As one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation and the state, Tampa accounts for about 16% of all car accidents in Florida. Additionally, In 2021, There were 213 motor vehicle collision deaths in Hillsborough County. There’s nothing worse than learning that your loved one’s life was taken by a motor vehicle collision accident, especially if the accident was preventable.
The surviving family members might be eligible to file a wrongful death claim if the death could have been avoided by the other party exercising reasonable care. While it seems like an irrelevant step to take while grieving a lost loved one, a wrongful death suit can dramatically help the families of the deceased.
If you lost a loved one in a fatal Tampa car accident, you need legal advice from a Tampa Motor Vehicle Collision Death Attorney.
Tampa Motor Vehicle Collision Death Accidents
A Florida wrongful death is when someone’s negligence or carelessness. The at-fault party is usually another driver, a defective part manufacturer, or authorities who failed to maintain safe roads.
Motor Vehicle Collision Death Accidents fall under personal injury law in Tampa. Rather than criminal charges, a wrongful death is a civil suit. The surviving family members can pursue financial compensation for the losses they endured from their loved one’s death.
Family members might pursue damages like pain and suffering and the deceased medical bills if they had any leading up to their death. An experienced Tampa Motor Vehicle Collision Death Attorney can review your case details to help you identify all liable parties and how to get the most damage recovery for your family.
Important Wrongful Death Laws in Florida
Statute of Limitations for Motor Vehicle Collision Death
You only have two years to file a wrongful death lawsuit in Florida. So you have two years to take action starting on the date of the Motor Vehicle Collision Death. However, there are exceptions to this rule.
For example, if a government vehicle was involved in the Motor Vehicle Collision Death (e.g., a city bus), you have less time to file a claim. Additionally, determining liability can be challenging if the Motor Vehicle Collision Death involves a commercial truck. Finally, determining liability in a truck accident Motor Vehicle Collision Death is difficult because there are many potential liable parties. For example, the truck driver, trucking company, truck manufacturer, cargo owner, cargo loading company, or other parties could be liable.
A Tampa Motor Vehicle Collision Death Attorney can help you file a timely claim and hold liable parties accountable for your loved one’s death.
Tampa Motor Vehicle Collision Death Attorneys Who Will Fight for You
Florida’s legal processes can get confusing. And it can be a nuisance to deal with while you are grieving your loss. However, the process will be less stressful if a Tampa Motor Vehicle Collision Death Attorney is working on your behalf. You’ll also avoid making mistakes that could leave you and your family with less than you deserve.
Surviving families of wrongful death victims often work with an insurance company and call it a day. However, submitting an insurance claim and seeking a wrongful death settlement are two different things. Merely filing an insurance claim will not yield a justified monetary recovery for everything you and your family have suffered.
Insurance companies don’t care about your pain and suffering or the suffering your loved one endured. Consequently, they will try to resolve your claim quickly and inexpensively. But, unfortunately, they also don’t consider all the expenses you now face due to your deceased loved one, including medical bills, funeral expenses, and other non-economic damages.
For these reasons, it’s best to secure the services of a knowledgeable Tampa Motor Vehicle Collision Death Attorney before making any decisions. Strong legal counsel can help you make well-informed decisions to better your odds of getting just compensation. While money will not make grieving death easier, it will give you the resources to move forward with your life and provide for your family.
Causes of Tampa Motor Vehicle Collision Deaths
There are many different causes of Motor Vehicle Collision Deaths in Tampa. Here are some of the most common causes:
- Another driver was using their cell phone to talk or text while driving
- Drunk driving
- Tired driving
- Reckless driving
- Poor judgment on the part of the other driver
- Improperly built or designed roadways
- Poor signage or no signage on a road or highway
- Lack of warning about road hazards
- Faulty parts, for which a vehicle manufacturer, distributor, or part installer could be liable
- Truck accidents (higher likelihood of fatalities)
- Inadequate driver training
- Improperly or overloaded cargo
- Driving past the federal limits often leads to fatigue
- Motorcycle accidents (higher likelihood of a Motor Vehicle Collision Death)
- Taxicab accidents
- Delivery truck accidents
These scenarios can lead to a Tampa Motor Vehicle Collision Death but not an exhaustive list. It’s best to contact a Tampa Motor Vehicle Collision Death Attorney to determine if you qualify to bring a wrongful death action for your lost loved one.
Tampa Motor Vehicle Collision Death Verdicts and Settlement Value
Every wrongful death auto accident case is different. Additionally, many losses you can claim don’t have a fixed cost. For example, you can seek compensation for your pain, suffering, and loss of companionship. However, such damages don’t come with a price tag. As such, you will need a Tampa Motor Vehicle Collision Death Attorney to assess your case details for an accurate value.
In addition to the emotional suffering, you can claim for any financial burdens you incurred due to your loved one’s death. For example, if they were the main provider for your household, you can seek reimbursement for the future financial hardship you now face without their contribution.
Damage Compensation for a Tampa Motor Vehicle Collision Death
Working with a Tampa Motor Vehicle Collision Death Attorney will be extremely helpful to ensure you claim for all damages you are entitled to. They will help you gather all the necessary evidence to prove the inconveniences and struggles you now face due to your loved one’s absence. Examples of recoverable damage in a Florida wrongful death lawsuit include:
- Any medical costs your loved one incurred before their death
- Ambulance cost
- ER bill
- Medical treatment, medications, and other necessary care
- Funeral expenses
- Burial costs
- Lost wages and future earnings of the deceased
- Lost benefits
- Pain and suffering they suffered before death
- Pain and suffering you and your family have experienced
- Loss of companionship
Who Can File a Tampa Wrongful Death Claim for a Motor Vehicle Collision Death?
In Florida, the decedent’s beneficiaries can file a lawsuit after a Motor Vehicle Collision Death. That includes:
- Children
- Spouses
- Parents
- Children of unmarried parents (as long as the parent formally recognizes the child)
- Dependent family members, including blood relatives and adopted children
A Tampa Motor Vehicle Collision Death Attorney can help you understand your rights and if you can file a wrongful death claim.
Contact a Tampa Motor Vehicle Collision Death Attorney Today
Our Florida personal injury lawyers have pursued countless motor vehicle collision death cases. As a result, we know how to handle and win wrongful death cases.
When you call us, we take the time to listen to all your case details to truly understand what happened. And we understand this is one of the most difficult times of your life. That’s why we will work hard to handle your case while you focus on healing and being with your family.
Contact us today for a free initial consultation about your Tampa motor vehicle collision death case.
