Common Car Accident Scenarios in Tampa- Causes & Determining Fault

Traffic accidents can cause physical injuries, property damage, and financial losses. Determining the cause of a car accident can often help us determine fault for damages. Our car accident attorneys at Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers have extensive experience handling accident cases.

Insurance companies often blame the accident victim for the cause of the crash. By shifting at least some of the blame for the crash to the victim, the car insurance hopes to reduce the amount it must pay for damages. 

However, our attorneys are familiar with the types of car accidents that occur in Tampa and how fault is determined for those crashes. We also understand the tactics used by insurance companies to fight claims. Based on that knowledge, we help you determine fault after a car accident so you can receive the compensation you deserve.

Four Car Accident Scenarios Common in Tampa, FL

Four Car Accident Scenarios Common in Tampa, FL

Many different types of car crashes occur every day in Tampa, Florida.

However, the following four car accident scenarios are among the more common types of car accidents in Tampa.

Car Accident Scenario One: Rear-End Accidents 

Rear-end car crashes are very common. Approximately one-third of the car accidents that occurred nationwide involved rear-end collisions. 

A rear-end collision occurs when a car crashes into the rear of the car in front of it. Distracted driving and following too closely (tailgating) are common reasons why rear-end accidents occur. 

Common locations for rear-end crashes include:

  • At traffic lights when a car slows down or stops for the light or a pedestrian crossing the road
  • When a driver stops to yield the right of way to oncoming traffic or makes a turn 
  • In a parking lot where cars are backing out or yielding to pedestrians and other vehicles
  • Where there is “stop and go” traffic, such as a congested highway, city street, drive-thru, or school drop-off line
  • At stop signs when the rear car beings moving before the lead car moves through the intersection 

Generally, the driver in the rear vehicle is blamed for the accident. However, the other driver could be partially to blame for the accident. 

Car Accident Scenario Two: Intersection Accidents

Accidents at Tampa intersections are also common. Also known as red and yellow light accidents.

Drivers “floor it” to “beat” a yellow light. If another driver is turning left as a driver races through the intersection, a T-bone accident (i.e., side impact collision) could occur. Both drives were in a rush to beat the light.

Drivers run red lights because they are distracted, texting while driving, in a hurry, or under the influence of drugs or alcohol. In some cases, a motorist turns right on red without checking to ensure there is no oncoming traffic in that lane.

Generally, the driver who failed to yield the right of way at an intersection is at fault for the cause of a car accident. However, when both drivers rush through the intersection on a yellow light, both drivers could share fault for the cause of the car crash. 

Determining fault for car accident cases at red lights and intersections could require help from an accident reconstructionist. Our auto accident attorneys often work with experts on personal injury cases.

Car Accident Scenario Three: Parking Lot Accidents 

Another common type of car accident in Tampa is a parking lot accident. These accidents occur in parking lots, garages, and structures. It is estimated that more than 50,000 crashes occur in parking lots and garages each year, resulting in over 60,000 injuries and at least 500 traffic deaths.

Many of the same causes of other types of traffic accidents are responsible for parking lot crashes. For example, distracted driving, speeding, and failing to yield the right of way are common causes of accidents in parking lots. 

Common causes of parking lot accidents include:

  • Two cars attempting to pull into the same parking space simultaneously 
  • Backing-up accidents that occur when a car backs out of a parking space
  • Sideswipe accidents in the middle of an aisle
  • Car crashes at the end of the aisle when both drivers assume they have the right of way
  • Pulling through a parking space, causing a head-on collision with another vehicle pulling into the space

Even though parking lot accidents are considered “minor” car crashes by many people because they often occur at low speed, these crashes can cause serious injuries and deaths. People speeding through the parking lot can cause a catastrophic pedestrian accident that results in permanent impairments and wrongful death.

Other parking lot accidents can result in painful neck and back injuries. In addition, when airbags deploy and seatbelts lock, they can cause chest injuries. 

Determining fault for a parking lot crash can be incredibly challenging. We can obtain video from surveillance cameras to see exactly how the accident occurred in some cases. Eyewitness testimony can also help determine fault for a parking lot crash. 

Car Accident Scenario Four: Failing to Signal a Left Turn

Without a left arrow or green light that gives a driver the right of way to turn left, drivers must wait until they have a clear path before crossing opposing lanes of traffic. Unfortunately, many drives fail to signal a left turn. If they had signaled a left turn, a driver in the other lane might have slowed down to avoid a collision.

Drivers who fail to yield the right of way are generally at fault in these types of collisions. Typically, impatience, distraction, and drunk driving are common reasons for accidents involving a failure to signal a left turn.

Common Causes of Car Accidents in Tampa

Driver error and negligence are the common reasons why a car accident occurs. Our accident lawyers have handled cases involving:

Pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists, and passengers deserve compensation for their accident injuries and damages. Our car accident attorneys work with injured victims to recover economic and non-economic damages, including lost wages, medical bills, property damage, and pain and suffering damages from the at-fault party or car insurance company. 

Determining Fault for a Tampa Car Accident 

Everyone who uses the road has a duty of care to follow traffic laws and act reasonably to avoid traffic accidents. This duty of care applies to motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists. Anyone who causes an accident because they breached the duty of care could be held financially liable for damages caused by the wreck.

However, a car manufacturer may be liable for damages if a defective car part or system contributed to or caused a car accident. Also, government entities responsible for designing, building, and maintaining roads and bridges could be liable for damages if they were negligent in their responsibilities causing road defects.

Convincing an insurance company you were not to blame for causing an accident could be difficult Call our law office today for help with your case. 

Call A Tampa Car Wreck Lawyer Today for a Free Consultation

If you or a family member were injured in a car accident, contact our Tampa lawyers at (813) 686-7588 to discuss your case. Your initial appointment with an attorney is confidential and free of charge. We don’t charge any fees for your first appointment. 

Other Car Accident Claims We Cover

At Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers, we handle all types of car accident claims in Tampa, including:

Additional Car Accident Resources