Car accidents can turn your life upside down in an instant. You might have injuries, medical bills, and many questions about your legal rights in St. Petersburg, Florida. Understanding what a car accident lawyer does can help you make smart decisions about getting legal help after a crash.
Graves Thomas Rotunda Injury Law Group helps accident victims through the legal process and fights for fair payment when they need it most. Contact us today at (772) 758-1966 for a free consultation with an experienced car accident lawyer in St. Petersburg, FL.
Why Hire Graves Thomas Rotunda Injury Law Group After a Car Accident in St. Petersburg, FL
After a car accident in St. Petersburg, FL, having the right legal team on your side can make all the difference. Graves Thomas Rotunda Injury Law Group offers comprehensive support to help you navigate the aftermath of a crash and fight for the compensation you deserve. Our firm is committed to protecting your rights and delivering results when it matters most.
Let our experienced team handle the legal burden while you focus on recovery. Contact us today for your free consultation with an experienced St. Petersburg car accident attorney.
Investigating Your Car Accident Case
One of the primary jobs of a car accident lawyer is to investigate what happened in your crash. This investigation lays the foundation for your legal case and helps establish who was at fault for the accident.
A car accident lawyer will do a thorough investigation that includes several key parts:
- Reviewing police reports and accident papers
- Talking to witnesses who saw the crash happen
- Looking at physical evidence from the accident scene
- Working with accident reconstruction experts
- Checking traffic camera footage and surveillance video
- Looking at cell phone records for distracted driving
This detailed investigation helps your attorney build a strong case. The evidence collected during this phase often decides if your claim will succeed.
Talking With Insurance Companies
Insurance companies often call accident victims within hours of a crash. They hope to get quick settlements for small amounts. Car accident lawyers act as a shield between you and insurance people, protecting your interests during the claims process. This protection stops you from saying something that could hurt your case.
Insurance companies respect experienced attorneys. They often take claims more seriously when legal help is involved. Insurance bad faith practices become more challenging when skilled lawyers effectively protect their clients’ rights.
Figuring Out Your Damages
Car accident lawyers help make sure you don’t settle for less than your case is worth.
Your attorney will look at different types of damages when figuring out your claim value:
- Medical bills for current and future treatment
- Lost wages and reduced ability to earn money
- Property damage to your vehicle and belongings
- Pain and suffering from your physical injuries
- Emotional distress and mental pain
- Loss of enjoyment of life and activities
Many accident victims don’t realize the long-term costs of their injuries. Experienced attorneys work with medical experts to predict future treatment needs. They make sure your settlement covers all expected costs.
Negotiating Settlement Agreements
Most car accident cases get resolved through settlement talks rather than going to trial. Car accident lawyers utilize their negotiation skills and legal expertise to secure fair compensation without the time and expense of court battles.
Good negotiators know when to accept reasonable offers and when to push for higher amounts. They also know how to structure settlements to help their clients the most.
Getting Ready for Trial When Needed
Most cases settle out of court, but some need a trial to get fair results. Car accident lawyers must be ready to take cases to court when settlement talks fail to produce reasonable offers.
Trial preparation involves a lot of work beyond settlement talks. Attorneys must file court papers, do depositions, and prepare witnesses for testimony. They also work with expert witnesses who can explain complex technical issues to juries.
Managing Legal Deadlines and Paperwork
Car accident cases involve many legal deadlines and complex paperwork. This can overwhelm people trying to recover from injuries. Car accident lawyers handle these tasks so you can focus on recovering.
Florida law gives you two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit, including claims involving defective airbags. Missing this deadline can permanently bar you from recovering compensation. Taking legal action as soon as possible helps preserve evidence, strengthens your case, and ensures your rights are protected under Florida’s updated statute of limitations.
Working on a Contingency Fee Basis
Most car accident lawyers work on a contingency fee arrangement. This means you pay no attorney fees unless they successfully recover money for your injuries. This payment structure ensures that legal help is available to accident victims regardless of their financial situation.
Contingency fees align your attorney’s interests with your own. This ensures they stay motivated to get the maximum possible recovery. You can focus on healing while your legal team pursues your claim.
The contingency fee arrangement also means your attorney pays all case expenses up front. This includes expert witness fees and court costs. You’re not responsible for these expenses unless your case succeeds.
When to Contact a Car Accident Lawyer
Time is often critical in car accident cases. Contacting an attorney early is crucial for protecting your rights. Evidence can disappear quickly, and witness memories fade over time.
Think about contacting a car accident lawyer right away if you’ve suffered serious injuries. Also, call if the fault for the accident is disputed, or if insurance companies are pushing you to settle quickly. Early legal help can prevent costly mistakes and strengthen your case.
Don’t wait until problems come up to seek legal help. Early legal representation often leads to better outcomes and higher settlements for accident victims.
Contact Graves Thomas Rotunda Injury Law Group Today
If you’ve been injured in a car accident in St. Petersburg, Florida, understanding what a car accident lawyer does is the first step toward protecting your rights. Graves Thomas Rotunda Injury Law Group has the experience and dedication needed to guide you through this challenging time.
Our legal team will investigate your case, negotiate with insurance companies, and fight for the maximum payment you deserve. Don’t face the insurance companies alone when experienced advocates are ready to help. Contact us today for a free consultation with a St. Petersburg car accident lawyer.
