Car accidents in St. Petersburg can happen in an instant, often caused by distracted driving, speeding, drunk driving, or other forms of negligence. Beyond the physical injuries, victims endure financial strain due to hefty medical expenses and the inability to work.
Florida law gives injured victims the right to pursue compensation, but proving liability in a car accident case requires strong evidence. Insurance companies may also dispute fault, downplay injuries, or delay payments.
That’s where our experienced St. Petersburg car accident lawyers at Roman Austin step in. We understand your challenges and are dedicated to building a strong case on your behalf. Our car accident lawyers can investigate the crash, handle insurance negotiations, and fight for the maximum compensation you deserve for your losses.
St Petersburg Car Accident Key Takeaways
- The value of your car accident injury claim depends on injury severity, shared fault, available evidence, and insurance coverage.
- St. Petersburg car accidents often occur on I-275, 4th Street North, 22nd Avenue North, 34th Street South, and Gandy Boulevard.
- Our skilled St. Petersburg car accident attorney can investigate your crash and fight for maximum compensation.
- Insurance companies often minimize payouts, but our car accident lawyers can challenge unfair tactics.
- After a crash, seek medical attention and consult our car accident lawyers.
- You may sue for a car accident with no injuries to recover compensation for the psychological impact.
- Call our car accident attorneys to protect your legal right to compensation.
Why Choose Our St Petersburg Car Accident Attorneys
When facing the aftermath of a car accident in St. Petersburg, choosing the proper legal representation can enhance your recovery and compensation claim. Our dedicated car accident attorneys understand Florida’s personal injury laws and are committed to fighting for the justice and financial recovery you deserve.
Here’s why you should work with us:
- Proven Track Record: Our car accident lawyers have obtained millions of dollars in settlement values for injured victims. For instance, they negotiated a $4M settlement for a crash where two minors died.
- Convenient Location: We are at 840 Beach Dr NE, Suite 202, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, a 3-minute walk from Westminster Palms.
You can count on our car accident attorneys to handle the legal aspects of your claim as you focus on recovery.
How Much Is My Car Accident Injury Worth
There is no average value for St Petersburg car accidents. The value of your injury claim depends on the facts and circumstances of the collision. Some of the factors that influence the value of the claim include:
Severity of the Injury
The extent and nature of your injuries can determine if you’ll receive a higher or lower settlement value. Minor injuries like bruises or small cuts typically result in lower settlements, often covering immediate medical expenses and a brief time off work.
However, serious injuries such as spinal cord damage, traumatic brain injuries, or permanent disabilities deserve a higher settlement value. A spinal cord may require ongoing medical treatment, rehabilitation, or specialized care, which is why victims receive a higher settlement value.
Shared Fault
Shared fault arises when the injured victim also contributed to the crash. Florida follows the shared liability system, meaning your compensation decreases proportionally to your percentage of fault in the accident.
If the court finds you 20 percent responsible for the collision, your total award reduces by that same percentage. For instance, if your case is worth $100,000 but you’re deemed 30 percent at fault, you’ll receive $70,000.
Insurance companies often argue for higher fault percentages to reduce their payout obligations. Our car accident attorneys can present strong legal representation to challenge unfair fault assignments and protect your financial recovery.
Availability of Evidence
You need evidence to demonstrate your losses and how the negligent party caused the crash. The more evidence you have, the stronger your claim and the higher the likelihood of receiving a fair settlement value.
Police reports, witness statements, traffic camera footage, and accident reconstruction analysis can strengthen your negotiation position. Medical records linking your injuries directly to the accident prove causation and support your compensation demands.
Photos of vehicle damage, the accident scene, and your injuries provide compelling visual evidence. Insurance companies may use insufficient evidence to dispute fault or question injury severity, potentially reducing your settlement.
Insurance Coverage of the Negligent Party
The at-fault driver’s insurance policy limits directly impact your potential recovery amount. Florida’s minimum liability coverage is relatively low, which may not fully compensate for serious injuries.
If the negligent party carries only minimum coverage, you might recover less than your losses. Defendants with higher coverage limits or significant personal assets allow for larger settlements.
In cases involving commercial vehicles or wealthy individuals, substantial insurance policies or personal assets may be available to cover extensive damages. Our car accident attorneys can explore alternative sources of compensation, including uninsured/underinsured coverage or a lawsuit against the negligent party.
Where Do Car Accidents Occur in St Petersburg
Although car accidents can occur in any area of St Petersburg, road users are more at risk in specific zones. Here are the roads where car accidents are likely to happen:
- Interstate 275 (I-275): As one of the major highways running through St Petersburg, I-275 is prone to high speeds and heavy traffic. Accidents on this road often occur due to reckless driving, abrupt lane changes, and distracted driving.
- 4th Street North (US Highway 92): This busy thoroughfare is known for its numerous intersections and frequent congestion, making it a hotspot for rear-end collisions and sideswipe accidents.
- 22nd Avenue North: Another road notorious for accidents in St Petersburg is 22nd Avenue North. With a mix of residential and commercial areas along this route, drivers often crash with pedestrians, cyclists, and other vehicles sharing the road.
- 34th Street South: Also known as US Highway 19, 34th Street South is a common location for car accidents in St Petersburg. With multiple lane changes, heavy traffic, and varying speed limits, drivers are at risk of collisions with distracted drivers.
- Gandy Boulevard: Connecting St Petersburg to Tampa, Gandy Boulevard has dense daily traffic. Accidents on Gandy Boulevard often result from speeding, aggressive driving, and failure to yield.
St Petersburg Car Accident Attorney
When you sustain an injury in a car accident in St. Petersburg, you may be overwhelmed when filing an insurance claim or facing the defendant. Having experienced legal representation on your side ensures your rights are protected and you receive fair compensation.
Our car accident attorneys at Roman Austin provide the knowledge and advocacy you need after the collision. We can represent you if you suffered an injury in the following crashes:
- Rear-End Collisions: These accidents occur when a vehicle crashes into the back of another vehicle. Our car accident attorneys can help prove liability and seek compensation for losses.
- T-Bone Accidents: Also known as side-impact collisions, T-bone accidents can result in serious injuries due to the lack of protection on the sides of vehicles. Our car accident lawyers can investigate the crash to determine fault and pursue rightful compensation on your behalf.
- Head-On Collisions: Head-on collisions are often catastrophic and can lead to severe injuries or fatalities. Our car accident lawyers can build a strong case by gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and negotiating with insurance companies to secure the compensation you deserve.
- Sideswipe Accidents: Sideswipe accidents occur when two vehicles traveling parallel to each other make contact. Our car accident attorneys can assess the extent of your losses and advocate for a fair settlement.
- Multi-Vehicle Pileups: Multi-vehicle accidents involve three or more vehicles. Our skilled car accident lawyers, with their vast years of experience, can protect your rights.
Our car accident attorneys can also represent you for various types of injuries, including:
- Chest injuries
- Head and brain injuries
- Spinal cord Injuries
- Severe burns
- Cuts and Lacerations
- Internal organ damage
- Neck Injuries
Fighting the Insurance Company
Insurance companies have teams of adjusters and lawyers working to minimize your settlement, often using tactics that disadvantage accident victims. Our experienced car accident lawyers level the playing field by countering their strategies, protecting your interests, and ensuring you receive the fair settlement value that matches your losses.
Here’s how our car accident attorneys can face the insurers:
- Establishing the Value of Your Losses: You’re likely to accept a low settlement offer if you don’t know the value of your losses. Our car accident attorneys will use evidence to determine your current and future losses.
- Negotiating With Insurers: Insurance companies are known for trying to minimize payouts to accident victims. Our car accident lawyers are skilled negotiators who will advocate on your behalf to secure a fair settlement. We will handle all communications with the insurer, so you don’t make statements that harm your case.
- Representation in Court: In some cases, insurance disputes may escalate to litigation. Our car accident attorneys can also litigate your claim in court if you can’t reach a fair settlement through negotiations.
What to Do After a Car Accident
Your actions after a car accident can protect your rights and enhance your wellness. Here’s what to do after a car crash in St Petersburg:
Seek Immediate Medical Attention
You should seek immediate medical attention even if you feel fine or are involved in a minor crash. Symptoms of some injuries are not apparent after a collision. A healthcare provider can discover hidden injuries and initiate a treatment plan.
They will also document the injury and treatment plan, linking the crash and your losses.
Consult Our Car Accident Lawyers
All legal cases, including car accident claims, must adhere to strict timelines. For example, the Florida personal injury statute of limitations requires injured victims to file a claim within a two-year deadline.
You can diminish your legal right to compensation if you initiate a claim beyond the two-year deadline. At Roman Austin, our car accident attorneys understand the applicable regulations in your case and will help file a timely claim so you don’t lose your right to compensation.
They will also advise you throughout the claim process so you can make appropriate decisions that protect your legal right to compensation.
Get the Compensation You Deserve With the Help of Our Car Accident Lawyers
You’re likely to endure pain, discomfort, and inconvenience due to the injury. For example, a back injury after a car crash can cause persistent pain for months, years, or the rest of your life.
While you may be entitled to compensation, you must prove the intangible losses in a personal injury claim or lawsuit. Our car accident attorneys at Roman Austin can use compelling evidence to initiate a claim, negotiate with insurers, or litigate for a fair and just settlement.
Call us at (727) 787-2500 for a free case evaluation.
St Petersburg Car Accidents Frequently Asked Questions
Will My Car Accident Go to Court
Most car accidents don’t go to court and are settled through insurance negotiations. However, your case may go to court if there are disputes over fault, serious injuries, or if settlement negotiations fail.
Factors like conflicting evidence, uninsured drivers, or claims exceeding policy limits increase the likelihood of litigation.
Should I Hire a Lawyer for a Minor Car Accident
Even minor car accidents can have unexpected complications. Insurance companies may dispute fault, hidden injuries might emerge later, or settlement offers can be inadequate. Instead, consult our car accident lawyers to protect your legal rights, handle insurance negotiations, ensure proper documentation, and maximize your compensation.
Can I Sue for a Car Accident With No Injuries
Yes, you can sue for a car accident even without physical injuries. You may pursue compensation for emotional distress, mental anguish, and lost income from missed work. If the at-fault driver was reckless, intoxicated, or grossly negligent, you might also seek punitive damages to punish their dangerous behavior and deter similar conduct.
When Should You File a Claim for a Car Accident
File a car accident claim immediately after seeking medical attention and speaking to our car accident lawyers. Report to the police and your insurance company within 24-48 hours. Don’t delay, adhere to the strict deadlines applicable to your insurance provider.
Early filing protects your rights, preserves evidence, and ensures you meet all legal requirements.
Visit Our Personal Injury Law Office in St. Petersburg, FL
Roman Austin Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers
840 Beach Dr NE Suite 202,
St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Phone: (727) 787-2500
Business Hours: 24/7