Coleman Law Group

St. Petersburg
Car Accident Lawyer

If you have been involved in a car accident in St. Petersburg, an experienced lawyer at the Coleman Law Group can help you recover maximum, full, and fair compensation for your injuries.

Contact our St. Petersburg, Florida law office at 727-214-0400 to arrange a free case evaluation today. We can help you determine your rights to take legal action and recover compensation from those responsible for your medical bills, lost earnings, and pain and suffering.

Your initial consultation is free. If we represent you, we will not charge any legal fees unless we recover money for you. This means you can hire us with zero out-of-pocket expense and zero risk.

Common Causes Of St. Petersburg Car Accidents

According to Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), there an estimate of 200,000 car crashes are recorded in Florida every year. That means there are more than 500 accidents every day in this state.

In 2019, 17,078 motor vehicle crashes were reported in Pinellas, resulting in 108 fatalities and 10,404 injuries.

Some of the most frequent causes of St. Petersburg car accidents include:

Distracted driving: Driver distraction is a leading cause of car accidents, and it can occur when the vehicle's driver is using his mobile phone, eating, or doing anything else that takes their focus off the road.

  • Reckless driving: Speeding, running red lights, and weaving in and out of traffic are all examples of reckless driving.
  • Drunk driving: Driving under the influence is one of the highly recorded causes of vehicle related accidents and fatalities in the United States.
  • Speeding: Drivers who speed are more likely to lose control of their vehicle, resulting in a severe accident.
  • Failing to yield: When drivers fail to yield to oncoming traffic, they can cause a severe accident.
  •  Following too closely: When drivers follow too closely, they risk rear-ending the car in front of them if that vehicle brakes suddenly.

Any of these causes could represent negligence on the other driver's part. You may have a personal injury case. In this case, it's best to contact a personal injury lawyer like Coleman Law Group to help you through the process.

What to Do if You've Been Involved in a Car Accident?

If you have been involved in a car accident, there are some critical steps you should take to protect your safety and the safety of your passengers:

  • Call 911: If anyone is injured, call 911 immediately. Do not move the injured persons unless they are in immediate danger.
  • Check for injuries: If you or any of your passengers are injured, check for bleeding, swelling, and other signs of injury.
  • Move the vehicles out of traffic: If it is safe to do so, move the vehicles out of traffic to avoid further accidents.
  • Exchange information with the other drivers: Collect the driver's name, address, phone number, insurance information, and license plate number.
  • Take pictures: If you can safely do so, take pictures of the accident scene, the vehicles involved, and any injuries.
  • Get witness statements: If there are witnesses to the accident, get their names and contact information.
  • Contact a personal injury lawyer: Car accidents can be complicated, so it's best to have an experienced lawyer help you through the process. Coleman Law Group can provide you with a free case evaluation.

Common Injuries Acquired During a Car Accident

Car accidents may cause a wide range of minor and serious injuries. Some of the most common injuries include:

  • Whiplash: Whiplash is a neck injury that is caused when the head is whipped forward and then backward in a rapid motion. It can result in pain, stiffness, and limited mobility.
  • Concussions: A concussion is a type of brain injury caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head. It can lead to dizziness, nausea, headache, and other symptoms.
  • Back injuries: Back injuries are the most common injuries sustained in car accidents. They can range from sprains and mild strains to more serious spinal cord injuries.
  • Chest injuries: Chest injuries such as broken ribs and collapsed lungs are common in car accidents.
  • Leg and ankle injuries: Leg and ankle injuries such as fractures and sprains are also common in car accidents.

If you have been injured in a car accident, it is crucial to seek medical attention immediately. Even if your injuries seem minor, they could still be serious and require treatment. Coleman Law Group can help you get the medical care you need and file a personal injury claim on your behalf.

Reasons To File A Car Accident Claim in St. Petersburg

Regardless of your car accident has caused fatalities or injuries, there are several reasons why it may be in your best interest to file a claim:

 

  • You may be able to recover compensation for your medical bills, lost earnings, and pain and suffering.
  • The at-fault driver's insurance company may cover your damages.
  • Filing a claim can help you hold the at-fault driver accountable for their actions.
  • You may be able to receive compensation for damages that are not covered by insurance.

 

It's important to note that there is a statute of limitations on car accident claims in Florida. Therefore, you should contact an experienced car accident as soon as possible after the accident to discuss your case. The Coleman Law Group offers free consultations, so you have nothing to lose by speaking with us.

Factors That Affect Car Accident Claims In Florida

Several factors can affect your car accident claim in Florida. Some of the most important factors include:

  • The type and severity of your injuries
  • The amount of property damage to both vehicles
  • The amount of liability insurance coverage available
  • The at-fault driver's fault in the accident
  • The statute of limitations for filing a car accident claim in Florida

 

Contact an experienced car accident lawyer at the Coleman Law Group to discuss your case and find out how we can help you.

How Much Compensation Can You Be Awarded?

Compensation for a car accident can vary depending on the severity of your injuries, the amount of property damage, and the at-fault driver's fault in the accident. Generally, you can be awarded compensation for medical bills, lost earnings, pain and suffering, and other damages.

The average number stated among Florida law resources for car accident settlements is $10,000 to $60,000 or more. The settlement amounts can also vary depending on various factors. Perhaps the most critical factors that can affect your settlement value are the severity of your injuries and the strength of your legal representative.

Having the right auto accident attorney on your side can be essential in helping you learn how much compensation you may be eligible for and what action can be taken to help lessen your financial burden in your recovery.

Average Compensation and Payout for Car Accident

Without Car Accident Lawyer
With Car Accident Lawyer
Average compensation
$17,600
$77,600
Received Payout
51%
91%

Source: Martindale-Nolo Research’s 2017 personal injury study

Average insurance payout for car accident victims

Type Of Car Accident Injury
Average Settlement Without a Lawyer (1999)
Average Settlement Without a Lawyer (Adjusted For Inflation 1999-2022)
Average Settlement With a Lawyer
Average Payout Increased By
Broken bones
$19,105
$32,241
$66,486
$34,245
Average injury
$3,262
$5,504
$20,148
$14,644
Neck sprain
$2,480
$4,185
$13,362
$9,177
Minor cuts and bruises
$1,166
$1,968
$8,052
$6,084

Source: The Insurance Research Council’s study, 1999

Do I Need To Hire a Car Accident Attorney?

Being injured in a car accident can have far-reaching physical, mental, and emotional effects. In addition, the financial costs and expenses of medical bills, lost earnings, and lost earning capacity to work in the future may be overwhelming.

If another party's negligence or recklessness caused your accident, you have the right to seek compensation in a personal injury claim. However, recovering this compensation and a fair amount may not be easy.

Insurance companies are profit-oriented businesses with professionally trained adjusters who will use every tactic to compensate you as little as possible. However, recovering fair compensation may be impossible without a knowledgeable and experienced personal injury lawyer representing you.

An accident lawyer can help you file a claim and represent you in negotiations or court proceedings. In addition, a St. Petersburg lawyer can advise you on what to expect from the insurance company and how to prove the other driver's fault in the accident.

File A Claim With The Help Of A St. Petersburg Car Accident Lawyer

Getting involved in a car accident does not only cause physical trauma and damage, but it can also be emotionally and mentally exhausting. You may not know where to turn after the accident, especially if you are injured. That is where a St. Petersburg car accident lawyer comes in to help.

Our team of experienced lawyers will help you every step of the way during your claim process. In addition, we will handle all communication with insurance companies and adjusters, ensuring that you focus on healing and getting back to your life.

Having represented so many St. Petersburg auto accidents victims, we know how critical recovering fair compensation is. When you contact the Coleman Law Group for representation after a car accident, you can count on our team to:

  • Help you understand your rights and legal options
  • Gather evidence to support your claim
  • Negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf
  • Take your case to trial if necessary

The Coleman Law Group is a personal injury law firm in St. Petersburg, Florida, that helps accident victims recover fair compensation for their injuries. We offer free consultations, so you have nothing to lose by speaking with us. Call 727-828-3900 today to get started.

Constance D. Coleman, the founder of the Coleman Law Group, has more than a decade of experience litigating Florida personal injury cases and holding negligent parties accountable. She moved to St. Petersburg in 2006 and knew the Pinellas County area very well.

St. Petersburg Car Accident Lawsuit and Injury Claims FAQS

Car Accidents in Land O' Lakes

Q: How Common are Car Accidents in St. Petersburg, FL?

Covering 137.6 square miles on Florida's gulf coast, St. Petersburg is known for its pleasant weather, sandy beaches, and is nicknamed the "Sunshine City." The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles * has compiled statistics for auto accidents in Pinellas County. In 2019, there were 17,078 motor vehicle crashes reported in Pinellas, resulting in 108 fatalities and 10,404 injuries. In 2018, there were 17,875 motor vehicle crashes reported in Pinellas, resulting in 130 fatalities and 10,751 injuries. We know from these figures, people are injured every single day in Pinellas County. Victims of a St. Petersburg car crash should contact a skilled and reputable personal injury lawyer as soon as possible following an accident.
Land O' Lakes Car Accident Case

Q: What is My Florida Car Accident Case Worth?

One of the most frequently asked questions in a personal injury case is "How much is my case worth ?" Some damages are easy to calculate, like the medical bills you've already accumulated. If you have missed three weeks from work already, it is simple to calculate your lost wages. However, calculating your future medical bills going forward, and lost earning capacity, can be more challenging. This is something that can be discussed in more detail in your initial consultation. When you call the Coleman Law Group, we will give you an experience-based opinion about how much your case could be worth, and can provide information about what other claims have settled for. However, until we understand the full scope of your injuries and how they will affect you for the rest of your life, we cannot determine the full value of your case.
Accident Victims

Q: What Kind of Damages Are Available to Accident Victims?

In Florida, you can recover compensation for costs and expenses related to and resulting from your accident, including: Past and current medical expenses related to your injuries Future medical expenses Rehabilitation, home health care, and physical therapy Lost wages and benefits Future lost wages and benefits Cost of lost services (example, being a homemaker, providing childcare to your own children) Pain and suffering. Time is of the essence after a Florida accident. An attorney at the Coleman Law Group can help you determine the compensation you are entitled to and build your case. It is always advisable to get medical care promptly to document your injuries, and speak with an experienced St. Petersburg car accident lawyer as soon as possible after your immediate medical needs have been taken care of.
Blamed for a Car Accident

Q: Can I Recover Compensation If I'm Being Blamed for a Car Accident?

Each state has different laws regarding partial fault and recovering compensation in negligence claims. Florida, along with Alaska, Arizona, California, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, New Mexico, New York, Rhode Island, South Dakota, and Washington, is known as a "pure comparative negligence state." You can pursue a claim for your injuries if you were partially negligent, even if you were 99% at fault. If you were mostly at fault for a crash, it may not be advisable to pursue a claim, because it could open up a counter-claim against you. This is something you should discuss with a St. Petersburg car accident at the Coleman Law Group in a case evaluation. We'll Fight to Recover Maximum Compensation For All of Your Car Accident Injuries Car accidents are a leading cause of injury and death in Florida. The Coleman Law Group handles personal injury claims for all types of injuries, including: Whiplash injuries Back injuries Neck injuries Strain and sprain injuries Broken bone injuries Broken, fractured or dislocated bones Spinal cord injuries Traumatic brain injuries Do not wait and see what the insurance company will offer you. Once you hire a lawyer at the Coleman Law Group, you can focus on your healing and recovery, while we fight to recover the maximum compensation available.
What Type of Injuries are Common

Q: What Causes Most Car Accidents in St. Petersburg, Florida?

Many accidents are preventable and are the direct result of the negligence of others. Florida car accidents, including rear-end accidents, head-on collisions, sideswipe accidents, and intersection accidents often have multiple causes, including: Distractions inside the vehicle (often cell phones) Driving while intoxicated / under the influence of drugs Speeding Failing to yield Unsafe passing Failing to judge an approaching vehicle's speed Disoriented/unsafe senior drivers Road defects Vehicle manufacturing defects If another party's negligent, reckless, or criminal actions led to your injuries or loved one's death, you may seek compensation in a personal injury claim. Before you accept any insurance company's compensation offer for your accident, contact the Coleman Law Group to discuss your potential case.
Lyft Accident in Land O' Lakes

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

Every accident is unique, and in some cases, negligence can be obvious. For example, if multiple people witnessed a driver speeding and weaving across lanes on a highway, when the driver rear-ends a stopped vehicle at a red light, it would be obvious that the driver was negligent. However, in other cases, negligence is not so obvious. If a semi-truck and a car "sideswipe" on the interstate on a dark rainy night, both parties may claim the other driver caused the collision. In some cases, it may be necessary to hire an independent investigator to determine the cause of the crash and who was responsible. When you report an accident to an insurance company, the adjuster may ask you to provide a recorded statement to collect details. Even if you know you are completely innocent, you should not provide a statement. Speak with a lawyer as soon as possible about how you can establish negligence. In some cases, the police or highway patrol report may place blame on the wrong party.
slip and fall case

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

Florida, like all states, has time limits for filing civil claims. Florida Statutes, Section 95.11 states that you have four years from the date of an accident to file a lawsuit in Florida. If a loved one died in a fatal St. Petersburg car accident, you would have two years to file a wrongful death claim. Claims against the government or government agencies may have shorter statutes of limitations. For example, if you were hit by a car that is owned by the city of St. Petersburg, your claim would be against a municipality. It's always ideal to speak with an attorney as soon as possible, to ensure evidence can be promptly preserved and deadlines are not missed. A knowledgeable lawyer at the Coleman Law Group can give your claim timely attention and build a strong and persuasive case.
Coleman Law Group

Q: Contact a St. Petersburg, FL Car Accident Lawyer For a Free Consultation

You have rights and options following a Florida car accident, including to get medical treatment and to pursue a claim against the party or parties responsible for your injuries. Call the Coleman Law Group to speak with a compassionate St. Petersburg car accident lawyer about your case. A lawyer can help you protect your rights and defend y
Car Accident

Q: I was just in a car accident and I don't feel hurt. Should I still contact a lawyer?

Yes, even if you don't initially feel pain, it is always best to contact a lawyer. Here at Coleman Law Group, we can set you up with a FREE consultation so you can have all your questions answered. You have not financial obligation at this time because we only get paid if your auto accident case receives a settlement.
car insurance

Q: What happens if the person who hit me does not have car insurance?

Uninsured motorist (UM) accidents happen a lot and can ruin a PIP (personal injury protection) case if you don't have the right insurance. Without Uninsured motorist coverage on your insurance policy, there may be no insurance company to cover the damage, and any vehicle damage could end up as an out of pocket expense for the victim. It's always a good idea to check if you have the necessary coverage before anything happens.
consult cost ME

Q: Will a consult cost ME anything up front?

Coleman Law Group offers free case evaluation for ANY car accident, motorcycle accident, truck accident, or slip and fall case. If we take on your case we only get paid if you do. So, NO, a Personal Injury Case Evaluation cost nothing up front, and you will only be charged if your case is involved in a monetary settlement. It cost $0 to make sure you are OK after an auto accident.
fas 03, St. Petersburg Car Accident Lawyer,

Q: Is a police report necessary?

YES. A police report is very necessary as it is reported evidence that an incident actually happened. Many insurance companies require a police report to even start a claim.
insurance company

Q: What happens if the insurance company doesn't want to settle?

This is a regular occurrence. This is simple answer, we file a lawsuit.

Are you or a loved one injured in an accident? Our attorneys can help. We care and we fight hard to hold negligent parties accountable and get your life back. Let us show you what we can do for you.

¿Usted o un ser querido ha sufrido lesiones en un accidente? Nuestros abogados pueden ayudarle. Nos preocupamos y luchamos duro para responsabilizar a las partes negligentes y recuperar su vida. Permítanos mostrarle lo que podemos hacer por usted.

An Experienced Personal Injury and Accident Lawyer with Proven Results

Un Abogado con Experiencia en Lesiones Personales y Accidentes con Resultados Comprobados

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