5 Common Types of Car Accident Claims in Tampa, FL

Key Takeaway: Types of car accident claims in Florida vary, and knowing how they affect your case is vital to getting the compensation and support you need after a Tampa crash.

If you’ve been in a car accident in Tampa, your life has likely been turned upside down. Suddenly, you’re juggling questions about medical bills, lost work, and confusing insurance paperwork. The next step toward getting back on track is understanding the different types of car accident claims available to you under Florida law. In this article, we break down the five most common car crash claims we handle here at De Armas Law and explain how the state’s no-fault insurance requirements can shape your claim.

What Car Accident Claims Can You File in Tampa and Orlando?

1. Personal Injury Protection (PIP) Claims.

In Florida, every driver must carry PIP coverage, making these the most common types of car accident claims our Tampa attorneys handle. The good news? PIP kicks in immediately, regardless of who caused the accident, covering:

• Medical expenses up to $10,000 for accident-related treatment.
• 80% of lost wages for work you miss due to your injuries.
• Essential services like childcare, household help while you recover.
• Death benefits for families if the accident proves fatal.

To take full advantage of a PIP claim, you have 14 days to seek medical attention and file with your insurance provider. Missing this deadline could mean losing important coverage. While PIP helps with immediate expenses, it rarely covers everything when there are serious injuries, which is when other types of car crash claims become an essential part of your recovery plan.

2. Bodily Injury Claims Against At-Fault Drivers

When you meet Florida’s “serious injury threshold,” where injuries are severe, permanent, involve disfigurement or disability, you can step outside of the no-fault system and pursue the negligent driver directly. Filing this type of car accident claim at our Tampa or Orlando office can help you recover:

• All medical expenses beyond PIP limits, including ongoing treatment and rehabilitation.
• Complete loss of wages and future earning capacity if your injuries affect your ability to work.
• Pain and suffering damages for the physical discomfort and limitations you endure.
• Emotional distress compensation for anxiety, depression, and trauma from the accident.

The key is proving the other driver’s negligence and documenting your damages properly; something our team handles on a contingency basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case.

3. Property Damage Claims

Property damage claims are refreshingly straightforward compared to other types of car accident claims. Unlike bodily injury, there’s no “no-fault restriction” here, meaning you can go directly after the at-fault driver’s insurance for:

• Vehicle repair or replacement costs if your car is totaled or damaged.
• Rental car expenses while your vehicle is being repaired or replaced.
• Personal property damaged in the crash, such as electronics, clothing, or other belongings.
• Your vehicle’s diminished value even after repairs are completed.

Currently, Tampa is ranked the 13th-worst city in the U.S. for traffic congestion, and it shows in the data. According to Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, Hillsborough County recorded 15,653 crashes between January 1 and August 21, 2025, resulting in 9,806 injuries. While these numbers highlight Tampa’s traffic challenges, property damage claims offer a clear path to recovery for vehicle and personal property losses on I-275 or at busy intersections throughout the county.

4. Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Claims

Unfortunately, plenty of Tampa and Orlando drivers are cruising around without proper insurance coverage. A UM/UIM car accident claim can protect you when:

• The at-fault driver has no insurance coverage.
• Their insurance policy limits are insufficient to cover your medical bills and/or other damages.
• You’re hit by someone who flees the scene before exchanging information with you.

Think of UM/UIM as backup insurance that pays when the other driver can’t. The challenge is that these claims require careful documentation and involve complex negotiations with insurance companies, requiring a skilled Tampa, FL car accident attorney.

5. Wrongful Death Claims.

The most devastating car crash claims Tampa families face are when an accident proves fatal. Florida law allows specific family members to seek compensation under a wrongful death claim for:

• Medical and funeral expenses related to the fatal accident.
• Lost earnings and benefits the deceased would have provided to the family.
• Loss of companionship and guidance from your loved one.
• The family’s mental anguish and emotional suffering from the sudden loss.

These types of car accident claims must be filed within two years from the date of death and require proving that negligence caused it.

Get The Legal Support You Need for Your Tampa Car Crash Claim

Determining which type of car accident claim applies to your situation requires taking a look at your injuries, your insurance coverage, and the details of your accident. Our team provides straightforward guidance throughout the process and offers direct attorney access, complete transparency, and contingency representation with a no-win, no-fee guarantee. Let us handle your car crash claim, so you can focus on your road to recovery. Contact the De Armas Law Tampa office at 813-680-7777 or the Orlando office at 407-362-7777 for a free case review.