Tampa Car Accident Lawyers

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Auto Accident Attorneys in Tampa, FL

Local auto accident lawyers with over 50 years of combined experience.

tampa car accident lawyerMarcus Fernandez, Rob Roy, and our other top-rated Tampa auto accident attorneys have over 50 years of combined experience serving survivors of car accidents. Our team at Kinney, Fernandez & Boire (KFB) Law always puts your interests first when protecting your rights. We’re a compassionate bunch who are dedicated to the community and will work hard to move your case forward to a resolution.

Common Tampa Car Accidents We Can Help You With

No one ever plans on getting into a car crash, but they’re unfortunately common. Whether the auto accident is major or minor, it’s always an extremely upsetting event that can have a serious impact on your life. Aside from harm to yourself and loved ones, car accidents can mean losing time from work, long rehabilitation, emotional stress, and expensive vehicle repairs.

If you’re ever in an auto accident, your first action should be to obtain any necessary medical care. After that, you should consult with a Tampa car accident lawyer who can advise you about damages you may be entitled to receive.

While insurance may cover some of the bills for property damage and medical care after a car accident, in most cases, it still leaves the injured party underwater. If you have been injured and have found that the insurance payments are not enough to cover your medical bills, property damage, or lost wages, speak to one of our Tampa car accident lawyers to learn more about your options.

The Tampa car accident attorneys at KFB Law can help you with many types of car accident cases. We specialize in:

  • Rear End Collisions: These tend to be the most common, can cause severe injuries at low speeds, and are where people often experience “whiplash.”
  • Parking Lot Accidents: Backing in and out of parking lots, lanes with vehicles moving in multiple directions, and pedestrians everywhere—the perfect storm for a collision.
  • Head On Collisions: Probably the scariest accident you could face with catastrophic injuries, these collisions can come from negligence, distracted driving, drunkenness, or other kinds of impairment.
  • DUI Accidents: These are serious crimes with life-threatening consequences. We pursue all reasonable means of obtaining payment on behalf of our clients when punitive damages are allowed.
  • Hit and Run Accidents:When someone flees a crime scene after causing damage and injury, we will help gather information from you to identify the perpetrator, in cooperation with law enforcement.
  • Uber Car Accidents:Using a ridesharing app doesn’t always guarantee you are with a conscientious driver or that they are carrying the required insurance. This is where we come in to help protect you against their negligence.

Let Us Put You at Ease at Our Very First Meeting

Firstly, it’s comforting to know we only get paid if you win. In other words, we only get a percentage of what we win for you.

At our first attorney-client meeting you’ll:

  • Meet either Marcus Fernandez or Rob Roy, our experienced Tampa car accident attorneys, who will handle your auto accident case from start to finish.
  • Get a full breakdown of what to expect and how our firm will help you.

Tampa Car Accident lawyer, Tampa Car Accident Lawyers, Kinney, Fernandez & Boire

What Can an Attorney Do For You?

A good attorney can provide several valuable services to help you navigate the legal process and protect your rights after a car accident:

  1. Investigate the accident: We thoroughly investigate the accident to gather evidence, interview witnesses, and determine the cause of the accident.
  2. Evaluate your damages: We help you document and calculate your damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
  3. Communicate with the insurance company: We communicate with the insurance company on your behalf, negotiate with them for a fair settlement, and protect you from any tactics that attempt to reduce the value of your claim.
  4. Represent you in court: If a settlement cannot be reached, we represent you in court and will work to build a solid case to prove your damages and the liability of the other party.
  5. Provide guidance and support: We will provide guidance and support throughout the legal process, answer your questions, and keep you informed of any developments in your case.
  6. Be familiar with the laws and regulations: We are familiar with the laws and regulations related to Tampa car accident cases. We will use that knowledge to build the most robust case possible.

Hiring an attorney can provide you with peace of mind, knowing that an experienced professional is handling your case and working on getting you the compensation you deserve.

Building Your Car Accident Claim and Case

Every claim must contain proof of damages. Consult your attorney for the best types of documents to provide. Loss of earnings capacity also requires expert testimony to determine how inflation could affect your income or savings.

You’ll be required to provide evidence to support your claim for medical bills. Testimony can also help determine the duration and costs of your care.

Tampa Car Accident Statistics

Tampa Personal Injury Lawyers

Tampa is an important business center worldwide. The beautiful landscapes and the numerous places and sights one can see commonly cause distracted driving. Unfortunately, the massive number of tourists and commuter traffic makes accidents inevitable for everyone.

According to the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles Crash Dashboard, there were 388,215 crashes across Florida in 2022. In Hillsborough County alone, there were 28,290 crashes – and almost half of those caused injuries. Sadly, 214 of those crashes were fatal.

Hillsborough County’s Most Dangerous Intersections

Some roadways lend themselves to more accidents in the Tampa area. The worst intersection? Sheldon Road and Waters Avenue West came in with 107 crashes between May 2017 and August 2018.

Here’s the top 10 list, ranked by most collisions between May 1, 2017, and August 31, 2018:

  1. Sheldon Rd / Waters Ave W (Town ‘N’ Country) – 107
  2. Anderson Rd / Waters Ave W (Town ‘N’ Country) – 103
  3. Waters Ave W / Hanley Rd (Town ‘N’ Country) – 98
  4. Hillsborough Ave W / Sheldon Rd (Town ‘N’ Country) – 96
  5. 301 HW S / Gibsonton Dr (Riverview) – 95
  6. Waters Ave / Himes Ave N (Tampa) – 89
  7. 301 HW S / Big Bend Rd (Riverview) – 86
  8. Bruce B Downs Bl / Fletcher Ave E (Tampa) – 84
  9. Bloomingdale Ave / Bell Shoals Rd (Brandon) – 82
  10. Bloomingdale Ave / Providence Rd (Brandon) – 81

Dealing with Insurance Companies After an Accident

Dealing with an insurance company when filing a car accident claim can be a complex and time-consuming process. Here are some tips to help you navigate the process:

  • Report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible.
  • Keep detailed records of all expenses related to the accident, including medical bills, lost wages, and property damage.
  • Do not give a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurance company without consulting an attorney first.
  • Avoid making any statements that may be used against you, such as admitting fault or downplaying the extent of your injuries. Less is more here.
  • Be mindful that the insurance adjuster’s job is to minimize the amount of money they will have to pay out, so be prepared for them to ask leading questions or try to settle quickly.
  • Be prepared to negotiate with the insurance company, but also be prepared to take legal action if necessary.
  • Consider hiring a personal injury attorney to help you navigate the process and protect your rights. An attorney can help you document and prove your damages, negotiate with the insurance company, and represent you in court if necessary.

It’s also important to remember that you don’t have to accept the first offer made by the insurance company. You have the right to negotiate for a higher settlement if you believe it is fair compensation for your damages.

A Note About PIP Insurance

PIP, or Personal Injury Protection, is a type of car insurance that is mandatory in Florida. PIP coverage provides financial protection to drivers and passengers in the event of an accident, regardless of who is at fault.

PIP insurance typically covers the following expenses:

  • Medical expenses: PIP will cover the cost of medical treatment resulting from an accident, including doctor’s visits, hospital stays, and rehabilitation.
  • Lost wages: PIP will cover a portion of lost wages if the accident prevents the insured person from working.
  • Death benefits: PIP will provide a death benefit to the survivors of a person who dies due to an accident.
  • Funeral expenses: PIP will cover the funeral expenses in case of death.
  • Other expenses: PIP may also cover expenses such as transportation to medical appointments and household services if the accident prevents the insured person from performing them.

PIP coverage does not cover damages to your vehicle or other property. In Florida, PIP insurance is mandatory and will provide at least $10,000 in coverage. Some people may purchase more coverage than that, but $10,000 is the minimum required, which often needs to go further to cover expenses. An expert attorney is critical.

You should also know that PIP insurance does not cover injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident, typically covered by bodily injury liability insurance.

Answers to FAQs By Our Tampa Car Accident Lawyers

From insurance to personal injury, the Tampa car accident lawyers at KFB Law will help answer all of the following questions and more. We offer a free evaluation so you can learn more about how we can assist you with the claims process or with pursuing legal action.

Florida law doesn’t require individuals involved in a car accident to seek legal advice. However, a Tampa car accident lawyer may be able to help if you are having problems with the liable party, an insurer is refusing your claim, or if insurance doesn’t cover your property damage, medical bills, or lost compensation, even with a minor car accident.

What should I do after a car accident?

Your life is moving along as usual, and then, without warning, a car accident turns your life upside down. Now you have this big thing to worry about and you don’t know what to do next.

Well, there are a few things you should do immediately. The first is to find an experienced Tampa car accident attorney right away. 

Here’s a helpful list of other things to do to protect your health and ensure you have a strong auto accident case:

  • Call 911. You want the police there right away to make sure everyone is safe and an ambulance can get there quickly if need be. Be helpful to the police and give them a detailed explanation of what happened during the car accident.
  • Get medical help. Don’t risk it. See a doctor anyway, even if you do not think you were seriously hurt. It’s common for car crash victims to have internal injuries that may take time to develop.
  • Gather information at the scene. Use your phone for good use. Record eyewitness accounts and take photos or video of the Tampa car accident scene and any injuries to you or a loved one. Jot down the contact info, name, and insurance company of the other driver. Make sure to capture damage to your vehicle and any markings on the road, such as skid marks.
  • Don’t admit anything. Until we know all the facts, even if you think you were the at-fault driver for the accident, talk to your lawyer first. The car accident may have been unavoidable, but admitting it was your fault can potentially damage your chances of getting compensation.
  • Call your insurance company. They will assign you an adjuster to handle your claim.

Why do I need a Tampa car accident attorney?

If the accident wasn’t your fault, you aren’t required to hire an experienced car accident lawyer. But if you’ve been injured, a Tampa attorney can help you receive the compensation you deserve. That compensation can be used to cover medical expenses, lost wages, and more.

How do I know if I have a case I can pursue?

To successfully bring a car accident case in Tampa, Florida, you must demonstrate several legal elements:

  • Duty of Care: The defendant (the person being sued) had a legal duty to exercise reasonable care while operating their vehicle and to avoid causing harm to others.
  • Breach of Duty: The defendant breached their legal duty of care by acting negligently or recklessly while operating their vehicle.
  • Causation: The defendant’s breach of duty was the direct cause of the plaintiff’s (the person bringing the lawsuit) injuries or damages.
  • Damages: The plaintiff suffered actual damages as a result of the defendant’s negligence, such as medical expenses, lost wages, or property damage.

It’s important to note that car accident cases can be complex, and we highly recommend consulting with an attorney who can help you navigate the legal process and build a strong case. An experienced attorney can help you gather evidence, interview witnesses, and present your case in a compelling way to increase the chances of a successful outcome.

How long do I have to take legal action?

If you want to pursue legal action against the liable party, you have four years from the date of the car accident to file a legal claim. However, in most cases, you want to file sooner rather than later. 

Who is going to help me get better?

If you need help finding medical treatment, especially for serious injuries, our auto accident attorneys can point you in the right direction and help find a medical provider that’s right for the injuries you suffered.

Who is going to pay for my medical expenses?

Because there are several different ways to help with your medical treatment costs, we’ll first look at your auto insurance policy and use your PIP (personal injury protection benefits).

It’s important to seek medical treatment within 14 days of a car accident. If you don’t, you could risk losing up to $7,500 in medical benefits.

If you have health insurance, we could use that to help pay for your care.

We also look to the person who caused your car accident because many factors come into play when determining who and when your medical care costs will be paid.

Rest assured, your Tampa auto accident attorney will fully advise you on this matter, as we know how important it is.

Who will fix my car?

We know how important your transportation is. Getting to and from work is how you support yourself and your family. We’ll help resolve the damage done to your car at no cost.

How much is hiring an auto accident attorney going to cost?

There’s no need to worry about being able to afford legal help. Your initial consultation with KFB Law is always free. Plus, we only charge a contingency fee – meaning we’ll only collect a percentage of what we win for you. If we don’t win, you won’t pay.

What happens if I miss work?

You could recover compensation for lost wages if you cannot work after your accident. First, we’ll work with your insurance to try to make up for the lost income. If you don’t have insurance, we can still file a legal claim to recover what you’ve missed. The process of recovering lost wages is complicated, so it’s important you contact a lawyer and get a claim filed as quickly as possible.

What happens when multiple parties are liable?

Sometimes a single Tampa vehicle wreck could cause more than one death. Or someone drove a car into an intersection—and then another vehicle T-boned you. Or suppose your accident happened because of improper compliance with a construction zone. Employers and multiple drivers may be jointly at fault in these scenarios, and we strongly recommend legal guidance.

What if I think it was my fault?

At-Fault Driver

If you believe you were at fault for a car accident in Florida, you should secure legal representation if the other party was severely injured or if they have threatened to sue. While your insurance may cover some of the damages, if the other party threatens to hold you personally liable, a Tampa car accident lawyer can help guide and protect you throughout the process. We offer a free case evaluation.

Florida follows a pure comparative negligence law, which means that a person can recover damages for an injury even if they are partially at fault for the accident. Under this system, the amount of damages a person can recover will be reduced by the percentage of fault attributed to them.

For example, if a person is awarded $100,000 in damages for an accident, but it is determined that they were 20% at fault for the accident, their recovery would be reduced by 20%, and they would only receive $80,000.

This system allows injured parties to recover damages even if they were partly responsible for the accident. It also ensures that each party is held responsible for their actions and the degree to which they contributed to the accident.

What should I look for when hiring a car accident lawyer in Tampa?

You need to find a Tampa car accident lawyer with a history of success and who you feel you can trust. Your lawyer should be willing to explain the entire legal claims process to you and answer any questions you may have. At KFB Law, we offer a free initial consultation so you can learn what we can do for you and feel confident in your decision to trust us.

How much can I get for a car accident claim?

This will depend on the specific circumstances of the accident and the injuries or damages sustained. Factors that can affect the potential settlement or award in a car accident case include the severity of the injuries, the amount of medical expenses incurred, lost wages and earning capacity, and the extent of property damage.

Other factors, such as comparative fault, contributory negligence, and insurance policy limits, also play a role in determining the value of a claim.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the economic cost of motor vehicle crashes in the United States was $871 billion in 2020. This includes costs related to medical expenses, lost productivity, and property damage.

Tampa Car Accident Lawyer Reviews

Any car accident attorney can tell you they care, but our clients say it best. Learn how our attorneys have helped local Tampa car accident victims.

Nearly 2. 5 years ago I was rear ended by a commercial truck causing injuries that would effect me a life time. With the help of Mr. Manny Fernandez and his staff they made this process easier than I could’ve imagined. They were by my side the entire time and kept me up to date with the latest development. He himself would call to check on me periodically, especially after both back surgeries. The KF&B group always had my best interest at heart. Once again many thanks to Manny Fernandez and staff at the KF&B group.

Charles Ed | Review from Facebook

I had two car accidents from within 2017 and 2018. The first one is where I got hit by a tow truck. He got in my lane and hit me. Then the second accident was where a drunk driver hit me in the rear end. I cannot work anymore because of this. I have tried to work and make money to live on. I called the law office and they took my case right away. I just want to say that I am so happy with the results. I am now able to have some peace of mind. They helped with the medical portion as well as I am still in the recovery process. Thank you so much for helping me with my two car accidents. The very best I would say and so much more

Danielle Johns Campbell | Review from Google Maps

Marcus Fernandez was amazing. I have been in two car accidents that were not my fault. He handled both accidents with respect, and strength. Mr. Fernandez did an outstanding job with ensuring that I was aware of every move, every response from the other insurance carrier, what our next steps were going to be, including doing the full mediation to settle out of court for me!! I appreciate all his help!! I highly recommend Kinney, Fernandez, and Boire!!!! This law firm is a great group of individuals who care about their clients and are determined to get results!!!!

Read more reviews from our happy clients.

Safe Driving Tips

tampa car accident lawyer

You can control your own driving, but you can’t control the unsafe, dangerous driving of others on the road. These tips will help you stay safer.

  • Run a quick safety check. Are your headlights, brake lights, and wiper blades working? Are the oil levels and tire pressure where they should be? Have a professional give your car the once over if you plan on driving a long distance.
  • Plan your route. Don’t rush. Give yourself plenty of time for your commute in case of auto accidents or traffic delays. Perhaps try a less used street. This may avoid traffic and varying your route keeps you alert at all times. Also, a GPS system is helpful if you need to take an alternate route at the last minute.
  • Don’t speed. And when weather conditions or heavy traffic slow your route, be sure you do the same and drive at slower speeds.
  • Drive defensively. Aggressive driving is never a good idea. Ever. But they’re out there so be alert and drive defensively.
  • Get a good night’s rest. Getting at least eight hours of shuteye will ensure you stay focused on the road.
  • Take breaks. If you’re driving long distances, take a quick 10-minute break every two to three hours you’re on the road.
  • Be prepared for emergencies. Have a roadside kit and a way to contact emergency personnel.
  • Don’t drink and drive. Think of yourself and your loved ones. Be sure to have a designated driver if you plan to drink.
  • Don’t text. It can wait. Avoid your cell phone, and use a Bluetooth device if you must speak to someone on it.

Experience Makes All the Difference

If you or a family member has been injured because someone was careless with their car, seek the advice of an experienced Tampa car accident lawyer as early as possible.

Negligence issues related to personal injury law, insurance coverage, and auto accident injury claims are often complicated. Our attorneys have the experience to provide legal representation that puts your interests first, protects your rights, and seeks to resolve your car accident case.

Schedule an Initial Consultation 

We believe your legal advice should come from a face-to-face meeting or phone interview, not a website or 1-800 number.

To schedule your free consultation with our auto accident attorneys in the Tampa Bay area, please call our office at 1-833-KFB-ASAP to speak to one of us, or fill out the contact form below to get your free evaluation.

Our Office Locations

From these locations we are also able to serve residents of the nearby communities of Trinity, Carrollwood, New Tampa, Odessa, Westchase, Town ‘n’ Country, and Clearwater. 

Tracy grutman
Tracy grutman
2023-11-09
This law office is undoubtedly my number 1 go to and recommendation for anyone. The team is caring and attentive to your individual needs and efficient in their work. Ive gone here fortunately but unfortunately one to many occasions but they've had me evey single time. I couldn't ask for better service. Thank you.
Addison Hobbs
Addison Hobbs
2023-11-09
This office assisted me in pursuing a case after a car accident and helped answer all of my questions. From start to end of the case (which was completed in 6 months!), I felt like Marcus had my back and truly was there to represent and advocate for me. 10/10 would recommend to anyone in need of legal support.
O C
O C
2023-11-09
Marcus Fernandez is the MAN with the plan…Kinney, Fernandez &Boire,P.A and the GANG Was A Miracle Blessings Too ME!!!!!I would recommend them to anyone…Special Thanks To Mrs.DEE She kept me Encouraged &Motivated the whole way through definitely GREAT PEOPLE TOO HANDLE BUSINESS WITH
Mark Ziegler
Mark Ziegler
2023-10-09
Thank you, Rob Roy and Kinney, Fernandez & Boire, P.A.! I could not have received any better legal services. From the beginning, Mr. Roy explained the process very clearly. He answered all my questions and could not have been any more responsive when I reached out to him. At a time when dealing with legal issues was the last thing we wanted to worry about, everything was handled very professionally, thoroughly, and timely. My wife and I could not be more pleased with the service we were provided by Rob Roy and Kinney, Fernandez & Boire, P.A. and would highly recommend Rob Roy as your personal injury attorney.
Bobby Lennon
Bobby Lennon
2023-10-08
I would definitely use them again they helped me out alot thanx Mr. Roy u did your job
Ashley Bunch
Ashley Bunch
2023-09-26
They handled my case very quickly, I am very satisfied with Rob and his staff.
Marlen Capatides
Marlen Capatides
2023-09-15
THEY HAVE GREAT FOOD AND BISCUITS AND CORNBREAD!!! THEY ATTEND TO CUSTOMER PRETTY FAST AND COURTEOUS!!!
Michael Taylor
Michael Taylor
2023-08-08
Best law firm
Melissa Brown
Melissa Brown
2023-08-07
Kinney,Fernandez & Boir is so professional and also they work quickly I was injured in a automobile accident including my 9 yr old son Rob Roy was excellent patient and caring we felt relief knowing he was there every step of the way and that we were in good hands I will definitely recommend Rob Roy of Kinney, Fernandez & Boir.