Injured in a car accident? We're here to help.

If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Tampa, you have a legal right to pursue compensation from the at-fault driver. We represent people injured in car accidents throughout Tampa and across the nation—from minor injuries to catastrophic, life-altering harm including spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, amputations, and fatal crashes. We focus exclusively on personal injury claims, and we work on a contingency basis: you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.

What a Car Accident Claim Covers: What’s Included in Your Recovery

A successful car accident claim can include several types of damages:

• Medical expenses: Emergency care, hospitalization, surgery, rehabilitation, ongoing treatment, and future medical care related to your injury.
• Lost wages: Income you missed while recovering or unable to work.
• Pain and suffering: Physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life.
• Property damage: Repair or replacement of your vehicle.
• Permanent disability or disfigurement: If your injury causes lasting impairment, you may seek damages reflecting that permanent change.
• Lost earning capacity: If your injury affects your long-term ability to work, you may seek compensation for future lost income.
• Wrongful death damages: In fatal accidents, surviving family members can pursue a wrongful death claim to recover funeral expenses, lost financial support, and the loss of companionship.

The specific damages in your case depend on your injury’s severity, your medical treatment, your lost income, and the circumstances of the accident.

How Much Does a Lawyer Get From a Car Accident Settlement in Florida?

We work on a contingency fee basis. We take a percentage of the settlement or judgment you receive—typically 33% to 40%—depending on the complexity of your case. You pay nothing upfront: no retainer, no hourly fees, no costs unless we win. Court costs and expert witness fees are advanced by us and deducted from your recovery only if we succeed. If we don’t recover money for you, you owe us nothing. This fee structure aligns our interests with yours: we only succeed when you do.

This approach removes a major barrier: you don’t need money in your pocket to hire a lawyer. Many injured people cannot afford upfront legal costs while managing medical bills and lost income. Contingency representation ensures access to experienced legal help regardless of your financial situation.

How Long Can Someone Sue After a Car Accident in Florida?

Florida’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims is two years from the date of the accident under Fla. Stat. § 95.11. For wrongful death claims, the deadline is also two years from the date of death. Missing this deadline means losing your right to sue forever—the claim is barred permanently. Don’t wait. The sooner you contact us, the sooner we can preserve evidence, obtain police reports and medical records, and begin building your claim. We handle legal deadlines and timelines; you focus on recovery.

How Much Is My Car Accident Claim Worth?

Settlement value depends entirely on the specific facts of your case—there is no fixed number. A $50,000 settlement may be fair for a minor injury with low medical costs and quick recovery. It may be inadequate for a serious, permanent injury with ongoing treatment and lost earning capacity. We evaluate your case individually, calculate your damages based on verifiable costs and losses, and fight for the maximum compensation you deserve. We never pressure you to accept a low offer; we advise you on what your claim is worth and let you decide.

Factors That Affect Your Car Accident Settlement Value

Several factors influence what your claim is worth:

• Severity of injury: Permanent disability, disfigurement, or catastrophic injury significantly increases value. A spinal cord injury or traumatic brain injury with lifelong care needs commands far higher damages than a minor fracture.
• Medical expenses: Documented treatment costs form a foundation for damages. Emergency surgery, hospitalization, rehabilitation, and ongoing specialist care all increase your claim’s value.
• Lost income: Wages lost during recovery and reduced earning capacity if you cannot return to your prior work.
• Age and life expectancy: Younger victims with longer working lives typically recover more for lost future earnings and lifetime medical care.
• Liability and fault: Clear evidence that the other driver caused the accident strengthens your claim and increases settlement value.
• Insurance coverage: The at-fault driver’s policy limits cap what you can recover from their insurer. We explore all available sources of recovery.
• Comparative fault: Florida allows recovery even if you are partially at fault, but your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault (see below).

Understanding Florida’s Comparative Fault Rule: How We Minimize Your Fault

Many injured people worry: If I was even partly responsible, can I still recover? The answer is yes—but understanding how Florida’s comparative fault rule works is crucial (Fla. Stat. § 768.81(6)).

Florida Statute § 768.81 allows you to recover damages even if you are partially at fault, as long as you are not more than 50% at fault. Here’s how it works:

Suppose you are awarded $100,000 in damages, but a jury finds you 20% at fault and the other driver 80% at fault. Your recovery is reduced by your 20% share: you receive $80,000, not $100,000.

However, if you are found 51% or more at fault, you recover nothing.

This rule creates a strong incentive for the other driver’s insurance company to try to shift blame onto you. We work aggressively to minimize any finding of fault against you and maximize liability against the at-fault driver. We gather police reports, witness statements, traffic camera footage, accident reconstruction analysis, and expert testimony to prove the other driver’s negligence and reduce or eliminate any finding of your fault.

How the Car Accident Claim Process Works: Step-by-Step

Understanding what to expect helps you feel in control of your case.

Step 1: Free Case Evaluation. You tell us what happened; we listen, ask detailed questions, and assess whether you have a claim worth pursuing. We explain your rights and next steps in plain language.

Step 2: Investigation. We obtain police reports, medical records, witness statements, traffic camera footage, and accident scene photographs. We may hire accident reconstruction experts to analyze vehicle damage and prove how the crash occurred.

Step 3: Demand and Negotiation. We calculate your damages—medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and future losses—and send a detailed demand to the at-fault driver’s insurance company. We negotiate aggressively to reach a fair settlement.

Step 4: Settlement or Litigation. If the insurer offers fair compensation, we negotiate the final terms. If not, we file a lawsuit.

Step 5: Discovery and Trial Preparation. We exchange evidence with the other side, take depositions of witnesses and the at-fault driver, and prepare your case for trial if needed.

Step 6: Settlement or Trial. Most cases settle before trial. If yours goes to trial, we represent you in court and present evidence to a jury or judge.

Step 7: Recovery and Closure. Once settled or won, we collect your compensation and pay you your share after deducting our fee and costs.

What Do I Have To Prove To Win My Tampa Car Accident Lawsuit?

To win a car accident claim, you must prove four elements:

1. Duty: The other driver owed you a duty of care (all drivers owe this duty to others on the road).
2. Breach: The other driver violated that duty through negligent or reckless conduct—speeding, distracted driving, drunk driving, running red lights, failing to yield, or other violations.
3. Causation: The breach directly caused your accident and injury.
4. Damages: You suffered measurable harm—medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, permanent injury, or death.

We gather evidence to prove each element: police reports, witness testimony, medical records, expert analysis, and accident reconstruction.

Frequently Asked Questions About Car Accident Claims in Tampa

Why Choose CHG Personal Injury Lawyers for Your Tampa Car Accident Claim

We focus exclusively on personal injury cases: car accidents, truck crashes, catastrophic injuries, and negligent security claims. We are licensed Florida attorneys who handle car accident litigation and settlement negotiation. We work on contingency: no upfront costs, no risk to you. We communicate clearly in English and Spanish, ensuring you understand every step of your case. We treat you with dignity and respect; your recovery and peace of mind are our priority. We never pressure you to accept a settlement; we advise you on what your claim is worth and support your decision.

Contact CHG Personal Injury Lawyers for Your Free Case Evaluation

If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Tampa, you don’t have to navigate the claim process alone. We offer a free, confidential case evaluation—no obligation, no cost. Call us or fill out our online form to get started. We speak English and Spanish and are ready to help.