these steps to secure your rights to a fair legal recovery.
1. Call 9-1-1
Florida law requires that the driver of any motor vehicle involved in an accident immediately contact law enforcement if the collision resulted in:
- Estimated property damage in excess of $500
- Injury
- Death
Even if the responding officer cannot determine fault, their report could still be used as evidence in eventual insurance negotiations or at trial.
2. Seek Prompt Medical Attention
You should always get medical attention right away after an interstate accident, even if you don’t believe you’ve been seriously injured. A physician identifies, diagnoses, and treats delayed-onset injuries—including those that might not have any immediately noticeable symptoms, but which could cause significant complications if left unaddressed.
Common “invisible injuries” include, but aren’t limited to:
- Whiplash
- Internal organ damage
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
While a single appointment may not be sufficient to address all of your emergent medical needs, seeing the doctor could—at the very least—show the insurance company that you have legitimate concerns about your health and don’t simply want to capitalize on an unfortunate accident.
3. Collect Evidence
The success of almost every car accident claim is contingent on the quantity and quality of available evidence. Protect your recovery by gathering relevant evidence from the crash site, including:
- Pictures of your physical injuries
- Photographs of the damage to your motor vehicle
- A recorded note or video detailing any other dangerous conditions that could have caused or contributed to the collision
You can also lend credence to your claims by tracking the evolution of your accident-related symptoms. A pain journal, for instance, may be used to demonstrate how a collision has impacted different aspects of your life.
4. Speak to Eyewitnesses
Eyewitness testimony is often critical in personal injury claims. If another person saw your I-75 car accident, ask for their full name, phone number, and other contact information.
Even if you’re not able to locate any eyewitnesses, DeLoach, Hofstra & Cavonis, P.A., could conduct a comprehensive investigation. This inquiry may entail the identification of potential witnesses, review of surveillance camera footage, and requisition of other pertinent evidence.
5. Contact a Sun City Center Interstate Accident Attorney
The reputable lawyers at DeLoach, Hofstra & Cavonis, P.A., have spent decades fighting for the rights of Sun City Center car crash victims. Our experienced team of attorneys could help you by:
- Investigating the causes of your Florida car crash
- Identifying potential defendants
- Collecting evidence to establish a negligent motorist’s fault
- Handling insurance negotiations
- Advocating for your best interests at trial
