Tampa Personal Injury Lawyer
Ready to Fight for Injured Individuals in Tampa, FL
Did you sustain an injury in an accident in Tampa, FL? Accident victims often have the right to hold negligent parties accountable for their medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. An experienced Tampa personal injury lawyer at Perenich, Caulfield, Avril & Noyes Personal Injury Lawyers can help you navigate complex legal rules and fight for the maximum compensation possible for your injuries. We have helped recover over 675 million dollars on behalf of our clients!
Call (813) 737-7248 or contact our Tampa personal injury attorneys online to schedule a free consultation today.
We Handle All Types of Personal Injury Claims
Any type of traumatic accident can give you the right to file a personal injury claim. At Perenich, Caulfield, Avril & Noyes Personal Injury Lawyers, we have over 100 years of combined experience. We also focus exclusively on personal injury law. That makes us uniquely suited to handle any type of personal injury case.
Our Tampa personal injury attorneys handle all types of personal injury claims, including:
- Car accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- Bicycle accidents
- Truck accidents
- Bus accidents
- Uber or Lyft accidents
- Boating accidents
- Slip and fall accidents
- Premises liability
- Negligent security
- Construction accidents
- Workplace accidents
- Dog bites
- Product liability
- Medical malpractice
- Nursing home abuse
- Wrongful death
Regardless of how you were hurt, you shouldn’t have to handle the financial consequences of someone else’s mistake. Our lawyers will help you fight for the full compensation you deserve. Just give us a call for a free case review today.
Overview of Personal Injury Laws in Tampa
Comparative Negligence
Florida follows a modified comparative negligence rule. Under this system, your compensation may be reduced if you are partially at fault for the accident. If you are found to be more than 50% responsible, you may be barred from recovering damages. An experienced Tampa personal injury lawyer can help defend against unfair allegations of fault.
Statute of Limitations
In most personal injury cases, Florida law gives injured victims two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. Missing this deadline could result in losing your right to seek compensation entirely.
No-Fault Insurance
Florida is a no-fault state for car accidents. This means your own Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance typically covers initial medical expenses and lost wages, regardless of who caused the crash. However, if your injuries meet Florida’s “serious injury” threshold, you may step outside the no-fault system and pursue a claim against the at-fault party.
Common Injuries Caused by Negligence
At Perenich, Caulfield, Avril & Noyes Personal Injury Lawyers, you can count on us to fight for you if you’ve suffered:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Whiplash injuries
- Amputations
- Soft tissue damage
- Broken bones
- Concussions
- Spinal cord injuries
- Head injuries
- Back injuries
- Organ damage
- Burn injuries
- Paralysis
- Catastrophic injuries
- Wrongful death of a loved one
Our lawyers are here to help evaluate your claim and help you understand the potential long-term consequences of your injuries. If you or a family member have been injured and need help, don’t hesitate to reach out to our lawyers in Tampa for legal representation today.
How Common Are Personal Injuries in Tampa?
Hundreds, if not thousands, of people are hurt in Florida every day. In 2020, approximately 212,000 people were injured in motor vehicle accidents. Over 3,300 people lost their lives.
In Hillsborough County alone, 16,457 people were hurt in auto accidents in 2020. Fourteen bicyclists and 54 pedestrians lost their lives to the same.
How Do I Prove Negligence After an Accident in Florida?
The vast majority of all personal injury lawsuits are based on negligence. In other words, you can recover damages if you show that someone else’s reckless or careless acts caused your injuries.
The legal standard for negligence requires proving:
- A duty of care existed
- The defendant breached the duty of care
- Causation, or that the breach caused your accident
- You suffered damages
The victim has the burden of proof in a personal injury case. To succeed, you’ll need strong evidence to back up your claim. Our attorneys can help you build the most persuasive case possible. Just call today to learn how we can put our experience to work for you.
The Legal Process of a Personal Injury Lawsuit in FL
Many clients feel overwhelmed at the thought of filing a lawsuit. At Perenich, Caulfield, Avril & Noyes Personal Injury Lawyers, we strive to make the legal process as clear and stress-free as possible.
1. Initial Consultation
We begin with a comprehensive consultation to review the details of your case, assess liability, and determine potential damages.
2. Investigation
Our legal team gathers evidence such as accident reports, medical records, witness statements, photographs, and expert opinions. A thorough investigation strengthens your position during negotiations or trial.
3. Demand and Negotiation
Once we understand the full scope of your injuries and losses, we send a demand letter to the insurance company. Most cases are resolved through strategic negotiation.
4. Filing a Lawsuit
If a fair settlement cannot be reached, your Tampa personal injury lawyer will file a lawsuit in the appropriate Florida court.
5. Discovery
Both sides exchange evidence and take depositions. This phase helps clarify disputed facts and evaluate the strength of each side’s arguments.
6. Settlement or Trial
Many cases settle before trial. However, if necessary, we are fully prepared to present your case before a judge or jury and fight for maximum compensation.
Damages Are Available to Accident Victims
Personal injury laws are supposed to make accident victims whole again after an injury. Victims are entitled to damages for their financial, physical, and emotional losses.
Florida courts and insurance companies address financial losses by awarding economic damages to cover any past and future expenses related to an injury. Examples include:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages and income
- Future medical expenses
- Reduced future earning potential
- Physical therapy
- Rehabilitative care
- Medications and medical devices
- Property damage
Your non-economic damages award should account for any non-financial losses you’ve sustained, including:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Diminished quality of life
- Disfigurement and scarring
- PTSD, depression, or anxiety
- Loss of consortium
In cases involving intentional wrongdoing or extreme gross negligence, courts may also award punitive damages. These damages are meant to punish the defendant rather than compensating for losses.
Personal Injury FAQs
How much is my personal injury case worth?
The value of your case depends on several factors, including the severity of your injuries, medical expenses, lost income, and long-term impact on your life. A Tampa personal injury lawyer can provide a more accurate estimate after reviewing your case.
How long will my case take?
Some claims resolve in a few months, while others may take a year or longer, especially if litigation is required. Complex cases involving severe injuries typically require more time to ensure full compensation.
Do I have to go to court?
Not necessarily. Many personal injury cases settle through negotiation. However, if the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, going to court may be necessary.
What if I was partially at fault?
You may still recover compensation as long as you are not more than 50% responsible for the accident. Your total award will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
Should I speak to the insurance company?
It is generally best to consult with a Tampa personal injury lawyer before giving a recorded statement or accepting any settlement offer. Insurance companies often attempt to minimize payouts.
Let Our Tampa Personal Injury Attorney Help You
You’ll inevitably have to deal with an insurance company if you want to recover compensation under Florida personal injury laws, especially if you’re injured in a motor vehicle accident. Insurance companies operate to make a profit. They’ll do anything they can to pay less than you deserve– even if their insured caused your injuries and you have a clear right to compensation.
A stressful insurance battle is the last thing you need while you’re struggling with painful injuries. An experienced Tampa personal injury lawyer at Perenich, Caulfield, Avril & Noyes Personal Injury Lawyers can make a world of difference in your case.
Our award-winning lawyers have recovered over $500 million for injured clients. Our legal team includes Board Certified attorneys, Super Lawyers “Rising Stars,” and Tampa Bay Magazine’s “Top Lawyers.”
We’ll use the full weight of our experience to get you compensation by:
- Identifying all parties who owe you damages
- Building the strongest evidence-backed injury claim possible
- Calculating the fair value of your case
- Using decades of experience to negotiate the maximum settlement possible
- Taking your case to trial, if necessary, to obtain a fair award
Our Tampa personal injury attorneys are intimately familiar with the tactics the insurance company will use to undervalue your claim. Let us use our skills to help you fight back. Call our team for your free consultation today.
It’s always better to act sooner rather than later. If you have any questions about the deadline for filing a claim, don’t hesitate to contact our team at (813) 737-7248 for a free consultation today.
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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“Allyson has been so helpful with navigating the disability process for my husband!”- Kaitlyn S.
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“It honestly couldn’t have gone better. Pretty much perfect.”- Andreas B.
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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.
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.