Hillsborough County Car Accident Lawyer
Helping crash victims in Hillsborough County get full and fair compensation
From busy highways such as I-4 and I-75 to neighborhood roads in Brandon, Town ‘n’ Country, and Temple Terrace, car accidents happen every day across Hillsborough County. Some are minor. Others change lives forever. If you’ve been injured in a crash caused by someone else’s negligence, you shouldn’t have to shoulder the physical, emotional, and financial consequences alone.
Hillsborough County car accident lawyer Armando Edmiston and the team at Armando Personal Injury Law help crash victims and their families recover compensation and get justice. Whether you were rear-ended on Dale Mabry, T-boned on Fowler Avenue, or hit by a distracted driver near your own neighborhood, we know how to handle your case, and we know how to win. To learn more, contact us today for a free consultation.
Why Florida crash victims trust Armando Personal Injury Law
Car accident cases can be more complicated than they seem. Insurance companies are quick to offer low settlements or deny claims entirely. When you hire Armando Personal Injury Law, you get a team that knows how to fight back.
We handle every detail of your case, including investigating your car accident, negotiating with the insurance company, and if necessary, taking your case to trial. We’ve represented crash victims across Tampa, Brandon, Riverview, and beyond. Our local knowledge of Hillsborough County gives us an advantage when it comes to understanding local roads, traffic patterns, and how to position your case.
“Armando is amazing! I trusted him with helping with the insurance company after my car accident. Besides Armando being professional he was also very efficient. Would recommend him to anyone.” – L.M., ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Car Accident Help From Tampa to Plant City
Car accidents happen far too often in Hillsborough County. In 2024, more than 26,000 traffic crashes occurred throughout the county, according to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV). Even so, every accident isn’t the same. Interstate collisions and downtown intersection crashes are common in Tampa. Suburban drivers deal with heavy commuter traffic, school zones, and fast-moving state roads. Such communities include:
- Tampa: Interstates, Dale Mabry Highway, Kennedy Boulevard, and the downtown grid carry the county’s heaviest traffic. Many crashes here involve rideshare, delivery, or commercial vehicles.
- Brandon: State Road 60, Lumsden Road, and the I-75 interchange funnel shoppers and commuters together. These are some of the busiest intersections east of Tampa.
- Riverview: U.S. 301, Big Bend Road, and Boyette Road carry growing traffic from new neighborhoods, construction sites, and school zones.
- Town ‘n’ Country: Hillsborough Avenue, Waters Avenue, and the Veterans Expressway bring heavy commuter and airport-area traffic through this community.
- Plant City: I-4, State Road 39, and rural county roads mix tractor-trailers, farm equipment, and local drivers, especially during harvest season.
- Temple Terrace: Fowler Avenue, 56th Street, and Bullard Parkway see constant traffic. Drivers move between the University of South Florida (USF) area, businesses, and neighborhoods.
Where a crash happens shapes more than the police report. It can affect which cameras recorded the collision and which witnesses saw it. It also decides which agency investigates and how quickly evidence must be gathered. Knowing local roads helps us build your claim around the facts of your crash.
Your Crash Report and the Local Courts
Most serious crashes in Hillsborough County produce a Florida Traffic Crash Report, Long Form. The investigating officer must submit it to the state within 10 days after finishing the investigation. The report lists the drivers, passengers, witnesses, and insurance companies involved. Adjusters lean on it heavily when they decide who was at fault.
One protection catches many people by surprise. Under Florida’s crash report statute, statements you give an officer for the report generally can’t be used against you at a civil trial. An adjuster can still read the report and use it to argue fault, though. That’s why part of building your case is checking the crash report for errors and gaps.
Your report request starts with the agency that responded to your crash. In Hillsborough County, that depends largely on where the collision happened:
| Where the Crash Happened | Agency That Usually Responds | What It Means for Your Claim |
|---|---|---|
| I-4, I-75, I-275, and other interstates | Florida Highway Patrol | Troopers investigate interstate crashes, and their reports often include diagrams and statements from multiple vehicles. |
| Inside Tampa city limits | Tampa Police Department | City crash reports are also filed with the state, so they can be requested through either source. |
| Unincorporated areas such as Brandon, Riverview, and Town ‘n’ Country | Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office or Florida Highway Patrol | Both agencies work crashes outside city limits, so check the officer’s agency on your exchange form. |
| Temple Terrace | Temple Terrace Police Department | Local officers handle crashes on city streets such as Fowler Avenue and 56th Street. |
| Plant City | Plant City Police Department | City crashes are handled locally, while nearby interstate crashes usually go to troopers. |
| USF Tampa campus | University of South Florida Police Department | Campus officers handle crashes on university roads and parking areas, and their report is the starting point for the claim. |
If you decide to file a lawsuit, it’s normally filed in the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit. Most cases are heard at the George E. Edgecomb Courthouse in downtown Tampa, though some east county cases go to the Plant City Courthouse. Any traffic ticket from the crash is a separate matter handled in county court. Its outcome doesn’t decide what an insurer owes you for your injuries.
Some crashes happen near the county line, such as on I-4 toward Polk County or on the bridges to Pinellas. These crashes can raise a question about where to file. Florida’s venue law generally allows a case to be brought where the defendant lives or where the crash happened. That sometimes gives an injured driver more than one option.
Busy Hillsborough County Corridors and the Evidence They Leave Behind
Some of the region’s most congested driving happens where I-4 and I-275 meet downtown. Longtime Tampa drivers still call that stretch Malfunction Junction. I-75, the Selmon Expressway, Dale Mabry Highway, and Bruce B. Downs Boulevard are just as demanding. On these corridors, merges, lane changes, and sudden stops put drivers at risk every day.
Busy roads also produce evidence that disappears quickly. Dashcams, business surveillance systems, and vehicle event data recorders can show speed, braking, and timing. Much of that footage is recorded over within days or weeks, however. After a crash at one of Tampa’s most dangerous intersections, act quickly. Early preservation letters can turn a bitter dispute into a case built on strong evidence.
Work zones add another layer of risk on these roads. Lane shifts, narrow shoulders, and sudden slowdowns can catch drivers off guard. When a crash happens in a construction zone, a contractor may share responsibility with a careless driver. Poor signs, missing barriers, or confusing lane markings can all become part of your claim.
What Happens After a Hit-and-Run in Hillsborough County
Hit-and-run accidents are a serious problem with serious consequences in Hillsborough County. Each year, thousands of crashes involve a driver who leaves the scene. That pattern shows up in crash data from the FLHSMV. Statewide, roughly one in four reported crashes is a hit-and-run. When the other driver can’t be found, the usual path to their insurance disappears with them.
That’s when your own policy becomes critical. Florida personal injury protection (PIP) coverage still pays its share of medical bills and lost income. That’s true no matter who caused the crash. Uninsured motorist coverage may also apply when a fleeing driver is never identified, depending on the policy. Meanwhile, we work to track down the driver through crash reports, cameras, paint transfer, and witnesses. An identified driver can open additional coverage.
Leaving the scene of a crash with injuries is a crime in Florida. Still, a criminal case against a fleeing driver doesn’t pay your medical bills. A Tampa hit-and-run claim runs on its own track. It depends on prompt reports to police and to your insurer, so policy conditions and coverage deadlines are met. That’s why it’s critical you have an experienced Hillsborough County car accident lawyer handling your case as soon as possible.
FAQs About Car Accidents in Hillsborough County
- What should I do after a car accident in Hillsborough County?
- What is Florida’s no-fault insurance law?
- When can I file a claim against the other driver?
- What compensation can I receive after a car crash?
- Do I need a lawyer if my car accident wasn’t serious?
- What if the other driver is uninsured or underinsured?
- How long do I have to file a car accident claim in Florida?
- Can I still recover damages if I was partly at fault?
- What if I don’t feel hurt until days after the crash?
- How do I get a copy of the police report from my accident?
- Will my insurance rates go up after an accident that wasn’t my fault?
- How is fault determined in a Hillsborough County car accident case?
- What if I was hit by a commercial vehicle or rideshare driver?
What should I do after a car accident in Hillsborough County?
Your safety always comes first after a car accident. If you or anyone else is seriously hurt, call 911 right away and request emergency medical attention. Even if you feel okay, it’s important to get checked out by a medical professional as soon as possible. Florida law requires you to seek treatment within 14 days to access your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits.
Next, if it’s safe to do so, take pictures of the crash scene, including vehicle damage, road conditions, and any visible injuries. Exchange information with the other driver and talk to any witnesses.
You’ll also need to call the police and wait for an officer to arrive and examine the crash scene. Make sure a police report is filed, since you’ll need it later to begin building your case.
Finally, before speaking with the other driver’s insurance company, talk to an experienced Hillsborough County car accident lawyer. Insurance adjusters may pressure you to settle quickly, but we can help protect your rights and make sure you don’t accept less than you deserve.
What is Florida’s no-fault insurance law?
Florida is a no-fault state when it comes to car insurance. That means after a crash, your own insurance company pays for a portion of your medical bills and lost wages through your PIP policy, regardless of who caused the car accident.
PIP covers 80% of your medical expenses and 60% of your lost income, up to a $10,000 limit. However, PIP doesn’t cover pain and suffering or damage to your vehicle. Armando Personal Injury Law can help you determine if your injuries qualify and walk you through the next steps.
When can I file a claim against the other driver?
If your injuries are serious you may be able to step outside the no-fault system and file a claim against the at-fault driver. To have a valid tort claim, your injuries must meet Florida’s serious injury threshold. That includes injuries that result in permanent impairment, significant disfigurement, or death.
Once we establish that your injuries meet this threshold, we can pursue compensation for your full medical costs, lost wages, and non-economic damages such as pain and suffering. We also look into the at-fault driver’s insurance coverage, any available umbrella policies, and potentially uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage from your own policy.
What compensation can I receive after a car crash?
If you were injured in a car accident because of someone else’s negligence in Hillsborough County, you may be eligible for the following damages:
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost income and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Vehicle repair or replacement
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
Armando Personal Injury Law works with medical professionals, financial experts, and crash reconstructionists to calculate the full value of your claim. Our goal is to recover every dollar you need to get your life back on track.
Do I need a lawyer if my car accident wasn’t serious?
Even in what seems like a minor collision, it’s smart to consult with a lawyer, especially if you’re experiencing pain or discomfort in the days that follow. Some injuries don’t show symptoms right away. Without a legal advocate, you may miss out on compensation or unknowingly accept a lowball offer.
At the very least, a consultation can give you peace of mind. It doesn’t cost anything to speak with Armando Personal Injury Law, and we’ll be honest about whether or not you need representation. If we take your case, it’s because we believe we can make a real difference in your outcome.
What if the other driver is uninsured or underinsured?
Getting hit by someone who doesn’t have enough insurance (or any at all) can be stressful, but you still have options. If you carry uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage on your own auto insurance policy, you can file a claim with your insurance provider to help cover your medical bills, lost wages, and other losses. Armando Personal Injury Law helps clients deal with UM/UIM claims all the time.
Even though it’s your own insurance company, they might not make the process easy, so it’s smart to have a lawyer stand up for you. If you don’t have UM/UIM coverage, there may still be other ways to pursue compensation depending on your case. Either way, you shouldn’t have to carry the financial burden because someone else wasn’t responsible enough to carry proper insurance. We’re here to help you find a path forward.
How long do I have to file a car accident claim in Florida?
In Florida, you generally have two years from the date of the crash to file a lawsuit. That might sound like plenty of time, but it can pass quickly, especially when you’re dealing with injuries, medical treatment, and insurance negotiations. We always recommend getting started as soon as possible. Waiting too long can hurt your case because evidence disappears, memories fade, and insurance companies get more aggressive about denying claims.
Plus, starting early gives your lawyer more time to build the strongest case possible. Even if you’re not sure yet whether you want to pursue legal action, it’s a good idea to at least talk to a lawyer right away to understand your rights. Armando Personal Injury Law offers free consultations, so there’s no downside to reaching out early.
Can I still recover damages if I was partly at fault?
You might still be able to recover damages even if you were partly at fault under Florida’s modified comparative fault rule. That means if you were 50% or less responsible for the crash, you can still recover damages. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you were found 30% at fault and awarded $100,000, you would actually receive $70,000. But if you’re more than 50% at fault, you won’t be able to recover anything.
Armando Personal Injury Law knows how insurance companies try to push as much blame onto you as possible to lower what they owe. We fight back by gathering strong evidence, working with crash reconstruction experts, and making sure your side of the story is heard. Don’t let the other side blame you without a fight.
What if I don’t feel hurt until days after the crash?
It’s very common not to feel injured right after a crash. Your adrenaline is pumping, and some injuries can take days or even weeks to fully show up. If you start feeling pain, stiffness, headaches, or any unusual symptoms after a car accident, get medical attention right away. Even a minor symptom can turn into a bigger issue if left untreated.
One thing we tell all our clients: never assume you’re fine just because you felt okay at the crash scene. Waiting too long to seek care can hurt your health and weaken your personal injury claim. Insurance companies love to argue that delays mean your injuries aren’t real. Early medical documentation makes it much easier to prove the crash caused your injuries. Plus, it gives us the tools to fight for the compensation you deserve.
How do I get a copy of the police report from my accident?
Getting a copy of your crash report in Hillsborough County is pretty straightforward. After a crash, the responding officer typically files the report within a few days. You can request a copy online through the Florida Crash Portal, or you can get it directly from the law enforcement agency that handled your car accident. This might be the Tampa Police Department, Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, or Florida Highway Patrol.
You’ll usually need to provide some basic information such as the crash date, location, and your driver’s license number. There might be a small fee for the report. Our team at Armando Personal Injury Law can get the report for you. If you’re not sure how to get it, or if the report isn’t ready yet, just let us know. We’re happy to guide you through the process or take care of it on your behalf.
Will my insurance rates go up after a car accident that wasn’t my fault?
In Florida, some companies raise premiums after any claim is filed, while others only raise rates if you’re found at fault. Even if you were 100% blameless, your insurance provider might argue that you’re now a "higher risk" because you were involved in a crash. It’s important to talk to your insurance agent and review your policy closely after a crash.
It’s frustrating, but avoiding an at-fault label on the police report and insurance investigation can sometimes make a difference. Also, if you have accident forgiveness on your policy, you might be protected from rate hikes. Our team at Armando Personal Injury Law knows how stressful dealing with insurance companies can be. That’s why we’re here to help you through every step.
How is fault determined in a Hillsborough County car accident case?
Determining fault after a crash in Hillsborough County isn’t always clear-cut. It usually involves piecing together a lot of different evidence. This might be the police report, witness statements, traffic camera footage, medical records, and even expert crash reconstructions.
Insurance companies will also do their own investigation, but they often look for ways to blame the injured person to save money. That’s where having Armando Personal Injury Law on your side makes a huge difference. We dig into every detail to show exactly what happened and who was responsible.
Sometimes fault is obvious, such as intersection accidents. Other times, it’s more complicated and requires building a strong case. We’re ready to fight to make sure fault is properly assigned and that you’re treated fairly.
What if I was hit by a commercial vehicle or rideshare driver?
Traffic accidents involving commercial trucks, delivery vans, or rideshare drivers are a little more complicated than typical car crashes. That’s because more parties might be involved. That means not just the driver, but also the company they work for, and their insurance policies.
Armando Personal Injury Law knows how to untangle these complicated cases. Commercial insurance policies usually have higher coverage limits, which is good for you, but they also fight harder to avoid paying for the full extent of your damages.
If you were hit by a rideshare driver, the available insurance can depend on whether they were logged into the app or actively transporting a passenger when the crash happened. These details matter, and getting the full story takes a thorough investigation. We’re here to make sure you’re not left dealing with a web of confusing insurance claims while you’re trying to recover from your crash.
We’re here to help after a Hillsborough County car accident
Armando Edmiston understands how stressful and painful life after a crash can be. That’s why we work hard to take the pressure off your shoulders. We can help you find medical care, deal with stubborn insurance companies, and guide you through every part of the process.
We’ve recovered compensation for car accident victims all over Hillsborough County, and we’re proud to serve people in Tampa, Brandon, Riverview, Plant City, and Temple Terrace. When you work with us, you’re getting a law firm that knows the area, understands the law, and is committed to fighting for justice on your behalf.
If you were injured in a car accident, reach out to us for a free, no-obligation consultation. You won’t pay a dime unless we win. Contact us online or call to get started.
About the Author
Attorney Armando Edmiston is the founding attorney of Armando Personal Injury Law in Tampa and St. Pete, Florida. A U.S. Marine veteran and Hillsborough County native, he represents injured people and families in serious injury cases, including car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, wrongful death, negligent security, premises liability, and nursing home abuse and neglect claims. Armando earned a B.S. in Biology from the University of South Florida and a J.D., cum laude, from Nova Southeastern University. He is also one of only six lawyers in Florida listed with the ACS Forensic Lawyer-Scientist designation.