Tampa and Hillsborough County Injury Statistics
The need for experienced legal representation in Tampa is clear from the local crash data. According to the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), Hillsborough County experiences roughly 72 car accidents every single day. These crashes are often caused by negligence, such as distracted driving, speeding, and impaired driving, on our area's busiest roads, including I-275, I-4, and Dale Mabry Highway. In 2024 alone, these incidents resulted in over 17,000 injuries and 181 fatalities in our community.
Personal Injury Cases We Handle in Tampa
Our Tampa personal injury lawyers have extensive experience across a wide range of injury claims. If you or a loved one has been harmed due to negligence, we can help. Our practice areas include:
- Car Accidents
- Truck Accidents
- Motorcycle Accidents
- Pedestrian Accidents
- Catastrophic Injuries
- Wrongful Death
- Medical Malpractice
- Nursing Home Abuse
- Premises Liability (Slip & Fall)
- Product Liability
- Workers' Compensation
- Social Security Disability
Compensation Available in Tampa Personal Injury Claims
The goal of a personal injury claim is to recover compensation ("damages") for the losses you suffered due to someone else's negligence. Depending on the specifics of your case, you may be entitled to recover:
- Economic Damages: Tangible financial losses like medical bills (past and future), lost wages, diminished earning capacity, rehabilitation costs, and property damage.
- Non-Economic Damages: Intangible losses such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, scarring, disfigurement, and loss of consortium.
- Punitive Damages: In cases involving extreme recklessness or intentional misconduct, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the wrongdoer.
Our Tampa injury lawyers will carefully evaluate all aspects of your case to pursue the maximum compensation possible.
Personal Injury FAQs
How long do I have to file a personal injury lawsuit in Florida?
In Florida, most personal injury claims must be filed within two years from the date of the injury. Missing this deadline can prevent you from recovering compensation. However, certain cases, such as those involving minors or medical malpractice, may have different time limits.
How is fault determined in a Tampa personal injury case?
Florida follows a modified comparative negligence rule. This means you can still recover compensation if you are partially at fault for your injury, but your award will be reduced by your percentage of fault. However, if you are more than 50% at fault, you cannot recover damages.
How much does it cost to hire a personal injury lawyer in Tampa?
Most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay upfront. Instead, the lawyer takes a percentage of your settlement or verdict, typically between 33% and 40%. If you don’t win, you generally don’t owe attorney’s fees.
How long does it take to settle a personal injury claim?
The timeline varies depending on the complexity of the case, the extent of your injuries, and whether the case goes to trial. Some claims settle in a few months, while others can take a year or more.
What should I do immediately after an accident in Tampa?
- Seek medical attention right away
- Report the incident to the appropriate parties (police, property owner, employer, etc.)
- Take photos and gather witness information
- Avoid making statements to insurance adjusters without legal advice
- Contact a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible
Do I need a lawyer to file a personal injury claim?
While it’s not legally required, having a lawyer can improve your chances of getting fair compensation. Our Tampa personal injury attorney can investigate your case, gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent you in court if needed.
