Port St. Lucie can be a hazardous area for drivers. Busy shopping centers and recreational spots mean congested roads. Perhaps you’ve been rear-ended by a distracted driver on Crosstown Parkway or I-95, or your vehicle was in a head-on collision with someone driving under the influence near the Tradition area. Accidents like these can lead to physical injury and emotional trauma, and the recovery process can be confusing and time-consuming. To make matters worse, dealing with insurance companies and navigating the legal system can be a stressful and time-consuming ordeal. Call a Port St. Lucie car accident lawyer to eliminate the stress associated with financial recovery.
If you’ve been injured physically or emotionally in a car accident that wasn’t your fault, you may be entitled to compensation. Hiring a skilled auto accident lawyer like Steinger, Greene & Feiner ensures that you receive the maximum compensation you deserve.
Why Choose a Port St. Lucie Car Accident Lawyer?
At Steinger, Greene & Feiner, our team of auto accident lawyers knows how to navigate Port St. Lucie’s legal landscape. Having local representation after a car accident ensures that you will be able to successfully navigate the complexities of insurance claims and the court system. For this reason, it always benefits you to speak with a knowledgeable Port St. Lucie car accident attorney before communicating with your insurance company.
Did you know liability in car accident injury cases in Port St. Lucie is based on the concept of negligence? To find the other driver liable for your damages following a collision, you must be able to demonstrate the four key elements of negligence:
- The other driver owed you a duty of care while operating their vehicle.
- This other driver breached their duty of care through negligent actions or inactions.
- This breach of duty directly resulted in the accident occurring.
- As a result of the driver’s negligent breach of duty, you suffered damages (injuries, property damage, emotional anguish, etc.).
When considering filing a car accident lawsuit in Port St. Lucie, it’s also crucial to keep in mind the statute of limitations in the state of Florida. You must file a personal injury claim within four years from the date of the accident. For wrongful death claims related to a fatal car crash, the time limit is two years from the date of the incident.
Port St. Lucie car wreck lawyers like Steinger, Greene & Feiner are deeply familiar with these local laws and can ensure you meet all deadlines.
Your Rights After a Car Accident
Florida follows a no-fault auto insurance framework, which requires drivers to carry at least $10,000 in personal injury protection (PIP) coverage. Unless you can prove you’ve suffered an emergency medical condition after a car accident in Port St. Lucie, your insurance may limit your benefits to only $2,500 from that coverage. Additionally, if you are found partially responsible for the accident, the compensation you receive may be limited further.
An experienced personal injury lawyer can help you maximize your claim benefits. Insurance companies often try to pay out less than what you truly deserve following a car accident At Steinger, Greene & Feiner, many of our attorneys who handle these types of cases previously worked for insurance companies, meaning they have intimate knowledge about how to obtain your full compensation that insurers don’t readily disclose.
For example, following an accident, your insurance company may offer you a settlement that only covers the compensation outlined in your PIP. Likely, this offer will be well below what you deserve, and it may include binding language restricting you to that specified amount.
Whatever you do, do not accept this initial settlement offer. The moment you do, you forfeit your right to pursue greater compensation for the damages you’ve incurred from the car accident.
Instead, discuss all your legal options and rights—whether you’re at fault or partially at fault—with an experienced car accident lawyer in Port St. Lucie to ensure you receive the full and fair compensation rightfully owed by law.
Common Causes of Car Accidents in Port St. Lucie
Port St. Lucie is one of the largest cities in Florida, which presents many opportunities for drivers to fall victim to collisions. According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, there were a total of 5,675 car accidents in St. Lucie County in 2023. These crashes resulted in 47 fatalities and 3,317 injuries.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, distracted driving is one of the most common causes of car accidents. Other common causes include:
- Speeding: Driving significantly over posted speed limits reduces reaction time, making it highly unlikely to prevent an accident.
- Driving under the influence/DUI: Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol dulls the senses, slowing reaction times and impairing decision-making. This poses a danger to everyone on the road.
- Reckless Driving: Weaving through traffic, tailgating, and cutting off other drivers are examples of reckless driving that can lead to severe accidents. Operated motor vehicles in careless manner were the top cause of fatal accidents in 709 cases in Florida according to the Traffic Crash 2022 report.
- Hazardous Weather: Rainy or snowy conditions create slick roads, increasing the risk of vehicles to slide and lose control. Always exercise extra caution when operating a motor vehicle in these types of conditions.
- Running Intersections: We all have places to be. If you’re running late for work or an appointment, it can be tempting to ignore traffic signage that slows you down. However, disregarding red lights and stop signs by running through intersections is a leading cause of vehicle collisions.
- Inexperienced Driving: Teenage drivers may fail to react appropriately to new driving situations due to inexperience on the road, increasing the risk of car accidents.
- Vehicle or Road Defects: Faulty brakes that fail to work when it counts can cause rear-end collisions. Likewise, insufficient drainage can lead to water pooling on the roads. Variables in your vehicle and on the road pose risks to car accidents and bodily injury.
Types of Car Accident Cases We Handle in Port St. Lucie
Our personal injury law firm specializes in representing clients involved in a wide range of car accidents. Whether you’ve been in a rear-end collision, a T-bone crash at an intersection, or a head-on collision, we have the expertise to navigate your case. We handle:
- Sideswipe accidents caused by improper lane changes
- Single-vehicle accidents from hazardous road conditions
- Multi-vehicle pile-ups involving several cars
- Rollover accidents due to high speeds or sharp turns
- Accidents caused by vehicle or road defects, such as faulty brakes
Our car crash lawyers also handle cases involving DUI-related accidents, which often involve complex legal challenges, but we are prepared to advocate for the compensation you deserve. We also represent victims of commercial vehicle accidents, are well-versed in the unique regulations governing commercial drivers, and can help you pursue claims against the driver, the company, or other responsible parties. No matter the type of accident, our team is ready to fight for your right to fair compensation.
What to Do Immediately After a Car Accident
In the unfortunate event that you’ve been in a car accident, safety should be your top priority immediately following the incident. Once you’ve received any necessary medical care and regained composure, communicate with the other drivers involved to obtain their contact and insurance information.
During this exchange, do not admit fault at the scene of the accident. Immediately consult with a car accident lawyer in Port St. Lucie who can advocate for your rights and interests.
To strengthen your case, they will advise you to provide proof of damages by thoroughly documenting the accident for legal purposes. Use technology on your cell phone to capture eyewitness accounts and record videos of both the damaged vehicles and the surrounding scene. Take photos and videos of any injuries sustained. Contact the police to file a report. Like any medical attention you may have received, a police report will further document your damage and support your personal injury case.
Avoid discussing your case with anyone other than your lawyer, and never post about it on social media. Anything you say or post publicly can and will be used against you by the opposing counsel to diminish your case. Your attorney-client relationship is confidential, and everything you discuss will remain private. An experienced Port St. Lucie car accident lawyer will fight relentlessly for a fair settlement, and when necessary, won’t delay taking the case to trial.
Filing a Car Accident Claim
Before filing a car accident claim, get medical attention right away—no matter how insignificant you think your injuries might be. Receiving prompt treatment documents your injuries from the accident.
Next, gather evidence from the accident scene. This can include photos/videos of vehicle damage, injuries, and road conditions. If you can, capture witness contact information and accounts. Don’t forget to contact the Port St. Lucie police department and file a report. This collective evidence will further support your claim.
Report the accident to your insurance company, but avoid giving a recorded statement until you speak with a car accident attorney. Insurance companies try to minimize payouts, and consulting with an experienced Port St. Lucie car accident lawyer as soon as possible will ensure maximum compensation. For example, if your injury results in medical and other expenses exceeding the scope of your PIP coverage, you may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit to recover additional losses.
Compensation for Your Car Accident
In general, the compensation for damages is divided into two main categories: economic and non-economic. Economic damages aim to compensate you for the actual financial losses incurred, such as:
- Medical expenses above the PIP policy limit of $10,000
- Lost wages exceeding the PIP limit of $10,000
- Property damage costs
- Out-of-pocket expenses related to the accident
Additionally, your lawsuit may help you recover compensation for non-economic damages suffered. These are losses unrelated to direct monetary costs. Non-economic damages may include:
- Pain and suffering endured
- Mental anguish and emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment or quality of life
- Permanent disabilities or impairments
Our knowledgeable team of Port St. Lucie car accident injury lawyers understands the tactics that insurance companies use to minimize payouts and maximize their profits. They work hard to ensure you receive fair compensation for both economic and non-economic damages in these situations.
Can You Still Recover Compensation if You’re Being Blamed for a Car Accident in Florida?
In Florida, even if you share some responsibility for a car accident, you may still be eligible to recover compensation. Recent changes in Florida law, however, limit this recovery. Under the modified comparative fault rule introduced in March 2023, you can seek damages only if you’re less than 50% at fault. If your share of responsibility exceeds 50%, you won’t be able to recover any compensation. For example, if you’re found 40% at fault, your total compensation will be reduced by 40%. This shift in legislation makes it crucial to work with an attorney who can effectively challenge any unfair assignment of fault to maximize your potential recovery.
How Can a Car Accident Lawyer Help?
Port St. Lucie auto accident lawyers like Steinger, Greene & Feiner can help you navigate insurance claims, settlements, and potential court proceedings.
Accident victims in Port St. Lucie are subject to strict statutes of limitations, restricting the amount of time they have to file lawsuits. Failure to take legal action within these timeframes prohibits injury victims from having their cases heard in court. As experienced Port St. Lucie car accident lawyers, Steinger, Greene & Feiner understand the nuanced statute of limitation laws in Florida – which can vary depending on the type of claim, the vehicle type, or the vehicle owner. They can ensure your deadlines are met.
Furthermore, to reach a successful verdict in the courtroom, victims and their attorneys must provide evidence to support their claims. This is known as their burden of proof, and it is the victim’s responsibility; not that of the driver at fault. Obtaining experienced legal representation helps relieve you of some of this burden so that you can focus on recovering.
A good car wreck lawyer will assist you in gathering and presenting the evidence needed to prove your case, maximizing the compensation you are rightfully owed by law.
Choosing the Right Car Accident Lawyer
There are a variety of criteria to consider when selecting the best car accident lawyer in Port St. Lucie. If you’ve been in an auto accident and need legal representation, consider first and foremost the results.
Next, consider reputation. Our clients agree that Steinger, Greene & Feiner is the auto accident lawyer you want fighting on your behalf. See what they’re saying here.
Last, consider experience. With a legal team of more than 30 lawyers and more than 140 staff, including investigators and other assistants, we have the resources you need to get the compensation you deserve.
Client Testimonials
507 Northwest Lake Whitney Place, Port St. Lucie
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I recently had the misfortune of being involved in an automobile accident that resulted in multiple injuries. While I have been in accidents before, I have never received the exceptional level of care and respect that I experienced from … More David and his team.They consistently ensured that I was well-informed about the scheduling and locations of my specialist appointments. Their unwavering support and presence at these appointments provided me with a sense of security and the assurance that my best interests were being prioritized.Communication was never lacking, as we engaged in numerous conversations, both over the phone and in person, to ensure that I was fully updated on the progress of my case. Any questions or concerns I had were promptly addressed and thoroughly answered by the team.I cannot adequately express my gratitude for the outstanding work performed by David and the entire Steinger, Greene, and Feiner team. Their dedication and expertise not only resulted in the largest settlement I have ever received, but also provided me with peace of mind during a challenging time.Without reservation, I highly recommend their services to anyone in need of legal representation. Their professionalism, compassion, and unwavering commitment to their clients are truly exceptional. Thank you to the entire team for your exceptional service. -
David Mitchell and John treated me like family. I appreciated everything they helped me get through. I would definitely recommend them if you want to be treated like family and have them fight for your settlement you deserve.I want to thank … More you from the bottom of my heart for caring so deeply.KP
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After being hit while riding my bicycle by an uninsured motorist Steinger, Greene and Feiner wererecommended by a friend who had previously used their services. Throughout the process David Mitchell and his team provided prompt and useful … More communication that kept me abreast of the status of the case. They handled everything which relieved me of having to chase this uninsured motorist. Glad I chose their services on my behalf.
Contact a Car Accident Lawyer in Port St. Lucie for Legal Help
If you’ve been injured in a car accident in the Port St. Lucie area, you have legal rights. The experienced car accident attorneys at Steinger, Greene & Feiner understand how to navigate Florida’s laws on your behalf so that you can focus on recovery. The sooner you consult legal experts following a car accident in Port St. Lucie, the sooner you’ll find relief.
Call Steinger, Greene & Feiner at (772) 200-4696 or contact us online to schedule your free, confidential, no-obligation consultation with a Port St. Lucie car accident lawyer today. You may also visit us at our offices: 507 NW Lake Whitney Pl, Port St. Lucie, FL 34986.