Tampa car accident attorneys

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Tampa Car Accident Lawyers

Contact us when you’re injured in a Florida car accident that wasn’t your fault

Car accidents can cause catastrophic injuries and throw your life into chaos. Dealing with medical bills, lost wages, and insurance companies is challenging – let the lawyers at MattLaw make things easier. With over 35 years of experience, our Tampa car accident attorneys are here to help when you need them most. Let us help you secure the compensation you’re entitled to for your car accident and resulting injuries.

Free Consultation

Call 813-222-2222 now or fill out the form above to receive a free, confidential consultation.

Quick answers to your Tampa car accident questions

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Why choose MattLaw?

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At MattLaw, our experienced Tampa car accident attorneys know the ins and outs of car accident cases. Our founding partner, Matt Powell, is triple Board Certified (Board Certified Civil Trial Lawyer by the Florida Bar, Board Certified in Civil Trial Law and Board Certified in Civil Practice Advocacy by the National Board of Trial Advocacy). Just one in every 20 Florida attorneys attains a board certification. Becoming board-certified is a rigorous process, and completing a certification means that an attorney is a specialist in the given area.

When you select someone to serve as your legal advocate, you want someone with a strong reputation for fighting for their clients, including taking cases to jury trials. At MattLaw, our record speaks for itself – we’re not afraid to go to trial, and insurance companies know it. As a result, we are in a strong position to negotiate favorable settlements and are ready to go to court if insurers aren’t willing to make a fair offer.

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How can your Tampa attorneys help with my car accident case?

At MattLaw, our attorneys offer clients comprehensive legal support to help them secure the compensation they need after a motor vehicle accident. Here are a few ways that we can assist you:

  • Investigate the accident. Our team works to gather evidence, review police reports, and coordinate with accident reconstruction experts to help determine fault and liability.
  • Communicate with insurance companies. Our attorneys can handle all communications with insurance companies to protect your rights and make sure you’re not pressured into accepting a low and unfair settlement.
  • Calculate losses and damages. We assess the full extent of your damages, including your medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and non-economic damages like pain and suffering.
  • Negotiate a fair settlement. Our Tampa car accident lawyers negotiate on your behalf to secure a fair and reasonable settlement, reflecting the full value of your claim.
  • Represent you in court. If a fair settlement can’t be reached, we are always ready to take your case to court and fight for the compensation you deserve.

With our experienced Tampa car accident attorneys on your side, you can increase your chances of a favorable outcome – let us handle the legal details so you can focus on recovering from your injuries.

Tampa car accident lawyers

How often do car accidents happen in Florida?

Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles reports that, in 2022, there were 397,620 car crashes involving 678,783 drivers. This averages out to about 1,089 crashes every day in Florida. There were 3,320 fatal crashes, with 3,553 fatalities reported. Another 12,747 crashes caused 15,996 incapacitating injuries. Finally, alcohol was a factor in 5,262 crashes.

These statistics show that car crashes are frighteningly common in the state.

Car Crash: What is it WORTH $$$ How LONG will it Take?

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What are the common causes of car accidents in Tampa?

Tampa car accidents can be caused by a variety of different factors, including driver behavior, road conditions, and more. Some of the most common causes of accidents include:

  • Distracted driving. One of the leading causes of car accidents is distractions behind the wheel, which include texting, using a cell phone, eating, grooming, or other distractions.
  • Speeding. Driving over the speed limit or too fast for road conditions can increase the likelihood of car accidents, especially on busy highways.
  • Drunk driving. Alcohol or drug-impaired drivers are significantly more likely to cause accidents, particularly during weekends or holidays.
  • Reckless or aggressive driving. Tailgating, weaving between lanes, or even road rage can contribute to serious accidents.
  • Poor weather conditions. Heavy rain and sudden storms, common in Tampa’s climate, can cause slippery roads, limited visibility, or hydroplaning accidents. Even when weather plays a role, driver negligence is also often to blame for car crashes.
  • Fatigued driving. Drivers who are overly tired may experience slower reaction times or even fall asleep at the wheel, leading to serious collisions.
  • Vehicle defects. Mechanical failures, like brake or tire issues, can cause a driver to lose control of their vehicle and result in a crash.
  • Road construction. Tampa’s constant road construction projects can create confusion, detours, and unsafe driving conditions, causing accidents.

In most cases, these causes are the ultimate result of a driver failing to exercise appropriate caution on the road. This callous disregard for the safety of others can only be kept in check if those who are injured take proactive steps to hold the at-fault parties accountable for their actions.

What should you do following a car crash in Tampa?

In the aftermath of a serious collision, it can be challenging to think straight. However, there are steps you can take immediately after and in the following hours and days to protect your claim.

Some of the steps to take include:

Call 911

If anyone appears injured, get medical help at the scene as soon as possible. In severe crashes, call 911 so that paramedics arrive.

Contact police

Make sure police arrive to take a report and investigate. The information they gather right after the crash can be useful for insurers and your attorney. For instance, they should have the identification and contact information of the involved parties and witnesses in the area.

Choose your words wisely

Be careful about what you say at the scene to the others involved and to the police. While you should give your information, avoid saying anything that suggests you might be partly to blame. Even apologizing can make it look like you are at fault, which could later be used against you.

Document the scene

Photographs can help demonstrate what happened, show damage to the vehicles and injuries to victims, and identify any conditions that might have contributed to the crash, such as obstructions like plant growth that impacts visibility. However, be careful, don’t put yourself at risk to capture pictures.

Report the crash to your insurance company

While you should report to them, be cautious when speaking to insurers. You don’t want to say anything that suggests you might bear some responsibility for the accident.

Follow doctor’s orders

Even if your injuries don’t seem particularly severe, you should seek medical care. Some injuries don’t appear immediately, especially with the adrenaline that kicks in after a wreck. Also, keep up with appointments and treatments, as failing to do so can be used against you to claim your injuries weren’t serious.

Call a lawyer

Speak to an attorney as soon as possible. Your lawyer can help you with conversations with the insurance companies and give you advice on next steps.

Careful talking about the accident

Remember to also use caution when speaking to people about the crash and, especially, when posting on social media. Posting about the crash can come back to haunt you. Additionally, even posting images or information unrelated to the crash can impact your claim. For example, if you post a photo of you gardening or lifting your kids, that image could be used to claim your injuries aren’t as serious as you claimed. It’s better to avoid using social media while your claim is pending.

If you have any questions about other things you can do to improve the strength of your case, contact a car accident attorney to schedule a consultation.

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What kinds of injuries do Tampa car accidents cause?

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Car accidents can result in a wide range of injuries – many of which are life-altering. Some of the most common types of injuries following Tampa car accidents include:

  • Head and brain injuries. Traumatic brain injuries (TBI), concussions, and skull fractures can also result from the impact of a collision.
  • Spinal cord injuries. Damage to the spinal cord can result in partial or total paralysis, depending on the location and severity of the injury.
  • Back injuries. Things like herniated discs, sprains, and strains can cause long-lasting pain and mobility issues.
  • Chest injuries. The force of impact can cause broken ribs or collapsed lungs, especially when the driver or passenger is thrown into the steering wheel or dashboard.
  • Soft tissue injuries: Sprains, strains, and contusions can injure muscles, ligaments, and tendons. These injuries are common to the neck, back, and shoulders.
  • Psychological injuries. Car accidents can also cause emotional and psychological harm, like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, or depression. These can require therapy or long-term care.

Remember, if you’ve been injured in a Tampa car accident, it’s important to seek prompt medical attention to receive a proper diagnosis and treatment. Delaying treatment can give ammunition to the defense. The argument goes, “The plaintiff didn’t see a doctor for 12 hours. How serious could their injuries be?” But the truth is, some injuries might not appear immediately because of the adrenaline and shock that follow a traumatic event like a car crash. If you are in a crash, play it safe, go to a doctor and get checked out.

Who can I file a claim against in my Tampa car accident case?

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In many cases, you would file a claim against the other driver who caused your crash. For instance, if someone passes through a stop sign, causing a crash, you would likely sue that driver. However, there are other parties that might be liable, including the employer of an employee driver who was working at the time of the crash, the manufacturer of a car that malfunctioned, causing a crash. It’s also common for multiple drivers to be at fault, leading to multiple defendants. In the case of a collision with an uninsured or underinsured driver, you might also need to file an uninsured motorist claim with your own insurance company.

Determining all the potentially liable parties and avenues for recovering compensation can be challenging. Also, remember that insurance companies will be actually paying the compensation for most successful claims, and so they will be the ones arguing to avoid or reduce the damages. These companies have legal teams working to protect their interests. You need to be careful when dealing with them. It’s best to have your attorney handle the negotiations on your behalf.

What do I need to prove in a successful negligence claim?

There are several factors that you must prove in a negligence claim, including:

  • The driver owed you a duty to be cautious
  • The driver breached that duty
  • The violation of that duty caused you damages (but for the defendant’s negligence, you would not have suffered harm), and the risk of harm was reasonably foreseeable
  • You suffered real harm/injuries as a result (like medical expenses or property damage)

MattLaw attorneys can review the facts of your case to help you understand how these elements may apply.

How can I prove the other driver was liable?

In cases of disputed liability, it’s important to have evidence on your side. You can work with your lawyer to gather evidence that helps to build your case. Some types of evidence that might be helpful include:

  • Witness statements from people who saw the crash or who were in your vehicle.
  • Security or dashcam footage that shows the crash itself or moments leading up to the crash. Sometimes, footage from just before the collision may show something damning, like the defendant traveling at a particularly high rate of speed.
  • Crash reconstructions, which are completed by experts who analyze the scene and the vehicles. A solid reconstruction can help show what happened, and even better, it can allow the jury to visualize what occurred.
  • Data is often available from modern vehicles. Devices in cars that are somewhat like black boxes from airplanes can provide information like the speed prior to impact and whether the driver hit the brakes.

You can work with your lawyer to get all of the evidence you can. Your legal team can then develop a solid strategy for proving that the evidence exposes the other driver’s liability.

How long do I have to bring my Tampa car accident claim to court?

The statute of limitations governs how long you have to file your Tampa car accident claim. Here in Florida, that period is two years. This means you have two years from the incident to file a lawsuit for your accident claim and no longer. The car accident attorneys at MattLaw if we accept your case we will file all the correct paperwork according to the deadlines.

What if I'm partially at fault in a Tampa car crash?

It’s common for car accidents to lead to complicated issues regarding liability. There can be a lot of finger-pointing and blame-shifting, especially if the injuries are serious and damages are likely to be high. Fortunately, in Florida, you don’t have to be 100% blameless to recover compensation for your injuries. Under the state’s modified comparative negligence rule, if you are found to be more than 50% responsible for the accident, you are barred from recovering damages. However, as long as you are 50% or less to blame, you can still recover. The catch here is that the court will reduce your compensation based on your percentage of fault. What this looks like in practice is that if you suffer $100,000 in damages but are 10% at fault for the crash, you could recover $90,000.

What if the other side challenges my diagnosis?

Injuries after car accidents can be obvious, like a broken bone. However, they can also be more subtle, like a traumatic brain injury, nerve damage, or even PTSD. The more serious the harm, the higher the damages will likely be because they may need to cover years of treatment and other forms of support. It’s no wonder that the defendant will, therefore, want to minimize your injuries. Your medical records can help combat such attempts, but in more complicated cases, it might be necessary to enlist the help of a medical expert. A medical expert is often a doctor in the appropriate field who can testify about your injuries and the likely care you will require as a result of them.

Can I recover compensatory and punitive damages in my Tampa car crash case?

The answer is, it depends. Compensatory damages in a car accident case include coverage of medical bills, including future predicted medical needs, coverage of lost earnings or wages, and compensation for pain and suffering. All of these damages are used to try to make the injured person as close to whole again as possible. And those damages can add up. However, you might also be able to recover a completely separate type of damages called “punitive damages.”

Punitive damages serve a different purpose. These don’t aim to compensate the victim. Rather, punitive damages punish the wrongdoer. The goal is to punish and prevent future similar conduct by the defendant and others. Punitive damages are only available in cases of gross negligence or intentional misconduct. The classic example here is an accident caused by a drunk driver.

Won’t my insurance cover my injuries after a Tampa car accident?

You might be familiar with Florida’s Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance requirements. The law requires that drivers carry PIP insurance, which covers 80% of medical expenses and a portion of lost wages. These policies apply regardless of fault, but only up to $10,000. In the case of severe injuries following a Tampa car accident, PIP insurance limits won’t even come close to providing the compensation you likely need. In such cases, it’s important to pursue a personal injury claim to recover damages that actually reflect the severity of your injuries.

What if the other driver was working when they crashed into me in Tampa?

In some cases, an employer can be held liable for accidents their employees cause. This only applies if the employee was acting within the scope of their employment at the time of the accident. The term for this legal concept is “vicarious liability.” If the driver who caused the crash was using a company car but was headed home from the office, that probably will not count. However, if the car was a

Are Uber, Lyft, and Doordash liable for their bad drivers?

Rideshare accidents lead to confusing situations, but at MattLaw, we know when Uber or Lyft—and their insurance companies—are responsible for your injuries. The issue hinges on whether the driver was off-duty or using the app. If they were off-duty, the driver’s personal auto insurance should cover your damages. But if they were logged into the app, Uber or Lyft may also be responsible. During active ride periods, which include waiting for a request, heading to pick up a passenger, or having someone in the car—Uber and Lyft typically provide up to $1 million in liability coverage. If you have questions about Florida’s complex rideshare laws, let us know. We can discuss how they might apply in your case.

Will I have to take my Tampa car crash case to trial?

The vast majority of personal injury cases in Florida will settle out of court (95%). Trial cases are the exception, not the rule. However, at MattLaw, our trial lawyers have taken many cases to trial with successful outcomes, including verdicts in the millions of dollars. Each one is highly fact-specific, and there are many issues that may influence the results. Your best way to get a sense of the value and strength of your case is to speak to a MattLaw attorney.

How much will it cost to hire a Tampa car accident lawyer?

Most car accident and personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. What this means is that when you hire a lawyer to handle your car crash case, they will not charge you hourly for their legal services, but instead, they will recover a percentage of your total compensation. If you don’t recover anything, the lawyer doesn’t get paid for their services. If you settle or reach a verdict, your legal fees come out of that amount. This approach is helpful to clients because it allows people to file claims even when they don’t have the funds to hire a lawyer. Also, it means that your attorney is personally motivated to achieve a successful outcome in your case. There may be some costs associated with court filings, but you can discuss what this would actually look like when you schedule a consultation with an attorney. Before you choose to work with a lawyer, make sure you understand the fee agreement and know what percentage they will recover and what the fees may look like.

Do I need an attorney to represent me in my Tampa car accident case?

The reality is that victims of accidents who hire lawyers to represent them are more likely to recover larger settlements or verdicts. There are several reasons for this, including the fact that when insurers see that you have an attorney, they will know that you are taking the claim seriously and are unlikely to accept a lowball settlement offer. Your attorney can also help you understand the true value of your claim so that you know whether an offer is worth accepting.

However, one of the most important decisions you need to make is who you are going to hire as your legal representation. A lawyer with a lot of courtroom experience who frequently succeeds at trial will often be able to put more pressure on the insurer to make a better offer. If the company knows that your attorney is not afraid to take the case to trial, and has the experience to build an effective case in front of a jury, it will often offer more money to avoid the expenses related to a trial. In short, hiring a board certified civil trial lawyer can put you in a strong bargaining position. And if you do need to go to trial, you’ll have someone on your side who knows how to prepare and what to expect.

Do you have a Tampa car accident lawyer near me?

MattLaw is located at 304 S Plant Avenue in Tampa, Florida. Contact us for a free consultation. If you are too injured to come to us, we can come to you. Video conferences are available.

Experienced Tampa car accident attorneys working for you

If you’ve been injured in a Tampa car accident, don’t wait to get the help you need. At MattLaw, our experienced Tampa car accident attorneys are ready to fight for your rights and secure the compensation you deserve for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Let us handle the legal complexities while you focus on your recovery. Contact us today for a free consultation, and take the first step toward justice for your claim. To schedule a meeting with a dedicated lawyer, simply call our offices or fill out our contact form.

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