Taking on the aftermath of a car accident can be overwhelming, especially when dealing with injuries, insurance claims, and the legal side of things. If you’ve been injured in a car accident in St. Petersburg, Florida, seeking experienced legal representation can help ensure your rights are protected and you receive the compensation you deserve.
At Lopez Accident Injury Attorneys, we put over 25 years of collective experience behind the cases we cover. So, you can have peace of mind knowing we have the skills and experience to take on your case. For more information about your car accident case as well as how a St. Petersburg car accident lawyer can help you, continue reading below.
How Lopez Accident Injury Attorneys Can Help After a Car Accident in St. Petersburg, FL
What caused your car accident? Who’s responsible when it comes to car accidents? What steps do you need to take to retrieve compensation, especially if your expenses exceed your PIP insurance limit?
These are all critical questions to ask after a car accident. Insurance companies want you to try to respond to them on your own – without the help of a lawyer. But that’s often a mistake.
At Lopez Accident Injury Attorneys, our team members have been recognized as Top 40 under 40 Personal Injury Lawyers and America’s Top Attorneys. We have successfully negotiated and litigated millions in economic awards for clients just like you.
Let us stand up to at-fault drivers and insurance companies on your name while you concentrate on getting better. A St. Petersburg car accident lawyer from our law firm will:
- Handle every aspect of your car accident case from start to finish
- Investigate the details to determine why the crash happened, how it could have been avoided, and who’s liable
- Consult with leading St. Petersburg car accident experts, medical specialists and more
- Fend off claims that you share responsibility for the wreck
- Manage negotiations with your insurance carrier and other parties
- Be prepared to take your case to a jury in Pinellas County if you’re not offered a fair settlement
Give our compassionate team a call to learn more. Your first case evaluation is free, and we work on contingency, so there’s no cost unless we win.
Contact Our St. Petersburg Law Office
If you need legal help, contact our St. Petersburg office today to schedule an appointment at. At Lopez Accident Injury Attorneys, we are always available to take your call at (727) 933-0015.
Lopez Accident Injury Attorneys
700 7th Ave N Suite B
St. Petersburg, FL 33701
(727) 933-0015
Hours: We’re open 24/7
Why Should I Hire a St. Petersburg Car Accident Lawyer?
Here are just a few reasons to consider looking into St. Petersburg car accident lawyers at our law firm:
- They’ll simplify the legal process and help you understand your options.
- They’ll discuss your injuries and emotional trauma to accurately value the full extent of your losses.
- They manage claims daily and know how to negotiate with insurance adjusters and others to get fair compensation.
- If your case has complex issues, they’ll have access to leading experts, including medical professionals, an accident reconstructionist, and others.
- They’ll protect you against insurance tactics that help to undervalue or deny your claim.
- They’ll coordinate all communications on your behalf so that you can focus on recovering from your injuries.
Whatever you look for in an attorney, you should get a complimentary consultation with a few to determine which one best meets your needs.
St. Petersburg, FL Car Accident Statistics (2024 Update)
Pinellas County witnessed 14,787 car accidents in a recent year, accounting for 4% of all traffic crashes in Florida during that time. This concerning number is likely to rise during the summer months when the Tampa Bay area experiences increased traffic congestion. Breaking down the statistics, Pinellas County saw:
- 99 fatal crashes, tragically resulting in 106 deaths.
- An additional 6,425 injury crashes, leaving 9,172 people injured.
- As of 2024, there have already been nearly 233 auto incidents, causing 124 car accident injuries.
What Are the Most Dangerous Roads and Intersections in St. Petersburg, FL?
Car accidents can happen anywhere and at any time. However, certain areas tend to have increased occurrences of accidents. When it comes to a car accident, some of the most dangerous roads and intersections in St. Petersburg, FL include:
- US-19
- I-4
- I-275
- 38th Avenue N
- Central Avenue
- Ulmerton Road
- US-92 and 4th Street
- US-19 and 38th Avenue N
- 34th Street N and 5th Avenue N
- US-19 and 1st Avenue N
- US-92 and 38th Avenue N
- 34th Street and 22nd Avenue N
- 28th Street N and 1st Avenue N
No matter where your crash occurred, we can help you negotiate with the insurance adjusters and receive the recompense that is due.
What Causes Most Motor Vehicle Crashes in St. Pete?
Most car accidents in St. Petersburg happen because someone is negligent. Negligence means that someone fails to use a reasonable level of care and, as a result, creates a situation that puts others in harm’s way.
Some of the most common examples of causes of car wrecks in our city include:
- High speeds
- Failure to yield the right of way
- Failure to maintain lane
- Unsafe passing
- Unsafe turns, especially at intersections
- Distracted driving
- Drunk driving
- Pilot fatigue
- Tailgating or following too closely
- Road rage
- Running yellow or red lights
- Inclement weather
- Restricted visibility
- Road defects
- Car malfunction or defects
Often, one or more of these things contributes to or causes a wreck. It is important to identify all causes of your crash. Taking the time to do this can help to make sure that you are able to get all of the restitution you need and deserve. It can also help if someone else tries to accuse you of the wreck.
Reasons To File a Car Accident Claim
There are many reasons to file a car accident claim. Most people already know they can do it to recover compensation for medical bills, but some other benefits include:
- Holding the responsible party accountable for their negligent actions
- Obtaining a financial recovery for other losses, including pain and suffering and future healthcare needs
- Demonstrating the risks of negligent driving and the ways it can impact a person’s life
- Deterring others from engaging in careless or reckless conduct in the future to prevent similar outcomes
- Ensuring that auto insurance companies adhere to their policy terms and agreements
- Achieving new traffic guidelines and protections
Additionally, if the at-fault driver’s conduct was intentional or constituted an indifference to your safety and integrity, punitive damages may be awarded. These punish defendants, encourage them to modify their behaviors, and deter others from engaging in similar conduct.
We Handle All Types of Car Accident Cases in St. Petersburg, Florida
We have experience handling all kinds of car accident claims. We’ve assisted St. Petersburg car accident clients who have had injuries. Call us today to discuss your car crash and the compensation you can obtain.
What Types of Injuries Are Caused by Florida Car Accidents?
Car impacts can cause minor injuries or debilitating life-altering injuries. Our car accident lawyers have helped clients who suffered all sorts of injuries in collisions, such as:
- Broken bones
- Soft tissue injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Burns
- Whiplash and other neck injuries
- Chest injuries
- Airbag injuries
- Nerve damage
- Organ damage
- Amputation
- Catastrophic injuries
- Wrongful death of a loved one
The smartest thing to do after an accident is to get medical attention.
Regardless of the type of injury you have or the severity, Lopez Accident Injury Attorneys will be here afterward to help you get the compensation you deserve to get back on your feet.
What Should I Do After an Auto Accident in Pinellas County?
Here are some steps to take following a car accident in St. Petersburg:
- Remain at the accident scene – otherwise, you could be charged with a hit-and-run
- Call 911 to report the accident – if the police are dispatched, they’ll complete an accident report, which can be useful if you file a claim or lawsuit
- If possible, collect evidence at the accident scene – take pictures and videos of the automobiles, skid marks, property damage, injuries, and any other relevant things
- Exchange information with other drivers (if the cops aren’t dispatched) and eyewitnesses
- Seek medical treatment – if you aren’t transported to the hospital from the scene, visit a healthcare facility to confirm that you don’t have any latent injuries
- Contact an attorney – try not to speak directly with any insurance adjusters; instead, tell them to address all communications to your legal counselor
Additionally, right after the accident, write down what occurred. You may forget important details over time that are helpful for a car accident claim.
Taking these steps after an accident can significantly improve your chances of getting fair compensation after a wreck.
Can I Recover Compensation if I Share Fault for a Car Crash?
Maybe. Under Florida’s modified comparative fault rules, liability is divided up and shared by everyone who contributes to a crash. Sharing 50% or less fault for an accident won’t prevent you from retrieving compensation. However, it will impact the amount you can get for your case if you win. And sharing over 50% of the responsibility will prevent you from recovering a monetary award.
For example, if you’re assigned 20 percent fault, your settlement will be diminished by 20 percent. If you’re assigned 51% or more fault, you’ll be ineligible to recover a settlement or award from another party.
So, insurance companies and liable parties will be quick to say that you are at least partly to blame. If they’re successful, they’ll limit how much they have to pay you for your injuries and suffering — or eliminate their financial responsibility altogether.
Lopez Accident Injury Attorneys anticipate these sorts of strategies. In our investigation process, we’ll gather evidence to demonstrate how others’ actions caused you to get hurt. If your own negligence was a contributing factor, we’ll do our best to find a way to minimize how much liability you are assigned. The less responsibility you share, the more money you can potentially get when your case is resolved.
What’s My Car Accident Case Worth?
The value depends on your injuries and the long-term impacts of the crash. Typically, the more serious a crash, the more a case is worth.
According to the National Safety Council, the average value of these cases ranged anywhere between $160,000 (possible injury) and $1.2 million (disabling injury). For cases involving a fatal car accident, the average value exceeded $11,449,000.
It’s crucial to speak with a qualified car accident attorney after a crash. Specific factors unique to your case will drive valuation. Having our experienced personal injury attorneys in St. Petersburg working closely with you and leading the way will help to ensure that your monetary reward accurately reflects its true value.
What Damages Are Available to Car Crash Victims in St. Petersburg, FL?
Following a car accident in St. Petersburg, Florida, you should be able to get money for your economic costs (economic losses) and your pain and suffering (non-economic damages).
ECONOMIC DAMAGES
Getting in a car accident can mess with your finances in many ways. Economic damages are there to help cover all the costs and losses you face because of the crash, so you can get back on your feet financially. Examples of economic awards include:
- Lost wages and earnings
- Lost job opportunities
- Lost job benefits
- Medical bills
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation
- Personal care assistance or nursing care
- The cost of replacing or repairing damaged property
- Related out-of-pocket expenses
Equally important, economic damages can help make up for your current costs as well as losses or expenses you may have in the future.
NON-ECONOMIC DAMAGES
Often, the aftermath of a car accident doesn’t come with a clear price tag. Some impacts can’t be neatly quantified with a bill or receipt, and their worth can differ greatly from one case to another. That’s where non-economic damages come in handy. Examples of non-economic awards include:
- Chronic physical pain
- Disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Embarrassment
- Depression, anxiety, and other types of emotional distress
- Damage to reputation
- Loss of consortium
Our St. Petersburg car accident attorneys will work closely with skilled specialists and experts throughout the car accident claims process, especially as we calculate what your car accident case is worth.
PUNITIVE DAMAGES
In limited instances, punitive damages may also be available. This applies in situations where a defendant’s conduct is intentional or displays a reckless disregard for a victim’s rights and safety.
Keep in mind that one of our primary goals is to understand the full scope and impact of your wreck. The more we know about your injuries and how they affect your day-to-day living, the better prepared we’ll be to secure the compensation you deserve.
Do I Need a St. Petersburg Car Accident Attorney?
Many people believe they can bear with their car accident claims on their own. Sometimes, this may be true. However, hiring a St. Petersburg injury lawyer is generally best to help level the playing field and push back against insurance schemes that help to undervalue claims.
Car accident lawyers are familiar with personal injury and insurance restrictions and are, therefore, in the best position to advise you during the claims process. You will generally get more compensation with an experienced attorney by your side, even considering attorney’s fees.
Contact a lawyer today for a free consultation to see what we can do for you.
Uninsured And Underinsured Vehicle Owner Accidents
Florida is a no-fault insurance state. When a Florida driver is in a car accident, they must first file a claim with their own Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance provider, regardless of who was responsible for the crash.
However, in certain situations, you could place a claim against the at-fault driver if your damages exceed your policy limits. Unfortunately, a fifth of all Florida drivers are uninsured, and many of these people cannot afford to pay a personal injury lawsuit.
That is where uninsured or underinsured coverage comes in. This is optional in Florida and covers you if you’re involved in an accident with an uninsured (or underinsured) driver. While your premium may be more expensive by opting for this coverage, it can provide vital compensation if you are involved in a crash with a driver with no insurance, that you otherwise wouldn’t regain.
How Do I Prove Negligence After a Car Accident?
There are four elements of negligence:
- The defendant owed the plaintiff a duty of care – all drivers owe it to those sharing the road to follow traffic rules and drive safely
- The defendant breached that duty by engaging in careless conduct
- The defendant’s breach directly caused the accident
- The plaintiff suffered damages as a result
We’ll gather evidence, including police reports, medical records, photos of the accident site, videos, eyewitness statements, and expert testimony, to prove your claim for damages. Contact us to get started. The sooner we get to work, the more equipped we’ll be to collect the needed evidence.
What Do I Need to Know About Filing a Personal Injury Claim or Lawsuit in Florida?
After a car accident in St. Petersburg, you will first submit a claim with your Personal Injury Protection insurance company. The minimum required limit for coverage is $10,000. This may not cover the full extent of your damages, like medical bills or lost wages.
If the other driver was to blame and has optional bodily injury liability (BIL) coverage, you may be entitled to file a claim with their BIL insurance company. If they don’t have this, you may be qualified to file a lawsuit against them.
As you can see, there may be many avenues for compensation after a collision in Florida. Contact us to talk about your case today. We’ll examine all of your legal options to ensure that you get the full amount you are entitled to.
Understanding the Statute of Limitations
Each state sets a time limit, known as the statute of limitations, for filing lawsuits. In Florida, car accident victims have a specific timeframe to file a civil claim for their injuries before the opportunity is lost. This deadline applies to various types of personal injury lawsuits, and missing it can lead to a judge dismissing your case, even if you have strong evidence.
There are sound reasons behind these deadlines. As time passes, details of the accident and its cause can fade, making it harder to gather accurate evidence and secure reliable witness testimony. This can significantly hinder the ability to get a fair and accurate picture of what happened.
By setting a time limit for legal action, statutes of limitations aim to ensure that juries base their decisions on reliable and unbiased evidence. Additionally, these deadlines help protect the rights of both parties involved. Over time, the ability to effectively defend against a claim can weaken, putting defendants at a disadvantage.
Therefore, if you believe you have a valid claim arising from a car accident, it’s crucial to seek professional legal advice as soon as possible to ensure your rights are protected and maximize your chances of securing a just outcome.
Don’t Miss Your Deadline: Time Limits for Florida Car Accident Claims
In Florida, you typically have a two-year window to file a lawsuit following a car accident resulting from someone else’s negligence. It’s important to seek help from a seasoned personal injury attorney because they can thoroughly assess your situation and go over the process of pursuing compensation.
Car, Truck & Motorcycle Crashes
In Florida, the statute of limitations for auto, truck, and motorcycle accidents is four years from the date of the accident. However, it’s wise to seek legal advice promptly because as time passes, it can become harder to prove fault or locate witnesses.
Wrongful Death Cases
For wrongful death claims in Florida, the window for filing a lawsuit is two years. This timeframe applies to all accidental deaths, including those resulting from car, truck, and motorcycle accidents. We strongly advise individuals affected by accidental deaths to reach out to one of our wrongful death attorneys as soon as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Do I Need to Know About Car Accident Laws in Florida?
Many regulations may affect your car accident claim; for example:
- Florida’s statute of limitations typically gives you two years from your accident date to file a lawsuit (as of March 24, 2023 — prior to that date, the law typically gave you four years to act). If you miss the deadline that applies to your case, you forfeit your right to hold the at-fault driver accountable.
- Florida is a no-fault insurance state, meaning you must present a claim with your PIP insurance provider, regardless of who caused the collision.
- Under Florida’s modified comparative negligence rule, you can share 50% or less of the responsibility for the accident and still get compensation. However, your award will be reduced to reflect that.
Other laws may affect your claim. Call us now so that we can evaluate your case and preserve your legal right to compensation.
How Much Does it Cost to Hire a Car Accident Lawyer?
Fortunately, most lawyers work on a contingency fee basis – meaning if they do not secure a favorable car accident settlement or verdict in your favor, you owe them nothing.
This arrangement means that you can afford to get an attorney to represent you after your collision. If we win your case, we’ll take an agreed-upon percentage of your awarded indemnification. You won’t owe any fees upfront, so there’s no obligation.
Contact our lawyers today for a free, no-pressure consultation, and we’ll go over our contingency fee agreement and answer your questions.
How Long Do I Have to File a Personal Injury Lawsuit After a Car Accident in Florida?
You’ll generally have two years from the date of your motor vehicle accident to file an injury lawsuit in the Sunshine State.
Florida historically gave accident victims up to four years to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, the law was changed on March 24, 2023. Therefore, people who suffer injuries after that date will be subject to the two-year deadline.
If a wreck is fatal, surviving family members will have two years from the victim’s date of death to seek damages through a wrongful death action.
There are times when the time frame might be different. This could be the case if the city of St. Petersburg, Pinellas County, or the State of Florida share liability. Or, the statutes can differ in cases where a victim is a minor.
Depending on the circumstances, you could have more or less time to act. You don’t want the opportunity to recover compensation to disappear because you waited too long to take action. So, it’s important to seek the guidance of a car accident attorney in St. Petersburg as soon as you can after you get hurt in a wreck.
We Serve Throughout Pinellas County
We’ve helped people throughout Pinellas County and the Tampa area after car crashes. Reach out to arrange a free case evaluation if you’ve suffered injuries in an accident in Pinellas County, Florida.
Schedule a Free Consultation with a Trusted St. Petersburg Car Accident Lawyer at (727) 933-0015
Whether you are filing a car accident claim with your own insurance provider or seeking damages in a third-party lawsuit, do not try to endure the situation on your own. Contact Lopez Accident Injury Attorneys at (727) 933-0015 and let us be your biggest advocate.
Our St. Petersburg accident injury law firm has won millions by standing up to tough adversaries and fighting tirelessly on behalf of clients like you.
Let us work on your case. Focus on getting better. Call our office in St. Pete to get started by arranging a free case evaluation.
St. Petersburg Auto Accident Review
Read more of our client reviews here.
Local Car Repair Shops
- Victory Automotive Service – 3001 Dr M.L.K. Jr St N, St. Petersburg, FL 33704
- JB Import Automotive Repair – 387 16th St N St, St. Petersburg, FL 33705
- R&D Auto Service – 2763 Central Ave, St. Petersburg, FL 33713
*Disclaimer – we do not endorse these companies or profit from having them listed on our site.
Additional Car Accident Resources and Information
- Car Accident Compensation Ordinances in Florida
- NSC Safe Driving Toolkit
- Florida Insurance Requirements
- Road Safety Resources – NHTSA
- Florida Traffic Crash Reports
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St. Petersburg Auto Accident Infographic
