I used to defend insurance companies. Now I fight them, for Odessa.
Odessa is lakes, two lane roads, and new subdivisions on the Hillsborough and Pasco line. Gunn Highway, SR 54, Van Dyke Road, and the Suncoast Parkway carry more traffic every year, and the roads weren’t built for it.
My office is on North Dale Mabry, a short drive east. I handle car, truck, motorcycle, and boating injuries and dog bites across Odessa. When you hire me, you get me. Not a case manager. Not a call center.
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The things people ask first.
You can recover if you are 50% or less at fault. Your award is reduced by your share. Fla. Stat. § 768.81
In a car crash, your own PIP pays first: up to $10,000 if a doctor finds an emergency medical condition. Fla. Stat. § 627.736
I’ve defended every one of these case types. Here’s what that means for you.
Two lane roads and fast traffic mean rear end, head on, and left turn crashes. Property damage handled at no charge.
New construction puts heavy trucks on rural roads. I lock down driver logs and dash cam video before they disappear.
Boat and personal watercraft injuries follow their own rules and insurance. I find the coverage that applies.
Drivers pull out of side roads and driveways in front of riders. Insurers blame the rider first. I answer with evidence.
When a property owner doesn’t fix a known hazard, I find out who was responsible and who insures them.
Florida holds dog owners strictly liable in most cases. The claim is usually paid by homeowner’s insurance.
I move fast on evidence. Gas stations and shopping centers along Gunn Highway and SR 54 have cameras. That footage gets recorded over in days. I send preservation letters right away.
I find every policy. The at fault driver’s policy is the start. I look for employer, commercial, and umbrella coverage, plus your own UM.
I’m ready for trial. I tried 20 jury trials as a prosecutor and have handled 500+ litigated cases. I prepare every case like it’s going in front of a jury, and I’ll take it there if that’s what it takes.
Who writes the report. Odessa spans two counties. South of the county line, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office responds. North of it, the Pasco Sheriff’s Office. FHP covers the Suncoast Parkway and the Veterans.
Where you’ll get treated. HCA Florida Trinity Hospital is on SR 54 in Trinity. AdventHealth Westchase ER and HCA Florida Citrus Park Emergency are on Sheldon Road to the south. Serious injuries go to Tampa General, the region’s Level I trauma center.
Where your case is filed. The crash location decides it. Hillsborough cases go to the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit. Pasco cases go to the Sixth Judicial Circuit.
Your deadline. Most negligence claims must be filed within 2 years. Fla. Stat. § 95.11
Steps that protect your claim.
Where it happened decides it, not your mailing address. Odessa addresses fall in both Hillsborough and Pasco. Write down the exact location.
A short drive east on Gunn Highway. Come in, or I’ll come to you.
Nothing unless we win. No fees or costs upfront.
Nothing about your injuries or what happened. Get their name and claim number, then call me.
Me. I handle your case personally from start to finish.
Every case is handled by me. Not assistants, case managers, or call centers.
Written by Jacob Gordon, Florida Bar No. 125004 · Updated October 2026