St. Petersburg Personal Injury Lawyer
Accidents can happen to anyone. You may be walking down a set of poorly maintained stairs, struck by a careless driver, or harmed by a defective product. If you suffered an injury in St. Petersburg, Florida, keep reading.
If a negligent person caused you harm, you might be able to seek compensation for the damages you suffered. A qualified personal injury attorney can help you recover money for pain and suffering, medical expenses, and other out-of-pocket costs. At Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers, we have more than fifty years of combined legal experience protecting injured victims in personal injury cases. Our St. Petersburg personal injury lawyers make you a priority and work hard to get your case resolved.
We have a Board-Certified civil trial lawyer on staff, and our attorneys have obtained an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell. This rating certifies the highest professional excellence, skill, and integrity. Contact our St. Petersburg law offices today at (727) 787-2500 to schedule a free consultation.
Since 1986, we have been committed to securing justice on behalf of vulnerable accident victims. Come discover why those injured in St. Petersburg, FL, trust our St. Petersburg personal injury attorneys to deliver results.
Why Should I Hire Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers to Handle My St. Petersburg Personal Injury Case?
After any type of accident, it is important to first obtain appropriate medical attention. This is especially important if your injuries require emergent care. Once you have taken care of your health and safety, the next step is to find a legal advocate.
When you suffer an injury, you deserve to have someone in your corner to help with your insurance claim or legal proceedings. The personal injury attorneys at Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers take your case seriously. Our staff devote their efforts to making you whole after an accident in St. Petersburg, FL.
We take the stress out of the legal process.
After you engage our services, our St. Petersburg personal injury lawyers will:
- Answer all of your questions about the legal process in an easy-to-understand manner
- Gather all the relevant evidence to make sure your case is in good shape
- Track down eyewitnesses and collect their testimony
- Hire expert witnesses to help explain the technical components of your case
- Communicate with insurance companies on your behalf
- Negotiate for a settlement that is fair and reasonable
- Research the law to ensure you are presenting the best legal arguments
- Handle your case at the trial level if the at-fault party refuses to settle fairly
You can be a careful and prudent person, but you can still become an accident victim. It is just a fact of life. Careless people cause harm to those around them. When you are hurt by a careless person, turn to our St. Petersburg personal injury attorneys for help.
Do I Have a Personal Injury Case?
A personal injury case refers to a method for individuals who have suffered harm to hold negligent parties accountable. You may hear people refer to a personal injury case as a claim or a lawsuit. Sometimes the terms are used interchangeably, but they actually refer to different stages of the personal injury process.
Personal injury claims are the starting point of the process. This is typically when you or your attorney submit a claim to an insurance company. This is the point of the process where you can make a demand and share the details of your accident, injuries, and damages. In some situations, our St. Petersburg personal injury lawyers can even negotiate a fair settlement at the claim stage of the proceedings.
If we aren’t able to get you a fair settlement, the next step might be to file a personal injury lawsuit. Work with your attorney to make sure you are filing your complaint before the statute of limitations expires. Once you file your lawsuit, you will engage in discovery, an exchange of exhibits and witnesses, and you may even take your case all the way to trial.
There are many different types of personal injury cases, including car accidents, motorcycle accidents, truck accidents, slip and fall accidents, or wrongful death lawsuits. No matter the type of case, Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers can assist you.
Why Should I Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer?
The legal profession has many different practice areas. You wouldn’t hire a plumber to fix your car. You don’t want to hire a lawyer who only practices criminal law to handle your personal injury case. Our St. Petersburg personal injury lawyers have spent their careers learning the nuances of personal injury law. Our experience can level the playing field when you are up against large insurance companies and expensive defense attorneys.
Personal injury lawyers have also developed their negotiation skills. This can be a benefit to your case when you are seeking to be appropriately compensated for your injuries.
When you pursue a personal injury claim, the wrongdoer will often blame you for causing the accident. Personal injury lawyers aren’t intimidated by these tactics. They know how to fight back when the negligent party tries to shift the blame to the victim.
If you want peace of mind that your case is being handled by an experienced professional, call the knowledgeable staff at Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers today. We offer a free case review to get you started on the path to victory. Let us handle your case so you can rest and recover.
We Handle All Personal Injury Cases in St. Petersburg
When you are hurt in an accident, you will not want to spend a lot of time researching whether an attorney has experience with your type of personal injury. At Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers, we know how to be successful in every type of personal injury case, including the following:
Car Accidents
The state of Florida has an unfortunately high rate of automobile accidents each year. Many of these accidents result in injuries to drivers and passengers. In Pinellas County alone, crash data from 2020 shows that there were 14,291 automobile crashes resulting in 8,398 injuries. Our St. Petersburg personal injury lawyers can help you pursue legal remedies against a negligent driver and restore your life after a car crash.
Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle accidents can be particularly destructive and dangerous. Motorcyclists do not have the same protection from accidents as automobile drivers and passengers. When a motorcycle is struck by a vehicle, the rider can suffer life-changing injuries or even death. We have helped motorcycle accident victims and their families get the justice they deserve.
Truck Accidents
When a large commercial truck is involved in a collision, it can wreak havoc on multiple vehicles in its path. The weight and force of these large trucks can cause devastating injuries. If you were involved in an accident with a commercial truck, call our firm today to hold the driver, the company, and the insurance company accountable.
Wrongful Death
If your loved one was killed in an accident, you can seek compensation for this wrongful death. A personal injury case will not bring your loved one back, but the wrongdoer shouldn’t be allowed off the hook for causing a death. Get in touch with us today to learn how to hold negligent parties responsible.
The legal process can be overwhelming to non-lawyers. When you need help after an accident, call our St. Petersburg personal injury lawyers to get answers.
How Much Does it Cost to Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer?
You might think lawyers are only available for wealthy people. Think again. You can still access justice without spending a fortune. In fact, when you call our St. Petersburg personal injury lawyers, we will provide a free initial case consultation.
We use a contingency fee with our clients. This type of arrangement means you won’t pay for our services unless we recover money for you. You can focus on your physical recovery after an accident, and we will focus on maximizing your financial recovery.
If we aren’t successful in recovering money in a settlement or damage award, then we won’t collect a fee. That’s the best deal. You only pay if you win. Call our office to find out more.
What Damages Are Available to St. Petersburg Accident Victims?
Every personal injury case is slightly different. No two cases have identical facts. That said, the damages available in a personal injury lawsuit are divided into two categories. Injury victims can recover compensation for economic damages and non-economic damages.
The concrete losses that you suffer as a result of an accident are called economic damages and may include:
- Medical costs
- Repair costs
- Replacement costs
- Lost income and benefits
- Physical rehab
- Chiropractic care
- Rental car reimbursement
- Hotel costs
- Out-of-pocket costs
On the other hand, non-economic damages are not concrete losses.
Instead, non-economic damages provide money for presumed damages, such as:
- Stress and anxiety
- Emotional distress
- Mental anguish
- Diminished quality of life
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of consortium
If you have questions about the types of damages that you can claim, talk with your St. Petersburg personal injury lawyer. An accident can change the way you live your life. If someone else caused that damage, you can hold them accountable.
How Much Is My Personal Injury Case Worth?
Predicting the value of a personal injury case can be hard. Many factors must be evaluated. If your injuries are permanent, your case might be worth more. If the defendant acted with gross negligence, you may be able to claim punitive damages. The value of your personal injury case should be examined on a case-by-case basis.
Our St. Petersburg personal injury lawyers will consider multiple factors to help you understand the value of your case.
Some examples include:
- The extent of your property damages and repair expenses
- The value of your lost wages and benefits
- The economic value of your lost earning capacity
- The total cost of your medical expenses, including future care and surgeries
- The severity of your pain and suffering
At Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers, we have the experience necessary to evaluate your case. Don’t let an insurance company assign a small dollar figure to your case before you’ve discussed it with us. We can make sure you don’t settle for less than you should.
What if I’m Partially At Fault for the Accident?
Even if you share in the blame for your accident, you can still recover compensation under Florida law. In Florida, the doctrine of modified comparative negligence applies. This doctrine says that you can still recover compensation so long as you are not more than 50% liable. If you are less than 51% responsible, you can still seek money for your damages.
Work with a St. Petersburg personal injury lawyer to help protect you from allegations that you are responsible for an accident. When someone else blames you, don’t accept the responsibility without a fight. Negligent actors routinely blame accident victims. You can put on a defense and still recover money for your damages. Call us to learn how to defend yourself properly.
Personal Injury FAQ
How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit After an Accident in Florida?
You only have a short timeframe to get your personal injury lawsuit filed in court. In Florida, you must file your case within two years of the accident. There are some exceptions, but Florida’s two-year statute of limitations will generally prevent you from bringing a lawsuit if you wait too long.
It is better to work with an attorney as soon as possible after an accident. A St. Petersburg personal injury lawyer can ensure you are properly documenting your injuries, gathering necessary evidence, and presenting the best legal arguments in court. Get in touch with our office today.
What is Negligence and How Do I Prove It?
The law defines negligence as a failure to act with the level of care that an ordinary person would exercise in similar circumstances.
Generally, to prove that someone acted negligently, you must demonstrate that they:
- Had a duty of care
- Breached their duty of care
- The breach of their duty of care was the actual and proximate cause of your injuries
- You suffered damages as a result
In order to recover under a negligence theory, you must prove all four of these elements. For instance, imagine you were injured by slipping on a set of stairs owned and maintained by the defendant. You can recover damages if you can show that the defendant failed to properly care for the stairs and that this failure was the cause of your injuries.
Each case is different. Talk with our trained lawyers to find out how to best pursue justice for your injuries.
Florida Personal Injury Laws
Florida has certain unique personal injury laws. Hiring a St. Petersburg personal injury attorney will ensure that your case complies with the law. For instance, Florida requires that drivers maintain PIP, or Personal Injury Protection, automobile insurance.
All drivers in Florida are required to maintain $10,000 in PIP coverage and $10,000 in property damage liability coverage. These coverages pay for medical bills regardless of who is to blame. Experienced personal injury lawyers can maximize your recovery by ensuring that you tap into applicable PIP coverage.
When you are injured in St. Petersburg, you should turn to lawyers familiar with the area. Our personal injury lawyers know Florida law. Let us guide you.
Will My Personal Injury Case Go to Trial?
Most personal injury cases are resolved prior to trial. In fact, many cases can be resolved before a lawsuit is ever filed. Based on statistics, it is likely that your personal injury case can be resolved without trial.
However, there are some cases that proceed to the trial stage. This usually happens when the at-fault party is unreasonable in negotiations or when the at-fault party’s insurance company refuses to acknowledge the severity of your damages. If you hire a law firm that refuses to take cases to trial, you could be at a disadvantage. If the other parties know that a trial isn’t an option, they may be inclined to offer you less money for settlement.
We don’t shy away from trial. When we take your case, we know that a trial is a possibility. We are prepared to handle your case from start to finish. We won’t be intimidated, and you don’t have to be either.
How Long Will My Injury Case Take?
While most personal injury cases reach negotiated settlements, there are a variety of factors that can influence the length of time a case takes to reach resolution. Some cases can be resolved before a lawsuit is filed. Other cases may proceed all the way through trial, and can even be appealed after a trial decision.
All this to say, for simple cases, it may take weeks or even months to settle. For more complex matters, your case could take many months or even several years to reach a resolution.
Our St. Petersburg personal injury lawyers are here to fight for your legal rights, no matter how long it takes. Even if the wheels of justice are turning at a slow pace, we know that your case matters. We don’t stop pursuing justice on behalf of our clients.
What Should I Do After an Accident?
Any accident can leave you feeling hurt, confused, and disoriented. You may be rushed to a hospital and might have very little time to compose yourself. If you aren’t prepared, you could jeopardize a potential personal injury case through your words or actions.
Your first step after an accident should always be to ensure your safety. If you are injured, you should get medical attention.
Once your health and safety are addressed, then you can:
- Report your accident to the appropriate authorities. For automobile accidents, you should call law enforcement by dialing 911.
- Gather all necessary information from responsible parties, including contact information and insurance information.
- Document the accident scene. Take photographs with your phone. Make notes of important facts that might have played a role in your accident.
- Talk to any eyewitnesses and collect their information.
- Never make any admissions about having responsibility or liability for the accident.
- Call a St. Petersburg personal injury lawyer to make sure your legal rights are protected.
After any accident, following these steps can be crucial. To get your case started on the right foot, you can get a free case review.
Contact Our Experienced St. Petersburg Personal Injury Lawyers For Legal Help
When you are injured by negligence or carelessness in St. Petersburg, Florida, don’t wait to get a hold of our office for a free initial consultation. We can help you assess the facts and the law. Our St. Petersburg personal injury lawyers are well-versed in the law, so we can protect your rights from day one.
Your success is our passion. We are available to help injury victims get the compensation they deserve. The compassionate team at Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers have the know-how to get the job done. Find out why we are a trusted legal partner for injured victims by contacting our office at (727) 787-2500 or visiting our website today.
