Tampa Car Accident Lawyer
A serious car accident can change everything in a matter of seconds. Medical bills begin to arrive, time away from work adds financial strain, and insurance companies move quickly to protect their own interests.
If you were injured in a collision, a Tampa car accident lawyer can help you understand your options, protect your rights, and pursue fair compensation under Florida law.
At Smith Feddeler & Smith, P.A., we represent individuals and families throughout the Tampa Bay area who are dealing with the aftermath of car accidents. We take a hands-on approach to every case and focus on building strong claims that reflect the real impact an injury has on your life.
Contact us today at (813) 993-0559 (By Appointment Only) to learn more about your legal rights.
What are the most Common Causes of Car Accidents in Tampa
Tampa’s roadways are among the busiest in Florida. High traffic volume, tourism, construction zones, and frequent congestion contribute to a steady number of crashes each year. Accidents often occur on major roads such as I-275, I-4, Dale Mabry Highway, and Hillsborough Avenue, as well as at busy intersections throughout downtown and surrounding neighborhoods.
Car accidents in Tampa happen for many different reasons, but most crashes can be traced back to preventable driving behaviors.
Distracted Driving on Busy Tampa Roads
Drivers who take their eyes or attention off the road, even briefly, increase the risk of a collision. Texting, using navigation apps, adjusting controls, or eating while driving are frequent contributors to accidents on Tampa’s congested streets and highways.
Speeding and Unsafe Driving Speeds
Exceeding the speed limit or driving too fast for traffic conditions reduces a driver’s ability to react. Speeding increases stopping distance and intensifies the force of impact, making injuries more severe when a crash occurs.
Failure to Yield and Intersection Collisions
Many Tampa accidents occur at intersections when drivers fail to yield the right of way. Left-turn crashes, merging errors, and rolling through stop signs can place other motorists in dangerous situations with little time to respond.
Impaired Driving Due to Alcohol or Drugs
Driving under the influence of alcohol, prescription medications, or illegal substances remains a significant cause of serious crashes. Impaired drivers often have delayed reaction times and poor judgment, increasing the likelihood of high-impact collisions.
Aggressive Driving and Road Rage
Tailgating, sudden lane changes, and hostile driving behavior can quickly escalate into accidents. Aggressive driving reduces predictability on the road and places everyone nearby at risk.
What are the most Common Injuries After Car Accidents
Car accident injuries vary widely depending on the force of the crash, vehicle type, and whether safety restraints were used. Some injuries are immediately obvious, while others develop over time. Common injuries include:
- Neck and back injuries, including herniated discs
- Traumatic brain injuries and concussions
- Broken bones and joint injuries
- Internal injuries and organ damage
- Soft tissue injuries such as whiplash
- Chronic pain conditions that interfere with daily life
Prompt medical care is essential not only for your health, but also for documenting the connection between the accident and your injuries. Delays in treatment can make recovery more complicated and may give insurers an excuse to question your claim.
Not all serious injuries come from high-speed accidents. Low-speed collisions can still result in whiplash, back injuries, and head trauma, especially when occupants are unprepared for the impact. These injuries may worsen over time, making prompt medical evaluation critical after any crash.
Florida’s No-Fault Insurance System and Injury Claims
Florida operates under a no-fault insurance system, which means most drivers turn to their own Personal Injury Protection coverage after an accident.
PIP may help with medical bills and a portion of lost wages, but it is often insufficient for serious injuries.
When injuries meet certain thresholds, such as permanent injury, significant scarring, or substantial loss of bodily function, you may be able to pursue a claim against the at-fault driver.
Determining whether your case qualifies requires a careful review of medical records and accident details.
What Compensation is Available in Tampa Car Accident Claims
Depending on the facts of your case, compensation may be available for both economic and non-economic losses. These may include:
- Medical expenses, including future care
- Lost income and reduced earning ability
- Property-related losses tied to the accident
- Pain, discomfort, and emotional distress
- Long-term limitations affecting daily activities
Every case is different, and the value of a claim depends on how the injury affects your life now and in the future.
What is the Statute of Limitations for Car Accident Cases in Florida?
Florida sets strict deadlines for filing car accident lawsuits.
In most cases, Florida law provides a limited time period to file a personal injury lawsuit following a car accident.
If a claim involves a fatal accident, the time limit for a wrongful death case is also limited.
Missing the statute of limitations can permanently bar you from pursuing compensation, no matter how strong the evidence may be. Courts rarely make exceptions once the deadline passes.
Why Acting Early Is Imperative After a Car Accident
Acting early after a car accident is imperative for several reasons beyond meeting legal deadlines. Evidence can disappear quickly. Vehicles are repaired or destroyed, surveillance footage is erased, and witnesses may become challenging to locate.
Early involvement also allows us to:
- Preserve accident scene evidence
- Obtain timely medical documentation
- Identify all potentially responsible parties
- Address insurance issues before mistakes occur
Waiting too long can weaken a claim and reduce your options.
What We Do for You After a Car Accident
Handling a car accident claim involves more than submitting paperwork. Insurance companies investigate quickly and often look for ways to reduce what they pay. We act as your advocate throughout the process by:
- Investigating how the crash occurred
- Gathering police reports, medical records, and witness statements
- Communicating with insurance adjusters on your behalf
- Calculating the full value of your damages
- Preparing the case for settlement or trial, if necessary
Having our legal representation allows you to focus on healing while we manage the legal and procedural details.
Dealing With Insurance Companies After a Crash
Insurance adjusters often reach out shortly after an accident. While they may seem helpful, their role is to protect the insurer’s financial interests. Statements given early, especially before the full extent of injuries is known, can be used to limit compensation later and unfairly shift responsibility.
We can handle communications with insurers and help prevent missteps that can affect your case. Support from your attorney can be critical when injuries require ongoing treatment, follow-up care, or long-term medical planning.
Why Choose Smith Feddeler & Smith, P.A. for Your Car Accident Case?
Choosing the right legal team matters. At Smith Feddeler & Smith, P.A., we are not quick flippers. We are in it for the long haul, and insurance companies know it.
Our Commitment Sets Us Apart
We approach every car accident case with preparation and purpose. Insurance carriers understand that we are willing to take cases all the way to trial when fair offers are not made. That reputation gives us more negotiating power and helps level the playing field for our clients.
Serving Tampa and Surrounding Communities
We proudly represent clients throughout Tampa and Hillsborough County, including Brandon, Riverview, Carrollwood, Town ‘n’ Country, and surrounding areas. Whether your accident occurred on a major highway or a neighborhood street, our approach remains the same: thorough preparation and dedicated representation.
What Clients Appreciate About Our Firm
- A long-standing history of helping injured people throughout Florida
- A passionate team that takes time to understand each client’s situation
- An experienced staff with years of hands-on case involvement
- Clear communication and realistic guidance from start to finish
We do not rush cases or pressure clients into quick settlements. Our goal is to pursue outcomes that reflect the full scope of harm caused by the accident.
Speak With Us About Your Tampa Car Accident Today
When you contact Smith Feddeler & Smith, P.A., we take the time to listen. We review the details of your accident, explain how Florida law applies to your situation, and outline the next steps. There is no pressure and no obligation.
We believe in preparation, transparency, and steady advocacy. From the first conversation through resolution, we work to protect your interests and pursue accountability.
If you or a loved one was injured in a car accident, do not wait to learn about your rights. Call Smith Feddeler & Smith, P.A. at (813) 993-0559, by appointment only. You may also complete our online form to schedule a consultation with our lawyers. We are here to discuss how we can help you move forward with clarity and confidence.
Visit Our Tampa Personal Injury Law Office
Smith, Feddeler & Smith, P.A. – Tampa Office
100 S Ashley Drive Suite 600 Tampa, FL 33602
Phone: (813) 937-6334
Phone calls were returned timely. I was kept informed of my case and my questions were answered. The staff was professional, courteous, concerned and caring. Overall my experience with this law firm was good and I would recommend them to a friend.
- Rhonda D.
Keep up the good work!
- Thomas B.Everyone who I had the pleasure in talking to or email correspondence has been great and professional. Thank you all for the good service.
- Elixsandra F.Everyone in the office was always helpful and did everything to help up on the case.
- Thomas D.I appreciate all the work you all did. I will recommended Brad Smith and Smith, Feddeler & Smith to anyone who is looking for good legal help.
- Robert S.I would like to thank Mr. Feddeler and the Law Firm for their help in my workers; compensation case. I want to especially thank Julie for being such a special lady and for have such a patient and wonderful personality and manners. She kept me informed of what was going on and answered all my questions when I needed them.
- Stanley E.I am thankful with the firm and staff for always being so courteous and helpful with my case and with me. You guys helped me every step of the way and I am glad I chose your firm to represent me. Thank you for all you do!
- A Montalvo.Everyone that was involved with my case was awesome! No complaints. Hope I never need to get a lawyer again, but if I did I would choose this Law Firm. So thank you!
- Juanita B.I was bit by a Pit Bull in the face in May of 2016. The injuries I suffered was a fractures nose and teeth marks to the nose and under my lip. I chose Smith, Feddeler because they had a great reputation on line. They were very compassionate, very sympathetic and very respectful of the situation I was going through. The attorney was very sincere and staff always responsive and available when I needed. I would definitely recommend Smith, Feddeler & Smith. Kevin Balentine was very helpful and efficient.
- Lauren M.If you ever want a good attorney who is going to fight and advocate for injured workers and knows the law of workers’ comp in the State of Florida, please contact Brad at Smith, Feddeler & Smith. I assure you they will fight for your rights and you will come out victorious, and you will be able to tell somebody else like I’m telling you.
- Ricky B.Contact Us For A Free Consultation With A Qualified Lawyer
