Auto Accident Injury in St. Petersburg, FL

Have you suffered an injury due to a car accident in St. Petersburg? If so, your life may never be the same again. Injuries from a car accident can interfere with your ability both to work and to enjoy everyday activities. They can also be incredibly painful. As such, you need an auto accident attorney who understands the laws in and around St. Petersburg, FL that will fight for your legal rights and help you receive the financial compensation you deserve.

Auto Accident Injury Statistics in St. Petersburg, Florida

According to the National Safety Council, in 2019 about 4.4 million people suffered serious injuries in motor vehicle accidents and an estimated 38,000 were killed. Negligent driving and failure to yield are the most common causes for auto accidents in St. Petersburg. According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, there are more than 400,000 auto accidents in Florida every year. Almost half of these accidents involve injuries to one or more people. However, when a motorcycle is involved, that injury percentage rises to a staggering 75%. In addition, more than 3,000 people per year are killed in Florida auto accidents. Alcohol use, seat belt use, and helmet use have a significant impact on the severity of injuries in St. Petersburg auto accidents.

What to Do After an Auto Accident

It’s important to be prepared in the event you are a victim of a car accident. Below are the steps to remember immediately after your crash.

Receive Immediate Medical Attention

What is the most important step that you need to take after an auto accident? You need to receive immediate and proper medical treatment. You may believe that the injuries sustained after an auto accident are minor. Proper medical treatment helps ensure that you have not sustained any internal injuries that you may not be aware of.

File a Police Report

Even if no one sustained injuries, you still need to call 911 and request law enforcement assistance. When officers arrive, jot down each one’s name and badge number. Answer their questions honestly, but don’t volunteer any unasked for information, especially your thoughts on exactly what happened or who caused the car accident. Be sure to ask the officers for the number of their police report. Also ask when and where you can get a copy of it, including how much it will cost you.

St. Petersburg accidents involving any injuries, alcohol, or hit-and-runs, are required to be reported immediately to the police. Typically, these are reported by calling 911. All other auto accidents can be reported to the St. Petersburg Police Department through their website.

Gather the Appropriate Documentation

While waiting for officers to arrive after a car accident, collect information from all other drivers involved in the accident, including the following:

  • Full name, address, phone number and email address
  • Driver’s license state and number
  • Auto insurance company name, policy number and phone number

Use your cell phone to take pictures of each driver’s license, auto insurance card, your vehicle and each additional vehicle involved in the car accident. Don’t rely on verbal communication. Having as much information as possible will only help you and your case later on. Try to keep this exchange as civil and friendly as possible. However, do not apologize for causing the accident or indicate in any way that you think you may have caused it. 

Recovering Damages After an Auto Accident Injury

After surviving a car accident, the emotional and economic toll it takes can be staggering. You are not only dealing with the mental anguish that comes with being involved in a crash, but you may also be experiencing severe physical harm as well.

Common injuries associated with motor vehicle accidents include:

  • Burn injuries
  • Back and neck injuries, such as whiplash
  • Brain and head injuries
  • Broken bones
  • Spinal injuries
  • Soft tissue injuries

Florida has one of the highest rates of auto accident deaths in the US. According to the Centers for Disease Control, the yearly cost of fatal auto accidents in Florida is more than $4.4 billion. Non-fatal accidents can be costly as well, incorporating both property damage and medical bills. The National Safety Council reports that the average costs range from $12,000 to almost $100,000 per accident. A St. Petersburg attorney can help you factor in all of the costs from your accident. These can include the obvious medical or car repair bills and less clear costs like lost wages or loss of quality of life.

Hiring a car accident lawyer ensures you have the financial ability to cover any losses that have occurred as a result of a crash. An auto accident attorney will also help you handle the paperwork that you will have to complete from insurance companies. This boosts your odds of receiving the insurance compensation you deserve.

Auto Accident Laws in Florida

Liability Laws for St. Petersburg

When car accidents happen, it is essential to determine who bears responsibility for the resulting damage and medical bills. Determining fault impacts everything from your insurance claim and level of liability to the amount of confusion you may endure during the claims process. Florida is a no-fault state, which means that each party’s insurance company pays their own medical and personal property expenses. This is true regardless of who is at fault for the accident. However, your damages in a St. Petersburg accident may be higher than what your insurance company will cover. If this happens, you may be able to sue the at-fault driver for additional compensation, including pain and suffering. Having the assistance of a St. Petersburg attorney can help you maximize the amount you receive.

Statute of Limitations in St. Petersburg

Each state has its own tort laws that determine the statute of limitations on a claim. In some states, this gives you just one year to file a claim in court, while some others may give you up to six years. Florida imposes a 4 year statute of limitations for auto accidents in St. Petersburg. Once this time limit has passed, most courts will deny any claim for damages.

This is why it is important to consult with an attorney immediately after your car crash. Don’t wait and risk losing out on any compensation they can recover.

Work With an Experienced Auto Accident Lawyer Near St. Petersburg, FL

After a car accident, you have enough to worry about. We can help you find an auto accident attorney for your unique case. Get the financial restitution that you deserve if you’re the victim of someone else’s conduct. We can even help you connect with legal help across Florida state lines.

Submit a request online or call us today at (866) 345-6784 to get in touch with an attorney in your area!

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