Losing a loved one in a car accident is one of life’s most devastating experiences. When another driver’s negligence causes such a tragedy, families are left not only with overwhelming grief but also with mounting financial and emotional burdens. At Slater | Grant, our experienced Tampa wrongful death car accident lawyers understand the depth of your loss and are committed to helping you pursue justice and financial recovery.
Our compassionate legal team will stand by your side, guiding you through the complex legal process and ensuring that those responsible are held accountable.
Complete the free case evaluation form or call us now at 813-995-6444 to speak directly with an attorney.
Tampa Wrongful Death Car Accidents
A wrongful death occurs when someone’s negligent, reckless, or intentional actions lead to another person’s death. In the context of car accidents, wrongful death claims often arise from:
- Distracted driving (texting or using a phone)
- Drunk or drug-impaired driving
- Speeding or aggressive driving
- Failure to obey traffic signals
- Defective vehicle parts or unsafe road conditions
In Tampa, these incidents have become all too common. According to data from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, thousands of fatal crashes occur across the state every year — many of which are preventable. Our Tampa wrongful death car accident lawyers are dedicated to making sure negligent parties are brought to justice and that grieving families receive the compensation they deserve.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Florida
Under Florida law, the personal representative of the deceased person’s estate is the one who must file the wrongful death lawsuit. However, the damages recovered benefit the surviving family members, which typically include:
- The spouse of the deceased
- Children of the deceased
- Parents (especially if the victim was a minor)
- Dependent family members
Our Tampa wrongful death car accident lawyers will help ensure that the correct individuals are represented in the lawsuit and that all eligible beneficiaries receive their rightful share of compensation.
Types of Compensation You May Be Entitled To
Families affected by wrongful death often face serious emotional and financial consequences. At Slater | Grant, our Tampa wrongful death car accident lawyers fight to secure full and fair compensation for your losses, which may include:
- Medical expenses incurred before death
- Funeral and burial costs
- Loss of financial support and benefits
- Loss of companionship, guidance, and protection
- Emotional pain and suffering
While no amount of money can replace your loved one, financial recovery can help stabilize your family’s future and ease the burdens that follow a tragic loss.
Proving Negligence in a Tampa Wrongful Death Car Accident
To succeed in a wrongful death lawsuit, your legal team must prove that another party’s negligence caused the fatal car accident. This process requires collecting and presenting strong evidence, which may include:
- Police and accident reports
- Medical and autopsy records
- Eyewitness statements
- Traffic and surveillance camera footage
- Expert testimony from accident reconstruction specialists
Our Tampa wrongful death car accident lawyers have the knowledge and resources to build a powerful case. We thoroughly investigate every detail to ensure that the truth is uncovered and justice is served.
Common Defenses in Wrongful Death Car Accident Cases
When pursuing justice for your loved one, it’s important to understand that the defendant and their insurance company will often try to minimize liability or deny responsibility. Anticipating these defenses can help your legal team counter them effectively. Our Tampa wrongful death car accident lawyers have extensive experience identifying and dismantling these common defense strategies, including:
Comparative Negligence
Florida follows a modified comparative negligence rule, meaning that if the victim is found partially responsible for the accident, compensation may be reduced proportionally. For example, if the defendant claims your loved one was speeding, they may attempt to lessen their own liability. Our attorneys work to prove that the defendant’s negligence was the primary cause of the crash.
Lack of Causation
The defense might argue that the death resulted from unrelated medical conditions or outside factors, rather than the car accident itself. We use medical records, expert witnesses, and forensic evidence to establish a direct link between the collision and the fatal injuries.
Assumption of Risk
In rare cases, the defense may claim that the victim knowingly put themselves in a dangerous situation, thereby assuming the risk of injury. Our Tampa wrongful death car accident lawyers fight this argument by demonstrating that your loved one was acting responsibly and that the defendant’s actions were unreasonable and unsafe.
Insufficient Evidence
Insurance companies often try to cast doubt on the strength of your evidence. Our legal team meticulously gathers documentation, interviews witnesses, and reconstructs the scene to ensure your claim is supported by undeniable proof.
By preparing for these common defenses from the start, Slater | Grant strengthens your case and maximizes your chances of a successful outcome. Our goal is to protect your family’s rights and ensure you receive the justice and compensation you deserve.
How Long Do You Have to File a Wrongful Death Claim in Florida
In Florida, the statute of limitations for wrongful death cases is generally two years from the date of death. Missing this deadline can permanently bar your family from recovering damages. Because of this, it’s crucial to contact Slater | Grant as soon as possible.
Our Tampa wrongful death car accident lawyers will act quickly to preserve vital evidence, protect your rights, and start the legal process before time runs out.
Why Choose Slater | Grant for Your Wrongful Death Case
At Slater | Grant, we understand that this isn’t just a legal matter—it’s a deeply personal one. Our firm has built a reputation for providing compassionate support, relentless advocacy, and proven results for families in Tampa and across Florida.
When you choose our Tampa wrongful death car accident lawyers, you can expect:
- Personalized attention and open communication throughout your case
- Aggressive negotiation with insurance companies to secure fair settlements
- Trial-ready preparation, ensuring your case is strong in or out of court
- No upfront fees — you pay nothing unless we win your case
Our mission is to shoulder the legal burden so you can focus on healing and remembering your loved one.
The Legal Process: What to Expect
Filing a wrongful death claim may feel overwhelming, especially when dealing with grief. Our Tampa wrongful death car accident lawyers simplify the process by handling everything on your behalf, including:
- Case Evaluation – We begin by reviewing your case in detail to determine eligibility and the best legal approach.
- Investigation – Our team collects evidence, interviews witnesses, and works with experts to strengthen your claim.
- Filing the Lawsuit – We handle all legal filings and ensure they comply with Florida’s laws and deadlines.
- Negotiation or Trial – Most cases settle out of court, but we’re fully prepared to go to trial if necessary.
- Compensation and Closure – Once the case resolves, we help ensure the fair distribution of compensation among surviving family members.
Throughout this process, our Tampa wrongful death car accident lawyers remain committed to transparency and compassion.
Take the First Step Toward Justice Today
If you’ve lost a loved one in a car accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you don’t have to face this alone. The Tampa wrongful death car accident lawyers at Slater | Grant are here to help your family seek justice and financial security.
Complete our free case evaluation form or call us now at 813-995-6444 to speak with an experienced attorney about your case. We’ll listen to your story, explain your options, and help you move forward with confidence and peace of mind.
Sources
- Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) – Provides annual crash and traffic fatality statistics for the state of Florida.
https://www.flhsmv.gov - Florida Statutes Chapter 768 – Wrongful Death Act – Outlines the laws governing wrongful death claims in Florida.
https://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/768.16 - National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) – Offers national data and research on traffic fatalities and accident causes.
https://www.nhtsa.gov - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – Injury Prevention & Control: Motor Vehicle Safety – Provides insights into fatal motor vehicle accidents and prevention strategies.
https://www.cdc.gov/motorvehiclesafety
