I Crashed into a Parked Car in Tampa: Can I Sue?

If you crashed into a parked car in Tampa, you may have suffered serious injuries. Such collisions can cause fractures, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), and disfiguring lacerations. High-speed collisions with stationary objects can also be fatal. Faced with these consequences, victims and their families may consider legal action. But can you really sue for crashing into a parked car in Tampa? This is probably something worth discussing with an experienced Tampa auto accident lawyer.

Woman Loses Her Life After Crashing Into Parked Vehicle

 In January of 2025, various sources reported that a female driver had lost her life after crashing into a parked car on I-275. This car wasn’t just parked – it was also empty. In fact, police specifically reported that the vehicle in question was “abandoned,” and this implies that authorities do not know who owns it.

In any case, the victim reportedly lost control of her vehicle before veering out of her lane and into the shoulder. She crashed into the abandoned vehicle as a result, hitting it with such force that it flew into the opposite side of the highway. The victim’s vehicle flipped over, causing critical injuries. Although first responders managed to transport her to a nearby hospital, she ultimately succumbed to her wounds.

Owners Can Be Liable for Injuries Caused by Their Abandoned Vehicles 

In Florida, you are not allowed to simply abandon your vehicle on the side of a highway. Such behavior could be considered a form of “public nuisance,” and it may lead to fines. The Florida Highway Patrol states that after six hours,  a vehicle left on a highway is considered “abandoned” – and it may be towed away.

An abandoned vehicle can lead to more than just a parking ticket. These parked cars can also cause serious accidents. Although parking laws might seem pointless, many areas must be kept clear of vehicles for safety reasons. Some parking laws exist to save lives, and violators endanger innocent people by leaving their vehicles in high-traffic areas.

If you have crashed into an illegally parked vehicle, you may be able to sue the owner to recover compensation for your injuries. This may be particularly effective if you have suffered serious injuries that require excessive medical costs. You may face a lifetime of lost wages due to a disability, such as a traumatic brain injury or spinal cord injury.

For a more minor injury such as whiplash, it may make more sense to file a no-fault PIP claim through your own insurance provider. If you choose this option, there is no requirement to establish fault.

Can a Tampa Auto Accident Lawyer Help Me? 

If you crashed into a parked vehicle, a Tampa auto accident lawyer may be able to help you pursue compensation for your injuries. Depending on your circumstances, you could potentially hold various negligent parties liable. To learn more about your options, consider speaking with experienced auto accident lawyers at Anderson & Anderson today.

Sources: 

iontb.com/zephyrhills-woman-dies-in-rollver-vehicle-crash-on-i-275-in-tampa/

leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0300-0399/0316/Sections/0316.194.html#:~:text=(1)%20Upon%20any%20highway%20outside,in%20every%20event%20an%20unobstructed