Tampa Car Accident Lawyer
Helping Auto Accident Victims in Tampa, FL
Were you recently injured in a car accident in Tampa, FL? You may be entitled to compensation to offset the costs of your medical treatment, lost earnings, and other crash-related damages. Our experienced Tampa car accident lawyers at Perenich, Caulfield, Avril & Noyes Personal Injury Lawyers are here to help you fight to get every cent you deserve.
Since 1955, crash victims and grieving families in Tampa have turned to our firm for help after life-changing accidents. Collectively, our award-winning Florida trial attorneys have over 300 years of experience and a proven track record of success. We’ve recovered over $675 million for our clients, and we’re ready to fight to get you top results, too.
Contact our Tampa car accident attorneys at (727) 591-3354 for a free consultation and learn more about the benefits of working with our top-rated legal team.
Common Types of Car Accidents
No two accidents are exactly the same, but certain types of collisions occur more frequently on Tampa roads. Understanding the nature of your crash can help determine liability and potential compensation.
- Rear-End Collisions: These are some of the most common types of accidents and often occur due to distracted or tailgating drivers. Even at low speeds, rear-end crashes can cause serious injuries like whiplash.
- T-Bone or Side-Impact Collisions: Often occurring at intersections, T-bone accidents can be particularly dangerous, especially when one vehicle strikes the side of another at high speed.
- Head-On Collisions: These are among the most severe and often fatal types of accidents. They typically result from driver error, impaired driving, or driving the wrong way on a roadway.
- Multi-Vehicle Accidents: Also known as pileups, these accidents involve more than two vehicles and can make it more complex to determine fault.
- Hit-and-Run Accidents: Florida has one of the highest rates of hit-and-run incidents. If you’re involved in one, our attorneys can help you explore your legal options even if the at-fault driver isn’t identified.
- Rollover Accidents: Often linked to SUVs or top-heavy vehicles, rollovers can lead to catastrophic injuries and are sometimes the result of manufacturer defects or dangerous road conditions.
Common Causes of Car Accidents
Understanding the cause of an accident is key to proving fault and securing compensation. Some of the most frequent causes of car crashes in Tampa include:
- Distracted Driving: Texting, eating, adjusting the radio, or using GPS can lead drivers to take their eyes off the road.
- Speeding: Exceeding posted speed limits or driving too fast for conditions reduces reaction time and increases crash severity.
- Drunk or Impaired Driving: Alcohol, drugs, and even some prescription medications can impair judgment and reaction time.
- Reckless Driving: Aggressive behaviors like weaving through traffic, tailgating, or ignoring traffic signals are common factors.
- Fatigued Driving: Drowsy drivers can have slower reflexes and impaired decision-making, similar to intoxicated drivers.
- Poor Weather Conditions: Tampa’s frequent rain and occasional tropical storms can make roads slick and visibility poor.
- Vehicle Defects: Faulty brakes, tire blowouts, or airbag failures may result in an accident or increase injury severity.
Common Car Accident Injuries
Whether you’re rear-ended at an intersection in Tampa, sideswiped by another vehicle, or involved in a rollover, you can potentially suffer severe, potentially life-changing injuries in a Tampa crash.
At Perenich, Caulfield, Avril & Noyes Personal Injury Lawyers, we’ll be there to help you seek compensation for all of your car accident injuries, including:
- Concussion
- Brain injury
- Spinal cord injury
- Neck injury
- Back injury
- Whiplash
- Nerve damage
- Broken bones
- Eye injury
- Soft tissue damage
- Knee injury
- Amputation
- Burns
- Chest injury
- Degloving injury
- Catastrophic injury
- Wrongful death
Florida Car Accident Laws
Florida's legal landscape surrounding car accidents can be complex. Here are several key laws that may impact your case:
No-Fault Insurance
Florida is a no-fault state. This means that after a car accident, you must first turn to your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance to cover medical expenses and lost wages, regardless of who was at fault.
Serious Injury Threshold
You can only step outside the no-fault system and file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver if your injuries meet Florida’s "serious injury threshold." This includes significant and permanent loss of a bodily function, disfigurement, or death.
Comparative Negligence
Florida follows a modified comparative negligence rule. If you are found partially at fault for the accident, your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault. If you're more than 50% at fault, you may be barred from recovering damages.
Statute of Limitations
You generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit in Florida. Failing to meet this deadline may result in losing your right to compensation.
Tampa, FL Car Accident Statistics – 2023 Update
As the third-largest city in the State of Florida, it’s no surprise that Tampa has its fair share of traffic accidents. Between residents, students, workers, and tourists, Tampa’s roads are heavily traveled.
According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, Tampa and surrounding towns in Hillsborough County, FL, saw 28,354 car accidents in 2022.
That’s roughly 77 traffic accidents a day in and around Tampa.
About 44 percent of all Tampa car accidents result in at least one injury or death. In 2022, traffic accidents caused a total of 19,278 injuries and 228 fatalities.
Traffic accidents have remained steady through the first part of 2023. Between January and July, 14,130 Tampa-area motor vehicle accidents have been reported, averaging 75 a day. So far, in 2023, 6,210 accidents have caused injuries, while another 91 have been fatal.
FAQs About Car Accident Claims in Tampa, FL
What should I do immediately after a car accident?
Seek medical attention, even if injuries seem minor. Call the police to file a report, exchange information with other drivers, take photos of the scene, and contact a qualified Tampa car accident lawyer as soon as possible.
Do I need a lawyer for a minor accident?
Even in minor accidents, injuries can become apparent later. Insurance companies may also attempt to undervalue your claim. A lawyer can help protect your rights and maximize your compensation.
How much is my car accident case worth?
It depends on factors like the severity of your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, future care needs, and pain and suffering. An attorney can provide a more accurate estimate after reviewing your case.
What if the other driver doesn’t have insurance?
If you're hit by an uninsured or underinsured driver, you may still recover compensation through your Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage if you carry it.
How long will my case take?
The timeline varies depending on the complexity of the case, the willingness of the insurance company to settle, and whether a lawsuit is necessary. Many cases settle within a few months, but more complex claims may take longer.
Schedule a Free Consultation With an Experienced Tampa Car Accident Lawyer
There’s no doubt about it – a car accident is stressful. You might be dealing with debilitating injuries and depleting your savings to cover the costs of medical care, make up for a sudden loss of income, and make ends meet. The good news is that you may be entitled to compensation through an insurance claim or lawsuit.
The better news is that you don’t have to take on an intimidating insurance company on your own.
Our Tampa personal injury lawyers are here to level the playing field, force fair negotiations, and fight to get you the maximum settlement or jury award you deserve.
While we focus on the legal aspects of your crash, you’ll have the time and opportunity to rest and recover.
Trust us to:
- Thoroughly explain your legal rights and options
- Identify all insurance benefits available to you
- Carefully investigate your crash to determine causation and liability
- Analyze evidence obtained throughout the discovery process
- Interview witnesses and individuals with information about your crash
- Bring in expert witnesses to consult on your case
- Handle settlement negotiations with the insurance company and/or at-fault party
- Represent your best interests at trial if you’re not offered a fair settlement offer
When you choose Perenich, Caulfield, Avril & Noyes Personal Injury Lawyers, there’s no added financial stress or pressure. Our car accident attorneys in Tampa, FL, work on a contingency fee basis. We only get paid if we win compensation for your car accident case, and our fee comes right out of your financial award.
Give us a call at (727) 591-3354 or reach out to our legal team online to get started. Your initial case evaluation is free.
We treat you like family.
If you can’t come to us, we’ll come to you.
Representing Accident Victims in Tampa Bay since 1955
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“Friendly knowledgeable and kept me informed about my case. Any offer, bill or question was readily answered. Would definitely recommend and refer people to Bryan Caulfield and his team!!”- Betty B.
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“Mrs Bryant works her butt off to make sure you get what is do to you in medical and beyond! They won’t take your case if they don’t feel you haven’t been wronged.”- Christine R.
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“Working with Mark Perenich on my auto injury case was an absolute game-changer. From the very beginning, he brought a level of professionalism, expertise, and care that immediately put us at ease.”- Kerry B.
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“Lorrie and Allyson are phenomenal. I highly recommend them to anyone. It seemed like a never ending journey but I can’t thank them enough for diligently fighting my case with the greatest integrity, support and prayers.”- Former Client
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“From the first day we met this law group I felt very comfortable and knew we would be well taken care of. This was our first experience filing for SSD, and was not disappointed. The lawyers are awesome and very professional.”- Shari J.
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“Very nice they worked with you. Never ignored me with my case. Always on top to work with you. Thank you so much for all that you have done to help me! Very highly recommend.”- Margarita O.
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“My appointed attorney was Jacqueline, Bryant. She is very compassionate about her client and work. When it comes to negotiation, she's a Beast and she gets the job done.”- Alaina J.
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“What was particularly awe inspiring was the recall of facts and testimonies from medical personnel that Para Legal Ms. Josephine Elizabeth Angelo was able to make. Her memory and acumen for detail was admirable.”- Maylisa Y.
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“Wonderful, impeccable, personalized, authentic, truthful, honest experience. Rare, real, and human firm.”- Sheryl G.
We’ve been proudly serving Clearwater, St. Petersburg, and the Tampa Bay area for generations. As the first personal injury law firm in Clearwater, our dedicated legal team brings over 300 years of combined experience to each and every case. If you’ve been injured and need support, please reach outtoday for a free consultation, we are here to help you.
