St. Petersburg Car Accident Lawyers
Have You Been Injured In A St. Petersburg Car Accident?
If you or someone you know has been injured in a St. Petersburg car accident, then you understand the pain and stress that it can cause. Whether it was a minor fender bender or a more serious collision, being injured in an auto accident is traumatic enough without having to deal with insurance companies and medical bills. That's why we want to make sure St. Petersburg Florida residents have help every step of the way when it comes to handling their car accidents.
If you have been injured in a St. Petersburg car accident, the team of experienced car accident attorneys at Herman & Wells Law Firm are here to help.
We strive to make the process as stress-free and smooth as possible for our clients. Below we provide steps on how to handle your claim and other crucial information to consider if you've been involved in an accident in St. Petersburg, Florida.
Why You Should Contact Our Experienced St. Petersburg Car Accident Lawyers ASAP
Our St. Petersburg car accident lawyers will provide you with the legal representation you need to ensure that you receive the best possible outcome. We have extensive experience in handling cases involving car accidents, motorcycle collisions, and even trucking accidents throughout St. Petersburg, Florida.
We can help with:
- Negotiating with the insurance companies on your behalf
- Evaluating any medical bills or other damages related to the accident
- Appearing in court if the case goes to trial
- Drafting legal documents in your favor
- Educating you about the process, your rights, and any potential outcomes
In addition to making sure that you receive the best legal representation, our St. Petersburg car accident attorneys will also be your advocates throughout the entire car accident claim process. We will make sure that your rights are protected and that you receive the compensation that you deserve.
What To Do After A Car Accident In St. Petersburg
If you have been injured in a St. Petersburg car accident, it is important to take the following steps as soon as possible:
Stop and check for injuries - Call 911 If Needed
The first step after a car accident is to stop and check for any injuries. If you or anyone else involved in the accident has been injured, call 911 immediately. It is crucial to call the police anytime there is a car accident in St. Petersburg, even if no one appears to be injured. The police will be able to document the accident and provide you with an official report.
Move To A Safe Location Off The Road (if Possible)
If possible, move to a safe location off of the roadway. You should immediately get out of the way of traffic in order to avoid any further accidents or injuries. If you are unable to move your vehicle due to damage caused by the accident, make sure it is clearly visible with warning devices like flares and hazard lights.
Try To Get Other Driver's Contact Information ASAP
It is important to exchange contact information with the other drivers involved in the accident. Exchange names, phone numbers, license plate numbers, and insurance information. You should also get the names and a statement from any witnesses if possible. This will be helpful when submitting your car accident claim.
Take Pictures Showing The Scene Of The Accident, Vehicle Damage & Any Injuries Sustained
Taking pictures of the scene and any vehicle damage or injuries sustained can be very helpful in case you need to file an insurance claim or take legal action. It is important to document as much information as possible, including skid marks, weather conditions, road signage, and any other details that could help prove fault in court.
Contact Your Automobile Insurance Company ASAP
It is important to contact your insurance company as soon as possible to report the incident. You will need to provide them with all of the necessary information, including a copy of the police report, photos you took at the scene, and statements from any witnesses. The insurance company may also want a statement from you regarding how and why the accident happened.
Go See A Doctor & Get Checked (Even If You Don't Feel Hurt)
After a car accident, it’s important to receive medical attention right away, even if you don’t feel injured. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent and can become more serious over time if left untreated. It is also important to keep all of your medical records and bills for filing a personal injury claim.
Contact An Experienced St Petersburg Car Accident Lawyer
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident in St. Petersburg, it's recommended that you contact a local lawyer who specializes in these types of personal injury cases. Immediate action is often required in order to get the best results following a car accident in Florida.
Our St. Petersburg car accident lawyers know exactly what evidence is needed in order to get you the best result for your case. Remember you can talk to one of the attorneys at Herman & Wells for free (day or night, weekday or on the weekends).
What If You’re Severely Injured?
If you are severely injured in a St. Petersburg car accident, you should immediately seek medical attention and contact an experienced St. Petersburg car accident lawyer. An attorney will be able to advise you on the best way to proceed and ensure that your legal rights are protected throughout the entire process while you focus on recovering from your injuries.
Do You Need To File A Lawsuit To Recover Damages After A Car Accident In St. Petersburg?
In some cases, filing a lawsuit may be the best way to recover damages after a car accident in St. Petersburg. If you or your loved one has been seriously injured due to someone else’s negligence, filing a personal injury lawsuit can help ensure that you receive fair and adequate compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and emotional distress.
What Laws In Florida Impact Car Accident Victims
Knowing the laws governing car accidents in Florida and St. Petersburg is an important first step towards recovering the compensation you need and deserve after an accident. In St. Petersburg, all drivers are expected to carry a minimum of $10,000 in bodily injury liability coverage and property damage liability coverage. If you’ve been injured in an accident due to another driver’s negligence or recklessness, then you may be entitled to seek compensation for your damages.
The state of Florida is a “no-fault” insurance state, which means that each party involved in the accident can file a claim with his or her own insurer to cover medical expenses and other costs. However, if you are injured due to someone else’s negligence or recklessness, you may be able to file a claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance company or even sue them in court.
An experienced St. Petersburg car accident lawyer will be familiar with all of the state and local laws that may impact your case. They can help you understand the complexities of Florida car accident law and work to maximize your settlement or award.
Florida’s Statute Of Limitations For Filing A Claim After An Auto Wreck
It is important to keep in mind that there are time limits for filing a personal injury claim after an auto accident. In the state of Florida, you typically have two years from the date of your accident to file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver or their insurer. However, if you’re filing a claim with your own insurer, the time limit is usually much shorter. It’s important to speak with an experienced St. Petersburg car accident lawyer as soon as possible after your accident so that you can take advantage of all available compensation opportunities before it’s too late.
Common Causes Of Motor Vehicle Crashes In St. Petersburg
St. Petersburg is a vibrant city with its fair share of motor vehicle accidents. According to the St. Petersburg Police Department, there were 9,323 traffic-related crashes in 2019 alone. Unfortunately, many of these wrecks resulted in serious injuries and fatalities. Common causes of car accidents in St. Petersburg include:
- Distracted driving: This includes texting while driving, eating and drinking behind the wheel, or engaging in any activity that takes drivers' attention away from the road.
- Drunk driving: Drinking and driving is a major contributing factor to many car crashes in St. Petersburg every year. It's estimated that nearly one third of all traffic fatalities are caused by impaired driving.
- Speeding: Excessive speed can greatly increase the chances of a collision and the severity of any injuries that may result from it. Speed limits are posted in St. Petersburg for good reason, and should always be obeyed to ensure safety on our roads.
- Weather conditions: Inclement weather such as fog, rain, snow, and ice can make for hazardous driving conditions. Drivers should always adjust their speed to the conditions of the road so that they are able to react appropriately in case of an emergency.
- Driver fatigue: Drowsy or fatigued driving is just as dangerous as drunk driving and can easily lead to an accident. If you find yourself feeling sleepy or tired while behind the wheel, it's best to pull over and rest until you feel alert enough to drive safely.
If you are involved in a St. Petersburg car accident due to any of these common causes, you should contact experienced St. Petersburg car accident lawyers who can help.
Most Common Injuries Caused By Car Accidents In St. Petersburg
Some of the most common injuries caused by car crashes in St. Petersburg include:
- Head trauma: This can range from minor concussions to more severe traumatic brain injuries that may require extensive medical treatment and therapy.
- Spinal cord injuries: These can sometimes result in permanent loss of motor and sensory functions.
- Broken bones: Broken bones can cause severe pain and may take weeks or months to heal completely if the bone was severely fractured.
- Soft tissue injuries: This includes cuts, bruises, lacerations, sprains, strains, and contusions. While these may heal on their own, more severe cases may require surgery or physical therapy.
- Whiplash: This is a common injury seen in rear-end collisions and can cause neck pain, stiffness, headaches, and other symptoms that may last for weeks or months.
Why You Should See A Doctor Even If You Don’t Think You Were Injured
It’s important to see a doctor as soon as possible after your St. Petersburg car accident, even if you don’t think that you were injured. This is because some injuries can take days or weeks to fully manifest, and it’s best to identify them early so that they can be properly treated right away. In addition, seeing a doctor soon after your accident can help to establish a connection between your injuries and the collision. This can then be used later on by St. Petersburg car accident lawyers to seek compensation for your medical bills and other losses.
Questions To Ask Before Hiring A Car Accident Attorney In St. Petersburg
When it comes to hiring a St. Petersburg car accident lawyer, it’s important that you ask the right questions to ensure that your case is handled properly and with the utmost care. Here are some of the most important questions you should ask before making a decision:
- How much experience do you have in handling car accident cases in St. Petersburg?
- How familiar are you with the laws surrounding car accidents in St. Petersburg?
- Are there any specific cases that you have handled where you obtained a successful outcome for your clients?
- What kind of strategies do you plan to use to ensure the best outcome for my case?
- Do you offer free initial consultations? What are your fees and how do you structure payments?
Making sure to ask all these questions can help you choose the right St. Petersburg car accident lawyer who will be able to work with you effectively. Having an experienced and knowledgeable attorney by your side can make a big difference when seeking compensation.
Why St. Petersburg Car Accident Lawyers With Extensive Trial Experience Are Better For Your Case
If you are considering filing a claim for compensation after being involved in a St. Petersburg car accident, it is best to choose an attorney who has extensive trial experience. This is because insurance companies often employ aggressive tactics to deny or reduce their customers’ claims and will try their best to settle out of court.
An experienced St. Petersburg car accident lawyer who has a track record of success in court will be better equipped to handle insurance company tactics and secure the best outcome for your case.
Moreover, having an experienced St. Petersburg car accident lawyer by your side can give you peace of mind throughout the legal process as they are familiar with all aspects of the law pertaining to car accidents. They can provide you with the guidance and support you need to make informed decisions throughout your case.
What Are Your Options If You Lost A Loved One In A Car Accident?
If you or a loved one have been involved in a car accident in St. Petersburg, Florida, the last thing on your mind is legal action — and rightfully so. Losing a loved one is an incredibly difficult and traumatic experience, but if their death was caused by someone else’s negligence, it may be possible to pursue a wrongful death lawsuit.
At Herman & Wells, our St. Petersburg car accident lawyers understand how difficult it is to lose a loved one in a crash and know that filing a lawsuit can be the last thing you want to consider but it’s an important decision that could result in justice and financial compensation for your family. Our experienced attorneys will take the time to talk with you, listen to your story and evaluate your options.
Book A Free Consultation With An Attorney At Herman & Wells
At Herman & Wells, we understand the impact and trauma of a car accident. If you or your loved one has been injured in a St. Petersburg car accident, it is important to contact an experienced attorney as soon as possible – before any crucial evidence has been lost or destroyed.
Our highly experienced St. Petersburg car accident lawyers have the skills and resources to provide effective legal representation for victims of car accidents. We have recovered millions of dollars in compensation for our clients and will work hard to get you the maximum amount possible. Call (727) 821-3195 today for a free consultation with one of our experienced St. Petersburg car accident lawyers.