Car accidents are stressful, and they can be even more so when injuries, medical bills, and emotional suffering are involved. Knowing the right steps to take and how quickly to take them is crucial. Fortunately, our board-certified Tampa car accident lawyers at Florin|Roebig can help you file a claim, gather evidence and meet deadlines.
Florin|Roebig supports clients through all stages by investigating, talking to insurance companies and handling their settlement or trial. This guide explains the primary causes of car accidents in Tampa, factors that can affect your case, your legal options and why hiring a knowledgeable attorney helps ensure you get the compensation you deserve.
Common Causes of Tampa Auto Accidents
Understanding the common causes of automobile accidents in Tampa can help you determine whether your accident resulted from negligence. It can also help you avoid future collisions in a city with a population of just over 400,000 people, with millions of visitors annually.
Tampa’s high levels of tourism may mean a higher-than-average number of car crashes compared to other cities in Florida. Popular tourist attractions, like Busch Gardens, Adventure Island and the Tampa Zoo, can increase traffic, congestion and drivers unfamiliar with the roads, leading to more accidents. Tampa is also home to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers football team that plays at Raymond James Stadium, where tailgating before the game is a popular activity. With large crowds and the rush of traffic seen after games, car accidents are common in the area around the football stadium.
The Florida Crash Dashboard recorded 26,264 motor vehicle accidents with 17,359 injuries and 180 fatalities, plus 599 pedestrian accidents with 57 fatalities in Hillsborough County in 2024. The county also saw 6,473 hit-and-run accidents, with 12 fatalities. As the largest city in Hillsborough County, Tampa sees its fair share of these car crashes.
In a city full of hazards, Big Bend Road and U.S. 301 have been classified as the most dangerous roadways. Tampa’s booming population has also contributed to a large influx of traffic in areas like Channelside in downtown Tampa and the Hyde Park area. Any time there’s a large percentage of drivers who are unfamiliar with getting around a city, traffic accidents may increase.
Common causes of Tampa car accidents include:
- Distracted driving, such as using GPS to get around, texting while driving, eating, making phone calls or changing the radio.
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
- Reckless driving, such as cutting people off, speeding, tailgating or running red lights.
- Breaking driving laws, including failing to yield the right of way, ignoring traffic stops or illegal lane switching.
- Severe weather changes, such as rain, hail or dust storms.
- Improper car maintenance or faulty car parts.
- Driving with unsecured pets.
When you suffer serious consequences due to the negligence of another driver, you may have grounds to file a claim. It’s always best to discuss the details of your auto accident with an experienced auto accident lawyer.
Tampa, Florida Car Crash Rates
Car accident rates in Tampa are high. In 2024, Hillsborough County, where Tampa is located, experienced the following car crash rates:
- 26,264 car accidents
- 17,359 people injured
- 173 fatal crashes with 180 fatalities
- 23 fatalities due to DUI accidents
- 572 motorcycle crashes, with 35 fatalities
- 687 bicycle accidents, with 17 fatalities
If you’re involved in a motor vehicle accident, contact Florin|Roebig’s legal team as soon as possible. We’re upfront about case outcomes, and we’ll help you get a fair settlement for your injuries.
What To Do Following a Tampa Auto Accident
The scene of a car accident can be very confusing and chaotic, especially for inexperienced motorists. It’s vital to manage your responsibilities and protect your legal rights to a settlement. Also know that Florida law requires you to contact law enforcement for all accidents with injuries, death or auto or property damage above $500.
Steps to take following a motor vehicle accident in Tampa:
- Safety first: Call 911 (if needed), move vehicles if safe, use hazards, check for injuries, seek medical attention
- Exchange information and document everything: Photos, dashcam files, witness names and contact information, auto insurance details, police report
- Contact your insurance company: Without admitting fault or guessing about injuries
- Preserve evidence: Repair estimates, medical records, proof of time-off and lost wages
Injuries such as whiplash from rear-end collisions may not be immediately noticeable but present later. Get prompt medical treatment and track delayed symptoms to show your injury timeline.
Review what your policy covers and how much you have in personal injury protection (PIP), which Florida law requires. Insurance adjusters may lowball your damages after a car or truck accident, but having an attorney on your side helps you get the compensation you deserve.
If you believe your accident was the result of negligence or that insurers are delaying payouts, consider seeking legal advice and representation. Florin|Roebig’s team of experienced car accident lawyers offers free case evaluations that can help you determine whether to pursue a claim.
Common Tampa Car Accident Injuries
Car accidents can cause a wide variety of injuries. The extent of the injury and its associated costs can affect the compensation you receive from a personal injury claim.
Some of the most common auto accident injuries in Tampa include:
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Whiplash injuries
- Internal injuries
- Lacerations
- Burns
- Soft tissue injuries
- Fractures or broken bones
- Spinal cord injuries
- Head or neck injuries
- Paralysis or quadriplegia
- Amputation or loss of limbs
- Joint and back injuries
- Injury from airbag deployment
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Anxiety
- Depression
If a loved one died in an accident due to another person’s negligence, a wrongful death attorney at Florin|Roebig can provide legal advice and help you seek compensation from the at-fault party.
Reasons To File a Tampa Car Accident Claim
People file auto accident claims to receive compensation that helps cover expenses and to seek justice for wrongful actions. Though many car accident victims focus first on treating any serious injuries they have endured, it’s essential to understand the long-term impact of medical care and associated bills.
Whether you’re seeking restitution for medical expenses, pain and suffering, wrongful death or other damages, the attorneys at Florin|Roebig can help you determine the best way to present your case.
Some of the most common reasons to pursue a Tampa insurance claim after a crash may include:
- Holding the negligent party responsible for their actions.
- Paying for medical bills, rehabilitation, future care and medical devices.
- Repairing or replacing damaged personal property and recovering the diminished value of your vehicle.
- Covering lost wages and addressing reduced earning capacity.
- Ensuring that insurance companies pay your claim, including uninsured motorist/underinsured motorist coverage.
- Prompting local officials to put additional safety guards and accident deterrents in place.
- Seeking compensation for pain and suffering and loss of enjoyment of life.
How Much Compensation Can You Win in a Tampa Car Accident Case?
The amount of compensation you can win in a Tampa auto accident case is dependent on several factors. Florin|Roebig attorneys can help you understand what your claim is worth. This information can help you avoid feeling short-changed by insurance companies and their settlement offers, the courts or another related party after the fact.
Several aspects can influence the value of an accident claim in Tampa, such as:
- Injury type and severity
- Financial impact
- Loss of life
- Property damage
- Long-term complications and quality of life impact
- Insurance policy limits
- Your liability
You can discuss the losses you’ve incurred and what a typical car accident payout in Florida is for your specific case with a Florin|Roebig personal injury lawyer. However, avoid chasing a single “average,” as this may mean giving up compensation you’re owed.
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Factors that Affect Car Accident Claims
Once you’ve determined the eligibility of filing your case, you may discover that many factors can impact it. The lawyers at Florin|Roebig are skilled in evaluating the unique aspects of your case to prevent you from leaving money on the table.
Evidence
The challenge in any car accident case is proving that the other person owed you a duty of care, disregarded it and it led to your injuries. Supporting your claims with proof shows that the other driver was negligent and bears liability for your financial losses and other damages.
Comparative Negligence and Fault
Florida law bases car accident claims on the determination of comparative negligence or comparative fault. The courts consider the percentage of fault for each party to determine possible compensation.
- Pure comparative negligence applies to accidents before March 24, 2023, and allows anyone to seek damages for an accident, as long as their fault percentage is 99% or less.
- Modified comparative negligence, effective on March 24, 2023, means you can only seek damages from parties more at fault for the accident than you are. Anyone bearing fault greater than 50% can’t seek damages under the 51% bar rule. If you’re partially at fault, your compensation is reduced by that percentage. For example, if it’s decided that you were 20% at fault for the accident, your compensation is reduced by 20%.
Statute of Limitations
Generally, Florida’s statute of limitations for a car accident is two years for accidents after March 24, 2023, but four years for accidents that occurred before this date. It can also depend on whether there are any special circumstances.
Medical Documentation
You must show documentation of medical care and your condition. If you forego treatment, it can hurt your case. Insurance company representatives will attempt to undermine the seriousness of your injury. Furthermore, if you’re claiming coverage through your PIP policy, you must receive medical care within 14 days, per Florida law.
Coverage Limits
Your insurance company may deny some claims because you’ve reached your coverage limits for that benefit. For example, PIP coverage only covers up to 80% of reasonably incurred, accident-related medical expenses. If you have multiple insurance policies, you can stack coverage from different policies to help pay costs for personal injuries and car repairs.
Social Media, Claims History and Recorded Statements
Be cautious when posting on social media, as it can negatively impact your injury claim. Insurance companies have been known to check social media posts to see what claimants say about their accidents and injuries and use these posts against them.
On a similar note, if you have a history of filing accident claims, your claim could be denied. Also, if you make statements about your damages not being a big deal or being your fault, this can hurt the strength of your case and your settlement.
Liability
Liability factors in heavily. The person driving the car may not be the one you actually file against. If someone else owns the vehicle or the driver was on the clock, you may be dealing with a larger entity with greater resources to fight your claims. Furthermore, if the vehicle was defective and this defect actually caused the accident, then the driver may not be to blame (or entirely to blame).
Types of Damages Awarded in Car Accident Claims
Damages are the financial compensation awarded when you reach a settlement agreement. You can receive compensation for both economic and non-economic damages, but punitive damages are usually only given in especially heinous circumstances.
Economic Damages
Anything you receive bills or receipts for usually falls under economic damages. Damages can include travel fees for care, medical and auto repair bills, lost income and prescriptions. Rehab and property damage also count. These expenses are easy to provide proof that you’ve either paid them or owe them.
Non-Economic Damages
The remainder of the damages you file are generally non-economic damages and are more challenging to put a price on because they don’t have a set amount. For example, pain and suffering lack a set total. Instead, we use a pre-determined formula to calculate the emotional and mental costs of the accident.
Other non-economic categories include mental anguish and loss of enjoyment of life. Your spouse can file a loss of consortium claim if your injuries affect your relationship.
Punitive Damages
The last type of damages is punitive, which are used to punish the negligent driver in some cases. It’s a judgment given by a jury or judge when the at-fault party shows grossly reckless or negligent behavior. The goal is that the financial penalty will encourage better behavior moving forward.
Wrongful Death
In situations where an injured person dies from their injuries, their family members or estate may file a wrongful death lawsuit. While no amount of compensation can replace the loss of life, it helps cover the financial burden of funeral costs and lost income.
Pre-Judgment and Post-Judgment Interest
Pre-judgment interest adds funds to the amount owed by the defendant for the period between the time you file a claim and a final judgment is issued. Post-judgment interest is calculated from the date the final judgment is issued until the defendant pays the plaintiff.
List of Top-Rated Car Accident Attorneys Serving Tampa, FL
With over 40 years of experience in Florida personal injury law, Florin Roebig is one of the top law firms in the state. We evaluate each case individually, and we don’t charge a thing unless we win. If you’ve been injured in a car accident, working with our dedicated, successful car accident attorneys can make all the difference. For every year since the inception of the honor in 2010, Florin|Roebig has been selected as one of the “Best Law Firms in America” by “U.S. News and World Report” and “Best Lawyers in America.”
Our car accident trial attorneys in Tampa Bay include:
- Wil H. Florin, B.C.S.
- Tommy D. Roebig, B.C.S.
- Shaun M. Cummings
- Neil P. O’Brien, M.B.A.
- Luca G. Esposito
- Chad K. Florin, M.B.A., LL.M.
- John J. Hart
- Parker Y. Florin, LL.M.
- Taylor D. Roebig
- Hal S. Weitzenfeld
- Michael A. Ossi, O.C.
- Lawrence J. Najem, O.C.
- Nollys R. Solarte, O.C.
We Are Nationally Awarded Lawyers
Get Help Filing a Car Accident Claim in Tampa
If you have injuries from an accident that wasn’t your fault, contact us today for a free case review. There’s no obligation to work with our firm, but we can evaluate your evidence and give you a good idea of claim outcomes.
The faster you contact us following an accident, the better it is for your case. Evidence disappears and witness memories fade. To get started, contact Florin Roebig through one of these options:
- Visit our website at florinroebig.com to request more information
- Call our phone number 24/7
- Email info@florinroebig.com
Let Florin|Roebig put 40-plus years of car accident trial experience to work for you. We have the resources and track record necessary to make sure you receive the compensation you deserve.
FAQs About Tampa Car Accidents
What evidence boosts settlement value in Tampa?
Any evidence that proves the accident wasn’t your fault but strongly affected you and your loved ones can potentially boost your settlement by a significant amount.
What to bring to a consultation with a Tampa car accident lawyer?
Generally speaking, you should bring all the evidence you have to a consultation with a Tampa car accident lawyer. Be prepared to answer questions and show that you have a case.
Is it worth getting an attorney for a car accident in Tampa?
Whether it’s worth getting an attorney for a car accident in Tampa depends on the severity of your injury, how much it impacts your daily life and the extent of your fault.
How much does a Tampa car accident attorney charge?
Most Tampa car accident attorneys charge on a contingency fee basis and take payment out of your settlement, which can range between 15% and 40%. Contingency means they don’t charge anything upfront and don’t get paid unless they win your case.
How much can someone sue for a car accident in Florida?
The amount someone can sue for a car accident in Florida depends on the unique details of the car accident. Typically, the greater the extent of your damages or losses, the more you may be able to sue the responsible party for.
