Tampa Car Accident Lawyer

Former Hillsborough County Deputy Sheriff

William Franchi uses his law enforcement experience to investigate Tampa car accidents and challenge insurance company tactics.

Former Deputy Sheriff

William Franchi uses his law enforcement experience to investigate Tampa car accidents and challenge insurance company tactics.

Why Choose Franchi Law for Your Tampa Car Accident Case

After a serious crash in Tampa, you need a car accident lawyer who moves quickly, preserves evidence, and deals with insurers so you can focus on healing. Led by attorney William Franchi-a former Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office deputy now advocating for injury victims-we combine law enforcement-level investigation with trial-ready strategy from day one.

Our team serves Tampa, St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Brandon, Riverview, and all of Hillsborough County with aggressive representation and personalized attention. With a 4.9-star rating from 227+ reviews, we’ve helped hundreds of Tampa Bay families recover millions in compensation.

What Sets Our Tampa Auto Accident Lawyers Apart

No Win, No Fee

You pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you

Rapid Response

We help you get medical care, verify PIP coverage, and open all claims within hours of your accident

Former Law Enforcement

William Franchi’s experience as a Hillsborough County deputy gives us unique insight into crash investigations and evidence preservation

Trial-Ready from Day One

We prepare every case as if it’s going to trial, which forces insurance companies to make better settlement offers

Maximum Compensation Focus

We fight for every dollar you deserve, including medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and future care costs

Clear Communication

Text, phone, video call, or in-person meeting-whatever works best for you. You’ll always know where your case stands

What To Do After a Car Accident in Tampa

The steps you take immediately after a Tampa car accident can significantly impact your claim. Here’s exactly what to do:

1. Ensure Safety and Call 911

If anyone is injured or there are hazards on the road, call 911 immediately. Move to a safe location if possible, but don’t leave the scene. For non-emergency situations in Tampa, you can reach Tampa Police Department at (813) 231-6130.

2. Document Everything at the Scene

Use your phone to capture:

• All vehicle damage from multiple angles
• Vehicle positions and final resting locations
• Road conditions, traffic signs, signals, and lane markings
• Debris, skid marks, and fluid spills
• Visible injuries (if comfortable doing so)
• License plates, VINs, and insurance information
• Weather conditions and lighting

3. Exchange Information

Get names, phone numbers, addresses, insurance information, and driver’s license numbers from all drivers involved. Also collect contact information from any witnesses. Ask the responding officer for their name and the crash report number.

4. Seek Medical Treatment Within 14 Days

This is critical for your Florida PIP benefits. Under Florida Statute §627.736, you must obtain medical care within 14 days of your accident to access your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits. Even if you feel fine, see a doctor-many serious injuries don’t show symptoms immediately.

5. Obtain the Crash Report

Most injury crashes in Tampa require a Long-Form crash report, which is typically available within 10 days. You can purchase your report at the Florida Crash Portal. Reports are confidential for the first 60 days with limited exceptions. See §316.066 for details.

6. Contact a Tampa Car Accident Attorney Before Giving Statements

Insurance adjusters-even your own-are trained to minimize payouts. They’ll ask leading questions designed to get you to admit fault or downplay injuries. Call us before making any recorded statements. Our initial consultation is always free.

7. Preserve All Evidence

Keep everything related to your accident:

• Medical records, bills, and receipts
• Prescription information and pharmacy receipts
• Proof of lost wages and employment documentation
• Photos of injuries throughout recovery
• Damaged clothing or personal items
• All correspondence with insurance companies

Types of Tampa Car Accidents We Handle

Our Tampa auto accident lawyers have extensive experience with all types of motor vehicle collisions, including:

Rear-End Collisions

The most common type of car accident in Tampa, often occurring on I-275, Dale Mabry Highway, and Kennedy Boulevard during rush hour. These crashes frequently cause whiplash, back injuries, and concussions. The rear driver is typically at fault, though exceptions exist.

Head-On Collisions

Among the most deadly accidents, head-on crashes often result from wrong-way drivers, impaired driving, or drivers crossing the centerline. These accidents commonly cause catastrophic injuries including traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, and fatalities. We’ve handled numerous head-on collision cases on Tampa’s highways and rural roads.

T-Bone (Side-Impact) Accidents

Also called broadside or angle collisions, T-bone crashes frequently occur at Tampa intersections when one driver runs a red light or fails to yield. The notorious I-275 and I-4 interchange, along with the intersection of Dale Mabry and Kennedy, are common locations for these devastating accidents. Side-impact crashes can cause severe injuries to occupants on the struck side of the vehicle.

Sideswipe Accidents

Common on Tampa’s multi-lane highways like the Veterans Expressway and Gandy Boulevard, sideswipe accidents occur during improper lane changes or merging. While often less severe, these crashes can cause vehicles to lose control or be pushed into other traffic, particularly on busy Tampa Bay area expressways.

Multi-Vehicle Pile-Ups

Chain-reaction crashes involving three or more vehicles are increasingly common on I-4 and I-75, especially during Tampa’s frequent summer thunderstorms when visibility drops suddenly. These complex accidents require thorough investigation to determine all liable parties and maximum available insurance coverage.

Hit-and-Run Accidents

If you’re the victim of a hit-and-run accident in Tampa, your uninsured motorist (UM) coverage may provide compensation. We work with law enforcement and use our investigative resources to help identify fleeing drivers while simultaneously pursuing your UM claim.

Intersection Accidents

Tampa’s busiest intersections-including Dale Mabry & Kennedy, Fletcher Avenue & Bruce B. Downs, and Busch Boulevard & Florida Avenue-see frequent accidents involving:

• Red light violations
• Failure to yield right-of-way
• Improper left turns
• Distracted driving through intersections

Highway and Interstate Accidents

High-speed crashes on I-275, I-4, I-75, and the Selmon Expressway often result in severe injuries due to the speeds involved. Our firm has extensive experience with highway accident cases, including those involving:

• Lane departure and run-off-road crashes
• Merge and weave accidents
• Construction zone collisions
• High-speed rear-end impacts

Parking Lot Accidents

While often lower-speed, parking lot accidents at Tampa Bay area shopping centers, malls, and business districts can still cause significant injuries and complex liability issues. These cases often lack police reports, making immediate evidence gathering crucial.

DUI and Impaired Driver Accidents

Tampa sees far too many drunk driving and drug-impaired accidents, particularly during evening hours and on weekends near Ybor City, SoHo, and downtown Tampa. If you’ve been hit by an impaired driver, you may be entitled to punitive damages in addition to compensatory damages. See our page on Tampa DUI accident cases.

Distracted Driving Crashes

Cell phone use, texting while driving, eating, and other distractions cause thousands of Tampa accidents annually. Florida’s texting and driving laws provide grounds for liability, and we use phone records, traffic camera footage, and other evidence to prove distraction.

Weather-Related Accidents

Tampa’s summer thunderstorms create dangerous driving conditions with sudden downpours, reduced visibility, and hydroplaning risks. Drivers have a duty to adjust their speed and driving behavior for conditions. Weather doesn’t excuse negligence.

Rideshare Accidents (Uber/Lyft)

Accidents involving Uber, Lyft, or other rideshare vehicles have unique insurance complications. Depending on whether the driver was logged into the app, en route to pick up a passenger, or transporting a passenger, different insurance policies apply. We handle these complex claims regularly. Learn more about Tampa Uber and Lyft accident cases.

Commercial Vehicle and Truck Accidents

Collisions with delivery trucks, semi-trucks, 18-wheelers, and other commercial vehicles often involve catastrophic injuries due to the size and weight disparity. These cases require investigation of driver logs, maintenance records, company safety policies, and federal regulations. Visit our Tampa truck accident lawyer page for more information.

Common Injuries in Tampa Car Accidents

Car accidents can cause a wide range of injuries, from minor to catastrophic. Our Tampa car accident attorneys have represented clients suffering from:

Whiplash and Soft Tissue Injuries

The most common car accident injury, whiplash occurs when the head and neck snap forward and backward suddenly. Symptoms may not appear immediately but can include neck pain, stiffness, headaches, shoulder pain, and reduced range of motion. Soft tissue injuries can take weeks or months to fully manifest, making immediate medical evaluation critical.

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)

Even “minor” car accidents can cause concussions and traumatic brain injuries. Symptoms include headaches, confusion, memory problems, dizziness, nausea, and sensitivity to light or sound. Severe TBIs can cause permanent cognitive impairment, personality changes, and loss of motor function. Our firm works with neurologists and life care planners to document the full extent of brain injuries.

Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis

High-impact crashes can damage the spinal cord, causing partial or complete paralysis. Paraplegia (lower body) and quadriplegia (all four limbs) require lifelong care and accommodation. We’ve secured multi-million dollar settlements for Tampa clients with spinal cord injuries to cover medical care, home modifications, attendant care, and loss of earnings.

Back Injuries

Herniated discs, bulging discs, fractured vertebrae, and other back injuries are extremely common in Tampa car accidents. These injuries can require surgery, epidural injections, physical therapy, and pain management. Many back injury victims face permanent limitations and chronic pain.

Broken Bones and Fractures

The force of a collision can break arms, legs, ribs, clavicles, hips, and other bones. Compound fractures may require surgery, pins, plates, or rods. Recovery can take months and may involve permanent hardware, limited mobility, and increased arthritis risk.

Internal Injuries and Organ Damage

Blunt force trauma can cause internal bleeding, ruptured organs, and other life-threatening injuries that may not be immediately apparent. These injuries require emergency surgery and extended hospitalization. Delayed diagnosis can be fatal, making immediate medical evaluation essential after any significant accident.

Facial Injuries and Dental Damage

Airbag deployment, steering wheel impact, and broken glass can cause facial lacerations, jaw fractures, broken teeth, eye injuries, and traumatic disfigurement. These injuries often require plastic surgery, dental reconstruction, and can cause permanent scarring.

Burns

Vehicle fires and chemical exposure can cause severe burns requiring skin grafts, multiple surgeries, and leaving permanent scarring. Burn injuries are among the most painful and traumatic, often leading to PTSD and other psychological trauma.

Amputations

Severe crashes can result in traumatic amputation at the scene or may require surgical amputation due to crush injuries. Amputees face lifelong challenges, prosthetic costs, home modifications, and significant loss of earning capacity.

Psychological Trauma

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and phobias related to driving are real, compensable injuries. Many accident victims experience flashbacks, nightmares, and avoidance behaviors that impact their quality of life and ability to work.

Wrongful Death

When a car accident claims a life, surviving family members may pursue a wrongful death claim to recover compensation for funeral expenses, loss of support, loss of companionship, and other damages. These cases require sensitivity and aggressive advocacy to hold negligent parties accountable.

Florida Car Accident Laws That Affect Your Claim

Understanding Florida’s unique insurance and liability laws is crucial to maximizing your compensation. Here’s what you need to know:

No-Fault PIP Insurance Requirements

Florida is a no-fault state, requiring all drivers to carry at least $10,000 in Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and $10,000 in Property Damage Liability. Your PIP covers:

• 80% of reasonable medical expenses up to $10,000 (subject to the emergency medical condition requirement)
• 60% of lost wages up to $10,000 total policy limit
• Replacement services (like housekeeping or childcare you can’t perform due to injuries)

Critical 14-Day Rule: You must seek treatment within 14 days of the accident to access PIP benefits. Additionally, to receive the full $10,000 coverage, you must have an “emergency medical condition” as defined by §627.732(16). Without an emergency medical condition diagnosis, PIP coverage is limited to $2,500.

Learn more from FLHSMV insurance basics and §627.736.

Stepping Outside No-Fault: Pursuing Pain and Suffering Damages

PIP benefits often aren’t enough for serious injuries. You can step outside Florida’s no-fault system and pursue a claim against the at-fault driver when your injuries meet the “serious injury threshold” defined in §627.737:

• Significant and permanent loss of an important bodily function
• Permanent injury (within a reasonable degree of medical probability)
• Significant and permanent scarring or disfigurement
• Death

If you meet this threshold, you can pursue non-economic damages including pain and suffering, mental anguish, loss of enjoyment of life, and loss of consortium. These damages often represent the majority of a serious injury claim’s value.

Modified Comparative Negligence in Florida

Florida’s comparative fault law changed significantly in 2023. Under the new modified comparative negligence standard (§768.81(6)):

• If you’re 50% or less at fault, your damages are reduced by your percentage of fault
• If you’re more than 50% at fault, you cannot recover any damages
• This rule does not apply to medical malpractice cases

Example: If you’re awarded $100,000 but found 30% at fault, you’d recover $70,000. If you’re 51% at fault, you recover nothing. This makes fighting against inflated fault assessments critical.

Statute of Limitations for Car Accident Cases

For crashes occurring on or after March 24, 2023, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit under §95.11. For accidents before that date, the deadline was four years.

Property damage claims must be filed within five years. Wrongful death claims have a two-year deadline from the date of death.

Don’t wait to act. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget details, and insurance companies destroy documents. The sooner we can start building your case, the stronger your claim will be.

Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage

Florida is one of only two states that doesn’t require bodily injury liability coverage for most private vehicles (see FLHSMV insurance requirements). This means many Tampa drivers carry only the minimum $10,000 PIP and $10,000 property damage-with zero coverage for the injuries they cause to others.

This makes Uninsured Motorist (UM) and Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage absolutely critical. Your UM/UIM policy steps in when:

• The at-fault driver has no insurance
• The at-fault driver has insufficient insurance to cover your damages
• You’re the victim of a hit-and-run

Many people don’t realize their own insurance policy may be their best source of recovery after a Tampa car accident. We thoroughly review all available policies-yours, household members’, and any other potential sources-to maximize compensation.

Police Report Requirements

Under §316.066, crashes involving injury, death, or property damage over $500 must be reported. Injury crashes generally require a Long-Form crash report filed within 10 days. Reports are confidential for the first 60 days, with exceptions for parties involved, attorneys, and insurance companies.

You can obtain your crash report through the FLHSMV Crash Reports portal or the Florida Crash Portal.

Dangerous Intersections and High-Accident Areas in Tampa

Tampa has numerous accident hotspots where crashes occur with alarming frequency. Our firm has handled countless cases involving accidents at:

• I-275 & I-4 Interchange (locally known as “Malfunction Junction”)
• Dale Mabry Highway & Kennedy Boulevard
• Fletcher Avenue & Bruce B. Downs Boulevard
• Busch Boulevard & Florida Avenue
• Hillsborough Avenue & I-275
• Gandy Boulevard (especially near the bridges)
• Veterans Expressway exits and entrances
• Lee Roy Selmon Expressway

If your accident occurred at a known dangerous intersection, this history can support claims about inadequate traffic control, poor signage, or other hazards.

What Is My Tampa Car Accident Case Worth?

This is one of the most common questions we hear, and the answer is: it depends. Every case is unique. The value of your Tampa car accident claim depends on many factors, but we build maximum value by thoroughly documenting all losses and proving liability. Here’s what goes into calculating your case worth:

Economic Damages (Measurable Financial Losses)

Past and Future Medical Expenses

• Emergency room visits and ambulance transport
• Hospital stays and surgeries
• Diagnostic imaging (X-rays, CT scans, MRIs)
• Doctor visits and specialist consultations
• Physical therapy and rehabilitation
• Prescription medications and medical devices
• Home health care and nursing services
• Future medical care (projected lifetime costs for permanent injuries)

Lost Income and Earning Capacity

• Wages lost during recovery (documented with pay stubs and employer letters)
• Lost benefits (health insurance, retirement contributions, bonuses)
• Self-employment income loss (documented through tax returns and business records)
• Reduced earning capacity if you can’t return to your previous occupation
• Loss of business opportunities

Property Damage

• Vehicle repair costs or total loss value
• Diminished value (the reduced resale value even after repairs)
• Rental car expenses during repairs
• Personal property damaged in the crash (phones, laptops, clothing, etc.)

Non-Economic Damages (Pain and Suffering)

If your injuries meet Florida’s serious injury threshold, you can pursue compensation for:

• Physical pain and suffering: The actual pain from your injuries and ongoing discomfort
• Mental anguish and emotional distress: Anxiety, depression, PTSD, and psychological trauma
• Loss of enjoyment of life: Inability to participate in hobbies, activities, and experiences you previously enjoyed
• Loss of consortium: Impact on your relationship with your spouse (separate claim for spouse)
• Disfigurement and scarring: Permanent visible scars and appearance changes
• Disability and impairment: Permanent limitations in physical or cognitive function

Non-economic damages can exceed economic damages significantly in serious injury cases. There’s no fixed formula-these damages depend on the severity of injury, length of recovery, permanence, age of victim, and impact on life quality.

Punitive Damages (Limited Circumstances)

In cases involving egregious conduct-such as DUI crashes or extreme recklessness-Florida law allows punitive damages meant to punish the defendant and deter similar conduct. These are rare but can substantially increase case value.

Factors That Increase Case Value

• Permanent or long-term disabilities
• Severe scarring or disfigurement, especially on the face or hands
• Traumatic brain injury or spinal cord damage
• Multiple surgeries or extensive rehabilitation
• High-income plaintiff with significant wage loss
• Young victim with decades of reduced earning capacity
• Clear liability with strong evidence
• Defendant with substantial insurance coverage or assets
• Egregious conduct warranting punitive damages

Factors That Can Reduce Case Value

• Shared fault (your percentage of fault reduces your recovery)
• Pre-existing injuries (though aggravation of pre-existing conditions is compensable)
• Gaps in medical treatment
• Failure to follow doctor’s orders
• Low insurance policy limits
• Minimal property damage (insurance companies argue this means low-impact)
• Delayed reporting of the accident or seeking treatment

Real Case Value Examples

Note: These are examples for educational purposes only. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Every case is different.

• Minor rear-end collision, soft tissue injury: $15,000 – $40,000 (often settled within PIP limits)
• Intersection T-bone, broken bones requiring surgery: $75,000 – $250,000
• Serious accident with back surgery and permanent limitations: $200,000 – $750,000
• Traumatic brain injury with cognitive impairment: $500,000 – $2,000,000+
• Spinal cord injury causing paralysis: $1,000,000 – $10,000,000+
• Wrongful death cases: $500,000 – $5,000,000+ depending on victim’s age and circumstances

How We Maximize Your Case Value

Getting maximum compensation requires strategic action:

1. Immediate medical care with proper diagnosis: We help you find doctors who understand the medical-legal aspects
2. Thorough documentation: We preserve all evidence, gather witness statements, and reconstruct the crash
3. Full scope of damages: We work with medical experts, economists, and life care planners to document current and future losses
4. All available insurance policies: We identify every potential source of recovery, including umbrella policies
5. Demand packages that tell your story: We create comprehensive demand packages with medical records, bills, photos, day-in-the-life videos, and impact statements
6. Preparation for trial: Insurance companies pay more to lawyers who actually try cases. We’re not afraid to go to court

How Our Tampa Car Accident Lawyers Help You-Step by Step

From the moment you contact Franchi Law, we take over the legal burden so you can focus on healing. Here’s what to expect:

Step 1: Free Consultation and Case Evaluation

We listen carefully to understand exactly what happened, the extent of your injuries, your insurance coverage, and your goals. We’ll explain your legal options, answer all your questions, and provide honest feedback about your case’s potential value. There’s no obligation and no fee for this consultation.

Step 2: Evidence Preservation and Investigation

Time is critical. We immediately begin preserving evidence before it’s lost:

• Scene inspection and photography
• Event Data Recorder (black box) preservation from vehicles
• Traffic camera, business security camera, and dashcam footage
• 911 calls and dispatch records
• Police body camera footage
• Witness statements
• Cell phone records (for distracted driving cases)
• Vehicle inspection and accident reconstruction when needed

Step 3: Medical Care Coordination

We help you get the medical attention you need, even if you don’t have health insurance or can’t afford out-of-pocket costs. We work with medical providers throughout Tampa Bay who understand accident injuries and often treat on a letter of protection (payment from settlement). We also verify your PIP coverage and help coordinate benefits.

Step 4: Insurance Claim Management

We open all applicable insurance claims:

• Your PIP benefits
• Your MedPay coverage (if applicable)
• At-fault driver’s bodily injury liability
• Your UM/UIM coverage
• Any other potential policies

We handle all communication with insurance adjusters, protecting you from recorded statement traps and bad-faith tactics.

Step 5: Medical Monitoring and Documentation

Throughout your treatment, we monitor your progress, ensure you’re following doctor’s orders, and document the impact of injuries on your daily life. We help you understand the medical-legal significance of your treatment and prepare for independent medical examinations (IMEs) if required.

Step 6: Demand Presentation

Once you reach maximum medical improvement (or if future care needs are clear), we prepare a comprehensive settlement demand package including:

• Complete medical records and bills
• Wage loss documentation
• Property damage proof
• Accident reconstruction reports (if applicable)
• Medical expert opinions
• Life care plans (for permanent injuries)
• Photos and videos showing injuries and impact
• A compelling narrative of how the accident changed your life

Step 7: Negotiation

We negotiate aggressively with all insurance companies, using our trial preparation and our attorney’s law enforcement background to maximize offers. Insurance adjusters know we’re not afraid to go to court, which motivates better settlements.

Step 8: Litigation if Necessary

If insurance companies won’t make fair settlement offers, we file a lawsuit and take your case to trial. Many personal injury lawyers avoid court-we embrace it. Our trial preparation often leads to substantially higher settlement offers once the insurance company sees we’re serious.

Step 9: Settlement or Verdict and Payment

We handle all settlement paperwork, ensure proper distribution of proceeds, negotiate medical liens, and make sure you receive maximum net recovery. We explain every document you sign and ensure you understand the final resolution.

Step 10: Post-Settlement Support

Even after your case closes, we remain a resource for questions about medical bills, tax implications, and other concerns.

Related Tampa Car Accident Cases We Handle

Our Tampa personal injury lawyers handle all types of vehicle accident cases throughout Hillsborough County and the Tampa Bay area:

• Truck Accident Lawyer Tampa – Semi-truck, 18-wheeler, and commercial vehicle crashes
• Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Tampa – Motorcycle crash representation
• Bicycle Accident Lawyer Tampa – Bike vs. car collision cases
• Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Tampa – Pedestrian knockdown cases
• Uber Accident Lawyer Tampa – Rideshare accident claims
• Lyft Accident Lawyer Tampa – Lyft collision cases
• Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer Tampa – DUI crash cases with potential punitive damages
• Hit and Run Accident Lawyer Tampa – Uninsured motorist claims
• Wrongful Death Lawyer Tampa – Fatal accident cases
• Brain Injury Lawyer Tampa – TBI and concussion cases
• Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer Tampa – Paralysis and back injury cases
• Brandon Car Accident Lawyer – Serving Brandon, FL
• Riverview Car Accident Lawyer – Serving Riverview, FL
• Clearwater Car Accident Lawyer – Serving Clearwater, FL
• St. Petersburg Car Accident Lawyer – Serving St. Pete, FL

Tampa Car Accident FAQs

How long do I have to file a car accident lawsuit in Tampa, Florida?

Generally two years for personal injury claims arising from crashes on or after March 24, 2023 (it was four years before that date). Property damage claims have a five-year deadline. Wrongful death claims must be filed within two years of the date of death. Do not wait-evidence disappears, witnesses move, and insurance companies destroy documents. The sooner you contact a Tampa car accident attorney, the stronger your case will be. See §95.11.

What if I’m partly at fault for my Tampa car accident?

Under Florida’s modified comparative negligence rule, your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault-but if you’re more than 50% at fault, you cannot recover anything (except in medical malpractice cases). This makes fighting against inflated fault determinations absolutely critical. Insurance companies routinely exaggerate your fault to reduce their payout. We use accident reconstruction, witness testimony, and traffic laws to minimize your fault percentage. See §768.81(6).

Do I have to see a doctor within 14 days after my Tampa car accident?

Yes, this is critical. Under Florida law, you must obtain medical care within 14 days of your accident to access your PIP benefits. Additionally, to receive the full $10,000 PIP coverage (rather than just $2,500), you must be diagnosed with an “emergency medical condition” as defined by statute. Even if you feel fine immediately after the crash, many serious injuries-like herniated discs, concussions, and internal bleeding-don’t show symptoms right away. See a doctor within 14 days, and be honest about all your symptoms. See §627.736 and §627.732(16).

How do I get my Florida crash report after a Tampa accident?

You can purchase your crash report online at the Florida Crash Portal. Most injury crash reports (Long-Form reports) are available within 10 days. Reports are confidential for the first 60 days, but parties involved, their attorneys, and insurance companies can access them. You’ll need the crash report number (provided by the officer at the scene) or specific details about the date, location, and parties involved. See §316.066 and FLHSMV Crash Reports.

The other driver doesn’t have bodily injury coverage-what now?

This is extremely common in Florida. Our state doesn’t generally require bodily injury liability coverage for private vehicles, so many Tampa drivers carry only the minimum $10,000 PIP and $10,000 property damage with zero coverage for injuries they cause to others. This is where your Uninsured Motorist (UM) and Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage becomes critical. Your UM/UIM policy can provide compensation when the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured. We’ll investigate all available insurance policies-yours, household members’, and any business policies-to find all sources of recovery. We may also pursue the at-fault driver’s personal assets if they have insufficient insurance. See FLHSMV insurance requirements.

How much does a Tampa car accident lawyer cost?

Franchi Law works on a contingency fee basis for all car accident cases, meaning you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you. Our fee is a percentage of your final settlement or verdict (typically 33.33% before a lawsuit is filed and 40% if litigation becomes necessary). You never pay any upfront fees, retainers, or hourly charges. We advance all case costs including expert fees, filing fees, and investigation costs-you only repay these if we win your case. If we don’t recover money for you, you owe us nothing.

Should I accept the insurance company’s first settlement offer?

Almost never. Insurance companies routinely make lowball initial offers hoping you’ll accept without understanding the full value of your claim. These early offers rarely account for future medical care, permanent injuries, lost earning capacity, or pain and suffering. Once you accept a settlement and sign a release, you cannot reopen the claim even if your injuries turn out to be more serious than initially thought. Before accepting any settlement offer, contact an experienced Tampa car accident attorney to review the offer and explain what you might be leaving on the table.

What if my car accident happened in Brandon, Riverview, or another Tampa suburb?

We handle car accident cases throughout all of Hillsborough County and the entire Tampa Bay area, including Brandon, Riverview, Plant City, Temple Terrace, St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Largo, Palm Harbor, and surrounding communities. Florida personal injury law is the same across the state, though local knowledge of specific courts, judges, and jury pools can be valuable. We’re familiar with accident hotspots, traffic patterns, and local law enforcement procedures throughout the region.

How long will my Tampa car accident case take?

This varies significantly based on your injuries, treatment length, liability disputes, and insurance company cooperation. Simple cases with minor injuries and clear liability might settle in 3-6 months. More complex cases involving serious injuries, surgery, or liability disputes typically take 9-24 months. Cases that go to trial can take 2-4 years from start to finish. We move as quickly as possible while ensuring we don’t settle before knowing the full extent of your injuries and damages. Patience usually leads to substantially better outcomes.

Can I still file a claim if I didn’t call the police after my accident?

Yes, but it makes your case more challenging. Florida law requires reporting crashes involving injury, death, or property damage over $500. Without a police report, there’s no official documentation of the accident, which makes it easier for the other driver or their insurance company to dispute what happened. However, you can still pursue a claim using other evidence like photos, witness statements, medical records showing injuries consistent with an accident, and repair estimates. Contact us immediately-the sooner we can document the accident and gather evidence, the better.

What if the other driver was driving for work when they hit me?

This can actually benefit your case. When someone causes an accident while working within the scope of their employment, their employer is typically liable under the legal doctrine of “vicarious liability” or “respondeat superior.” This means you may be able to pursue a claim against both the driver and their employer, potentially accessing much larger insurance policies. Commercial auto policies and corporate general liability policies typically have higher limits than personal auto policies. We’ll investigate the driver’s employment status, whether they were on the clock, and all available insurance coverage.

Will my case go to court?

Most Tampa car accident cases settle before trial, but being prepared to go to court is what drives maximum settlements. Insurance companies pay more to lawyers who actually try cases because they know we’re not bluffing. We prepare every case as if it’s going to trial from day one, which puts us in a strong negotiating position. If the insurance company won’t make a fair offer, we won’t hesitate to file a lawsuit and take your case before a jury. Florida law gives you the right to have your case decided by fellow Hillsborough County citizens if negotiations fail.

Why Tampa Accident Victims Choose Franchi Law

Our clients trust us to fight for maximum compensation while treating them with respect and compassion. With a 4.9-star rating from 227+ Google reviews, we’re proud to serve Tampa, St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Brandon, Riverview, and all of Tampa Bay.

Read our reviews on Google to see what real clients say about working with our team.

Real Help From a Team Tampa Trusts

When you choose Franchi Law, you get:

• A former Hillsborough County Sheriff’s deputy who knows how to investigate crashes
• A team that responds quickly and communicates clearly
• Lawyers who prepare every case for trial, not just settlement
• Aggressive negotiators who aren’t afraid to stand up to insurance companies
• Personal attention-you’re not just a case number
• No upfront fees or costs-you pay nothing unless we win

Speak With a Tampa Car Accident Lawyer Today

Don’t face insurance companies alone. Get answers in minutes. We’ll review your legal options, protect your rights, and start building your case-today.

Call us now or fill out our contact form for a free, no-obligation consultation. We’re available 24/7 to help Tampa accident victims.

Get Your Free Consultation

Phone: (813) 687-8255
Available 24/7 for Tampa car accident victims

Serving Tampa, St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Brandon, Riverview, Plant City, and all of Hillsborough, Pinellas, and Pasco Counties.