Tampa Car Accident Lawyer

If you were injured in a car accident in Tampa, our car accident lawyers will fight for maximum compensation for your case.

At Swope, Rodante P.A., our award-winning auto accident attorneys have spent over 45 years representing crash victims and recovering hundreds of millions of dollars in verdicts, settlements, and judgments.

Call us at (813) 273-0017 for a free, no-obligation consultation with an auto accident lawyer who will advocate for the compensation you deserve.

Florida Car Accident Law

Car accidents are more common in Florida than most other states. Cities in Florida have more drivers traveling to commute to/from work. As a result, multiple motor vehicle crashes take place in Tampa, FL every day.

Accidents often cause severe injuries and emotional trauma. If you are a driver or passenger in an accident caused by another person’s reckless driving, you may be entitled to compensation.

Under Florida law, drivers are required to carry Personal Injury Protection insurance (PIP), to cover bodily injury to themselves, and Property Damage Liability insurance (PDL) which covers damage to other people’s property.

If the cost of your injuries or property damage are greater than the insurance policy limits, or the at-fault driver is uninsured, you can file a lawsuit for the damages.

You may be entitled to financial compensation for the cost of vehicle repairs, medical treatment bills, physical pain, and emotional suffering.

The judge may also award punitive damages if the defendant was especially reckless or made intentional decisions that led to the crash.

Contact us to start the legal process and get the compensation you deserve for your injuries. Our car accident attorneys, paralegals, and staff are happy to answer questions and offer legal advice for your situation.

Why Choose Swope Rodante P.A. for Your Car Accident Case

After a car accident in Tampa, you need attorneys who know how to win auto accident cases. Our experienced Tampa car accident lawyers will handle every detail of your case.

We will investigate the crash scene, identify all liable parties, document your injuries, and calculate the value of your case to recover maximum compensation for the damages. Fair compensation accounts for your long-term medical needs and lost earning capacity.

We are one of Florida’s foremost insurance bad faith firms, so when the at-fault driver’s insurer denies your claim, delays payment, or undervalues your injuries, we know how to hold them accountable.

Our Car Accident Case Results and Proven Track Record of Success

Our Tampa car accident lawyers have secured some of the largest verdicts and settlements in Florida history, including results against major insurance carriers who initially refused to pay. A few examples of our case results:

• $30.1 Million Verdict – Car accident resulting in a brain injury. The insurance carrier, GEICO, offered just $147,000. A Florida jury returned a verdict that included $7.2 million in economic damages and over $22.9 million in non-economic damages. Our appellate team successfully defended the verdict to the Florida Supreme Court.
• $23.75 Million Settlement – Passenger rendered quadriplegic in an auto accident after the insurance carrier initially denied liability on a policy with just $50,000 in limits.
• $17.5 Million Settlement – Wrongful death of a teenager killed by a wrong-way driver after the insurance carrier refused to pay uninsured motorist benefits.
• $12.6 Million Settlement – Teenager with a severe traumatic brain injury from a car wreck after insurance carriers failed to timely offer policy limits on a $2 million policy.
• $12.5 Million Settlement – Client rendered quadriplegic in a truck accident. Swope, Rodante was brought in as co-counsel and transformed what other attorneys had called an “unwinnable” case into a $12.5 million financial recovery by uncovering driver negligence and exposing the carrier for misrepresenting coverage limits.
• $8.75 Million Settlement – Veteran suffered a brain injury in a motorcycle accident after the insurer missed settlement deadlines.

Many of our cases involve policy limits that pale in comparison to the recovery our clients actually need. Our insurance bad faith expertise allows us to pursue damages far beyond what the original policy would have covered. This proven track record is what sets us apart from other personal injury law firms in Tampa.

Nationally Recognized Tampa Car Accident Attorneys

Our attorneys are consistently recognized as leaders in personal injury and insurance civil litigation:

• U.S. News & World Report Best Law FirmsWe have achieved the prestigious “Best Law Firms” designation from U.S. News and Best Lawyers every year from 2010 to 2026.
• Florida Bar Board Certification – Managing Partner Dale Swope is a Board Certified Civil Trial Attorney. Partner Brent Steinberg is Board Certified in Appellate Practice.
• Super Lawyers – Many of our attorneys have earned the distinction Super Lawyer, representing the top 5% in their field
• Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent Rating – 121 peer reviews from other attorneys with a cumulative 4.9 out of 5 stars
• 2026 Lawyer of the Year – Managing Partner Angela Rodante was named Tampa’s Litigation – Insurance Lawyer of the Year

Who Can Be Held Liable After a Car Accident?

A driver involved in the accident may be held liable if their negligence or reckless actions caused the collision. Reckless behavior includes speeding, running a red light, driving under the influence, or distracted driving.

Commercial Trucking Businesses and Rideshare Companies (Uber/Lyft)

If the accident involved someone driving a commercial vehicle, such as a truck or delivery van, the driver’s employer may be held liable.

Under the doctrine of respondeat superior, employers can be responsible for the negligent actions their employees take while working.

Uber and Lyft may also be held responsible for accidents caused by their drivers if the company failed to properly vet a driver or approved an unsafe vehicle.

Car Manufacturers and Auto Repair Shops if a Malfunction was Involved

If a car defect or malfunction causes an accident, the vehicle manufacturer may be held liable for selling an unsafe product. Auto repair shops are also responsible if they fail to fix a car and the damaged parts lead to an accident.

Government Agencies

If the accident was caused by a severe problem with the road, like a large pothole that was reported and left unfixed, a Florida government agency may be held responsible for failing to maintain the roadway.

People or Businesses Who Were Indirectly At Fault

A third party who was not directly involved in an accident may be held liable if their actions indirectly caused it.

For example, if a bar or restaurant overserved alcohol to a driver who later caused an accident, the establishment may be considered liable under Florida’s dram shop laws.

Our experienced car accident lawyers will evaluate your case and identify all potentially liable parties to ensure that you receive fair compensation for your damages. Call (813) 273-0017 for a free consultation.

What is My Car Accident Claim Worth?

The value of your accident claim can vary significantly depending on the severity of the injury, property damage, available insurance coverage, and other factors.

Our law firm has won multiple million dollar settlements and verdicts for clients who were injured in auto accidents. To discuss your case with a Tampa car accident lawyer and find out the worth of your claim, contact us.

What Damages Can I Recover in a Car Accident Case?

If you’re injured in an auto accident, a car accident lawyer can help you recover compensation for economic damages, like property damage, lost wages, and medical bills, as well as non-economic damages including pain and suffering and lost quality of life.

The specific damages you will be eligible to recover will depend on the unique circumstances of your case and the severity of your injuries.

Economic Damages:

• Medical Expenses: This includes past and future medical bills, hospitalization costs, rehabilitation expenses, and any other medical treatment related to the injuries sustained in the accident.
• Lost Wages: If your injuries prevented you from working, your lawyer can seek compensation for the wages you lost during your recovery period, as well as any potential future loss of earnings or diminished earning capacity.
• Property Damage: You may be entitled to compensation for the repair or replacement costs of your vehicle and any other property damaged in the accident.
• Caregiver Services: If your injuries prevent you from performing household tasks or require you to hire assistance for these tasks, your lawyer can seek compensation for the costs associated with these services.

Non-Economic Damages

• Pain and Suffering: This includes compensation for the physical pain, emotional distress, and mental anguish caused by the accident and your injuries.
• Loss of Consortium: In some cases, your spouse may be entitled to compensation for the loss of companionship, affection, and other benefits of the marital relationship due to your injuries.
• Disfigurement or Scarring: If your injuries have resulted in permanent disfigurement or scarring, you may be eligible for compensation for the physical and emotional impact of these injuries.
• Loss of Enjoyment of Life: If your injuries have prevented you from participating in activities or hobbies that you previously enjoyed, your lawyer can seek compensation for this loss of enjoyment of life.

Punitive Damages

Under Florida law, punitive damages can be awarded to the plaintiff in cases involving extreme recklessness or intentional misconduct. For example, road rage, drunk driving, or driving at extreme speeds. Punitive damages can be up to $500,000 or three times the compensatory damages, whichever is higher. If we find evidence of intentional misconduct or gross negligence in your case, we will pursue punitive damages against the defendant.

Your Tampa car accident lawyer from Swope Rodante Injury Lawyers will thoroughly evaluate your case and work diligently to ensure you receive fair and just compensation for all the damages you have suffered.

What to Do After a Car Accident

After an auto accident, follow these steps before leaving the scene to ensure you have the evidence your attorney will need to file a car accident claim:

• Take pictures and videos at the scene and take photos of your injuries.
• File a police report and obtain the other driver’s contact information including their name, address, insurance information, license plate number and driver’s license number.
• Seek medical attention as soon as possible to address any injuries you sustained and and to document any injuries sustained in the wreck. Some injuries, such as brain trauma, may take hours or days to develop symptoms.

According to data from the FLHSMV Crash Dashboard, about 44% of motor vehicle accidents in Hillsborough County result in injuries to passengers or drivers.

How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit After a Car Accident in Florida?

In Florida, the statute of limitations for filing a lawsuit after a car accident is generally two years from the date of the accident. This time limit is established in Florida Statutes § 95.11(3)(a).

Specifically, the statute states that an action “to recover damages for personal injury” must be filed within two years after the cause of action accrues. In a car accident case, the cause of action typically accrues on the date of the accident itself.

Exceptions to the Statute of Limitations

• Wrongful death cases: If the car accident resulted in a fatality, the statute of limitations for filing a wrongful death lawsuit is two years from the date of the decedent’s death (Florida Statutes § 95.11(4)(d)).
• Cases involving minors: If the person injured in the car accident was a minor at the time of the accident, the statute of limitations is delayed or “tolled” until the minor reaches the age of majority (18 years old in Florida).
• Injuries that aren’t immediately discoverable: If the injury or damage was not immediately discoverable (e.g., a delayed diagnosis of a medical condition caused by the accident), the statute of limitations may be extended based on the “delayed discovery” doctrine.

While two years may seem like a long time, it’s advisable to consult with a car accident lawyer and initiate the legal process as soon as possible after the accident.

Frequently Asked Questions About Car Accidents in Tampa, FL

Contact Our Tampa Car Accident Attorneys Today

If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident in Tampa, do not try to navigate the claims process alone. Insurance companies have teams of lawyers and adjusters working to minimize your payout. You deserve attorneys who will fight for you just as hard – and who have the experience, resources, and track record to win.

At Swope, Rodante P.A., we have spent over 45 years holding insurance companies accountable and recovering hundreds of millions of dollars for our clients. We handle every case on a contingency fee basis with no upfront costs and no fees unless we win. You deserve compensation that fully accounts for the harm done to you, and we will fight to make sure you get it.

Call (813) 273-0017 today for a free, no-obligation initial consultation. We are available to meet at our Tampa office or we will come to you at your home, hospital, or rehabilitation facility. Se habla español.

Car Accident Client Reviews

Our clients entrust us with their futures. Here is what they have to say:

SMG (Google Review) ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
“My family and I were involved in a car accident and they were the first call we made. They made the entire legal process very easy and smooth and answered every question we had plus more. They truly work their hardest for you so that you’re able to sit back and never lift a finger! Thank you for everything!”

Kelly P. (Google Review) ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
“They Fought for Us!! And They Never Gave Up Hope! They actually felt the wrong that we were dealt, and they pursued justice as if we were part of their family.”

Michael T. (Google Review) ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
“Dale and Angela, along with the rest of their team did an awesome job with our case. They worked well with our other legal team that got us to this point, then they, working with our other team finished it to our complete satisfaction. We are grateful!”

Tampa Law Firm Office Location

Our lawyers are based in Tampa and serve the entire state of Florida. All of the attorneys working at Swope Rodante P.A. are licensed by the Florida Bar to practice personal injury law in the state. Get Directions

References

• Florida Statutes § 316.061 – Crashes involving damage to vehicle or property.
• Florida Statutes § 316.027 – Crash involving death or personal injuries.
• Florida Statutes § 316.065 – Crashes; reports; penalties.
• Florida Statutes § 95.11 – Limitations other than for the recovery of real property.
• Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) Florida Crash Dashboard
• FLHSMV Florida Traffic Crash Facts Annual Report