Tampa Fatal Car Accident Attorney

Our Approach

We take the legal burden off your shoulders so you can focus on your family and healing. You are going through enough already, so let us take care of each part of your fatal car accident case.

When you work with our firm, we can:

• Investigate the accident thoroughly, gathering critical evidence to establish fault
• Work with accident reconstruction experts, when necessary, to get added insight
• Communicate directly with insurance companies, shielding you from their tactics
• File all necessary legal documents within the required deadlines
• Pursue maximum compensation through negotiation or litigation
• Offer compassionate, honest guidance every step of the way

Tragic Reality of Fatal Car Accidents in Florida

Florida ranks among the states with the highest number of fatal car accidents. According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, Hillsborough County consistently reports hundreds of fatal crashes each year, many right here in Tampa.

Fatal car accidents are usually caused by preventable driver errors, such as:

• Drunk driving
• Distracted driving (texting, phone use)
• Speeding and reckless driving
• Failure to obey traffic signals and laws

Behind every statistic is a grieving family left searching for justice. We believe in holding negligent drivers fully accountable for the harm they cause, so local families can better work toward a sense of closure.

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim?

Under Florida law, the personal representative of the deceased’s estate is expected to file a wrongful death claim, including in cases of fatal car accidents. If no representative exists, the court can appoint one. However, the personal representative will file the wrongful death claim on behalf of the deceased person’s surviving family members, including spouse, children, parents, and other dependent relatives. For this reason, in some cases, the person who files a wrongful death claim after a fatal car accident might not be a plaintiff/beneficiary.

Not sure if you can file a claim after losing a loved one to a fatal car accident? Save yourself the stress and guesswork by coming to Stallworth Law. We can answer all your questions, like those regarding your ability to file a wrongful death claim under Florida law.

What Must Be Proven in a Wrongful Death Claim?

To succeed in a wrongful death lawsuit, you must usually show that:

• The defendant owed a duty of care (such as safe driving)
• The defendant breached that duty through negligent or wrongful actions
• The breach directly caused your loved one’s death
• The surviving family members have suffered financial and emotional damages due to the loss

Our firm can help you understand your rights and guide you through this legal process with care and confidence. While you stay focused on healthily grieving the loss of your loved one, we can determine how to prove fault in the claim.

Compensation Available in Florida Fatal Car Accident Cases

While no financial award can truly make up for the loss of a loved one, wrongful death compensation can help ease the financial and emotional burden on surviving family members.

In Florida, compensation in a fatal car accident claim may include:

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Medical expenses incurred before death
• Loss of income and future financial support
• Loss of companionship, guidance, and protection
• Mental pain and suffering of surviving family members
• Punitive damages (in rare cases involving gross negligence or intentional harm)

Every case is unique. At Stallworth Law in Tampa, we will fight to recover the maximum compensation that could be available based on the specifics of your case.

Time Limits for Filing a Fatal Car Accident Claim in Florida

Florida imposes strict time limits on wrongful death claims. As of 2023, the statute of limitations for filing a claim is usually just two years from the date of death, not the date of the fatal injury, which can be different. Missing this deadline can prevent you from filing a claim in pursuit of compensation.

Talk to Us for Professional Legal Counsel

If you have lost a loved one in a fatal car accident in Tampa or the surrounding area, you don’t have to face your legal fight alone. Stallworth Law is here to stand by your side, providing both compassionate support and legal counsel. Attorney Mark Stallworth knows firsthand the impact a negligent driver can have on someone’s life, so he is all the more dedicated to helping families like yours seek justice and financial security.

Contact us at (813) 851-2286 today for a free, no-obligation consultation.