Car accidents are a common occurrence in St Petersburg. Located in Pinellas County, this city sees a rush of commercial vehicles and general traffic since Florida’s deadliest highway US-19 runs through its center. According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) traffic crash report, there were 15,680 accidents in Pinellas County in 2022, with 123 fatalities and 9,224 injuries.
Car accident victims may suffer significant physical and emotional injuries that can take expensive treatments and a long time to heal. If you suffered injuries in a car crash, a St. Petersburg car accident lawyer can protect your rights and interests and seek financial recovery for you. A settlement can be valuable in easing the financial burden you may be facing after an accident.
How Our Car Accident Attorney in St. Petersburg Can Help Your Case
After getting into a car wreck, many victims attempt to seek damages from the insurers on their own but quickly find out that it isn’t a straightforward process. Along with filling out documents, supplementing them with the necessary evidence, and managing deadlines, they must worry about many other time-consuming factors. This is why seeking legal counsel from a personal injury attorney can be helpful.
A St. Petersburg car accident attorney can assist you with a compensation case by doing the following:
- Inform you of your rights: Most car accident victims don’t know their legal rights after a collision. For example, if another driver is responsible for the crash, they could be legally accountable to cover your damages. However, Florida follows a modified comparative negligence standard for all negligence actions except medical malpractice. Before you can recover damages from the other party, you must prove the other party’s percentage of fault is greater than yours. If your percentage of fault is 51% or more, you cannot recover damages. Your St. Petersburg attorney will familiarize you with all relevant laws so you can understand your rights. Once you know your legal choices, liable insurance companies will be less likely to take advantage of you.
- Gather evidence: A car accident attorney can access evidence that may be hard to obtain on your own. Along with interviewing witnesses and securing pictures and videos, they may also reach out to medical, vocational, independent investigators, and other experts to determine what and who caused the accident. If the police report lacks details, they may also contact accident reconstructions to learn how the accident unfolded. All the collected evidence will be used to identify and establish liability and reveal the full extent of the damages you can pursue in your settlement request.
- Assess your case’s value: Car accidents can affect a person’s present and future. Your St. Petersburg attorney will evaluate the accident’s full impact on your life. They may consult medical and mental health experts to understand the physical and mental injuries you have suffered and their potential long-term effects on your life. Your attorney will consider all applicable damages, such as treatment and medication costs, car repairs, income loss, and loss of consortium. Once all losses are identified, they will calculate a settlement amount that accurately reflects the extent of your damages. This way, you are not left paying for covered expenses out-of-pocket.
- Identify who is liable for your injuries: In most car accidents, the fault lies with the other vehicle’s driver. But in some cases, there may be other parties who could share responsibility for your crash. For example, suppose the accident occurred due to bad roadway conditions. In that case, a local government agency can be held liable. Or, if the collision occurred due to faulty brakes, your car’s auto part manufacturer or car mechanic may be liable.
Your attorney will examine all possible factors that resulted in your car accident to determine if multiple parties can be approached for compensation.
- Negotiate with insurance companies for fair compensation: The insurance company may attempt to lowball you with the initial offer. Your attorney will be ready for this and press for a higher settlement offer. They will handle all communications with insurance adjusters, thoroughly review the applicable coverage limits, and present evidence that proves your damages and their link to the accident. Your attorney will file a lawsuit if negotiation isn’t enough to achieve a fair settlement.
- Represent you in court, if necessary: Your car accident case will most likely be settled outside of court. But suppose a trial is necessary to win appropriate compensation. In that case, your attorney will handle all the pretrial process and will be by your side throughout the court proceedings, protecting your rights and fighting for your best interest every step of the way.
- Protect you from legal claims: A St. Petersburg attorney can be a beneficial resource even in minor accidents. They can protect you from any claims or lawsuits if the liable party tries to blame the accident on you or minimize their role in causing you harm.
Don’t Leave Money on the Table: Call Us for a Free Consultation and Help From a St. Petersburg Car Accident Attorney
Having legal counsel to help you navigate the financial recovery process after an accident can make the experience less stressful. Our legal services are available with zero risk— you owe us no upfront fees until and unless you recover a settlement. Call the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine for a no-obligation, free case review with our St. Petersburg attorney.
When we speak with you, we can review the accident details and your rights, explore your legal options, and explain how our firm can help. Call today.
