Clearwater Car Accident Lawyer

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Were you recently involved in a car accident in Clearwater, FL? The experienced Clearwater car accident lawyers at Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers can help you maximize your recovery. Contact our office at (727) 787-2500 for a free consultation.

You may have the right to take legal action against those responsible for your injuries and suffering. By filing an insurance claim and/or lawsuit, you could obtain a sizable financial award. Find out how we can help you secure the best possible outcome.

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How Can Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers Help Me After a Car Accident in Clearwater, FL?

Having a Clearwater personal injury lawyer from Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers on your side can make all the difference in the world. Insurance companies – yours or a third-party provider – will fight tooth and nail to deny or minimize your claim.

At Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers, we’re known for being tough and passionate advocates for motor vehicle accident victims like you. We’ve successfully recovered more than $100 million in settlements and jury verdicts.

When you enlist our services in Clearwater, FL for help, expect us to:

Provide transparent legal service throughout the process
Coordinate with accident experts and specialists to ensure that your accident is subject to a detailed and exhaustive investigation and to better understand the dollar amount you case is worth
Handle the administrative aspects of your potential personal injury claim from start to finish – including making sure that all important procedural deadlines are met
Minimize the impact of any claims that you are responsible for your auto accident and injuries
Negotiate on your behalf, working to secure a settlement with terms that are favorable to you and prepare for litigation if necessary

Contact our law firm in Clearwater to discuss your rights and options. Your first consultation is completely free of charge.

Why Should I Hire a Clearwater Car Accident Lawyer?

Hiring a car accident lawyer can benefit you for many reasons. These benefits include, but are not limited to, the following:

You’ll level the playing field. Any auto accident case will put you up against an insurance company. These corporations exist to make a profit, not to pay the full value of your claim. Dealing with them after an accident can be challenging. Attorneys know the tactics insurance adjusters use to deny or reduce their liability and can fight back on your behalf.
Access to resources. Car accident lawyers have the resources and ability to conduct legal research, engage in internal investigations, and consult experts – all in service of strengthening your claim. Without these assets, you might receive less compensation than what you are owed.
Protect you from allegations of blame. Due to a recent change in state law, you will be barred from recovering compensation from the other driver if it is found that the accident was mostly your fault. Your compensation can also be reduced even if you are only partially responsible. An attorney can protect your interests and minimize the amount of liability assigned to you.
Take the time you need to rest. An accident can take a toll on you and your family mentally, physically, and emotionally. If you retain an attorney, they can take care of every component of your claim for compensation while you focus on your health.

Contact our legal team to learn more about why a car accident lawyer may be the best course of action in your case.

How Much Does It Cost To Hire a Car Accident Attorney?

How Much Does It Cost To Hire a Car Accident Lawyer in Clearwater, FL?

Most car accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. Under this structure, you can hire a lawyer without paying a cent upfront. From there, you only pay legal fees if your attorney obtains compensation for you.

The attorney will receive a previously agreed-upon percentage of that compensation as payment. Most often, this percentage is around 33%, but it can vary depending on the case.

This payment method aligns your attorney’s interests with yours; the more money that they get for you, the more they are paid as well. In addition, you can get a lawyer on a contingency fee basis even if the accident has left you in a vulnerable financial position.

How Much Money Can I Get For My Clearwater Car Accident?

According to the National Safety Council, the average out-of-pocket costs and financial losses of an auto accident range between $12,200 (no injury observed) to $1,659,000 (death of the victim). Those are just the monetary costs.

When you factor in the intangibles, like pain and suffering, the value of a claim can be significantly higher.

The amount you receive will be based on many factors, including:

The extent and severity of the injury
Whether you are forced to miss work, resulting in lost wages – temporarily or permanently
If you require assistance to complete everyday tasks, like bathing or driving
How the accident and harm have affected you emotionally and psychologically
The cost of replacing and repairing property damaged in the incident.

How Long Do I Have To File a Car Accident Lawsuit in Florida?

How Long Do I Have To File a Car Accident Lawsuits in Clearwater, FL (Statute of Limitations)

Your right to file a civil action after an accident in Clearwater is not without limitation. Florida state law imposes a strict two-year clock on most personal injury lawsuits. Your right to seek compensation from negligent parties typically expires two years from the date of your car crash.

The Florida statute of limitations used to give claimants four years to file a lawsuit. However, the law was revised so that you must now follow the two-year deadline.

There are some exceptions – but they’re few and far between. While two years might seem like a lot of time, there’s considerable value in getting started on your legal case right away.

By contacting an attorney promptly after an accident, you’ll not only effectively guarantee that you meet applicable deadlines, but you’ll also give your lawyer the opportunity to investigate and gather relevant evidence.

This can make a huge difference in the success of your claim and in how much you’re ultimately awarded for your serious injuries.

Can I Recover Compensation If I’m Partly to Blame for My Car Accident?

Yes – as long as your fault doesn’t exceed 50%. Florida operates under a modified comparative negligence system. Simply, this means that fault is allocated to everyone who plays a part in causing an accident – directly or indirectly.

Your damages will be reduced to the degree to which you are responsible. However, if you share 51% or more responsibility for the collision, you’re prevented from receiving any compensation.

Example: You suffer $100,000 in damages as a result of an accident. You’re allocated 30% of the blame because you were speeding at the time of the wreck. Your financial settlement or award will be capped at $70,000 – your total damages less 30%. However, if you were allocated 51% of the responsibility, you’d receive nothing.

Insurance companies love to use this law to their advantage. In fact, they love to use it as a way to scare injury victims into accepting way less than they deserve or walking away with nothing. If you don’t stand up for yourself – or have an experienced car accident lawyer stand up for you – you might leave money on the table.

Our attorneys are known for being fierce advocates for people like you. We’ll stand up to insurers and work to neutralize their manipulative strategies. Our team will collect evidence to disprove the claims that you share fault or work to minimize your role. Contact our legal team for a free initial consultation.

What Types of Compensation Can Be Recovered in a Clearwater Auto Accident Claim?

Compensation that’s commonly awarded in accident claims includes:

Economic damages:

Present medical expenses
Future medical bills
Medical treatment
Physical therapy and rehabilitation
Lost income and wages
Permanent disability
Reduced earning capacity
Property damage
Funeral and burial costs, if an accident is fatal

Non-economic damages:

Loss of enjoyment or quality of life
Loss of consortium
Disfigurement and scarring
Emotional distress, such as PTSD (Post-traumatic stress disorder)

There are times when punitive, or exemplary, damages might be applicable. While these are awarded in a very limited number of cases, our team will carefully consider the details of your case and determine if they might also be an option for you.

What Does Florida’s No-Fault Insurance Rule Mean For Me After a Crash?

Florida has a “no-fault” car insurance system. Drivers in the state must purchase Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage, which provides benefits regardless of who caused the collision. By default, PIP covers up to 80% of medical bills and 60% of lost wages after an accident, up to $10,000.

However, there are exceptions to the no-fault laws that could allow you to get additional compensation. For example, if your losses exceed your PIP policy limits and the accident wasn’t your fault, you may be able to file a claim against the other driver.

Another exception provides that if you’ve suffered a “serious injury” as defined by state law, you can pursue a claim against the responsible party for full damages, including your pain and suffering.

Despite Florida’s no-fault rules, you may still have legal options for getting compensation outside your PIP insurance. During your free consultation, we can help you determine your best course of action.

What Should I Do After a Car Accident?

A car crash can be overwhelming. Here are a few things to keep in mind if you are involved in an automobile accident. These easy steps can help to keep you safe and support any future actions for damages you decide to pursue.

Remain at the scene, but move to a safe location away from the wreckage
Immediately call the police and report the accident
Obtain the names and badge numbers of the responding officers
Take photos and videos of the accident scene if possible
Exchange information with witnesses to the accident
Answer basic questions and exchange insurance information, but avoid admitting liability or apologizing
Seek medical attention for the injuries that you sustained as quickly as you can
Obtain a copy of the accident report when it is available
Resist the urge to accept an insurance company’s early settlement offer – it’s probably for way less than your case is really worth
Do not discuss anything on social media or online
Keep copies of receipts and other relevant documents
Seek legal advice
It’s a good idea to consider retaining legal representation
Direct all conversations to an experienced attorney

Call Roman Austin and consult with our team if you are involved in an accident. We are always available – 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Common Car Accident Injuries

Auto accidents can cause a wide array of injuries to drivers, passengers, and bystanders. Our legal team appreciates the importance of a financial recovery for all injuries – mild and catastrophic. Call our firm in Clearwater if you have suffered:

Traumatic brain injury
Spinal cord damage
Paralysis
Back and neck injury, including whiplash
Concussion or head trauma
Burns
Broken bones
Soft tissue damage
Chest injury
Degloving
Lost limbs
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
Injuries to the eyes or face
Wrongful death

If you lost a loved one in an accident, our wrongful death lawyers can guide you through the legal process during this difficult time.

We know that you might not be able to come to us to discuss your case. If your injuries are severe, our team can arrange to visit you at home or at the hospital. We can also explain possible compensation for pre-existing conditions aggravated by the accident.

Who Could Be Liable for My Injuries Suffered in an Auto Accident?

Under Florida law, almost any person or entity could be accountable for your injuries after an accident if they were negligent (careless).

Potentially liable parties include the following:

Other individual drivers and/or their insurance companies
Government entities
Public transit agencies
Rideshare services such as Lyft and Uber (specifically, their insurers)
Manufacturers of faulty or defective parts

Sometimes, more than one party may share liability for your wreck. A skilled car accident lawyer can conduct a thorough review to determine who’s liable and your next best steps.

Will My Car Accident Case Go to Trial?

It’s very unlikely that your car accident case will go to trial. Most cases don’t even make it to court and instead are resolved via settlement negotiations.

However, it can be in your best interest to file a lawsuit in some circumstances. Oftentimes, the opposing party will not want to put forth the effort it takes to defend a lawsuit in court. As a result, they may be willing to agree to a more favorable settlement.

Keep in mind, too, that cases can still be settled even once a lawsuit is filed. The pretrial discovery process can reveal crucial evidence in favor of your car accident claim, persuading the opposing party to increase their offer to you.

At Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers, our goal is to maximize the value of your accident claim and represent you effectively at every stage of the process. If that means filing a lawsuit, we won’t hesitate to do so.

We Handle All Types of Car Accident Claims

When you’re injured in a motor vehicle collision, you deserve to be represented by an experienced Florida car accident lawyer with extensive experience handling cases like yours. At Roman Austin, our personal injury attorneys have 50+ years of combined experience and knowledge that comes from representing injured clients.

This includes clients who were injured as a result of:

Airbag injuries
Child car seat injuries
Distracted drivers
Drunk driving (impaired by drugs or alcohol)
Head-on crashes
Multi-vehicle accidents
Side-impact collisions
Single-vehicle accidents
Rear-end accidents
Red and yellow light collisions
Rollover accidents
Truck accidents in Clearwater
And more

We work on contingency, so there’s no fee unless we win your case. Contact us to learn more.

Choosing the Right Car Accident Lawyer

After a car wreck, it’s essential to select the right attorney that best suits your needs.

Look for the following:

Experience handling your type of case: We have been representing clients in all kinds of car accident claims for a combined five decades.
Good communication skills: Look for someone who listens to you and seems engaged. Ask how they communicate with clients and how often you can expect updates.
Someone local to the area: You want an attorney who knows the local judges and procedures. They will also be familiar with Clearwater’s roadways to better serve you.
Trustworthiness: You need to trust your lawyer so that you feel comfortable being truthful and straightforward with them. Look at reviews to see how former clients describe their experiences.
Follow these tips when you meet with an attorney to assess whether they’re the right fit for you.

Should I Accept a Clearwater Accident Settlement?

You might receive a settlement offer in the early stages of the insurance process. You may be eager to accept it because you need the funds right away to cover medical costs. Don’t be fooled. Insurers are notorious for providing lowball offers that are far less than the claimant deserves.

If you accept a settlement, you generally cannot seek further compensation. Once you sign the agreement, it’s a release of liability. That means you cannot pursue further action, even if you discover additional damages in the future. It’s best to consult an attorney before signing anything to ensure that it’s fair.

Clearwater’s Most Dangerous Roadways and Intersections

All roads and intersections have the potential to be dangerous. However, some areas are more prone to crashes than others. That could be due to heavy traffic, high speed limits, or insufficient signage.

Some of the most dangerous roadways and intersections in Clearwater include:

Old Coachman Road
US-19
FL-60/Gulf to Bay Boulevard
US-19 and Gulf to Bay Boulevard
Gulfview Boulevard and Hamden Drive
Court Street and Fort Harrison Avenue
I-275 and Ulmerton Road
FL-60/Gulf to Bay Boulevard and Hercules Avenue
FL-60/Gulf to Bay Boulevard and Belcher Road
Cleveland Street and Fort Harrison Avenue
Chestnut Street and Fort Harrison Avenue
Starkey Road and Park Boulevard

Regardless of where your traffic crash happened, we’re here to assist.

Car Accident Statistics in Clearwater, FL

Clearwater has a significant number of car wrecks each year.

In 2023, Pinellas County experienced 14,816 motor vehicle accidents. This number is much lower than Hillsborough County‘s 27,465 accidents but around twice the number of Pasco County’s 7,265 collisions.

Pinellas County accidents in 2023 resulted in 110 deaths and nearly 9,200 injuries. Of the 14,500+ accidents in the county, 651 involved bicycle crashes, and 487 involved pedestrians. They caused 52 deaths.

The area experienced 420 motorcycle crashes, 20 of which were fatal. The county also had over 4,100 hit-and-runs, which caused 11 fatalities and 792 injuries.

The county had a high rate of drunk driving collisions in 2023 as well. There were 353 alcohol-involved wrecks that year. They resulted in 12 fatal injuries and 200 additional non-fatal injuries. Another 36 of them involved drivers under the influence of drugs.

Local police departments responded to 65% of the crashes in 2023, while the Florida Highway Patrol and The Sheriff’s Department responded to just about all of the remaining 35%. Visit our statistics page to learn more.

How Severe Are Clearwater Auto Accidents?

The numbers are fairly consistent. In most recent years, there are around 100-150 fatalities and 8,000-10,000 injuries suffered in Pinellas County accidents. So, on an average day in Clearwater and surrounding beach towns, between 28 and 29 people get hurt in auto accidents. There’s a fatal crash in the area about once every three days.

Car Accidents in Pinellas County

As of 2024, Pinellas County, FL, has seen that wrecks are still a problem. According to the latest information provided by the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles:

All crashes: 1,970
Injuries: 1,096
Fatalities: 14how
Hit-and-run crashes: 528
Drunk driving crashes: 32

There have already been almost 2,000 accidents in the area, just two months into the year.

Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Clearwater Car Accident Attorneys At (727) 787-2500

At Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers, we get results for our clients. If you’ve been hurt in a car accident, make our law firm your first call. Our car accident lawyers will hold at-fault parties fully accountable for your injuries, pain, and suffering.

Your first consultation with our team is free, so give us a call to arrange a time to speak about your case.