Butash Law Group
Open 24/7

Trusted Car Accident Attorney in Pasco County, FL

The other driver's insurance company will call you before you've left the hospital. They're not calling to help - they're calling to limit what they pay. Butash Law Group represents car accident victims across Wesley Chapel and Pasco County, and we don't collect a fee unless we recover compensation for you.

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Recognition & Awards

Expertise.com Best DUI Lawyers in Spring Hill (2024)
National Top 100 Trial Lawyers
Expertise.com Best DUI Lawyers in Spring Hill (2025)
Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
Expertise.com Best Divorce Lawyer in Wesley Chapel
City of .com Premier Service
Expertise.com Best Car Accident Lawyer in Wesley Chapel

Pasco County Roads Are Among Florida's Busiest - and Most Dangerous

Attorney Michael G. Butash, Butash Law Group

The corridors that run through Wesley Chapel, Zephyrhills, and the broader Pasco region carry some of the heaviest traffic in the Tampa Bay area. I-75, SR-54, SR-56, and SR-52 see consistent accident volume, and the SR-54/SR-56 interchange in Wesley Chapel is one of the most congested points in the county. As the region continues to grow, accident rates have followed.



If you were hurt on one of these roads, you are dealing with an insurance process designed to move faster than your recovery. Getting an attorney involved early changes the dynamic.

What to Do in the Hours, Days, and Weeks After a Car Accident

What Do Our Clients Say?

Emely Rosas ★★★★★
I can’t thank my lawyer enough for the outstanding job they did handling my DUI case. From the very beginning, they were professional, knowledgeable, and honest about the entire process. They kept me informed every step of the way, answered all my questions, and made a stressful situation much easier to deal with. What impressed me most was their dedication and attention to detail. They truly fought for the best possible outcome and treated me with respect the entire time.Thanks to their hard work and experience, my case was resolved better than I expected, If you’re looking for an attorney who genuinely cares about their clients and knows how to get results, I highly recommend mike!
Emely Rosas
Amelia Cozzolino ★★★★★
Working with Mike and his team was a great experience. Mike is knowledgeable, professional, and truly cares about his clients. He took the time to explain everything clearly and made sure I felt confident throughout the entire process. I also want to give a special thank you to Stephanie, his paralegal, who was absolutely excellent. She was always responsive, organized, and went above and beyond to keep everything moving smoothly. Her communication made a stressful situation so much easier. I’m very grateful for everything they did for me and would highly recommend Mike and his team to anyone needing legal help.
Amelia Cozzolino
Tanya Rais ★★★★★
I cannot say enough good things about Mike Butash and his team. If I could give more than five stars, I absolutely would. They have truly been a lifeline for me during one of the most difficult and emotional periods of my life. Navigating a high-conflict divorce is overwhelming, but they were the steady voice of reason through it all. When things became complicated or stressful, they brought clarity, logic, and a clear path forward. Mike, Mimi, and the entire staff have supported me every step of the way. They fought for me, kept me informed, and always made sure I understood both the process and possible outcomes-good or bad. That level of honesty and transparency meant everything. Even during moments when I felt frustrated or emotional, they remained patient, professional, and genuinely supportive. Even though my journey isn’t completely over, I feel confident knowing I’m in the best hands. I recommend them to anyone who needs not just an attorney, but a team that truly stands by you.
Tanya Rais
Margarita Vazquez ★★★★★
I am incredibly grateful for the outstanding legal representation I received. My case lasted over a year, and throughout the entire process, Mr. Butash was professional, knowledgeable, and consistently responsive. He took the time to explain every step clearly, kept me informed, and always made me feel supported. His dedication and attention to detail truly made a difference, and I couldn’t be happier with the outcome. I highly recommend Butash Law Group to anyone looking for a reliable and trustworthy attorney. Thank you so much again Mike!
Margarita Vazquez

Why Choose Butash Law Group for Car Accident?

What to Expect When You Hire a Car Accident Lawyer

Step 1: Free Initial Consultation

Contact Butash Law Group at (813) 341-2232 to schedule a complimentary consultation where your dispute is reviewed and your legal options are explained. This no-obligation meeting helps establish whether your matter has merit and what strategy may best protect your interests.

Step 2: Case Evaluation & Strategy

Every car accident matter is individually assessed based on its unique facts, applicable Florida law, and the client's goals. The firm identifies fee-recovery opportunities, evaluates litigation risk, and recommends the most advantageous pathmediation, negotiated settlement, or trial.

Step 3: Pre-Litigation Negotiation & Mediation

Where appropriate, Butash Law Group pursues pre-suit negotiation or formal mediation to resolve disputes efficiently and cost-effectively before court proceedings begin. A timely mediated resolution can preserve business relationships and significantly reduce overall litigation expense.

Step 4: Discovery & Evidence Building

If litigation proceeds, the firm actively manages all phases of discoveryincluding interrogatories, document requests, depositions, and subpoenasto build the strongest possible evidentiary record. Disputes over privilege, production scope, or non-party subpoenas are handled promptly to keep the case moving forward.

Step 5: Trial or Final Resolution

When settlement terms are inadequate or trial is in the client's best interest, Butash Law Group is fully prepared to argue the case before a judge or jury in Florida state or federal court. The firm pursues every available remedy to achieve the most favorable outcome possible for each client.

Serving Pasco, Hillsborough, Hernando & Pinellas Counties

Butash Law Group serves car accident clients throughout Pasco, Hillsborough, Hernando and Pinellas counties, including Lutz, Wesley Chapel, Land O’ Lakes, Dade City and Tampa. Whether your dispute arises locally or involves parties across the region, the firm provides experienced, responsive representation close to home.

Explore Our Other Practice Areas

Butash Law Group represents Tampa Bay clients across a full range of legal matters.

Frequently Asked Questions

Seek medical attention immediately - even if you feel fine - and report the accident to police. Collect the other driver's information, photograph the scene, and contact an attorney before giving any recorded statement to an insurance company. The steps you take in the first 24 hours have a direct impact on your ability to recover compensation.

Two years from the date of the accident under Florida's current statute of limitations. This deadline was shortened from four years under 2023 tort reform. Waiting too long risks losing critical evidence and your legal right to file.

Yes, significantly. Florida's modified comparative negligence rule reduces your compensation by your percentage of fault. If you are found more than 50% at fault, you cannot recover at all. Insurance adjusters use this rule aggressively in negotiations - an attorney documents the facts to counter inflated fault assignments.

Yes, if your injuries meet Florida's serious injury threshold - permanent injury, significant scarring, or substantial loss of function. Pain and suffering damages are not available under the no-fault PIP system alone; they require stepping outside that system with a qualifying injury.

Answer: Insurance companies often undervalue or delay claims, and Florida law prohibits bad faith practices including claim denial or underpayment. An auto accident attorney negotiates with insurers on your behalf, ensuring you receive full compensation for medical expenses, vehicle repairs, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

After a car accident in the Tampa Bay area, handling a claim alone puts you at financial risk. Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize payouts, and many policyholders accept settlements far below their actual damages. An experienced attorney levels this imbalance by speaking directly to insurers and protecting your legal rights throughout the claims process.

  • Insurance companies may offer 30 to 50% less than claim value without attorney representation
  • Florida Statute 627.409 makes it illegal for insurers to discount, delay, or deny valid claims
  • Attorneys document all damages, including medical records, repair estimates, and wage loss statements
  • Legal representation increases settlement amounts by an average of 40 to 60% in personal injury cases

Helpful next step: Schedule a free case evaluation to understand your claim's full value and explore your recovery options. Contact us

Answer: Document the scene with multiple photographs, report the accident to police and your insurer without signing documents, collect witness contact information, seek immediate medical evaluation, and consult an attorney before accepting any settlement offer.

The first hours after an accident are critical for protecting your claim. Photographic evidence of vehicle damage, road conditions, traffic signs, and visible injuries becomes harder to obtain as time passes. Medical evaluation within 48 hours establishes a baseline for injury claims and creates documented proof of accident-related harm.

Helpful next step: Speak with an attorney as soon as possible after your accident to ensure proper documentation and protect your legal claims. Contact us

Answer: Florida's statute of limitations for personal injury claims is four years from the accident date, but insurance claims must be reported promptly to preserve evidence and prevent claim denial. Delays in reporting or seeking medical treatment weaken your case significantly.

While the four-year deadline provides a legal window, waiting months or years to file damages your claim's value. Insurance companies use delay tactics to frustrate claimants into accepting low settlements. Witness memories fade, physical evidence disappears, and medical records become harder to link to the accident. Prompt action strengthens your negotiating position.

  • Report accidents to your insurer within 30 days to comply with policy requirements
  • Seek medical treatment within 48 to 72 hours to establish injury causation
  • Contact an attorney within the first week to preserve evidence and witness statements
  • Most settlements are reached 6 to 12 months after accident reports, not years later

Helpful next step: Begin your claim immediately by calling our office for a free consultation to protect your legal rights. Contact us

Answer: Bad faith occurs when an insurance company illegally refuses to pay valid claims, delays payment without justification, or offers settlements significantly below claim value. Florida Statute 627.409 makes these practices unlawful and allows policyholders to recover additional damages beyond the claim amount.

Insurance companies sometimes deny claims for minor documentation gaps or dispute injury severity to avoid payment obligations. In Florida, these practices violate state law and expose insurers to penalties, attorney fees, and consequential damages. Recognizing bad faith is essential because it changes your legal strategy from negotiation to litigation.

  • Refusing to pay claims without reasonable investigation violates Florida insurance law
  • Delaying payment beyond 30 days without cause triggers bad faith liability
  • Offering substantially lower settlements than documented damages constitutes bad faith
  • Policyholders can recover claim amounts plus interest, penalties, and legal fees in bad faith cases

Helpful next step: If your insurer has denied or significantly undervalued your claim, request a bad faith evaluation from an experienced attorney. Contact us

Answer: Recoverable damages include medical expenses, vehicle repair or replacement costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, loss of earning capacity, and transportation costs. Florida law allows compensation for both economic losses and non-economic damages resulting from the accident.

Economic damages are straightforward: medical bills, repair invoices, and wage statements prove your losses with documentation. Non-economic damages like pain and suffering require an attorney's expertise to value properly. Insurance companies often concede economic damages while aggressively contesting pain and suffering claims, which frequently represent 40 to 60% of total case value.

  • Medical expenses including emergency care, surgeries, physical therapy, and ongoing treatment
  • Vehicle repair, replacement value, or rental car costs during repair periods
  • Lost wages for missed work days and reduced earning capacity from injury
  • Pain and suffering, emotional distress, and diminished quality of life
  • Transportation costs, home care services, and medical equipment expenses

Helpful next step: Gather all medical records, repair estimates, and wage documentation, then discuss your full damages with an attorney. Contact us

Answer: No. Insurance company documents often contain language that limits your rights, releases claims, or obligates you to specific procedures. Consult an attorney before signing anything to ensure documents do not reduce your claim value or waive legal protections.

Insurance adjusters commonly ask claimants to sign authorization forms, medical release documents, or settlement agreements within days of accidents. These documents may appear routine but frequently contain provisions that prevent future litigation, limit damages recovery, or commit you to lowball settlements. Legal review protects you from inadvertently surrendering claim rights.

  • Authorization forms grant insurers access to all medical records, including unrelated treatment history
  • Medical release documents may be used to argue pre-existing conditions reduce your claim value
  • Settlement agreements typically include language waiving all future claims related to the accident
  • Some documents authorize surveillance or independent medical exams controlled by the insurer

Helpful next step: Forward any documents received from insurers to an attorney before signing to protect your legal position. Contact us

About Mike Butash
MEET MIKE BUTASH

A Former Prosecutor Who Knows Both Sides

Mike grew up in the Tampa Bay area and graduated from Stetson University College of Law in 1997. He was immediately hired as an Assistant State Attorney for the 6th Judicial Circuit in Pinellas and Pasco Counties, where he prosecuted everything from misdemeanors to the most serious felonies. Today he uses that insider experience to defend clients across Tampa Bay. With more than three decades of practice, lead counsel in over 40 jury trials, and thousands of cases handled, Mike brings the kind of courtroom judgment that only comes from years on both sides of the aisle.

40+ jury trials as lead counsel | 30+ years practicing | Thousands of cases

Talk to a Car Accident Attorney Today

Free, confidential consultation. Call (813) 341-2232 or send us a message.