Tampa Car Accident Lawyer
When a car crash leaves you injured, you need a Tampa car accident attorney who knows Hillsborough County courts and will fight aggressively for maximum compensation. Cardinal Law has recovered millions for Tampa crash victims.
Free Consultation • No Fees Unless We Win • Available 24/7
Tampa Car Crash Statistics
54,000+
Annual Car Crashes in Hillsborough County
14,500+
Injury Crashes Per Year in Tampa Metro
250+
Fatal Car Accidents Annually
#1
Deadliest Highway in America (I-4)
Types of Car Accidents We Handle in Tampa
Cardinal Law represents victims of all types of car accidents throughout Hillsborough County, from minor fender-benders to catastrophic multi-vehicle collisions.
Head-On & Rear-End Collisions
T-Bone & Side-Impact Crashes
Multi-Vehicle Pile-Ups
Hit-and-Run Accidents
Intersection Collisions
Highway & Interstate Crashes
Common Causes of Tampa Car Accidents
- Distracted driving (texting, phone calls, eating)
- Speeding and reckless driving on I-275 and I-4
- Drunk driving and DUI crashes
- Failure to yield at Tampa intersections
- Running red lights and stop signs
- Aggressive driving and road rage
- Poor road conditions and inadequate signage
- Vehicle defects and mechanical failures
Tampa's Most Dangerous Roads for Car Accidents
Certain Tampa roadways have significantly higher crash rates due to traffic volume, road design, and driver behavior. If you've been injured on any of these roads, Cardinal Law can help.
I-275 (Malfunction Junction)
400,000+ daily vehicles, complex interchange, frequent high-speed crashes
I-4 Corridor
Ranked deadliest highway in America, 1.4 deaths per mile
Dale Mabry Highway
High traffic volume, numerous intersections, frequent rear-end collisions
Kennedy Boulevard
Heavy commercial traffic, pedestrian conflicts, distracted driving crashes
Hillsborough Avenue
Multiple lanes, high speeds, dangerous left turns
Bruce B. Downs Boulevard
USF area congestion, young drivers, intersection accidents
I-4: America's Deadliest Highway Runs Through Tampa
Interstate 4, which cuts through the heart of Tampa, has earned the grim distinction of being the deadliest highway in the United States. According to federal data, I-4 averages 1.4 deaths per mile annually—far exceeding the national average. The highway's dangerous combination of high speeds, heavy truck traffic, tourist drivers unfamiliar with the area, aggressive local drivers, and poorly designed interchanges creates a perfect storm for serious and fatal crashes.
The most dangerous section is the I-4/I-275 interchange in downtown Tampa, locally known as "Malfunction Junction." This complex interchange handles over 400,000 vehicles daily, and the confusing lane configurations, sudden merges, and high-speed weaving maneuvers contribute to hundreds of crashes each year.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a crash on I-4, I-275, or any Tampa highway, Cardinal Law has the expertise to investigate your accident thoroughly, identify all liable parties, and fight for maximum compensation.
Florida No-Fault Insurance: What Tampa Drivers Need to Know
Florida operates under a "no-fault" car insurance system, which can be confusing for accident victims. Here's what you need to know:
Personal Injury Protection (PIP)
All Florida drivers are required to carry at least $10,000 in Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage. After a car accident, your PIP insurance covers your medical expenses and lost wages up to your policy limits, regardless of who caused the crash.
However, PIP only covers 80% of medical expenses and 60% of lost wages, and the $10,000 minimum is often exhausted quickly in serious injury cases.
When You Can Sue in Tampa
You can step outside Florida's no-fault system and file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver when your injuries meet the serious injury threshold:
- Permanent injury within a reasonable degree of medical probability
- Significant and permanent scarring or disfigurement
- Significant and permanent loss of an important bodily function
- Death (wrongful death claim)
What To Do After a Tampa Car Accident
Ensure Safety & Call 911
Move to safety if possible without leaving the scene. Call Tampa Police (813-231-6130) or Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) to report the accident.
Seek Medical Attention
Go to the ER or urgent care immediately, even if you feel fine. Many injuries like whiplash and concussions don't show symptoms for hours or days.
Document Everything
Take photos of all vehicles, injuries, road conditions, traffic signals, skid marks, and the scene. Get witness contact information.
Exchange Information
Get the other driver's name, phone, address, insurance company, policy number, license plate, and driver's license number.
Do NOT Admit Fault
Never apologize or make statements about who caused the crash. Even innocent statements can be used against you by insurance companies.
Contact Cardinal Law
Call 844-874-PAIN before giving any recorded statements or accepting settlement offers. We protect your rights from day one.
Compensation You Can Recover After a Tampa Car Accident
If you qualify to step outside Florida's no-fault system, you may be entitled to significant compensation beyond your PIP benefits.
Economic Damages
- All medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost wages and lost earning capacity
- Property damage (vehicle repair/replacement)
- Rehabilitation and physical therapy
Non-Economic Damages
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress and mental anguish
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
Additional Recovery
- Punitive damages (in cases of gross negligence)
- Loss of consortium (family relationship impacts)
- Uninsured/Underinsured motorist benefits
- Wrongful death damages for surviving family
No Fees Unless We Win Your Tampa Car Accident Case
Cardinal Law works exclusively on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing upfront, no hourly fees, and no out-of-pocket expenses. Our fee is a percentage of your settlement or verdict (typically 33.33% for pre-trial settlements). If we don't recover compensation for you, you owe us nothing.
Call 844-874-PAIN for Your Free ConsultationWhy Choose Cardinal Law for Your Tampa Car Accident Case?
Not all personal injury lawyers are created equal. Here's what sets Cardinal Law apart when representing Tampa car accident victims.
Trial Experience
Proven courtroom success in Hillsborough County. Insurance companies know we're prepared to take cases to trial if they don't offer fair settlements.
Local Knowledge
Deep understanding of Tampa's dangerous roads, common accident patterns, and local insurance company tactics in Hillsborough County.
Personal Attention
Direct attorney access, not just paralegals. We limit our caseload to provide individualized strategy and attention to every client.
24/7 Availability
Car accidents don't wait for business hours. We're available around the clock to respond to Tampa crash victims immediately.
Serving All Tampa Bay Communities
Cardinal Law represents car accident victims throughout Hillsborough County and the greater Tampa metropolitan area.
Downtown Tampa
Ybor City
Hyde Park
Westchase
Carrollwood
Temple Terrace
Town 'n' Country
Brandon
Riverview
Lutz
Land O' Lakes
Plant City
Tampa Car Accident FAQs
Get answers to common questions about car accident claims in Tampa and Hillsborough County.
How much is my Tampa car accident case worth?
The value of a Tampa car accident case depends on multiple factors: severity of injuries, medical expenses (past and future), lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, and degree of liability. Minor injury cases may settle for $10,000-$50,000, while serious injury cases involving broken bones, surgery, or permanent disability can be worth hundreds of thousands or even millions. Cardinal Law provides free case evaluations to assess your claim's potential value based on Hillsborough County jury verdicts and settlement data.
What should I do immediately after a car accident in Tampa?
After a car accident in Tampa: (1) Call 911 and request police and medical response; (2) Move to safety if possible without leaving the scene; (3) Exchange insurance information with other drivers; (4) Take photos of vehicles, injuries, road conditions, traffic signals, and the scene; (5) Get witness contact information; (6) Seek medical attention immediately even if you feel fine; (7) Report the accident to your insurance company; (8) Do NOT admit fault or give recorded statements; (9) Preserve all evidence and documentation; (10) Contact Cardinal Law at 844-874-PAIN before accepting any settlement offers.
How long do I have to file a car accident claim in Tampa?
In Florida, you generally have 2 years from the date of the car accident to file a personal injury lawsuit (Florida Statute 95.11). However, you must report the accident to your insurance company within a reasonable time (usually 24-72 hours) to preserve your PIP benefits. For property damage claims, you have 4 years. Missing these deadlines can result in losing your right to compensation. Contact Cardinal Law immediately after your accident to ensure all deadlines are met and your claim is properly documented from day one.
Does Florida's no-fault insurance mean I can't sue after a Tampa car accident?
No. While Florida is a no-fault state requiring you to first seek PIP benefits from your own insurance, you CAN sue the at-fault driver if your injuries meet the serious injury threshold. This includes: permanent injury within a reasonable degree of medical probability, significant and permanent scarring or disfigurement, or significant and permanent loss of an important bodily function. You can also pursue a claim if your medical expenses exceed your PIP coverage. Cardinal Law helps Tampa accident victims navigate Florida's no-fault system and pursue full compensation when you qualify to step outside of no-fault protections.
What if the other driver doesn't have insurance?
If you're hit by an uninsured driver in Tampa, you can seek compensation through your own Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage if you have it. UM coverage is optional in Florida but highly recommended. If you don't have UM coverage, you may still be able to sue the at-fault driver personally, though collecting damages can be challenging if they lack assets. Cardinal Law investigates all potential sources of recovery, including business auto policies if the driver was working, and helps maximize your compensation even in uninsured motorist cases.
How long does a Tampa car accident case take to settle?
Tampa car accident cases typically settle within 3-18 months, depending on injury severity, treatment duration, and insurance company cooperation. Simple cases with minor injuries and clear liability may settle in 3-6 months. Complex cases involving serious injuries, surgery, ongoing treatment, or disputed fault can take 12-18 months or longer. Cases that go to trial in Hillsborough County Court may take 18-24+ months. Cardinal Law works efficiently to settle your case as quickly as possible while ensuring you receive full compensation for all damages, not just a quick lowball settlement.
Wondering What Your Case May Be Worth?
Let's work on your case together
Through 13 years of experience and multi-millions recovered for our clients we offer the most premium legal services.
Visit Our Florida Offices
Cardinal Law has offices throughout Florida to serve you better. Our main office is in Naples, with additional locations by appointment.
Naples Office
Main Office9045 Strada Stell Court
Suite 305
Naples, FL 34109
Orlando Office
200 E Robinson Street
Suite 1120
Orlando, FL 32801
Tampa Office
401 East Jackson Street
Suite 2340
Tampa, FL 33602
Miami Office
848 Brickell Avenue
Suite PH5
Miami, FL 33131
Fort Myers Office
5237 Summerlin Commons Blvd
Suite 511
Fort Myers, FL 33907
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