How a Lawyer Can Help after a Fatal Car Accident in Tampa

Losing a loved one in a fatal car accident is devastating, and navigating the legal aftermath can be overwhelming. A personal injury trial lawyer can help you by investigating the cause of the accident, identifying all the parties responsible for the car crash, determining liability, discovering what insurance is available to compensate for the injuries and damages, and gathering evidence to support your case.

Your attorney will also communicate with insurance companies and any involved parties, ensuring that your rights are protected. A skilled attorney will aim to secure the maximum compensation for your loss, so you can focus on healing while they handle the necessary legal steps.

Areas We Serve

Our fatal car accident lawyers are based in Tampa, but they serve clients who have lost loved ones to accidents throughout Florida, including in the following cities:

  • Clearwater
  • St. Petersburg
  • Ft. Lauderdale
  • Bradenton
  • Key West
  • Brandon
  • Orlando
  • Sarasota
  • Boca Raton
  • Lakeland
  • Naples
  • Fort Myers
  • Cape Coral
  • Miami
  • West Palm Beach
  • Jacksonville

Who Can File a Claim after a Fatal Car Crash?

Under Florida’s Wrongful Death Act, only the personal representative of the decedent can file a claim for the damages arising out of the death of a loved one in a car crash.  The personal representative brings the wrongful death claim on behalf of the estate to recover funeral expenses, medical expenses, and loss of “net accumulations” – a measure of the lost earnings caused by the death of your loved one.

The personal representative may also bring a claim to recover for losses suffered by the “survivors” as defined by the Wrongful Death Statute.  The “survivors” are the decedent’s spouse and children under the age of 25 and, if there is no spouse the adult children, each parent of a deceased minor child and each parent of an adult child if he or she is not married and has no children

The Wrongful Death Statute can be complicated, but your  fatal car accident trial attorney will determine who is entitled to recover for their loss and guide them through the process.

Calculating Damages in Tampa Fatal Car Accidents

When pursuing a wrongful death claim after a fatal car accident in Tampa, several types of damages can be sought. In Florida, you can get compensation for past, current, and future losses.

A fatal car accident attorney will determine the full extent of your losses to help the survivors of the estate recover the maximum compensation possible. Both economic and non-economic compensation may be recovered in a fatal accident claim.

Economic Damages

Economic damages are quantifiable financial losses resulting from the death. These may include:

  • Medical expenses: The cost of medical treatment provided before the victim’s death.
  • Funeral and burial costs: Expenses related to the funeral service and burial.
  • Lost support: The financial support the deceased would have provided if they had lived.
  • Loss of services: Compensation for the loss of the services provided by the decedent to the estate’s survivors.

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages refer to the intangible losses suffered by the surviving family members. These can include:

  • Mental Pain and suffering: Compensation for the emotional distress and mental anguish caused by the loss.
  • Loss of companionship: Financial recovery for the loss of the deceased’s companionship, protection, and support.
  • Loss of parental support: Compensation for children who have lost a parent’s companionship, instruction, guidance, care, and nurturing.

Call WMW Immediately after a Fatal Car Accident in Tampa

Contact Our Florida Civil Litigation Lawyers Today

At WMW, our experienced fatal car accident lawyers will offer support to help you move forward. We know you need a compassionate legal partner. We are here to help you.

Contact Wagner, McLaughlin & Whittemore today at to get started with your fatal car accident case as soon as possible.

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