1. Brooks, LeBoeuf, Foster, Gwartney & Hobbs PA
Practice Focus: Car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, rideshare accidents (Uber and Lyft), bicycle accidents, wrongful death from auto accidents, premises liability, medical malpractice, nursing home negligence, product liability, catastrophic injuries
Case Types Handled: Distracted driving accidents, drunk driving accidents, rear-end collisions, commercial vehicle accidents, tractor-trailer accidents, construction accidents, brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, amputation injuries, severe burn injuries, swimming pool accidents, negligent security incidents
Legal Services: Insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, medical expense recovery, lost wage claims, pain and suffering claims, wrongful death claims, civil litigation, employment discrimination claims, sexual harassment claims
Background: Firm established with over 35 years of history serving clients in Florida. Attorneys have handled more than 10,000 cases with over 100 years of combined legal experience. All attorneys graduated from Florida State University College of Law. The firm serves clients throughout Florida and Georgia.
Location: Tallahassee, FL (serving Florida and South Georgia)
Contact: (850) 605-3555 | https://www.toomuchatstake.com/
Consultation: Free initial consultation offered. Cases handled on contingency fee basis with no upfront payment required. Available 24/7 for case inquiries.
2. Scott & Wallace LLP
Practice Focus: Car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, bicycle and pedestrian accidents, wrongful death, workers compensation, personal injury, brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, burn injuries, premises liability, medical malpractice, nursing home negligence, insurance bad faith, hurricane claims
Case Types Handled: Motor vehicle accidents, 18-wheeler accidents, drunk driving accidents, company vehicle accidents, industrial accidents, slip and fall accidents, ATV accidents, aviation accidents, train accidents, product liability cases
Legal Services: Insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, property damage claims, lost wage recovery, pain and suffering claims, wrongful death claims, workers compensation benefits
Background: Official Law Firm of the Florida State Seminoles. Over $200 million recovered for clients. Attorneys Robert Scott, Clint Wallace, and Todd Hunter lead the firm. Recognized by U.S. News as one of the best law firms in the United States for 2026. The firm has served thousands of clients with dedication throughout North Florida and Southwest Georgia.
Location: 209 East Brevard Street, Tallahassee, FL 32301
Contact: (850) 222-7777 | [email protected] | https://scottandwallacelaw.com/
Consultation: Free case evaluation offered. Cases accepted on contingency fee basis with no fees or costs unless the firm wins the case. Available 24/7.
3. Shapiro Law Firm PA
Practice Focus: Car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, bicycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, rideshare accidents, hit-and-run accidents, drunk driving accidents, distracted driving accidents, wrongful death, slip and fall, uninsured motorist claims, workplace accidents
Case Types Handled: Rear-end collisions, crosswalk accidents, catastrophic injuries, brain injuries, neck and back injuries, spinal cord injuries, burn injuries, amputation injuries, dog bite incidents, negligent security cases
Legal Services: Insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, medical expense recovery, lost wage claims, pain and suffering claims, wrongful death representation, property damage claims
Background: Attorney Paul A. Shapiro has been practicing personal injury law in Tallahassee since 1997. Over 25 years of experience. The firm has recovered more than $50 million for clients and handled over 3,000 cases. Member of National Trial Lawyers, National Association of Distinguished Counsel, and Lawyers of Distinction.
Location: Tallahassee, FL
Contact: (850) 629-7226 | https://www.tallahasseeinjurylawyer.com/
Consultation: Free initial consultation offered. No recovery, no fee policy. Specialized visits and appointments available.
4. Farah & Farah
Practice Focus: Car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, slip and fall accidents, workers compensation, medical malpractice, wrongful death, social security disability, premises liability, product liability, defective drugs, defective medical devices, insurance disputes, property damage, labor law
Case Types Handled: Rear-end collisions, head-on collisions, T-bone accidents, multi-vehicle pileups, commercial vehicle accidents, pedestrian accidents, bicycle accidents, catastrophic injuries, brain injuries, spinal cord injuries
Legal Services: Insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, medical lien resolution, property damage claims, lost wage recovery, pain and suffering claims, punitive damage claims, wrongful death claims, disability benefits claims
Background: Firm founded by brothers with over 40 years serving Florida. Attorneys have recovered over $2 billion in settlements, jury awards, and benefits for clients. Recognized nationally with offices throughout Florida and Georgia. Client-first approach with commitment to teamwork and collaboration.
Location: 150 John Knox Road, Tallahassee, FL 32303
Contact: (850) 446-2725 | https://farahandfarah.com/tallahassee/
Consultation: Free case review offered. No cost to hire unless the firm wins. Cases handled on contingency fee basis.
5. Law Office of Nathan Prince
Practice Focus: Car accidents, personal injury, criminal defense, DUI offenses
Case Types Handled: Distracted driving accidents, speeding accidents, drunk driving collisions, drugged driving accidents, reckless driving accidents, weather-related accidents, drowsy driving accidents, defective vehicle accidents, red light violations, stop sign violations
Legal Services: Insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, medical expense recovery, lost wage claims, pain and suffering claims, wrongful death claims
Background: Nathan Prince provides personalized legal representation for car accident victims in Tallahassee. The firm handles both criminal defense and personal injury matters with dedication to striving for compensation clients deserve.
Location: 217 N. Franklin Blvd., Tallahassee, FL 32301
Contact: (850) 601-5690 | https://www.nateprincelaw.com/
Consultation: Free case evaluation offered. Available 24/7 to answer calls.
Car Accident Laws and Regulations in Florida
Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury Claims: Two years from the date of injury. This significant change was enacted on March 24, 2023, as part of HB 837 tort reform. Accidents occurring before March 24, 2023 are subject to the previous four-year limitation period.
Statute of Limitations for Property Damage Claims: Four years from the date of the accident.
Statute of Limitations for Wrongful Death Claims: Two years from the date of death.
Fault vs. No-Fault Insurance Status: Florida operates as a no-fault insurance state. Drivers must first turn to their own Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance to cover medical expenses and lost wages after an accident, regardless of who caused the collision. However, significant tort reform changes in 2023 have modified how the system operates.
Comparative Negligence Rules: Florida follows a modified comparative negligence standard as of March 24, 2023. Under HB 837, if a plaintiff is found to be more than 50 percent at fault for the accident, they are barred from recovering any compensation. If the plaintiff is 50 percent or less at fault, their recovery is reduced by their percentage of fault. Previously, Florida operated under pure comparative negligence, allowing recovery regardless of fault percentage.
Minimum Auto Insurance Requirements:
Personal Injury Protection (PIP): $10,000 minimum
Property Damage Liability (PDL): $10,000 minimum
Florida does not require bodily injury liability coverage by law, though it is strongly recommended.
Personal Injury Protection (PIP) Requirements and Thresholds: Florida requires drivers to carry $10,000 in PIP coverage. PIP covers 80 percent of medical expenses and 60 percent of lost wages up to the policy limit, regardless of fault. The 14-day rule requires injured parties to seek medical treatment within 14 days of the accident to receive PIP benefits.
Serious Injury Threshold for Lawsuits: To step outside the no-fault system and sue the at-fault driver directly, an injured party must demonstrate a significant and permanent injury, significant and permanent scarring or disfigurement, or death.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage Regulations: UM/UIM coverage is not mandatory in Florida but is available. Insurance companies must offer UM/UIM coverage, and drivers must reject it in writing if they do not want it.
Damage Caps: Florida does not impose statutory caps on economic or non-economic damages in personal injury cases. Punitive damages are capped at three times compensatory damages or $500,000, whichever is greater.
Dram Shop Liability Laws: Florida Statute 768.125 limits liability for establishments that serve alcohol. Generally, bars and restaurants are not liable for injuries caused by intoxicated patrons unless they served alcohol to a person known to be habitually addicted to alcohol or to a person under 21 years of age.
Vicarious Liability Rules for Vehicle Owners: Florida follows the dangerous instrumentality doctrine, which holds vehicle owners vicariously liable for damages caused by anyone operating their vehicle with permission.
Claims Against Government Entities: Claims against state or local government entities require filing a notice of claim with the appropriate agency. The agency has 180 days to investigate and respond before a lawsuit may proceed.
Bad Faith Insurance Claim Laws: Florida law allows policyholders and third-party claimants to bring bad faith claims against insurers who fail to settle claims fairly and in good faith.
Accident Reporting Requirements: Florida law requires reporting accidents that result in injury, death, or property damage exceeding $500. Reports must be filed with the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles within 10 days if law enforcement did not investigate the scene.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Florida’s modified comparative negligence rule affect my car accident case?
Under Florida’s modified comparative negligence standard enacted in March 2023, your ability to recover compensation depends on your percentage of fault. If you are found 50 percent or less at fault, you can recover damages reduced by your fault percentage. For example, if your damages total $100,000 and you are 30 percent at fault, you would receive $70,000. However, if you are found more than 50 percent at fault, you are completely barred from recovering any compensation from the other party.
What is the 14-day rule for PIP benefits in Florida?
Florida’s 14-day rule requires accident victims to seek medical treatment within 14 days of the accident to qualify for Personal Injury Protection benefits. If you fail to receive initial medical services and care within this timeframe, your PIP insurer may deny your claim for medical expense reimbursement. This rule applies to medical, surgical, remedial, and other emergency services immediately after the accident.
Can I sue the at-fault driver directly in Florida’s no-fault system?
Yes, you can step outside Florida’s no-fault system and pursue a claim against the at-fault driver if your injuries meet the serious injury threshold. This requires demonstrating significant and permanent loss of an important bodily function, permanent injury within a reasonable degree of medical probability, significant and permanent scarring or disfigurement, or death. Meeting this threshold allows you to seek compensation for pain and suffering and other non-economic damages.
How long do I have to file a car accident lawsuit in Tallahassee?
For accidents occurring after March 24, 2023, you have two years from the date of injury to file a personal injury lawsuit in Florida. This is a significant change from the previous four-year limitation period. Missing this deadline typically results in your case being dismissed, regardless of the merits. Wrongful death claims also have a two-year limitation period. Property damage claims have a four-year statute of limitations.
What happens if I am hit by an uninsured driver in Florida?
Approximately 20 percent of Florida drivers are uninsured. If you are hit by an uninsured driver, your PIP coverage will pay for your initial medical expenses up to $10,000. If your injuries exceed PIP limits, you can file a claim under your own uninsured motorist (UM) coverage if you have it. Without UM coverage, you would need to pursue a lawsuit directly against the uninsured driver, though collecting on a judgment may prove difficult if they lack assets.