You can get professional legal help after a motor vehicle accident in Florida. Our team at Distasio Law Firm is ready to guide you through the legal process while protecting your rights and fighting to ensure you get fair compensation.
A Tampa car accident lawyer from our firm can focus on providing you with personalized legal support while you recover. We want to help you get back your peace of mind after a crash caused by someone else’s negligence.
You can learn more about how we can help by contacting a Tampa personal injury lawyer from our firm. We have over 35 years of combined legal experience, and we’re ready to take on your claim today.
Why Hire Distasio Law Firm as Your Tampa Car Accident Lawyer
Not all car accident attorneys have the right credentials to back up their claims. Scott Distasio holds an AV rating from Martindale-Hubbell, the highest rating for ethics and legal ability. He is also Board Certified in Trial Law by the Florida Bar, a distinction earned by less than 1% of all Florida attorneys.
When you search for the best car accident lawyer in Tampa, FL, you need a firm with experience, credibility, and a track record of success. Here’s what makes Distasio Law firm the right choice for your case:
- Proven results with millions recovered for accident victims
- Over 35 years of experience handling car accident cases
- Board-certified civil trial lawyer Scott Distasio—a lawyer who understands trial law
- Personalized legal representation with direct communication
Scott Distasio has over three decades of experience handling car accident injury claims in Florida. His experience in investigating, negotiating, and taking cases to trial ensures you have the legal representation you deserve.
Don’t wait to contact us—not only do you not deserve prolonged suffering, but hesitation could lead to overwhelming complications later on. Contact our Tampa auto accident attorneys today so we can start your case immediately!
At Distasio Law Firm, we also represent the following types of vehicle accidents, among others:
- Passenger vehicle accidents
- Truck accidents
- Uber and Lyft accidents
- Bicycle accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Head-on accidents
If you were in a hit-and-run accident or you find out the opposing party is uninsured or underinsured, you may still have options to fight for the compensation you deserve. Our legal team can review your legal options and your insurance policy to determine what steps we can take to help you recover financially.
Car Accident Results: Verdicts & Settlements
Satisfied clients speak volumes about an attorney’s dedication and skill. At Distasio Law Firm, we have helped clients recover significant amounts, including:
- $1,490,000 for a bicyclist injured by a car
- $1,000,000 for a car driver hit by a truck
- $480,000 for a rear-end collision
- $225,000 for a T-bone accident
Most auto accident lawyers in Tampa focus only on the settlements. At Distasio Law, we’re different. We are committed to holding those who do wrong accountable and ensuring you get the support and justice you need, whether that means settling or going to trial. At Distasio Law Firm, we put your interests first.
We are not a settlement mill. You will speak directly with your attorney about your situation. Of course, we will do everything possible to settle your case as soon as possible, but sometimes, it’s not in your best interests to do so.
At Distasio Law Firm, we have the financial resources, the desire, and the know-how to fight the insurance company on your behalf to get full value for your case. If it makes sense to hold out for more, and that is what you want to do, we will do so. We will do that if it makes sense to file a car accident lawsuit.
For a free legal consultation with a Car Accident Lawyer serving Tampa, call (813) 259 0022
Steps to Take After a Car Accident in Tampa
If you have been in a car wreck in Tampa, or any other city in Florida, and you are experiencing pain in any part of your body, the first thing you should do is:
- Seek Medical Attention! Even if your injuries aren’t immediately apparent. See a doctor as soon as possible.
- Report the accident. Call the police to document the crash.
- Gather Evidence. Take photos, collect witness statements, driver info, and keep all your medical records.
- Contact us – The sooner you get legal representation, the better your chances of securing what you need.
We can’t stress the importance of getting medical attention as soon as possible. If you can get to a healthcare provider on the day of the car crash, you should do so. Getting care quickly is important not only because you will get the treatment you need, but also because if you don’t, the insurance company will later claim you were not hurt in the car accident.
Instead, they will take the position that something must have happened to you between the time of the auto accident and the time you went to the health care provider. If you are in pain from a car accident and you have not yet been to the doctor, do not worry.
All is not lost. Go to a hospital emergency room, a walk-in clinic, or a doctor immediately to document your injuries. At Distasio Law Firm, we know what evidence will convince the insurance company that the auto accident caused your injuries.
Tampa Car Accident Lawyer Near Me (813) 259 0022
Types of Tampa Car Accident Cases We Handle
At Distasio Law Firm, we handle any auto accident case. We can help when you need assistance from a:
- Tampa Distracted Driving Accident Lawyer: You know these drivers. We see them all around us on the roads. They are on the phone while driving, texting while driving, putting makeup on while driving, eating while driving, or simply not paying attention to the road.
- Tampa Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer: We understand the risks posed by drunk drivers and drivers under the influence of illegal drugs or prescription medications. We can help you build a claim after a drunk driving accident.
- Tampa Head-On Collision Lawyer: Our law firm can help you build your legal claim after someone hits you head-on. We’ll explain the steps you can take to get compensation under Florida law.
- Tampa Hit-and-Run Accident Lawyer: You can rely on our personal injury law firm to help if another driver hits you and flees the scene. We’ll explain the steps you can take to get compensation through your insurance policy in this situation.
- Tampa Rear-End Accident Lawyer: Being rear-ended is by far the most common type of car accident. In Florida, the law presumes the rear driver is responsible for the collision. We can build your claim after this kind of crash.
- Tampa Rollover Accident Lawyer: We can help you build a claim after a rollover crash. We understand the tremendous injuries and property damage associated with this type of collision.
- Tampa T-Bone Accident Lawyer: We believe in helping our clients recover the money they deserve after they get T-boned. We’ll focus on fighting for your rights after a major collision in Florida.
- Tampa Fatal Car Accident Lawyer: You can rely on us to provide compassionate and dedicated support throughout the legal process if you’ve lost a loved one. Learn how we can help with a wrongful death claim by reaching out today.
- Tampa Highway Accident Lawyer: We have the training and legal experience to address your legal concerns after a crash on a highway. Turn to us and learn about the steps you should take after this kind of collision.
- Tampa Parking Lot Accident Lawyer: We’re ready to build your claim if another driver hits you in a parking lot. We fight tirelessly to ensure you get maximum compensation after a crash caused by someone else’s negligence.
- Tampa Uninsured Motorist Accident Lawyer: We can explain the steps you can take to get compensation for your losses if an uninsured or underinsured motorist strikes your vehicle.
We’re here and ready to help with your personal injury claim after an auto accident. Reach out now and learn more about how we can help.
Click to contact us today
Damages Can You Pursue After a Car Accident in Tampa
The kind of damages you can collect after a car accident in Florida will vary depending on how the car accident affected you personally, such as whether it caused you bodily injuries, extensive financial setbacks, and emotional pain.
In general, medical expenses, lost wages, and non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, may be available if you hire our Tampa car accident lawyers.
Other factors may also affect what kind of damages you can claim, such as whether you are filing an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit, whether you qualify to file a wrongful death claim or lawsuit for a loved one’s death, and whether you were partially at fault for the car accident. Below are some damages you may be able to claim.
Economic Damages
Economic damages are generally easier to calculate because they have a monetary value and we can support them with financial records. Your lawyer can help you gather materials to calculate the total amount of financial damages you sustained since the car accident occurred, which might include:
- Medical treatment costs, including emergency costs
- Post-treatment costs, such as for physical rehabilitation
- Out-of-pocket costs for your injuries, such as paying for crutches, bandages, and prescription medications
- Vehicle-related expenses, such as repair costs or the cash value of the vehicle if it got totaled
- Loss of wages due to your injuries or lack of transportation
- Costs for services needed due to limitations from your injuries, such as cleaning and childcare services
- Reduced earning capacity
We can keep accurate records of all of these losses on your behalf after a collision. We’ll focus on ensuring the liable party pays you back so you can move forward with your life after an accident.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages do not have a strict financial value because these losses are more subjective. Florida Statutes §627.737 limits what kind of non-economic damages a plaintiff may be qualified to demand compensation for. These losses may include:
- Pain and suffering
- Mental and emotional anguish
- Inconveniences you experienced due to your injuries from the accident
- Scarring and disfigurement, or any significant changes in your appearance
- Permanent injury, disability, or loss of bodily function
We carefully review your situation after a crash to determine an accurate value for these losses, even though they do not have a direct dollar amount.
Wrongful Death Damages
If you lost a loved one in a car accident, you might be able to file a wrongful death claim or lawsuit on their behalf. Florida Statutes §768.21 describes which surviving persons may qualify for wrongful death damages and the kind of damages they can pursue.
If you are the surviving spouse, child, or parent of the decedent or the decedent’s personal representative, you may be entitled to collect damages for:
- Funeral expenses, including costs for burial or cremation services
- Loss of earnings since the date of death
- Medical expenses related to the decedent’s fatal injuries
- Loss of support and services from the decedent
You may also be entitled to collect damages that accrued since their passing. We understand that filing a legal claim cannot bring back your loved one, but it can help you financially recover while holding the liable party accountable for their deadly actions.
Complete a Free Case Evaluation form now
Common Car Accident Injuries
After an auto accident, you may have so much adrenaline coursing through you that you do not immediately recognize that you are injured. Over time, you may begin to experience neck pain, mid-back pain, low back pain, or pain in any other part of your body. The most common types of injuries include:
- Whiplash: This injury got its name from the violent whipping motion your body experiences in a car accident. The most common whiplash injuries occur in your neck and your lower back.
- Herniated Discs: The soft, cushiony material in your spine between each of your vertebrae is called a disc. The trauma can cause them to rupture and or herniate. The disc material can then touch nerves running through the spine, which in turn causes pain and or numbness to radiate down the arms or legs.
- Broken Bones: Body parts often hit the inside of the vehicle after the impact. The most common broken bones are in the arms, legs, ribs, and hands.
- Traumatic Brain Injuries: In an auto accident, the head whips back and forth. This movement can cause the brain to slam into the skull bones, causing swelling and even hemorrhaging. The long-term effects can include changes in personality, memory loss, and problems with anger management.
- Shoulder Injuries: Most drivers grip the steering wheel tightly during a car crash. This grip causes all the energy from the impact to travel through the steering wheel, up the arm, and into the shoulder. The most common types of shoulder injuries include rotator cuff tears, bicep tendon tears, and labrum tears.
We believe you deserve fair compensation for any injuries you sustain in a crash.
Tampa Car Accident FAQs
What If I’m Partially At Fault for the Accident?
Florida is a comparative fault state, meaning that if the plaintiff is found partially at fault for the car accident that caused their damages, this may affect how much compensation they are legally entitled to collect.
According to Florida Statutes §768.81, a plaintiff’s compensation award may be reduced by their percentage of fault. In addition, sometimes a plaintiff’s fault may completely bar them from recovery.
After a car accident, contact Distasio Law Firm to see if you might qualify to file a personal injury claim or lawsuit against the at-fault driver or any other party potentially involved. Our Tampa car accident attorneys have been serving clients in Florida for more than 35 years, and we would love to extend our services to you.
How Long Do I Have to File a Car Accident Lawsuit in Florida?
Regardless of which damages you are entitled to collect after a car accident, to collect these damages via a lawsuit, you must file your case by its statutory deadline, which differs if someone was injured or killed in the accident.
If you intend to file a personal injury lawsuit, Florida Statutes §95.11 (3)(a) generally gives you two years from the date of the accident to file your case. However, if your loved one passed away in a car collision and you qualify to file a wrongful death lawsuit, Florida Statutes § 95.11 (4)(d) generally gives you two years from the date of their death to file.
How Much Is My Car Accident Claim Worth?
Any lawyer who tells you that your case is worth a certain amount of money is just doing so to get you to hire them.
The truth is, it is rarely possible to determine the value of a case immediately after a car accident. That is because it takes time to know the extent of your injuries, the cost and type of medical care you will need now and in the future, and how much lost wages you will experience now and in the future.
It is only after you reach maximum medical improvement (MMI) that a lawyer can begin to answer this question. Reaching MMI usually takes about four to six months. Tampa car accident lawyers can recover compensation for the following:
- Medical Expenses: You are entitled to the reasonable cost of all current and future medical care, including hospitalization, medical doctors, chiropractors, physical therapy, and surgery.
- Lost Wages: If the car accident causes you to lose time from work or you must take a job that pays you less, you deserve to recover this expense now and into the future
- Pain and Suffering: This includes money for having to endure physical pain as well as money for mental anguish, disfigurement, and the loss of enjoyment of life.
- Wrongful Death: When an auto accident claims the life of a loved one, spouses and children are entitled to compensation for funeral expenses and loss of life.
How Much Does it Cost to Hire a Tampa Car Accident Attorney?
Our personal injury team handles auto accident claims on contingency, so the cost to hire us varies. We will receive a percentage of your final financial compensation when you turn to us for help after a crash.
Additionally, because we handle these cases on contingency, you only pay us for legal fees after we fully resolve your claim.
Get Help From a Car Accident Attorney in Tampa Who Will Fight For You
Time is limited—don’t risk missing out on the compensation you deserve. Call now for a free case evaluation from our team. A Tampa car accident attorney from Distasio Law Firm can put you first and fight for your best interests.
Learn more about Florida’s car accident lawsuit process and timeline with our team. We can answer questions you may have about car accident settlements. Take charge immediately after a crash by turning to us for steadfast support.
Call or text (813) 259 0022 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form