St. Petersburg Car Accident Lawyer

Were you involved in a collision in St. Petersburg, Florida? If so, you might be entitled to seek compensation for your lost wages, medical bills, and other damages. The St. Petersburg car accident lawyers at Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers can help you pursue an optimal recovery. Call us at (727) 314-5988 to get the legal assistance you need.

Unfortunately, insurance companies and other at-fault parties won’t willingly give you the money you deserve. Our law firm has over a century of combined legal experience, and we’ve secured millions of dollars in life-altering settlements and verdicts on behalf of our clients. 

Contact our St. Petersburg, FL law firm to get a free initial case evaluation. We’ll discuss your legal options and guide you through the claims process.

How Can Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers Help After a Car Accident in St. Petersburg, FL?  

Hiring a St. Petersburg personal injury lawyer to help you with your claim may be your best chance at recovering the maximum compensation available. Insurance adjusters are known for undervaluing and denying claims, but an accident attorney will push back and ensure they do not step on you. 

The legal team at Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers are known for aggressively advocating for clients and getting results. We know how to deal with insurance companies on behalf of our clients. We know personal injury law. And we know how to push back against unfair tactics that disadvantage our injured clients. 

When you choose our legal advocates to represent you in your car claim, you can expect us to: 

• Investigate your accident to determine how it happened, who caused it, and who may be responsible for your injuries and damages 
• Determine all avenues for compensation, including insurance claims and a personal injury case, if applicable 
• Work with accident reconstructionists, medical specialists, and other experts if there are complex issues in your case 
• Negotiate for a fair settlement and protect you against allegations that you share fault or failed to mitigate damages
• Argue your case in a Pinellas County court if settlement negotiations fail

You may think you won’t need an attorney to represent you after a crash. However, many cases warrant the knowledge and skills of an experienced auto accident lawyer. Contact us for a free, no-obligation consultation to examine your car wreck. We’ll provide honest legal advice and explain your options for compensation. Our main focus is working on behalf of our clients.

How Common Are Car Accidents in St. Petersburg? 

The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) reported 391,428 statewide car collisions in 2023. Those caused 250,037 injuries and 3,331 deaths. That means at least 63% of crashes resulted in an injury.

Pinellas County accounted for 14,787 of Florida’s collisions in 2023. They resulted in 9,172 injuries and 106 fatalities. 

According to statistics, as of 02/22/24, there have been 1,970 crashes already, causing a total of 1,096 injuries. Also, there have been 48 accidents involving motorcycles and 528 hit-and-run accidents.

What Are the Most Dangerous Roads and Intersections in St. Petersburg, FL?

Some parts of St. Petersburg are more prone to auto accidents than others. The most dangerous roads in the city include:

• U.S. Highway 19
• Interstate 275
• 34th St. N. and 5th Ave. N.
• 38th Ave. N.
• Central Ave

Get in touch with Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers, today for trusted legal advice and assistance.

How Much Is My St. Petersburg Car Accident Claim Worth? 

Because all car wrecks and victims are different, it’s challenging to give an exact number without knowing the specifics of your case. Generally, the more severe your injuries, the more your case will be worth. 

Other factors affect claim values, including: 

• How your injuries impact your quality of life and ability to earn a living 
• The parties involved in the case and applicable insurance coverage 
• Whether you contributed to the crash and to what proportion 
• The trauma you’ve endured due to the accident 
• Your pain and suffering
• Whether your injury has generated a permanent impairment or disability 

During your free consultation, we’ll examine the facts of your case and give you a better idea of how much you can expect to gain in a settlement. 

What Should I Do After a St. Petersburg Car Accident?

The steps you take after a car accident can significantly impact how your claim plays out down the line. Here is what to do and not do:

• Dial 911 to alert the proper authorities, which is mandated by law if the accident was serious enough.
• Stay at the scene of the accident, and if it is safe to do so, collect any evidence that helps to demonstrate your damages. This includes things like taking pictures and videos as well as taking down the contact information of witnesses.
• Do not accept blame for the accident, and do not make any apologies. That can lower the value of your case.
• Receive medical attention even if you aren’t obviously injured. Certain injuries show themselves only after some time has passed, and medical records will be crucial to proving your case.

You should also contact a lawyer after a car crash in St. Petersburg, as an accident attorney can provide you with guidance and insight into how to proceed as well.

What Damages Can I Recover After a Car Accident in St. Petersburg, FL? 

Depending on the severity of your injuries, you may be entitled to economic and non-economic awards. Your compensation will also depend on whether you file a claim with your insurance company, a lawsuit, or both.

Economic damages cover the monetary losses you experienced due to the accident, such as: 

• Medical care fees
• Future medical treatment, such as ongoing physical therapy or rehabilitation 
• Loss of wages 
• Loss of future earning potential 
• Out-of-pocket expenses 

Non-economic awards cover your personal and more difficult-to-value losses, including: 

• Pain and suffering 
• Emotional distress 
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and vehophobia 
• Disfigurement or scarring 
• Diminished quality of life 

Sometimes, punitive damages may be assigned. While rare, they are awarded when a defendant’s conduct was intentional, reckless, or consciously disregarded human life. They may be awarded in cases where the defendant was driving under the influence when they provoked the crash. 

Am I Still Entitled to Compensation if I’m Being Blamed for a Car Accident in St. Petersburg?

Yes. Florida operates under a modified comparative negligence system, meaning you can still retrieve compensation if you’re partially responsible for causing the wreck. However, your compensation will be reduced in proportion to your negligence. You cannot recover compensation if you are mostly (> 50%) responsible for the accident.

For example, if the court finds you 30% at fault for the car wreck, you will only be able to get 70% of your awards. 

Insurance companies know this rule and often use it to limit the amount of money they have to pay victims. If you’re being blamed for your accident, contact us immediately for help. We’re familiar with these strategies and know how to fight back. 

How Does Florida’s No-Fault Auto Insurance Affect My Car Accident Claim? 

Florida is a no-fault auto insurance state. All drivers must carry personal injury protection (PIP) insurance, which protects the insured after an accident. After a collision, you must first present a claim with your PIP insurance company, regardless of who was at fault for the accident. 

PIP covers up to 80% of your reasonable medical costs and 60% of your lost wages. However, the minimum mandated PIP coverage in Florida is $10,000, which may not cover all of your losses. 

If the at-fault driver has bodily injury liability (BIL) coverage, you can file a claim against their BIL insurance company. If they don’t, you may be able to submit a personal injury lawsuit against them for the losses that exceed your PIP policy limits. Contact us to talk about your case and determine the available options for compensation.

Why Should I Hire a St. Petersburg Car Accident Lawyer?

You should get a car accident lawyer in St. Petersburg because doing so will likely increase the amount of money you receive from your case. Other reasons include:

• You will help to level the playing field with the other side. Insurance companies have entire legal departments dedicated to helping them escape or reduce their liability. Without your own accident lawyer to help with your case, you stand a greater chance of being taken advantage of.
• You deserve to rest and recuperate from the accident, not worry about how you will be made whole again. Our legal team can take care of every aspect of your claim for compensation in the meantime.
• The other party in your case will probably try to pin the blame for the accident on you. If they succeed in doing so, they’ll reduce their liability for the accident. Car accident attorneys are adept at combatting these accusations.

Reach out to Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers today to learn more about how an attorney can help with your particular case.

We’ll Fight to Recover Compensation For All of Your Car Accident Injuries

Car accidents can cause various classes of injuries, from minor scrapes to debilitating conditions. 

Our St. Petersburg car accident attorneys have helped victims who have suffered all types of injuries, including but not limited to: 

• Traumatic brain injuries, such as concussions and skull fractures 
• Fractured and broken bones 
• Spinal cord injuries 
• Nerve damage
• Burns 
• Neck injuries 
• Back injuries 
• Chest injuries
• Seat belt injuries 
• Internal organ damage 
• Injuries to the face and eyes 
• Catastrophic injuries, such as paralysis 

Car accidents can also be deadly. If you lose a loved one in a car accident caused by someone else, we can help you file a wrongful death claim and hold the at-fault party accountable. 

What Causes Most Car Collisions in St. Petersburg, FL? 

Car accidents are generally generated by driver error when someone is inattentive or reckless. 

Some of the most common causes of crashes in St. Petersburg are: 

• Distracted driving
• Speeding or driving too fast
• Driver fatigue 
• Drug or alcohol impairment 
• Aggressive driving, such as tailgating or cutting someone off
• Running a red light or stop sign 
• Failure to yield the right of way
• Improper passing
• Defective vehicle parts
• Inexperienced driving 
• Road debris or poor road conditions, such as potholes

Weather state and unfamiliarity with the area can also contribute to accidents in St. Petersburg, FL. We’ll investigate your specific situation to determine how it occurred and find out who is liable for your damages. 

Reasons To File a Car Accident Claim

Filing a claim after a car accident in St. Petersburg is your best chance for adequate compensation. While your PIP coverage might make up for some of the consequences of the accident, it might not be enough to cover all of them.

For instance, you can receive money for things like emotional suffering if you raise a claim against the at-fault party. Other reasons to do so include:

• You will hold the at-fault party responsible for their actions
• You can receive compensation that accurately reflects all of your losses
• You’ll help to cover others in society from suffering similar kinds of harm

At the least, it is worth your time to reach out to a St. Petersburg car accident lawyer for a complimentary consultation. In that meeting, the attorney can discuss your legal options and help you determine your best course of action.

We Handle All Types of Car Accident Cases in St. Petersburg

With more than 119 years of combined experience, you can be assured our accident lawyers can help with your car accident case. We can help with the following types of collision cases in St. Petersburg, just to name a few:

• Highway accidents
• DUI accidents
• Distracted driving accidents
• Accidents involving bicycles or motorcycles
• Parking lot accidents
• Pedestrian accidents
• Speeding accidents
• T-bone accidents
• Rear-end collisions
• Head-on crashes

Set up a free case review with our personal injury law firm in St. Petersburg, Florida, today.

How Do I Prove Negligence After a Car Accident in Florida?

Negligence is failing to use reasonable care, thereby injuring another person. Proving that other people negligently provoked a car crash consists of the following elements: 

• The driver owed you a duty of care; 
• The driver breached their duty by failing to drive cautiously or follow traffic laws; 
• The breach directly caused the accident; and
• You suffered damages as a result of the crash.

To prove these elements of negligence, you will need evidence, which may include: 

• The traffic crash report
• Photos and videos of the car accident scene and your injuries 
• Dash cam and surveillance footage, if available 
• Medical reports from your healthcare providers
• Employment records 
• Eyewitness declarations 
• Expert witness testimony 
• Physical evidence 
• Statements from your friends and family regarding how your injuries have affected your everyday life 

We’ll help you gather everything needed to prove negligence and the full extent of your damages. 

How Long Do I Have to File a Car Accident Lawsuit in Florida? 

Car accident victims must file their lawsuit within two years of the collision under the statute of limitations of the state. If you lost a loved one in a fatal wreck, you will also only have two years to file a wrongful death lawsuit. 

Exceptions may apply in some circumstances. For instance, you may have a longer deadline depending on when the accident occurred. Do not let too much time pass before taking legal action. Evidence can be lost, and memories can fade. Contact us as soon as possible so that we can start building a solid claim for damages. 

Do I Need To Hire a Personal Injury Attorney?

You do not necessarily need to find a personal injury attorney after every car accident in St. Petersburg. For instance, if the accident did not cause you to suffer any financial loss, you likely do not have a valid claim.

But if you have suffered any loss – especially those that go beyond things like medical bills and repair costs – you might need an accident lawyer to recoup a fair amount of money.

Further, keep in mind that most personal injury law firms, including Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers, offer a free case review to go over your accident. Because this meeting doesn’t have any fare for you, nor does it obligate you to engage with us afterward, there’s not much to lose by reaching out. 

Ultimately, it is better to contact an accident attorney and find out if you have a case than never contacting one in the first place.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Car Accident Attorney in Pinellas County? 

Nothing upfront because most accident attorneys in St. Petersburg and throughout Pinellas County work on a contingency fee basis. 

When we enter into an attorney-client relationship, we will agree upon a percentage of your recovery we’ll receive if we win your case. The rate is typically between 33 to 40% of your awarded damages. You won’t owe us any attorney’s fees if we don’t secure compensation for you. 

This arrangement allows you to retain an experienced St. Petersburg personal injury attorney without paying any upfront expenses. We’ll look at our contingency fee agreement with you during your first appointment. 

Schedule a Free Case Evaluation With Our St. Petersburg Car Accident Lawyers 

If you’ve sustained injuries in a car accident, do not hesitate to contact our car accident lawyers in St. Petersburg, FL. We’re here to help you get the highest compensation available.

Reach out to Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers today to get an initial consultation for free and bring a fierce advocate to your corner. 

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Local Auto Body Shops

• Tire Choice Auto Service Centers – 456 Dr, Dr M.L.K. Jr St N, St. Petersburg, FL 33705
• Atlantic Auto Repair – 226 16th St N, St. Petersburg, FL 33705

*Disclaimer – we do not endorse these companies or profit from having them listed on our website. These were some of the highest-rated shops on Yelp.

Additional Car Accident Resources

• When Should I Go to the Doctor After a Car Accident in St. Petersburg?
• Can You Sue for a Car Accident in Florida If You Are Not Hurt?
• How Long Do I Have To File a Claim in Florida?

Car Accident Infographic