Jacob Gordon · Former Insurance Defense Attorney Westchase Personal Injury Attorney

I used to defend insurance companies. Now I fight them, for Westchase families.

Westchase traffic runs on Linebaugh Avenue, Sheldon Road, Race Track Road, and the Veterans Expressway. School drop offs, shopping centers, and commuters all share the same few roads. That is where most injuries here start.

My office is on North Dale Mabry, a short drive east. I handle car, truck, and pedestrian crashes, falls, and dog bites across Westchase. When you hire me, you get me. Not a case manager. Not a call center.

Florida personal injury attorney Jacob Gordon

What people say about Jake

AV Preeminent · Martindale    Rising Star · Super Lawyers    Top 40 Under 40 · The National Trial Lawyers    Member · Florida Justice Association

Quick answers for Westchase injury victims.

The things people ask first.

Deadline

2 years

Most Florida negligence claims must be filed within 2 years. Fla. Stat. § 95.11

Fault

The 50% rule

You can recover if you are 50% or less at fault. Your award is reduced by your share. Fla. Stat. § 768.81

Who pays first

Your PIP

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

Injury cases I handle in Westchase.

I’ve defended every one of these case types. Here’s what that means for you.

Linebaugh and the Veterans

Car Accidents

Rear end crashes at the Linebaugh and Sheldon lights, and merges on and off the Veterans. Property damage handled at no charge.

Box trucks and work vans

Truck Accidents

I’ve defended trucking companies. I lock down driver logs and dash cam video before they disappear.

Stores and restaurants

Slip and Fall

Florida makes you prove the business knew about the hazard. I know what records prove it.

Walkers, runners, and riders

Pedestrian and Bicycle

Trails and crosswalks sit right next to busy roads. I find every policy that applies.

Pools, clubhouses, and sidewalks

Premises Liability

When an association or business doesn’t maintain its property, I find out who was responsible and who insures them.

Neighborhood injuries

Dog Bites

Florida holds dog owners strictly liable in most cases. The claim is usually paid by homeowner’s insurance.

Why insurance companies take me seriously.

I move fast on evidence. The shopping centers along Linebaugh and Sheldon 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.

20
Jury trials
500+
Litigated cases
10 yrs
Practicing in Florida since 2016
<10%
Of lawyers earn Martindale AV Preeminent

Where your Westchase case happens.

Who writes the report. Westchase is unincorporated, so the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office usually responds. FHP handles the Veterans Expressway.

Where you’ll get treated. AdventHealth Westchase ER is on Sheldon Road, and HCA Florida Citrus Park Emergency is just up Sheldon. Serious injuries go to Tampa General, the region’s Level I trauma center.

Where your case is filed. Hillsborough County, Thirteenth Judicial Circuit, at the George E. Edgecomb Courthouse downtown.

Your deadline. Most negligence claims must be filed within 2 years. Fla. Stat. § 95.11

What to do after an injury in Westchase.

Steps that protect your claim.

Step 1

Call 911 and get a report

Step 2

Get medical care within 14 days. Florida PIP requires it

Step 3

Photograph the scene, vehicles, injuries, and any hazard

Step 4

Note every business nearby with a camera

Step 5

Don't give a recorded statement to the other insurer

Step 6

Call me before you sign anything

Westchase personal injury FAQs.

About 20 minutes. I’m on North Dale Mabry. Come in, or I’ll come to you.

Often the association that runs it, or the company it hired to maintain it. Their insurance usually pays the claim.

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.

Hurt in Westchase? Talk to me before you talk to their insurer.

Every case is handled by me. Not assistants, case managers, or call centers.

Helpful resources