You did not plan for this. No one budgets for an ambulance ride, three months of physical therapy, or the lost paychecks that pile up while you recover from an injury someone else caused.
If you are dealing with mounting medical bills and unanswered questions after a car accident, bicycle crash, or slip and fall in St. Petersburg, Florida law may give you a path toward financial recovery. But that path has deadlines, rules, and an insurance company on the other side working to protect its own bottom line.
A St. Petersburg personal injury lawyer at Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers is ready to review your case at no cost. Reach out to our St. Petersburg office today for a free consultation.
How Our St. Petersburg Personal Injury Law Firm Helps After an Accident
Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers operates a St. Petersburg office at 840 Beach Dr NE, Suite 202, St. Petersburg, FL 33701. Our team works with people throughout St. Pete and the wider Pinellas County area who have been hurt because of someone else’s careless or reckless behavior.
What We Handle for Injury Victims in St. Petersburg
When you call, our attorneys step into your case and take on the legal work so you do not have to. That means gathering evidence, communicating directly with insurance adjusters, reviewing your medical records, and building a strategy shaped by the specific facts of your situation.
We focus our resources on three practice areas where St. Petersburg residents frequently need representation:
- Car accidents, including collisions on I-275, US-19, and throughout St. Petersburg’s local roads and intersections
- Bicycle accidents, which often result in severe injuries to riders who lack the physical protection a vehicle provides
- Slip and fall accidents on commercial properties, public sidewalks, or residential premises across the St. Petersburg area
Each of these injury types raises different legal and factual questions. A car accident injury claim might involve multiple insurance policies and disputed fault, while a slip and fall case often turns on whether a property owner knew about a hazard and failed to fix it. No matter the type of accident, the goal remains the same: building the strongest possible case for the compensation you may be owed.
Our St. Petersburg Personal Injury Law Office
840 Beach Dr NE Suite 202
St. Petersburg, FL 33701
(727) 787-2500
Free Case Reviews, Any Time
You may call our St. Petersburg injury team at (727) 335-1373 for a free consultation any time, day or night. Our office operates 24/7 because accidents do not follow a schedule.
What Are the Benefits of Working With a Personal Injury Attorney in St. Petersburg?
Handling an injury claim on your own might seem manageable early on. Then the insurance adjuster calls, asks for a recorded statement, and makes an offer that barely covers your first round of medical bills.
Insurance companies have trained adjusters, defense attorneys, and internal data systems designed to pay as little as possible. Going up against that infrastructure without legal representation puts you at a real disadvantage.
A Pinellas County personal injury lawyer provides several concrete advantages throughout the claims process:
- Thorough investigation and evidence collection, including police reports, surveillance footage, witness statements, and detailed medical documentation
- Direct communication with insurance companies on your behalf, which protects you from recorded statements that adjusters might later use to undermine your claim
- Accurate calculation of both current and future losses, covering medical costs, lost wages, reduced earning capacity, and physical pain
- Stronger negotiation leverage, since insurers tend to offer higher settlements when they know an attorney is prepared to go to trial
- Strict compliance with all court deadlines, procedural rules, and filing requirements under Florida law
Without legal guidance, many claimants accept early settlement offers that fail to account for ongoing medical treatment or long-term effects on their ability to earn a living. Once you sign a release, you generally lose the right to seek additional compensation later. That one signature might cost you far more than you realize at the time.
We Handle All Personal Injury Cases in St. Petersburg
At Roman Austin, we represent clients in all types of personal injury cases, 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 2024 shows that there were 14,378 collisions resulting in 8,804 injuries. A St. Petersburg car accident attorney 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. Our St. Petersburg motorcycle accident attorneys have helped 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 vehicles can cause devastating injuries. If you were involved in a crash with an 18-wheeler, call our St. Petersburg truck accident lawyers 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 their wrongful death. This 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 our St. Petersburg law office to learn how to hold negligent parties responsible.
We also represent anyone who was injured due to someone else’s negligence in the following:
- Bicycle accidents
- Brain injuries
- Bus accidents
- Dog bites
- Construction accidents
- Medical malpractice
- Pedestrian accidents
- Product liability
- Slip and fall injuries
- Uber and Lyft accidents
- Workplace accidents
The legal process can be overwhelming to non-lawyers. If you need help after an accident and someone else caused your injuries, call our legal team to get answers.
Florida personal injury law divides recoverable damages into two main categories. Economic damages cover measurable financial losses. Non-economic damages address the less tangible but equally real effects of an injury on your daily life.
Economic Damages
These are losses you might verify with receipts, bills, pay stubs, and financial records:
- Medical expenses, including emergency room visits, surgeries, physical therapy, prescription medications, and projected future care
- Lost wages from missed work during your recovery
- Reduced earning capacity if your injuries limit your ability to perform your previous job or any job at all
- Property damage to your vehicle or personal belongings
- Out-of-pocket costs tied to medical travel, home modifications, or hiring help with daily tasks you handled on your own before the injury
Every dollar matters when an injury has disrupted your ability to work and live independently. Keeping organized records from the start gives your attorney the documentation needed to pursue the full scope of your losses.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages compensate for harm that does not appear on a billing statement but still affects your quality of life. These may include physical pain and discomfort, emotional distress, anxiety, loss of enjoyment in hobbies or activities, and loss of companionship for your spouse or family members.
The total value of a personal injury case in St. Petersburg depends on many factors. The severity of your injuries, the length of your recovery, whether the injury is permanent, and the strength of the supporting evidence all play a role.
No two cases produce identical outcomes, and a personalized evaluation from an accident attorney near you is the most reliable way to understand what your claim might be worth.
What Is the Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury Claims in Florida?
Time limits on filing a personal injury lawsuit in Florida are strict and unforgiving. Under Florida Statute § 95.11, most negligence-based personal injury claims must be filed within two years from the date of the injury. This two-year deadline took effect for claims accruing on or after March 24, 2023, when HB 837 reduced the previous four-year window by half.
Why the Two-Year Deadline Matters for Your Injury Claim
Missing the statute of limitations typically means losing your right to file a lawsuit entirely. A court will almost certainly dismiss a case filed after the deadline, regardless of how strong your evidence is or how life-altering your injuries are.
Two years might sound like enough time, but between medical appointments, recovery, and the daily demands of life in St. Petersburg, that window closes faster than most people expect.
Exceptions and Special Circumstances
Certain situations may alter the filing timeline. Claims involving minors, cases where the injury was not immediately discoverable, and wrongful death actions each follow specific rules. A St. Petersburg personal injury attorney at our firm helps you identify which deadline applies so you do not risk losing your claim to a technicality.
How Can Florida’s Comparative Negligence Law Affect Your Claim?
Florida follows a modified comparative negligence system under Florida Statute § 768.81. Under this framework, a court or jury assigns a percentage of fault to each party involved in the accident.
If you share some blame for the incident, your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault.
| Your Percentage of Fault | Total Damages Awarded | Reduction Amount | Compensation You Can Recover |
| 0% (Not at fault) | $100,000 | $0 | $100,000 |
| 10% at fault | $100,000 | $10,000 | $90,000 |
| 25% at fault | $100,000 | $25,000 | $75,000 |
| 50% at fault | $100,000 | $50,000 | $50,000 |
| 51% at fault | $100,000 | N/A | $0 (Barred from recovery) |
| 75% at fault | $100,000 | N/A | $0 (Barred from recovery) |
The 51% Bar Rule
The most consequential piece of Florida’s comparative negligence law is the 51% threshold. If you are found more than 50% responsible for the accident that caused your injuries, you may not recover any compensation at all.
Insurance adjusters know this rule well. They often try to shift blame onto the injured person by questioning your speed, your attention, or your actions leading up to the accident.
Their goal is simple: push your fault percentage above that 50% line so they pay nothing. Having a personal injury lawyer in St. Petersburg who understands how fault disputes play out in Pinellas County courts changes the way your case is positioned and defended.
Understanding Florida’s PIP Insurance Requirements
Florida operates as a no-fault state for car accidents. Under Florida Statute § 627.736, every vehicle owner must carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance with at least $10,000 in coverage, along with $10,000 in property damage liability coverage.
How PIP Works After a Car Accident in St. Petersburg
PIP pays up to 80% of covered medical expenses and 60% of lost wages, regardless of who caused the crash. However, PIP comes with a strict 14-day rule: you must seek medical treatment within 14 days of the accident to qualify for full benefits. Miss that window, and your available PIP benefits may drop to just $2,500.
When PIP Falls Short
A $10,000 coverage limit does not stretch far when injuries are serious. A single emergency room visit paired with imaging scans and follow-up appointments might exhaust PIP benefits within weeks. When PIP runs out and your injuries meet Florida’s threshold for a serious injury, you may step outside the no-fault system and file a claim directly against the at-fault driver.
Navigating that transition from a PIP claim to a fault-based injury lawsuit requires knowledge of both insurance rules and civil litigation procedures. This is one of the most common points where having a personal injury law firm on your side makes a measurable difference.
What Steps Should You Take to Protect Your Injury Claim in St. Petersburg?
Once you are home and safe after an accident in St. Petersburg, a few practical steps may protect both your health and your potential legal claim. Acting quickly during this period often shapes the direction of your case.
Follow Up on Medical Treatment
Even if your initial injuries seem minor, see a doctor within the first few days after the accident. Some injuries, including concussions and soft tissue damage, may not produce obvious symptoms right away. Medical records created shortly after the incident also serve as evidence connecting your injuries to the event.
Guard the Details of Your Claim
Beyond medical care, a few additional actions strengthen your position going forward:
- Save all medical bills, pharmacy receipts, and records of every treatment you receive
- Keep a written log of your symptoms, pain levels, and how the injury affects your ability to handle daily tasks
- Avoid posting about the accident or your recovery on social media, since insurance companies routinely monitor public profiles for content they might use against you
- Do not sign anything or accept any payment from an insurance company before talking to a personal injury attorney
An insurance company that contacts you quickly after an accident is not checking on your health. It is trying to settle before you understand the full extent of your injuries. Those early offers rarely reflect what your injury claim is actually worth.
FAQs for St. Petersburg Personal Injury Lawyer
St Petersburg Personal Injury FAQs
How long do I have to file a personal injury lawsuit in St. Petersburg, Florida?
Florida law generally gives you two years from the date of your injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. This deadline applies to most negligence-based claims, including those involving car accidents, bicycle accidents, and slip and fall injuries. Missing this window may permanently prevent you from pursuing compensation through the court system.
What types of personal injury cases are most common in St. Petersburg?
Car accident claims represent the largest share of personal injury cases filed in the St. Petersburg area. Bicycle accidents and slip and fall injuries also occur frequently throughout Pinellas County, given the city’s active cycling culture and high volume of pedestrian and commercial foot traffic.
How much does it cost to speak with a personal injury lawyer?
Our firm offers free consultations to anyone who has been injured in St. Petersburg. You pay nothing upfront to have your case reviewed and to learn about your legal options. There is no obligation, and the conversation is confidential.
What happens if I am partially at fault for my accident in Florida?
Under Florida’s modified comparative negligence law, you may still recover damages if your share of the fault is 50% or less. Your compensation is reduced in proportion to your percentage of responsibility. If a court or jury finds you more than 50% responsible, Florida law may bar you from recovering anything at all.
Do most personal injury cases in Florida go to trial?
Most personal injury cases in Florida settle before reaching a courtroom. However, some cases do go to trial, particularly when the insurance company disputes who was at fault or refuses to offer a fair amount. Working with an injury law firm that prepares every case as if it might go to trial often improves the chances of reaching a reasonable settlement during negotiations.
Contact Our Experienced St. Petersburg Personal Injury Attorneys 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 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 St. Petersburg personal injury lawyers at (727) 787-2500 or visiting our website today. Our firm is conveniently located near you. We have an office in St. Petersburg at 840 Beach Dr NE Suite 202, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, United States.