Tampa Motor Vehicle Accident Lawyer

Most of us live busy lives, doing our best to juggle competing responsibilities in our home, work, and social lives. A motor vehicle accident can disrupt all of that, leaving you struggling to pay your bills while you heal. When another person’s actions have caused you harm, you deserve a Tampa car accident attorney who will help you find a way forward.

Jeff Murphy Law is proud to help accident victims in Hillsborough County and throughout Florida in their personal injury cases. Whether you were injured in a car crash in Tampa, a HART collision in Old Seminole Heights, a freight truck collision in the Channel District or a motorcycle wreck in Tampa Heights, our law firm is here to help. Contact our legal team in Tampa to get started.

What Is an MVA?

“MVA” stands for motor vehicle accident. Motor vehicle accident claims in Florida involve specific insurance rules, liability standards, and procedural deadlines worth understanding before you make decisions. As a Tampa motor vehicle accident lawyer, Jeff Murphy handles serious accident claims throughout Hillsborough County, including those involving catastrophic injuries and wrongful death.

Types of Motor Vehicle Accident Cases We Handle

Jeff Murphy Law handles all manner of motor vehicle accident claims, including:

• Car crashes. Collisions between passenger vehicles are the most common motor vehicle accident claims in Tampa. Our car accident lawyer in Tampa handles these cases at all severity levels, whether they occur on local roads or major highways like I-275 or I-4.
• Truck accidents. Crashes involving commercial trucks often result in severe injuries. These cases require investigation into federal safety regulations and carrier liability, which our attorney addresses in truck accident cases throughout the region, including collisions on heavily trafficked freight corridors.
• Bus accidents. Accidents involving city buses, school buses, or charter buses raise distinct questions about government liability, carrier insurance, and notice requirements. Hart buses operate throughout Hillsborough County, and crashes involving HART transit vehicles may involve specific claims procedures that differ from standard auto cases.
• Motorcycle accidents. Riders face heightened injury risk in any collision. Our motorcycle accident lawyer reviews these cases with attention to driver negligence and road conditions on both local streets and highway routes.
• Rideshare crashes. Collisions involving Uber or Lyft raise questions about which insurance policy applies and when platform coverage is active.
• Pedestrian crashes. When a vehicle strikes a pedestrian, injuries are frequently severe. These cases involve specific liability and PIP questions under Florida law, particularly on busy urban roads and intersections throughout Tampa.
• Bicycle accidents. Cyclists injured by motor vehicles may have both a PIP claim and a negligence claim. Our bicycle accident attorney reviews applicable coverage and fault issues across local roads and shared roadways.

If you were hurt, call us for help with a motor vehicle accident claim. We can review the accident report and assess where fault lies.

Common Injuries From Motor Vehicle Accidents

Injuries sustained in a crash vary depending on speed, vehicle type, point of impact, and whether occupants were restrained. In serious accident claims, the following injuries appear frequently:

• Traumatic brain injuries, including concussion and closed-head trauma
• Spinal cord injuries, which may result in partial or complete paralysis
• Fractures to the spine, pelvis, ribs, and limbs
• Internal organ damage and internal bleeding
• Severe burns in accidents involving vehicle fires
• Soft tissue injuries, including ligament tears requiring surgical repair
• Wrongful death where injuries prove fatal

In catastrophic injury cases, medical expenses accumulate quickly and lost wages become a significant part of the claim. Florida law allows injured victims to seek compensation for both economic and non-economic losses, though recovery depends on the facts of each case and how liability is established.

Common Causes of Motor Vehicle Accidents in Tampa

Tampa’s road network, including I-275, I-4, US-41, and Dale Mabry Highway, sees a consistent volume of serious auto accident cases each year. Common causes in Hillsborough County include:

• Distracted driving. Phone use and in-vehicle distractions are among the leading causes of car crashes in Florida.
• Drunk driving. A drunk driver presents a documentable form of driver negligence. These cases may also support a claim for punitive damages under Florida law.
• Excessive speed. Speed affects stopping distance and crash severity, increasing the risk of significant injuries.
• Failure to yield. Intersection crashes frequently involve a driver who failed to yield the right of way.
• Aggressive driving. Tailgating, improper lane changes, and road rage contribute to a significant share of auto accident cases in Tampa, FL.
• Poor road conditions. Defective road design or inadequate maintenance can shift liability to a government entity.

What to Do After a Motor Vehicle Accident in Florida

The steps taken after a crash affect both your medical outcome and your ability to pursue a car accident claim. Florida law and insurance requirements impose specific obligations and deadlines.

First, seek medical attention promptly. Florida’s personal injury protection rules require that you receive initial medical care within 14 days of the accident to preserve your PIP benefits. Delaying care can reduce or eliminate those benefits and may complicate your personal injury claim.

Second, report the crash. Accidents involving injury, death, or property damage above a certain threshold must be reported to law enforcement. A police report creates a formal record relevant to any insurance claim or car accident lawsuit.

Third, gather what you can at the scene: the other driver’s insurance and contact information, photos of vehicle damage and road conditions, and witness contact information.

Fourth, notify your insurance company, but be measured in what you say before consulting an attorney. Recorded statements made early can affect how your claim is evaluated.

Who Can Be Held Liable for a Motor Vehicle Accident in Florida?

Identifying the at-fault driver is the starting point in most motor vehicle accident claims, but Florida law allows injury victims to pursue claims against multiple parties when the facts support it.

The Other Driver

In most car accident cases, the other driver’s negligence is the primary basis for the claim. Common examples include distracted driving, drunk driving, speeding, and failure to follow traffic laws. Florida’s comparative fault rules mean the other driver’s degree of fault directly affects the compensation available, so documenting their behavior at the scene and in the days after a crash matters significantly.

A Commercial Employer

When the at-fault driver was working at the time of the crash, the employer may share liability under a legal doctrine called respondeat superior, which holds employers responsible for the actions of employees acting within the scope of their job. This applies in truck accident cases, delivery driver crashes, and other commercial vehicle situations. Employers may also face independent liability if they failed to screen drivers properly, enforce safety policies, or maintain their fleet.

A Vehicle or Parts Manufacturer

If a defect contributed to the crash or worsened injuries, the manufacturer may be liable under a product liability theory. This applies in cases involving brake failures, tire defects, or airbag malfunctions. These claims are distinct from standard negligence cases because they focus on the design or production of the vehicle itself, and they often require engineering analysis and detailed records from the manufacturer.

A Government Entity

Dangerous road conditions and defective traffic control devices can implicate government liability. Claims against government entities in Florida involve specific notice requirements and shorter deadlines than standard personal injury claims. Florida law requires injured parties to submit a formal notice to the relevant agency before filing suit, and missing that deadline can bar recovery entirely.

A Rideshare Company

Rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft carry commercial insurance that may apply depending on the driver’s status at the time of the crash. Florida law requires rideshare companies to maintain specific coverage levels when a driver is actively transporting a passenger or has accepted a ride request. Determining which policy applies requires a careful review of platform records, driver logs, and policy terms, and the coverage amount can vary substantially based on what the driver was doing at the moment of impact.

What If the Insurance Company Blames You?

Florida follows a modified comparative fault standard. An injured party can recover compensation even if partially at fault, as long as their share does not exceed 50 percent. Any award is reduced by the percentage of fault attributed to the injured party.

Insurance companies sometimes raise comparative fault arguments to reduce their exposure. When an insurer attributes fault without adequate support, that characterization should be examined carefully. Police reports, physical evidence, traffic camera footage, and witness accounts all bear on how fault is allocated. Our attorney reviews that record and responds to disputed liability positions based on what the evidence shows.

When Can You Use Florida PIP Benefits After a Car Accident or Vehicle Crash?

Florida operates under a no-fault insurance system. After a crash, your personal injury protection coverage pays a portion of your medical expenses and lost wages regardless of who caused the accident. Florida law requires drivers to carry at least $10,000 in PIP coverage.

PIP pays 80 percent of reasonable medical bills and 60 percent of lost wages up to the policy limit. The amount available depends on whether your treating provider has determined that you have an emergency medical condition, which affects whether the full $10,000 is accessible.

PIP coverage extends beyond the policyholder in certain circumstances:

• Cyclists injured by a motor vehicle may be covered under a household resident’s PIP policy.
• Pedestrians struck by a vehicle may access PIP benefits through the at-fault driver’s insurance if they have no applicable coverage of their own.
• Passengers are generally covered by the PIP policy of the vehicle’s owner or operator.

PIP is a starting point, not a ceiling. When injuries are serious, a negligence claim against the at-fault driver is typically necessary to recover full lost wages, non-economic losses, and costs exceeding the PIP limit.

How Much Is a Motor Vehicle Accident Claim Worth?

The value of a car accident claim depends on the specific facts, the nature and extent of injuries, available auto insurance coverage, and how liability is determined. No attorney can responsibly guarantee a specific outcome.

Compensation after a Tampa motor vehicle accident may include medical expenses, future medical care, lost wages, property damage, and non-economic damages for pain and limitations on daily life. Wrongful death cases address losses sustained by surviving family members. Cases involving catastrophic injuries, permanent disability, or fatalities tend to involve larger claims because long-term costs are greater. Liability coverage limits also affect what is practically recoverable, which is why early investigation into all applicable policies is part of how our attorney approaches serious injury cases.

Tampa Car Accident Lawyer: Frequently Asked Questions

Is Florida a no-fault state, and what does that mean for my claim?

Florida requires drivers to carry PIP insurance, which pays a portion of medical bills and lost wages after a crash regardless of fault. When injuries meet a statutory threshold of permanent injury, significant scarring, or death, Florida law permits a claim against the at-fault driver.

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

For most motor vehicle accident claims from crashes occurring after March 24, 2023, Florida’s statute of limitations is two years from the date of the accident. Older claims may have a longer window. Claims involving government entities have different and shorter deadlines.

What if the at-fault driver had no insurance?

Florida has a significant number of uninsured and underinsured drivers. Your own uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage may apply when the at-fault driver lacked adequate liability coverage. Reviewing your auto insurance policy early is worthwhile.

Should I accept the insurance company’s settlement offer?

An early settlement offer reflects the insurer’s initial valuation, which may not account for future medical expenses or long-term wage loss. Accepting a settlement typically closes the claim permanently. Having the offer reviewed before deciding is reasonable.

What happens if my case goes to trial?

Most car accident claims resolve before trial. When liability is disputed or the insurer’s offer does not reflect actual damages, litigation may be necessary. Our attorney handles the full arc of a case through trial and does not hand off cases to other counsel.

Can I bring a wrongful death claim after a fatal car accident?

Florida’s Wrongful Death Act allows certain surviving family members to bring a claim when a motor vehicle accident results in a fatality. Eligible claimants typically include spouses, children, and parents. The claim is filed by the personal representative of the estate.