When you’re injured in a car accident in Tampa, the aftermath can feel overwhelming. Between mounting medical bills, lost wages, and physical pain, you need a Tampa car accident lawyer who will protect your interests. At Jurewitz Law Group Injury & Accident Lawyers, our dedicated attorneys understand the challenges accident victims face in Hillsborough County. We work hard to pursue compensation for our clients so they can focus on recovery.
Car accidents happen every day on Tampa’s busy roadways. Interstate 275, Interstate 4, and major streets like Dale Mabry Highway see countless collisions. Some accidents result in minor injuries, while others cause life-altering damage. Regardless of the severity, you deserve legal representation that protects your interests and holds negligent drivers accountable.
Why Choose Jurewitz Law Group Injury & Accident Lawyers for Your Tampa Car Accident Case
When you’ve been injured in a car accident, you need attorneys with the knowledge and resources to handle your claim effectively. Jurewitz Law Group Injury & Accident Lawyers brings decades of combined experience handling car accident cases throughout Hillsborough County and Florida.
Our results demonstrate our commitment to pursuing compensation for our clients. We’ve recovered over $250 million for clients nationwide, including significant settlements for accident victims. Our attorneys have secured substantial recoveries in complex cases, including a $19.1 million settlement for a mother and daughter killed by a semi-truck and $1.8 million for a trucking accident victim. While every case is unique, our case results show our dedication to pursuing compensation.
Our team includes Florida-licensed attorneys with extensive knowledge of Tampa’s roads, courts, and legal procedures. Attorney Gregg Spagnolia, who handles cases from our Tampa office, brings nearly a decade of experience in Florida personal injury law. Our firm has earned recognition from prestigious legal organizations, including Super Lawyers recognition for founding attorney Ross Jurewitz and Million Dollar Advocates Forum membership for multiple attorneys.
We exclusively represent injury victims—never insurance companies or corporations. This means our interests align completely with yours. We handle all car accident cases on a contingency fee basis, so you pay no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for your case. Additionally, we advance all case expenses, allowing you to focus on recovery while we handle the legal work.
Common Causes of Car Accidents in Tampa
Understanding what causes car accidents helps identify liable parties and build stronger cases. Many accidents in Tampa result from driver error and negligence.
Distracted driving has become the leading cause of car accidents. Texting while driving increases crash risk, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. In Tampa’s heavy traffic, even a momentary glance at a phone can cause a devastating collision. Other distractions include eating, adjusting the radio, or talking to passengers.
Speeding and aggressive driving significantly increase accident likelihood and injury severity. Excessive speed reduces reaction time and increases impact force. Many Tampa drivers exceed posted speed limits, especially on interstate highways during rush hour.
Impaired driving from alcohol or drugs remains a serious problem. Impaired drivers have slower reaction times, poor judgment, and reduced coordination. These factors make accidents more likely and more severe. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, impaired driving claims thousands of lives annually.
Failure to follow traffic laws causes many accidents. Running red lights, failing to yield, improper lane changes, and ignoring stop signs all create dangerous situations. Reckless driving behaviors put everyone on the road at risk.
Weather conditions on Tampa roadways can contribute to accidents. Heavy rain reduces visibility and tire traction. Wet roads increase stopping distances and make vehicles harder to control.
Vehicle defects can also cause accidents. Faulty brakes, steering problems, tire failures, and other mechanical issues may cause drivers to lose control. In these cases, manufacturers may share liability for resulting injuries through product liability claims.
Understanding Liability in Tampa Car Accident Cases
Determining who is responsible for a car accident is crucial for your claim. Florida law provides a framework for establishing liability and allocating fault among parties.
Florida follows a modified comparative negligence system. Under this law, you can recover compensation even if you were partially at fault for the accident, as long as your fault does not exceed 50 percent. Your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found 20 percent at fault and total damages are $100,000, you would receive $80,000.
This law changed in March 2023 when Florida moved from pure comparative negligence to modified comparative negligence under House Bill 837. This change means you must be 50 percent or less at fault to recover any compensation. An experienced Tampa personal injury attorney can help minimize your percentage of fault while maximizing the liability of other parties.
Establishing liability requires proving four elements. First, the other driver owed you a duty of care—a legal obligation to drive safely. Second, they breached that duty through negligent or reckless conduct. Third, their breach caused your accident. Fourth, you suffered damages as a result.
Multiple parties may share liability in some accidents. For example, a negligent driver might hit you, but a vehicle manufacturer might also bear responsibility if a defect contributed to the crash. Your attorney can identify all liable parties and pursue compensation from each.
Insurance companies often use aggressive tactics to minimize settlements. They may contact you quickly after an accident, hoping to obtain recorded statements or quick settlements before you understand your injuries. An attorney protects you from these tactics while building the strongest possible case.
Types of Damages You Can Recover
Car accident victims can recover compensation for various losses resulting from their injuries. Understanding what damages are available helps ensure you pursue full compensation.
Medical expenses represent a major component of car accident claims. This includes emergency room treatment, hospital stays, surgery, physical therapy, and ongoing medical care. Future medical expenses for long-term treatment and rehabilitation are also recoverable.
Lost wages compensate you for income lost while recovering from your injuries. If your injuries prevent you from working, you can recover the wages you would have earned. Lost earning capacity applies when injuries permanently reduce your ability to earn income in the future.
Pain and suffering damages compensate you for physical pain and emotional distress caused by your injuries. These non-economic damages recognize the real impact accidents have on your quality of life.
Property damage covers the cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle. This includes the vehicle’s fair market value if it’s totaled beyond repair.
Emotional distress and psychological injuries are also recoverable. Many accident victims experience anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress following serious accidents. These injuries deserve compensation.
Permanent disability or disfigurement from accident injuries can significantly impact your life. Scarring, loss of limb function, or other permanent changes warrant substantial compensation.
Florida’s No-Fault Insurance System and Your Rights
Florida operates a unique no-fault insurance system that affects how car accident claims work. Understanding this system is essential for protecting your rights.
Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance is required for all Florida drivers. PIP covers 80 percent of reasonable medical expenses and a portion of lost wages, up to $10,000 in benefits. This coverage applies regardless of who caused the accident.
The serious injury threshold determines whether you can step outside Florida’s no-fault system and sue the at-fault driver for full damages. You meet this threshold if you suffer permanent injury, significant scarring or disfigurement, or substantial loss of bodily function.
When you meet the serious injury threshold, you can pursue a negligence claim against the at-fault driver. This allows you to recover full compensation for all damages, including pain and suffering. Without meeting this threshold, you’re limited to PIP benefits.
Uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage protects you if the at-fault driver lacks sufficient insurance. This coverage helps ensure you receive fair compensation even when the other driver’s insurance is inadequate.
Florida law imposes strict deadlines for filing car accident claims. You have two years from the accident date to file a negligence-based personal injury lawsuit. This deadline was reduced from four years in March 2023 under House Bill 837. Acting quickly preserves your rights and allows your attorney to gather evidence before it’s lost.
What to Do After a Car Accident in Tampa
Taking the right steps immediately after an accident protects your health and strengthens your legal claim.
Call 911 if anyone is injured or if there’s significant property damage. Police will document the accident and create an official report. This report becomes important evidence for your claim. Learn more about how to read a police accident report in Florida.
Seek medical attention immediately, even if you feel fine. Some injuries don’t show symptoms right away. Whiplash, internal injuries, and head trauma may not be apparent at the accident scene. Getting prompt medical care creates documentation of your injuries and helps establish the connection between the accident and your medical condition.
Document the accident scene if it’s safe to do so. Take photographs of vehicle damage, the accident location, traffic signs, and road conditions. Get contact information from witnesses and the other driver. Note the other driver’s insurance information and vehicle details.
Report the accident to your insurance company, but be careful about what you say. Avoid admitting fault or discussing your injuries in detail. Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize claims, so limit your statements to basic facts.
Contact an attorney as soon as possible. An experienced car accident lawyer can protect your rights from the beginning. Your attorney handles all communication with insurance companies, preventing you from saying anything that could hurt your case.
Avoid posting about your accident on social media. Insurance companies monitor social media and may use your posts against you. Don’t discuss your injuries or the accident with anyone except your attorney.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tampa Car Accidents
How long do I have to file a car accident claim in Tampa?
Florida law provides a two-year statute of limitations for negligence-based personal injury claims. This deadline was reduced from four years, effective March 24, 2023. You must file your lawsuit within two years of the accident date or lose your right to pursue compensation. Acting quickly is essential to protect your rights. For more information, see our guide on Florida legal timelines for suing after an accident.
Can I recover compensation if I was partially at fault?
Yes. Florida’s modified comparative negligence law allows you to recover compensation even if you were partially at fault, as long as your fault does not exceed 50 percent. Your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found 30 percent at fault and total damages are $100,000, you would receive $70,000. Learn more about comparative negligence in Florida law.
What is my Tampa car accident case worth?
The value of your case depends on many factors, including the severity of your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and the degree of fault of each party. Our attorneys can provide a more accurate assessment after reviewing the specific details of your case during a free consultation. See our article on how much is my personal injury case worth.
How much does it cost to hire a car accident lawyer?
Jurewitz Law Group Injury & Accident Lawyers handles car accident cases on a contingency fee basis. You pay no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for your case. We advance all case expenses, so you have no upfront costs. This arrangement allows you to access skilled legal representation without financial burden during your recovery.
Contact Jurewitz Law Group Injury & Accident Lawyers for Your Free Consultation
If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Tampa or anywhere in Hillsborough County, don’t wait to seek legal representation. The sooner you contact our office, the better we can protect your rights and build a strong case for compensation.
During your free consultation, we will review the details of your accident and injuries. We’ll explain your legal rights and options under Florida law. We’ll answer your questions and provide honest guidance about the strength of your case and potential compensation.
Our Tampa office is conveniently located at 730 S Sterling Ave, Suite 305, Tampa, FL 33609. We serve clients throughout Hillsborough County, including Tampa, Plant City, Temple Terrace, Brandon, Riverview, Valrico, and surrounding communities.
Contact us today at (813) 605-1100 for your free consultation. You can also fill out our online contact form or email us with details about your accident. We’re available 24/7 for emergency consultations.
Remember, Florida’s two-year statute of limitations creates an urgent deadline for filing your claim. Evidence can be lost, and witnesses’ memories fade over time. The sooner you contact Jurewitz Law Group Injury & Accident Lawyers, the stronger your case becomes. Don’t let insurance companies take advantage of you during this difficult time. Let our experienced Tampa car accident lawyers handle the legal aspects of your case while you focus on healing and recovery.
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