Brandon Car Accident Lawyer

Car accidents are an unfortunate reality in Brandon, Florida. With bustling roads and heavy traffic, collisions occur all too frequently, leaving victims facing physical injuries, emotional distress, and financial burdens.

Navigating the aftermath of a car accident can be overwhelming, especially when dealing with insurance companies that often prioritize their bottom line over your well-being. That’s where a Brandon car accident lawyer can make a difference—helping you secure the compensation you deserve and providing peace of mind during a challenging time.

Why Work With a Brandon Car Accident Attorney?

Navigating Florida’s car accident laws and local court systems requires specific knowledge and experience. Working with a Tampa car accident lawyer from Darrigo & Diaz Attorneys at Law means you’re partnering with professionals who:

• Understand the intricacies of local traffic patterns and accident hotspots.
• Offer the convenience of in-person meetings at our Brandon office.
• Have a proven record of success in handling cases just like yours.

Why Choose Darrigo & Diaz Attorneys at Law

Our firm stands out due to our dedication and results:

• Decades of Experience: We have handled countless car accident cases in Florida.
• Proven Track Record: High-value settlements and verdicts are our specialty.
• Client-Focused Approach: We prioritize personalized attention and clear communication.
• No Upfront Fees: You only pay if we win your case.

Types of Car Accidents We Handle

At Darrigo & Diaz Attorneys at Law, we have extensive experience handling a wide range of car accident cases. Here are some of the most common types of accidents we see in Florida:

1. Rear-End Collisions: These accidents often occur at stoplights or in heavy traffic, causing whiplash and back injuries. 
2. T-Bone Accidents: Intersections are prime locations for side-impact collisions, which can result in severe injuries.
3. Hit-and-Run Incidents: Being left at the scene without assistance can be devastating.
4. Multi-Vehicle Car Crashes: When numerous vehicles are involved, determining liability can be complex.
5. Rideshare Accidents (Uber/Lyft): Collisions involving rideshare vehicles require navigating insurance coverage from both the driver and the company. 
6. Drunk Driving Collisions: These preventable accidents often result in catastrophic injuries.

What to Do Immediately After a Car Accident in Brandon

If you’ve been involved in a car wreck in Brandon, taking the right steps immediately afterward can protect your safety, your legal rights, and your ability to seek compensation. Many people search for guidance on what to do after a car wreck, and this section provides a clear, actionable list to help you navigate those critical first moments.

Here’s what you should do:

• Ensure Safety: Move to a safe location if possible, away from traffic or other hazards. Check yourself and others for injuries, and stay calm while assessing the situation. Your safety comes first.
• Call the Police: Dial 911 to report the accident and request medical assistance if needed. Filing an official police report is crucial for insurance claims and potential legal action, as it provides an unbiased record of the incident.
• Exchange Information: Collect key details from the other driver(s), including their name, phone number, license plate number, and insurance information. If there are witnesses, ask for their contact details too—they could support your case later.
• Document the Scene: Take photos of the accident with your phone. Capture vehicle damage, skid marks, road conditions, and any visible injuries. This visual evidence can be invaluable for insurance claims or legal proceedings.
• Seek Medical Attention: Visit a doctor as soon as possible, even if you don’t feel injured right away. Some injuries, like whiplash or internal damage, may not show symptoms immediately but could worsen over time.
• Contact a Lawyer: Reach out to a Brandon car accident attorney quickly to protect your rights. An experienced lawyer can guide you through the claims process, deal with insurance companies, and ensure you meet important deadlines.

The Car Accident Claim Process in Florida

Seeking compensation after a car accident can be daunting, but we simplify the process for you:

1. Free Initial Consultation and Case Review: Sit down with one of our experienced Florida car accident lawyers to discuss your case and explore your potential options. During this no-cost meeting, we’ll listen to your story, answer your questions, and provide an honest assessment of your claim’s strengths and next steps.
2. Evidence Collection: We gather police reports, witness statements, and photographs to build a strong, compelling claim on your behalf. Our team also collaborates with accident reconstruction experts when necessary to uncover critical details that strengthen your case.
3. Filing a Claim: We handle all the paperwork and communicate directly with insurance companies so you don’t have to navigate the complex process alone. This ensures your claim is filed correctly and on time, meeting Florida’s legal deadlines to protect your rights.
4. Negotiating a Settlement: Our skilled team fights tirelessly to secure the maximum compensation for your losses, from medical bills to emotional distress. We leverage our decades of experience to counter lowball offers from insurers, advocating fiercely for a settlement that fully reflects your needs.
5. Trial Preparation (if needed): If a fair settlement isn’t possible through negotiations, we’re fully prepared to take your case to court with a robust legal strategy. Our attorneys have a proven track record in the courtroom, ready to present your case confidently to a judge or jury to pursue the outcome you deserve.

Compensation You Can Seek After a Car Accident in Florida

In Tampa, Florida, compensation for losses is usually sought through Florida’s no-fault system. Under the state’s no-fault insurance laws, drivers are required to carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance, which typically covers up to $10,000 in medical expenses and lost wages for you and your passengers.

This means that after an accident, you first turn to your own PIP coverage to pay for immediate costs like doctor visits or hospital bills without needing to prove the other driver was at fault.

However, if your injuries exceed the PIP limit or qualify as “serious” under state law—such as significant disfigurement or permanent injury—you may step outside the no-fault system and pursue a claim against the at-fault driver for additional compensation.

At Darrigo & Diaz Attorneys at Law, our goal is to maximize your financial recovery by ensuring you’re fully compensated for every loss you’ve suffered. Below is a detailed breakdown of the types of compensation you can seek and why each is critical to your recovery:

Medical Bills

Car accidents often result in injuries that require both immediate and ongoing medical attention. Compensation for medical bills ensures you’re not left paying out of pocket for costs such as:

• Current Medical Expenses: Hospital stays, emergency room visits, surgeries, medications, and doctor appointments incurred right after the accident.
• Future Medical Treatments: Long-term care needs, such as additional surgeries, physical therapy, or treatment for chronic conditions caused by the car crash.
• Rehabilitation Costs: Expenses for physical or occupational therapy, as well as medical equipment like crutches, wheelchairs, or prosthetics.

An experienced attorney can collaborate with medical experts to project your future medical needs, ensuring your settlement reflects both present and anticipated expenses.

Lost Income

Injuries from a car accident can keep you from working, impacting your financial stability. Compensation for lost income covers:

• Lost Wages: Reimbursement for the income you’ve missed while recovering or attending medical appointments.
• Reduced Earning Capacity: If your injuries prevent you from returning to your previous job or limit your ability to earn at the same level in the future, you may be entitled to compensation for this long-term loss.

A lawyer can help calculate these losses accurately by analyzing your income history and consulting vocational experts if needed, ensuring your claim accounts for both immediate and future financial setbacks.

Pain and Suffering

The impact of a car accident extends beyond finances—physical pain and emotional trauma can significantly affect your quality of life. Compensation for pain and suffering includes:

• Physical Pain: Damages for the discomfort, chronic pain, or permanent disabilities resulting from your injuries.
• Emotional Distress: Compensation for mental health struggles like anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) triggered by the accident.
• Loss of Enjoyment of Life: If your injuries prevent you from participating in activities or hobbies you once loved, this loss can also be factored into your claim.

Quantifying pain and suffering often requires detailed documentation, such as medical records or testimony from mental health professionals, to demonstrate the full scope of your non-economic damages.

Punitive Damages

In cases where the at-fault driver’s actions were particularly reckless or egregious—such as driving under the influence or excessive speeding—you may be eligible for punitive damages. These damages serve to:

• Punish the At-Fault Party: Hold the responsible driver accountable for their dangerous behavior.
• Deter Future Misconduct: Send a message to others that such actions won’t be tolerated, potentially preventing similar incidents.

While punitive damages are less common, they can substantially increase your total compensation in cases of gross negligence. Your attorney can evaluate whether your situation qualifies for this additional award.

How Long Do I Have to File a Car Accident Claim?

If you’ve been involved in a car accident in Florida, understanding the statute of limitations is critical for protecting your legal rights. In Florida, for car accidents occurring on or after March 24, 2023, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim is two years from the date of the accident.

This means you have exactly two years to initiate legal action against the at-fault party. If you fail to file within this timeframe, the court will likely dismiss your case, barring you from seeking compensation for your injuries and losses.

While the standard deadline is two years, certain exceptions may apply. For instance, if the injured party is a minor, the statute of limitations might be extended until they reach the age of majority.

Additionally, if your claim involves only property damage—such as repairs to your vehicle—the time limit extends to four years. However, since most car accident cases combine both personal injury and property damage claims, it’s essential to meet the shorter two-year deadline to preserve your full range of legal options.

Schedule Your Free Consultation With a Brandon Car Accident Law Firm

Don’t let insurance companies take advantage of you. Contact a Brandon car accident lawyer at Darrigo & Diaz Attorneys at Law today.

Contact us at (813) 774-3341 or fill out our online form to schedule your free consultation. Get the justice and compensation you deserve—reach out now!

FAQ: Car Accident Claims in Florida

Should I hire an attorney after a car accident in Florida?

Hiring an attorney after a car accident in Florida can be a smart decision, especially if you’ve suffered serious injuries, face disputes over who was at fault, or are struggling with insurance companies. A skilled Brandon car accident lawyer can guide you through Florida’s complex legal system, negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf, and help you secure the compensation you deserve.

They’ll manage tasks like collecting evidence, filing paperwork, and representing you in discussions or court, allowing you to focus on healing. If your accident led to significant medical expenses, lost wages, or emotional distress, a Brandon car accident attorney can ensure your rights are protected and your settlement reflects your losses.

How much are most car accident settlements in Brandon?

The amount of a car accident settlement in Florida depends on the details of your case. Factors such as the severity of your injuries, medical costs, lost income, property damage, and who was at fault all play a role. 

For minor accidents, settlements might range from a few thousand dollars to cover repairs and basic medical bills. However, in cases involving severe injuries or long-term impacts like disability, settlements can climb into the hundreds of thousands of dollars or more.

An experienced Brandon car accident attorney can assess your situation and fight for a fair settlement tailored to your specific needs.

How much does an attorney charge for car accident cases in Florida?

Most car accident attorneys in Florida, including those in Brandon, operate on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay nothing upfront—the car crash attorney only gets paid if they win your case or secure a settlement for you.

Typically, the fee is around 33% of the settlement or court award, though this can vary based on the case’s complexity or the lawyer’s terms. It’s a good idea to clarify the fee structure during your initial consultation so you know what to expect.

This arrangement allows you to pursue your personal injury lawsuit without worrying about out-of-pocket legal costs.