Tampa Car Accident Lawsuit: Basics (2026)
Contributor
Reviewed By Adam Ramirez, J.D.
Editor
- Who Can Be Held Liable After a Tampa Car Crash?
- How to Start a Car Accident Lawsuit in Tampa
- Filing Deadlines and Notice Requirements in Florida
- What Types of Damages You Can Recover in Tampa Lawsuits
- How Evidence Is Collected in a Tampa Car Lawsuit
- What Happens During Negotiations or Trial?
- Start a Tampa Car Accident Lawsuit
How do you file a Tampa car accident lawsuit? Quick Answer
To file a Tampa car accident lawsuit, you generally hire a lawyer who can send a detailed demand letter showing that your injuries are serious enough to step outside no-fault laws and that the other party caused the crash. If negotiations don’t lead to a fair settlement, your attorney may file a formal complaint in court to seek compensation for medical expenses, property damage, lost wages and pain and suffering.
Summary
- After sustaining serious injuries in a crash, you can file a Tampa lawsuit
- You can recover economic and non-economic damages
- A lawyer’s help is essential
A car accident can leave you with injuries and property damage. To recover your losses, you may be entitled to file a lawsuit against the other party. With help from a Tampa car accident lawyer, you have a chance to receive a fair settlement or jury award.
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Who Can Be Held Liable After a Tampa Car Crash?
If you suffered injuries that allow you to file a Tampa car accident lawsuit, you will need to prove that another party was responsible for the crash.
Liable parties can be:
- Another driver
- Auto manufacturers, if a part malfunctioned and caused the collision
- Government entities in charge of maintaining the road and
Other third parties who might have contributed to the accident may also be liable.
How to Start a Car Accident Lawsuit in Tampa
The first thing to do is to hire a lawyer to represent you. They can help you send a demand letter. You’ll need to present substantial evidence that shows your injuries are serious enough to step outside of no-fault laws and that the other party was responsible for the crash.
If you can’t reach a settlement with the other party, you can file an official complaint with the court to start the lawsuit.
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Filing Deadlines and Notice Requirements in Florida
In Florida, the statute of limitations for car accidents is two years. If you’re filing against a government entity, however, you must send a notice of your intention to do so. They will then have 180 days to respond.
What Types of Damages You Can Recover in Tampa Lawsuits
In Tampa car accident lawsuits, you can receive economic and non-economic damages. Economic ones compensate you for your medical expenses, property damage and lost wages. Non-economic damages address pain and suffering and your loss of enjoyment of life.
Free Car Accident Case Review
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How Evidence Is Collected in a Tampa Car Lawsuit
Gathering evidence at the scene of the accident right after it occurs is vital. You can take photos and videos, and get statements from witnesses. Your lawyer can help you collect your medical records and information on your total losses. When you begin the lawsuit, you can get further evidence via the discovery phase.
What Happens During Negotiations or Trial?
Your lawyer can negotiate to get you a fair settlement. If that’s not possible, they can take the case to trial. The process begins with the discovery phase, where both parties exchange information, and then it proceeds to court. A jury will then decide whether to award you damages or not.
Free Car Accident Case Review
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Start a Tampa Car Accident Lawsuit
At ConsumerShield, we match clients just like you with experienced local attorneys, from Tampa to Jacksonville or anywhere in between. Contact us to learn more about our services today.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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These lawyers generally work on a contingency fee basis. They will not charge anything up front but will instead receive a percentage of your winnings.
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The claim leading up to the lawsuit can often be resolved in a few weeks via a settlement, but if you need to go to court, the process can take months.
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In a Tampa car accident lawsuit, you may generally recover economic damages for medical expenses, property damage and lost wages, along with non-economic damages for pain, suffering and loss of enjoyment of life. The specific mix of damages will typically depend on the severity of your injuries and how the crash has affected your daily activities.
