Finding yourself in a car accident in St. Petersburg Florida is a little frustrating, to say the least. Dealing with insurance companies, trying to get paid for lost wages, and paying medical bills can all seem overwhelming. If you believe you were not at fault for a car accident, you should call a St. Petersburg car accident lawyer immediately. Car accident injury victims earn up to 3X more from case settlements than those who do not contact attorneys. Speak to a lawyer as soon as possible!
There’s an average of 18,709 accidents every year in Pinellas County, according to FLHSMV crash data from 2015 – 2017. These accidents cause 11,270 injuries and 117 fatalities each year, on average.
Accidents that cause death or major injuries always lead to substantial medical bills. Auto accident victims may worry about how they will be able to pay these bills and other losses, especially if they have to miss work.
If you have been hurt and are worried about unpaid bills, you can trust a St. Petersburg car accident lawyer to help you pursue the compensation you need. Steinger, Greene & Feiner represents injury victims to help them seek out the maximum amount of compensation available under their circumstances. We fight for injured people like you, standing up to insurers and keeping you informed of all available legal strategies.
Talk to an experienced car accident lawyer in St. Petersburg for free to learn what options you have for filing a personal injury claim. Call (727) 346-6039 today or contact us online to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation today. Or visit our office at 360 Central Ave, Suite 800, St. Petersburg, FL 33701.
What to Do After a Car Accident in St. Petersburg
Taking the right steps after a car crash is critical for protecting your health, rights, and ability to recover compensation:
- Ensure Safety and Call Emergency Services: Move to a safe area and turn on hazard lights. Call 911 to report the accident.
- Document the Accident: Exchange contact and insurance information with all involved parties. Take photos of scene of the accident including vehicle damage, injuries, road conditions, and traffic signals. Collect witness statements and contact details.
- Seek Medical Attention: Get medical care immediately, even if injuries seem minor. Treat within 14 days to qualify for PIP insurance benefits. Keep detailed records of treatments and medical expenses.
- Notify Your Insurance Provider: File your PIP claim promptly. Avoid admitting fault or speculating about the accident.
- Consult an Attorney: Speak with a personal injury lawyer to preserve evidence and understand your options. Take advantage of free consultations and contingency-based representation.
Acting quickly and deliberately after an accident can help ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries and losses.
Common Motor Vehicle Accidents in St. Petersburg
St. Petersburg’s busy roadways see a variety of accidents, each with unique risks and challenges. Here are the most common types:
- Rollovers: Occur on curved roads like Gandy Boulevard or U.S. Highway 19, often due to speeding or overcorrection. SUVs and trucks are particularly vulnerable.
- Rear-End Collisions: Frequent on 4th Street North and Howard Frankland Bridge during rush hours. Often caused by distracted driving or sudden stops.
- Head-On Collisions: Happen on two-lane roads like Bayshore Drive due to speeding, drowsiness, or impaired driving. These accidents are usually severe.
- T-Bone Accidents: Common at intersections such as Tyrone Boulevard or 34th Street South, caused by red-light runners or failure to yield.
- Hit-and-Run Incidents: High-risk areas include Beach Drive and The Pier, especially in pedestrian-heavy zones. Victims may rely on uninsured motorist coverage.
- Intersection Collisions: Occur at high-traffic crossroads like 49th Street and Park Boulevard, often involving multiple vehicles and complex liability issues.
- Accidents Involving Bicycles and Pedestrians: Hotspots include Pinellas Trail and downtown areas. Drivers failing to yield or making improper turns pose significant risks.
Local Risks and Other Causes of Car Accident
St. Petersburg’s roads face unique challenges, with specific causes contributing to motor vehicle accidents:
- Tourist Traffic: Over 15 million annual visitors increase risks as unfamiliar drivers navigate busy areas like The Pier and Central Avenue, leading to sudden stops and erratic lane changes.
- Weather Conditions: Florida ranks among the top states for weather-related crashes. Rainstorms frequently make roads like I-275 slick, with hydroplaning and reduced visibility causing numerous collisions.
- Elderly Drivers: St. Petersburg’s large retiree population contributes to accidents, particularly near retirement hubs on Tyrone Boulevard, where slower reaction times and medical emergencies are common factors.
- Distracted Driving: Distracted driving accounts for nearly 20% of all crashes in Florida. Tourist-heavy zones like Beach Drive see frequent rear-end and side-swipe collisions due to driver inattention.
- Seasonal Congestion: During winter months, snowbird arrivals cause a significant spike in traffic, especially on U.S. Highway 19 and downtown streets, leading to increased aggressive driving and accidents.
These statistics and causes reflect the complex driving environment in St. Petersburg. Victims of accidents should seek legal guidance to navigate claims and secure fair compensation.
Damages You Can Recover After an Accident in St. Petersburg
If you’ve been injured in a car accident in St. Petersburg, you may be entitled to various types of compensation, depending on the severity of your injuries and the circumstances of the crash. Recoverable damages typically fall into two categories: economic and non-economic.
Economic Damages
Economic damages cover tangible financial losses related to the accident. These may include:
- Medical Expenses: From initial emergency care to long-term treatment, including surgeries, rehabilitation, physical therapy, and medications. According to Florida law, Personal Injury Protection (PIP) covers up to 80% of medical costs, capped at $10,000 for emergency conditions, but severe injuries often exceed this amount.
- Lost Wages: Compensation for income you missed due to time away from work during recovery. This can also include future earnings if your injuries prevent you from returning to your previous job. Florida law permits claims for both current and projected income losses.
- Property Damage: Costs to repair or replace your vehicle and other damaged personal property, such as electronics or valuables in your car during the accident.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages compensate for the less tangible effects of an accident, often referred to as “pain and suffering.” These may include:
- Emotional Distress and Trauma: Accidents, particularly severe ones like rollovers or T-bone collisions, often result in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, or depression. Compensation reflects the mental toll of the incident.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: If your injuries prevent you from participating in activities you once enjoyed, you can seek compensation for this diminished quality of life.
- Pain and Suffering: This includes physical pain and ongoing discomfort caused by injuries. Non-economic damages in Florida are calculated based on the severity of the injuries and their impact on your daily life.
Car Accident Laws in Florida: What You Should Know
Navigating Florida’s car accident laws can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re already dealing with the physical and emotional toll of an accident. Here’s what you need to know about the legal framework and your rights in St. Petersburg, Florida.
Statute of Limitations in 2024
Florida personal injury laws sets specific deadlines for filing a car accident claim. For personal injury claims, you have two years from the date of the incident if your accident occurred on or after March 24, 2023. Accidents that happened before this date may still follow the older four-year timeframe. Families of fatal accident victims have two years to file wrongful death claims, regardless of when the accident occurred. Failing to act within these timeframes could result in losing your right to seek compensation.
Personal Injury Protection (PIP) Insurance
Florida operates under a “no-fault” system, meaning your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance covers your medical expenses and lost wages regardless of who caused the accident. PIP covers 80% of medical costs, but only up to $10,000 for emergency medical conditions. Non-emergency conditions receive up to $2,500 in benefits. You must seek medical care within 14 days of the accident to qualify for PIP benefits. While PIP provides quick access to compensation, it may not cover the full extent of your damages, especially for severe injuries.
Modified Comparative Negligence
Florida law applies a modified comparative negligence rule to vehicle accidents. This means you can only recover damages if your share of fault is 50% or less. Your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault. For instance, if you are found 20% at fault, your award will decrease by that percentage. This shift from the older “pure” comparative negligence standard makes it crucial to gather evidence proving another party’s liability.
Bodily Injury Liability (BIL) Insurance
BIL insurance protects you when another driver causes serious injuries, but it’s not mandatory for most drivers in Florida. Commercial drivers and certain others are required to carry BIL insurance. These policies cover damages that exceed PIP limits, including medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Filing a claim under a BIL policy allows you to seek compensation for serious injuries beyond what PIP provides. If the at-fault driver lacks BIL insurance, your options may include suing them directly or filing a claim under your uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage, if you have it.
Understanding your rights and acting promptly can make all the difference in securing the compensation you deserve. Florida’s laws may seem complex, but with the right guidance, you can navigate the system effectively and focus on your recovery.
What You Need to Know About Filing a Personal Injury Claim or Lawsuit in St. Petersburg
- Document Your Losses: Keep detailed records of medical expenses, time missed from work, and any activities you can no longer enjoy. This documentation strengthens your claim for damages.
- Seek Compensation Beyond PIP: While PIP provides immediate relief, it often falls short for serious injuries. Filing a claim against the at-fault party’s Bodily Injury Liability (BIL) insurance or pursuing uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage can help cover the gap.
- Consult a Personal Injury Attorney Early: Timely action is critical in St. Petersburg due to Florida’s two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims. At our personal injury law firm:
- Free Consultations: We provide free, no-obligation consultations to review your car accident case and explain your options.
- No Fee Until You Win: You pay nothing upfront. Our fee is contingent on securing compensation for you, ensuring we are fully committed to your success.
An experienced auto accident attorney can assess the full extent of your damages, investigate the accident, identify all liable parties, and negotiate with insurers to maximize your settlement or represent you in court if needed.
Comme to obey the law. We can help protect your rights in the aftermath.
Se Habla Español
In addition to our English site, we have a Spanish site available. We have Spanish-speaking team members who can communicate with you in the language you prefer. No matter which language you are more fluent in, knowing that there is someone on your side is important.
When you hire our team to represent you in a personal injury case, you become our priority. We know that this is a stressful time for you, and we know that you need help. Call our office today to schedule your free case evaluation with a St. Petersburg car accident lawyer.
Speak with a St. Petersburg Car Accident Lawyer
Insurance companies can be tough to deal with, and they want to give you as small of a claim as possible. Working with a car accident attorney in St. Petersburg keeps you informed of your rights, helps you document your losses to claim more, and puts someone in your corner to stand up to insurers.
Find out what your options might be and how much you could be getting back from insurers if your claim succeeds by scheduling a free consultation now. Simply call (727) 346-6039 or contact us online.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, Florida’s modified comparative negligence law allows you to seek compensation as long as you are 50% or less at fault for the accident. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
St. Petersburg’s congestion and high traffic volume contribute to frequent accidents, especially on these key roadways:
I-275: Heavy commuter traffic and high speeds make this interstate a hotspot for accidents, particularly during rush hours.
U.S. Highway 19: Known for frequent crashes due to congestion, merging traffic, and high volumes of both local and through drivers.
4th Street North: A busy commercial corridor with frequent rear-end collisions and pedestrian-related accidents.
Tyrone Boulevard: Heavy traffic and intersections near shopping centers contribute to accidents here.
Central Avenue: Dense traffic and distractions from local businesses make this road a common site for accidents.
Beach Drive: Popular with tourists and pedestrians, this area sees accidents involving vehicles, bicycles, and pedestrians.
Understanding the risks on these roads can help you stay safer while navigating St. Petersburg. If you’re involved in an accident, taking immediate legal action can protect your rights.
Look for an attorney with experience in truck accident cases, knowledge of Florida’s trucking regulations, and a proven track record of securing compensation for clients. Free consultations can help you determine if the attorney is the right fit for your needs.