When the unexpected occurs on Tampa Bay’s crowded roadways, you need an experienced advocate with in-depth knowledge of Florida law and the challenges that car accident victims face in our community.
For over 40 years, Attorney John Bales has stood for injured drivers, passengers, and families throughout the greater Tampa Bay area. He has a proven history of advocacy, trial success, and client satisfaction.
The Sobering Reality of Tampa Bay Auto Accidents
The statistics tell a troubling story:
- Tampa experiences more than 50,000 crashes each year, making it one of the most accident-prone cities in Florida.
- In the greater Tampa Bay region (Hillsborough, Hernando, Citrus, Manatee, Pinellas, Polk, Pasco, and Sarasota Counties), there were 80,735 reported crashes in 2023.
- In recent years, Hillsborough County saw 18,878 injuries, 17,354 injuries in 2024 alone, and 181 fatalities.
On average, Tampa has 40,000 crashes annually, resulting in 22,000 injuries and 300 fatalities. As Florida’s third-largest city and a major tourist destination, Tampa’s mix of heavy interstate traffic, city congestion, and unfamiliar visitors creates a dangerous environment.
Why Tampa Bay Accident Victims Choose John Bales
John Bales has built his reputation case by case, with over 40 years of service to the Tampa Bay community.
- Over 12,000 clients represented
- More than $450 million recovered
- A deep understanding of how accidents impact families
This is not just about knowing the law, it is about fighting for what is right for the people behind the numbers.
Local Knowledge Makes a Difference
With over four decades of experience in Tampa Bay, Attorney Bales understands the unique conditions that cause local accidents:
- I-275 congestion during rush hour
- Tourist traffic on Gulf Boulevard
- Heavy rain and wet conditions in storm season
Our team also knows:
- Which intersections see the most crashes
- How local law enforcement investigates collisions
- Which medical professionals treat accident victims in Tampa Bay
This local insight helps us build stronger cases and achieve better outcomes.
Common Causes of Tampa Bay Auto Accidents
Awareness of local accident causes helps both prevention and strategy in legal claims. The most common include:
- Distracted driving – texting, calls, or GPS use
- Speeding – more dangerous crashes and severe injuries
- Impaired driving – in 2023, 491 impaired-driving crashes caused 291 injuries and 62 fatalities
- Failure to yield – a frequent cause of destructive T-bone and head-on collisions
Tampa Auto Accident Injuries
Car accidents can cause anything from temporary setbacks to life-altering injuries. We have represented thousands of injury victims, including those with:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) – concussions and delayed-symptom brain trauma
- Spinal cord injuries – chronic pain, loss of function, and paralysis
- Fractures and broken bones – often requiring multiple surgeries and rehabilitation
- Soft tissue injuries – whiplash and long-term mobility limits
- Internal organ injuries – bleeding and organ damage needing emergency care
- Emotional trauma – anxiety, PTSD, and long-term psychological harm
Why Experience Matters in Auto Accident Cases
Auto accident law requires more than filling out paperwork and negotiating with insurers. It demands:
- Understanding of medical terminology
- Expertise in accident reconstruction
- Knowledge of insurance law
- Strong trial advocacy
John Bales is the only Tampa Bay attorney with over 40 years of personal injury experience and over $450 million recovered for injured clients.
Our Process for Building Strong Cases
- Comprehensive investigation – working with accident reconstructionists, interviewing witnesses, and collecting key evidence
- Medical documentation – collaborating with providers to record injuries and future care needs
- Insurance negotiations – leveraging our reputation to push for fair settlements
- Trial readiness – prepared to litigate if insurers refuse to act in good faith
Maximizing Your Recovery
Every accident case is unique, but our goal remains the same: to maximize your recovery. We pursue:
- Current and future medical costs
- Rehabilitation and adaptive equipment
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
- Pain and suffering damages
- Property damage and vehicle replacement
Our firm has successfully recovered over $450 million for more than 12,000 clients.
The Importance of Acting Quickly
Timing is critical after an auto accident in Florida:
- The state has strict deadlines to file claims.
- Evidence like video footage, witness memories, and vehicle data can be lost quickly.
- Insurance companies may start building a defense within hours of a crash.
Seeking immediate medical attention also protects both your health and your claim by documenting injuries and linking them directly to the accident.
Your Next Steps to Recovery
If you have been injured in a Tampa Bay auto accident, you do not have to face the aftermath alone.
With over 40 years of legal experience, 12,000 satisfied clients, and over $450 million recovered, Attorney John Bales has the knowledge, resources, and determination to pursue the compensation you deserve.
Every day you wait gives insurers more time to build defenses. Contact us today to protect your rights and begin your path to recovery.
Sources
Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV). Florida Traffic Crash Facts Annual Report 2023. Tallahassee, FL: FLHSMV. Available at: https://www.flhsmv.gov/pdf/crashreports/crash_facts_2023.pdf
Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV). Crash Dashboard. Available at: https://www.flhsmv.gov/traffic-crash-reports/crash-dashboard/
Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV). Crash and Citation Reports & Statistics. Available at: https://www.flhsmv.gov/resources/crash-citation-reports/