Losing a loved one in a fatal car accident is an unimaginable tragedy. The emotional toll of the loss is often made worse when the accident is caused by someone else’s carelessness or reckless behavior.
When facing this type of tragedy, having the guidance of a knowledgeable and compassionate Tampa fatal car accident lawyer can provide clarity and trusted support during a difficult time.
At The Schiller Kessler Group, we understand the challenges families face after such a heartbreaking loss. Legal issues often arise quickly after a fatal crash, and addressing them can be overwhelming during a time of grief.
Our dedicated Tampa car accident lawyers have 30-plus years of experience and are here to help you pursue financial compensation while you and your family heal.
How Our Tampa Fatal Car Accident Attorneys Can Support You
When a fatal car accident occurs in Tampa, surviving family members are often left to manage an overwhelming mix of grief and legal obligations. In the midst of mourning, it can feel nearly impossible to deal with the legal system alone. That’s where we come in.
At The Schiller Kessler Group, our mission is to carry the legal burden for you, so your focus can remain on healing and honoring the memory of your loved one.
Our Tampa personal injury lawyers handle every aspect of your case with compassion and attention to detail, allowing your family the time and space to grieve.
We will investigate your case thoroughly, uncover the truth, and fight for the justice your loved one deserves. When you work with us, you benefit from our full-service approach, which includes:
- Carefully investigating the scene of the crash
- Securing physical evidence and digital data
- Reviewing police reports and Tampa traffic surveillance footage
- Interviewing witnesses and first responders
- Consulting with forensic and accident reconstruction specialists
- Examining medical and coroner records
- Identifying all liable parties
Once liability is established, we develop a strategy tailored to your family’s situation. Whether through aggressive negotiations with insurance providers or by taking the case to court, we are committed to recovering the maximum compensation possible.
More people choose The Schiller Kessler Group because they know that we're a cut above other personal injury law firms.
Damages That Can Be Recovered After a Fatal Car Accident in Tampa
Although no amount of compensation can replace a lost loved one, securing compensation from the liable party can provide stability during a time of immense loss. A successful wrongful death claim in Tampa may help ease financial burdens and deliver a sense of justice.
Our legal team will carefully evaluate your case to identify every type of recoverable damage. In Tampa, wrongful death claims may include compensation for:
- Funeral, cremation, or burial expenses
- Medical costs related to emergency or life-sustaining care
- Loss of the deceased’s current and future earnings
- Lost benefits, including pensions, health insurance, or retirement income
- Pain and suffering the deceased may have endured before passing
- Loss of companionship, affection, and parental guidance
- Mental anguish and emotional suffering experienced by surviving relatives
In some cases, punitive damages may also be awarded. These damages are not meant to compensate for a specific loss but to penalize extremely reckless or intentional behavior, such as DUI or excessive speeding. Punitive damages also serve to deter similar misconduct in the future.
No matter what time of day it is, you can contact The Schiller Kessler Group to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation.
Understanding How Florida’s Wrongful Death Laws Apply in a Tampa Fatal Car Accident Case
Wrongful death claims in Florida are governed by strict timelines and legal rules that can significantly impact your case. One of the most important is the wrongful death statute of limitations, which gives families only two years from the date of death to file a wrongful death lawsuit. Missing this deadline will likely mean losing your legal right to seek compensation.
Additionally, Florida operates under a modified comparative negligence system. If your loved one is found to be more than 50% responsible for the accident, the surviving family may not be eligible for compensation. If they are found to be less than 50% at fault, any awarded damages will be reduced in proportion to their share of the blame.
These legal nuances highlight the importance of working with an experienced Tampa wrongful death lawyer who understands Florida law and how it applies in fatal car accident cases. Early legal intervention is key to preserving evidence, identifying liable parties, and protecting your family’s right to justice.
Why You Shouldn’t Deal With Insurance Companies Alone
After a fatal crash, insurance adjusters often move quickly to reach out to surviving family members. They may appear caring and empathetic, but their primary goal is to protect their employer’s bottom line. These professionals are trained to minimize payouts, and they often use subtle tactics to push lowball settlements.
You may be encouraged to accept a settlement quickly or give a recorded statement. However, doing either can seriously jeopardize your claim. Signing any documents or speaking with insurers without legal guidance can leave you vulnerable to being undercompensated or misunderstood.
When you work with our Tampa fatal car accident attorneys, we will handle all communications with the insurance companies for you. We understand their strategies and know how to counter them. By acting as a buffer between you and the insurance adjusters, we ensure your rights are protected while you focus on grieving and healing.
Most Fatal Car Accident Cases in Tampa Settle Before Trial
Many grieving families are understandably hesitant about the idea of going to court. The good news is that most wrongful death cases in Tampa are resolved through out-of-court settlements, avoiding the need for a lengthy and emotionally draining trial.
However, just because most cases settle doesn’t mean you should accept the first offer you receive. Insurance companies often hope to resolve claims quickly and cheaply. Initial settlement proposals are rarely sufficient to cover the full extent of a family’s financial and emotional losses.
We prepare every case as if it will go to trial. This aggressive preparation often strengthens our negotiating leverage. Insurers are more likely to offer a fair settlement when they know we’re willing and ready to resolve things in the courtroom if necessary. Furthermore, should negotiations collapse, creating the need for a trial, we will be prepared to present a strong case.
Choose a Fatal Car Accident Attorney in Tampa You Can Trust
With over three decades of experience advocating for Florida injury victims, The Schiller Kessler Group has built a reputation for fierce representation paired with genuine compassion.
Since opening our doors in 2004, we’ve represented more than 30,000 clients across Florida and have secured millions in verdicts and settlements for those affected by negligence.
Call us now or fill out our online form to schedule a free, no-obligation case evaluation with a member of our legal team. We’re here to guide you every step of the way, with compassion and unwavering dedication.
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