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.
Under Florida law, if the cost of your injuries or property damage are in excess of the insurance policy limits, or the at-fault driver is uninsured, you may bring a lawsuit to recover the additional 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 PA to Handle Your Car Accident Case
Our car accident lawyers have won many verdicts and settlements over a million dollars, and regularly secure multi-million dollar settlements for clients.
Here are some of the services provided by the auto accident legal team at Swope Rodante:
Thorough Investigation and Evidence Gathering: Our car accident lawyers in Tampa will thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding the accident, including collecting evidence such as police reports, witness statements, medical records, and any other relevant documentation.
Dealing with Insurance Companies: Most insurance companies avoid paying out claims to protect their bottom line. If you contact insurance companies without representation, they may attempt to delay or deny paying the policy. Our car accident lawyers work with insurance attorneys to handle communicating and negotiating with insurance companies to ensure that you receive fair compensation.
Tenacious Legal Representation: If we can’t reach a settlement through negotiation, our trial attorneys will represent you in court and advocate for your interests during the litigation process. We will present a compelling case on your behalf to secure the maximum compensation you deserve.
Expert Trial Litigation: We have extensive knowledge in Florida injury law and experienced trial lawyers who will win your case if it goes to court. Our legal team will use the best strategy to obtain a favorable verdict from the judge or jury if the defendant won’t negotiate for a fair settlement amount for the damages you incurred in the crash.
Contingency Fee Structure: Our firm works on a contingency fee basis, which means that you do not pay any upfront fees. Fees are calculated as a percentage of the compensation they secure for you, allowing you to access legal representation without financial strain.
By retaining car accident attorneys at Swope Rodante Injury Lawyers, you can benefit from their legal expertise, resources, and commitment to protecting your interests and securing the compensation you deserve.
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 My Tampa Car Accident Lawyer Recover?
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.
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.
The specific damages you will be eligible to recover will depend on the unique circumstances of your case and the severity of your injuries.
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 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 four 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 four 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 four 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
What should I do if I’m in a car accident in Tampa, Florida?
If you’ve been in a car accident in Florida: 1. Remain at the scene and call the police to report the accident. 2. Seek any necessary medical attention for any injuries. 3. Exchange insurance information with the other driver(s) involved. 4. Take photos of the accident scene, damage, and injuries if possible. 5. Get contact information from any witnesses. 6. Avoid admitting fault or providing a recorded statement to the other party’s insurer. 7. Promptly report the claim to your own auto insurance company.
How long do I have to file a car accident claim in Florida?
In Florida, you generally have 4 years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim or lawsuit for injuries/damages. There are some exceptions, speak to an attorney to determine the deadline for filing in your situation.
Does Florida require me to have car insurance?
Yes, Florida requires all drivers to carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and Property Damage Liability (PDL) auto insurance coverage.
What damages can I claim after a Florida car accident?
In a Florida car accident lawsuit, you can claim damages for medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, and more.
Should I hire an auto accident lawyer?
You should consider hiring an auto accident lawyer if the accident resulted in significant injuries, large medical bills, long-term disability, or if fault/liability is disputed by the other party or their insurance company. Our auto accident lawyers in Tampa, Florida can protect your right to compensation.
How are lawyer fees paid for car accident cases?
Most Tampa car accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they receive a percentage of the settlement or verdict. If there is no recovery, no fees are owed.
How much compensation is my Florida car accident case worth?
The amount of compensation you can recover in a car accident case depends on the severity of injuries, property damages, applicable insurance coverage limits, and other factors. A car accident lawyer can estimate the potential value of your case.
Contact a Tampa Car Accident Lawyer at Swope Rodante PA Today
Meeting with an accident attorney promptly gives the legal team time to preserve evidence from the scene, interview witnesses, and thoroughly prepare the case before filing your claim.
Call (813) 273-0017 today to discuss your case with a Tampa car accident lawyer. Our lawyers will perform a free case evaluation and consultation. We will explain your legal options and give you advice on how to seek compensation after a crash.
Tampa Location
Our lawyers are based in Tampa and serve the entire state Florida. All of the attorneys working at Swope Rodante PA are licensed by the Florida Bar to practice personal injury law in the state. Get Directions
Client Reviews About Our Tampa Accident Attorneys
Here are reviews from clients that we have represented in Tampa car accident cases. We are proud to have a 5-star rating from the clients we have helped.
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!
There aren’t enough stars on Google to accurately represent how I feel about Swope, Rodante P.A. In 2000, I was permanently injured in a car accident at the age of 17. I first met Mr. Dale Swope from my hospital bed at Tampa General. After another law firm determined they could only get policy limits for my catastrophic injury, Mr. Swope and his team took on my case and fought for 4 long years on my behalf.
Needless to say, they won and some of the wrong that happened to me was able to be set right. I still live with my injury, but I am able to take care of myself and my daughter because of their fight. To this day, Mr. Swope responds to my emails (at all hours!) and has even become a champion in the paralysis community. He does not have to do any of that because he was already and will always be my personal champion.
I am forever grateful our paths crossed. I am sorry if you are in a position to need the services of a catastrophic injury attorney for yourself or a loved one, but I can unequivocally say you will be taken care of and FOUGHT for by the entire team at Swope, Rodante.
