Our Tampa car accident attorneys have a reputation for rising to the challenge on behalf of our clients to secure compensation for their medical expenses, lost income, and other damages.
Summary
- Tampa, FL, experiences a significant risk of motor vehicle accidents due to its high population density and traffic volume.
- Common types of car accidents in Tampa include rear-end collisions, side-impact (T-bone) collisions, head-on collisions, single-vehicle accidents, and multi-vehicle pileups.
- Major factors contributing to car accidents are distracted driving, speeding, driving under the influence, poor weather conditions, and traffic rule violations.
- Common injuries from car accidents range from whiplash and broken bones to traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, cuts, and emotional trauma such as anxiety or PTSD.
- Florida’s comparative negligence law affects compensation in accidents, reducing damages by the claimant’s percentage of fault as long as they are 50% or less at fault.
- Accident victims can claim compensation after being involved in a car accident with the assistance of a skilled Tampa car accident attorney.
Tampa is a vibrant city in Florida with beautiful beaches, a thriving arts scene, and a bustling economy. As of 2023, it had a population of approximately 400,000 residents, making it the third most populous city in Florida after Jacksonville and Miami.
However, for Tampa residents, the risk of being involved in a motor vehicle accident is quite significant due to the area’s dense population and heavy traffic. If you’ve recently been involved in an auto accident, having a skilled Tampa car accident attorney by your side is an added advantage.
At Werner, Hoffman, Greig & Garcia, our experienced car accident lawyers are ready to help. Contact us at (800) 320-HELP or by submitting this online contact form to get started with a free consultation. A WHG Florida personal injury lawyer will review your options with you in a tailored case evaluation.
Car Accident Rates in Tampa Outpace Statewide Levels
Tampa is one of the busiest cities in Florida, and with that comes a higher probability of car accidents. According to data from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), the Tampa metro area sees thousands of traffic accidents annually.
Over 25,000 traffic accidents occur in Hillsborough County per year, where Tampa is located. These auto accidents result in around 15,000 injuries and over 200 car accident fatalities each year.
Florida Health Department data shows that Hillsborough County had the third-highest number of motor vehicle accidents in the state in 2022. The rate of auto accidents in the Tampa area was 1,857 per 100,000 people that year, which is significantly lower than Florida’s rate of 1,780 motor vehicle accidents per 100,000 people in 2022.
What Are the Worst Intersections in Tampa?
Tampa has numerous dangerous intersections, which are notorious for high car accident rates. Some of these include:
- Hillsborough Avenue & Sheldon Road: This intersection combines busy commuter routes and commercial access, increasing the likelihood of a Tampa car accident.
- Waters Avenue & Dale Mabry Highway: With multiple lanes and high speeds, this intersection is prone to collisions.
- Fowler Avenue & Nebraska Avenue: Heavy pedestrian and vehicle traffic make this intersection a hotspot for accidents.
- Brandon Boulevard (SR 60) & Grand Regency Boulevard: A major shopping area intersection, creating congestion and frequent accidents.
- I-275 & Ashley Drive (Downtown Tampa): A congested area with drivers merging and exiting, leading to frequent Tampa car crashes.
A Tampa car accident lawyer from WHG can provide local knowledge and accessible legal support if you are injured by a reckless driver in one of these dangerous Tampa intersections.
Tampa, FL Car Accident Categories
Car accidents in Tampa can occur in various forms. Some commonly seen types of car crashes are:
Rear-End Collisions
Rear-end accidents happen when one vehicle crashes into the back of another. They often occur due to tailgating, sudden braking, or distractions such as texting while driving.
They are one of the most common forms of car accidents, often resulting in minor injuries like whiplash but sometimes causing severe damage depending on the speed and impact.
Side-Impact (T-Bone) Collisions
Side-impact accidents occur when the front of one car hits the side of another. This type of Tampa car crash typically happens at intersections when a driver fails to yield or runs a red light.
The severity of the car accident victims’ injuries often depends on the point of impact and whether the vehicle has proper side-impact protection like airbags. Any good Tampa car accident lawyer will tell you it is still necessary to seek medical treatment, even if you think your car accident injuries are minor.
Head-On Collisions
Arguably one of the most dangerous types of car accidents, head-on collisions occur when two vehicles traveling in opposite directions crash into one another. Causes include drivers veering into oncoming traffic due to distractions, drowsiness, or impaired driving.
Head-on crashes typically involve serious injuries, so it is crucial to involve a Tampa car accident lawyer to help you recover compensation for lost wages and medical expenses.
Single-Vehicle Accidents
These involve only one car and can include a variety of scenarios, such as hitting a tree, guardrail, or another stationary object. They are often caused by speeding, losing control in poor weather conditions, or an unexpected obstacle on the road.
Additionally, a faulty or defective car part could be to blame for your automobile accident. In that case, your Tampa car accident lawyer may be able to hold the negligent car part manufacturer responsible for your damages.
What Causes Car Accidents in Tampa?
Though accidents happen for many reasons, several recurring factors consistently contribute to Tampa’s high car accident rates:
Distracted Driving is Prevalent Among Tampa Drivers
Distracted driving includes anything that takes a driver’s attention away from the road, such as texting, eating, or adjusting the GPS. With Florida being a state experiencing high tourism activity, unfamiliar roads often encourage travelers to use devices while driving, further elevating the risk of a distracted driving car accident.
Speeding Contributes to Serious Car Accident Injuries
Exceeding the speed limit is another top contributor to car accidents in Tampa. Speeding reduces reaction time in case of emergency stops, increasing the likelihood of collisions. Tampa’s combination of busy highways, including I-275, and densely populated urban streets creates a hazardous environment when drivers speed.
Driving Under the Influence (DUI) Compromises Road Safety
Driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs compromises reaction times, decision-making, and coordination, increasing the likelihood of catastrophic accidents. Local law enforcement efforts to curb impaired driving highlight this ongoing challenge, but incidents still occur frequently.
Weather Conditions May Interfere With Drivers’ Ability to Avoid a Tampa Auto Accident
Florida is notorious for sudden, heavy downpours. Wet roads and low visibility can make it harder for drivers to maintain control of their vehicles, especially when they are not exercising caution.
A Violation of Traffic Rules Frequently Results in a Tampa Car Accident
Ignoring stop signs, running red lights, or failing to yield the right of way often leads to otherwise preventable collisions.
Common Injuries From Car Accidents Often Require Prompt Medical Treatment
Car accidents can result in a range of injuries, from minor to severe. Some of the most common injuries include:
- Whiplash: This is a soft tissue injury that occurs from sudden neck movement.
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): These car accident injuries include concussions and more severe brain trauma.
- Broken Bones: Broken bones are particularly in the arms, legs, or ribs.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Such car accident injuries can cause partial or full paralysis in severe cases.
- Cuts and Bruises: When a Tampa auto accident occurs, flying debris or airbags can cause bruises and cuts.
- Psychological Trauma: Anxiety or PTSD is not uncommon following a traumatic car crash.
A Tampa car accident lawyer can help you document these injuries so you can secure maximum compensation for medical bills and other related expenses.
Which Florida Laws Could Impact My Tampa Car Accident Case?
Injured Tampa accident victims are both limited and protected by Florida state laws. This includes car accident cases. Some of the laws applicable to Tampa car accident claims include:
Florida follows the comparative negligence rule, meaning fault can be shared between both parties involved in a car accident if they both acted negligently. Compensation is then reduced by your percentage of fault.
For example, if you’re found to be 20% at fault, your damages would be reduced by 20%. However, note that to be entitled to compensation in cases of partial fault, you must be less than 50% at fault.
No-Fault Insurance Addresses a Portion of Medical Bills
Florida is a no-fault insurance state, requiring drivers to have Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance. This means that your own insurance covers medical expenses and lost wages, regardless of who caused the crash, up to the policy limit.
However, Personal Injury Protection may be insufficient in a car accident case involving serious injuries. You and your Tampa car accident lawyer can then pursue additional compensation from the at-fault driver in court where it is necessary.
Liability Requirements Must be Fulfilled to Recover Compensation
To prove that the Tampa car accident occurred due to the other driver’s negligence, you must establish that the driver owed a duty of care, breached that duty, the breach caused the accident, and you suffered injury as a direct result of the breach.
You will need relevant evidence to demonstrate liability, such as scene photos, surveillance footage, eyewitness reports, police reports documenting the accident, medical reports if you suffered car accident injuries, and any other relevant evidence. A skilled Tampa car accident lawyer will help you gather such evidence to build a strong auto accident claim.
Types of Damages in Car Accident Cases
If you have been involved in a car accident, you may be eligible to claim compensation. Damages usually awarded are mainly categorized as economic or non-economic damages.
Economic Damages
Economic damages are easily quantifiable in monetary terms. Such financial losses include medical bills, lost wages, property repair or replacement costs, legal fees, and out-of-pocket expenses related to the Tampa car accident. You will need proof of such expenses, such as receipts, to claim these damages.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages are not as easy to calculate as economic damages. It covers intangible losses that you may have suffered as a result of the Florida auto accident. Such include compensation for pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, disfigurement, and loss of companionship.
Proving such damages often requires witness testimonies. An experienced Tampa car accident attorney can help calculate the full extent of your damages and pursue maximized compensation.
What a Werner, Hoffman, Greig & Garcia Tampa Car Accident Lawyer Can Offer You
At WHG, providing expert legal support is our commitment. Our seasoned Tampa car accident attorneys have successfully handled numerous car accident claims and are ready to help you pursue your claim too.
We will help you in several ways, including:
- Evaluating your Tampa car accident case to determine the best course of action.
- Gathering the necessary evidence like police reports, witness statements, and traffic camera footage to build a strong case.
- Negotiating with insurance companies to ensure you are not lowballed into unfair settlement offers.
- Filing a car accident case or personal injury lawsuit if necessary, such as when insurance companies are unwilling to settle on fair terms.
- Maximizing your compensation by identifying all potential damages you are entitled to.
- Managing legal deadlines to ensure your right to pursue compensation is not defeated due to missing timelines.
- Handling all correspondence with other parties to the car accident claim.
Diligently Serving Injured Car Accident Clients in the Tampa Area
Tampa car accidents can unexpectedly derail the lives of injury victims. Our team has been providing valuable and accessible legal support to Tampa-area residents harmed by another party’s negligence for years so that they can reclaim their lives after an auto accident.
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Learn What to Expect With WHG by Reading Reviews From WHG Clients
Our clients describe what it’s like to work with our Florida car accident attorneys:
“Attorney Chris Stratton & his Legal Beagle Melissa Medina were my last beacon of hope after the fight alone became too much! You have been straightforward from the beginning and have been nothing short of “OUTSTANDING” during this entire process! You both have fought hard for me and I can’t thank you both enough for all your hard work and taking such great care of me and my case.” -Shawna
“After my accident, I wasn’t sure where to turn, but Werner & Hoffman stepped in and made the whole process stress-free. They handled my personal injury claim with precision and care, ensuring I got the settlement I deserved. They were always available to answer questions and kept me updated throughout the process. I’m incredibly grateful for their help!” -Victoria
Don’t Wait to Schedule a Free Consultation with a Skilled WHG Tampa Car Accident Lawyer
Dealing with everything that follows a Tampa car accident, such as insurance claims and lawsuits can be overwhelming, especially if you are doing it alone. Luckily, you don’t have to navigate the process on your own.
Our WHG Tampa car accident lawyers have the extensive experience and skills necessary to effectively handle your car accident claim. Contact us immediately at (800) 320-HELP or by submitting this online contact form to get started.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if the at-fault driver in my Tampa car accident is underinsured?
If the other driver is underinsured, you may be able to use your underinsured motorist coverage to recover the remaining damages. A Tampa car accident lawyer can help you evaluate your options.
Can I afford a Florida car accident lawyer?
At WHG, we work on a contingency fee basis, meaning we only receive payment if we win your case. If we agree to take your case, you can receive legal support at no cost unless and until we secure a car accident settlement for you.
What should I do immediately after a Tampa car accident?
Get yourself and other accident victims to safety. Check for injuries and call 911 to report the accident and secure medical attention. Do your best to catalog the scene and be sure to exchange information with the other driver.
Inform your insurance company of the Tampa auto accident, but stick to the basic facts. Additionally, you’ll want to contact a Tampa car accident attorney.
