Were you or a loved one involved in a car accident in St. Petersburg, FL? You might be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and more. Call (772) 569-8155 today. The St. Petersburg car accident lawyers at Graves Thomas Rotunda Injury Law Group will help you maximize the value of your claim.
You can rely on us to achieve winning results. Our lawyers have 50 years of combined experience, and we’ve recovered over $250 million for our clients. If you choose us to handle your case, we’re confident we can secure the compensation you need and deserve.
Contact our law offices serving St. Petersburg today for a free consultation with a car accident attorney. Receive initial legal advice without any obligations.
How Graves Thomas Rotunda Injury Law Group Can Help You After a Car Accident in St. Petersburg, FL
Our St. Petersburg personal injury attorneys are seasoned trial attorneys who are committed to fighting for your rights every step of the way.
We’ve successfully handled thousands of cases, and our trial attorneys have a deep understanding of Florida law.
Our legal team at Graves Thomas Rotunda Injury Law Group can assist you by:
- Investigating your accident thoroughly
- Calculating the full extent of your damages
- Collaborating with leading experts
- Identifying all responsible parties
- Handling all necessary paperwork
- Negotiating a fair settlement on your behalf
- Taking your case to court in Pinellas County, if needed
Get in touch with us today in St. Petersburg, Florida. A case evaluation with one of our trusted personal injury attorneys is completely free. We’ll fight tirelessly for the compensation you need and deserve.
At Graves Thomas Rotunda Injury Law Group, we have a track record to prove we can help you in your car accident case. Our team has over 50 years of combined experience and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for our injured clients.
Our Results in Car Accident Cases
Some of our notable verdicts in car accident cases include:
- A $2.1 million settlement for a client who was seriously injured in an accident caused by a distracted driver.
- A $1.2 million settlement for a client who was t-boned by a commercial vehicle, resulting in severe and permanent injuries.
- A $1 million recovery of all available insurance limits in a motor vehicle collision involving a family who experienced wrongful death and catastrophic injuries.
- 1 $1 million settlement for a client who sustained a severe neck injury after being struck from behind by a speeding semi-truck while on the job.
We take pride in helping clients in St. Petersburg as well as throughout the state of Florida. Reach out today to learn how we can help you with your legal process.
Why Should I Hire a St. Petersburg Car Accident Lawyer?
Ultimately, hiring a car accident lawyer is about obtaining justice and maximizing your compensation. Even after accounting for attorney’s fees, you’re likely to receive more money than if you handle the case on your own.
Consider the following:
- Insurance companies have entire teams of professionals on their side. By hiring a lawyer, you level the playing field and ensure your interests are effectively represented.
- Your attorney can conduct a comprehensive investigation, engage experts, and utilize resources to strengthen your claim.
- You might be unfairly blamed for the accident, which can reduce or eliminate your compensation. A lawyer can counter these allegations and help you maintain your right to recover damages.
- You’ll be able to focus on your recovery. Meanwhile, your attorney will manage every aspect of your car accident claim.
While it’s not always necessary to hire a car accident lawyer in St. Petersburg, it’s worthwhile to consult with one. Our team is here to answer any questions you may have during a free consultation.
How Common Are Car Accidents in St. Petersburg?
Car accidents are unfortunately common in St. Petersburg and throughout Pinellas County.
According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), the most recent data for Pinellas County are:
- 2024 (as of late April): 14,379 crashes, 108 fatalities, 8,804 injuries
- 2023: 14,816 crashes, 110 fatalities, and 9,189 injuries
- 2022: 15,683 crashes, 123 fatalities, and 9,220 injuries
On average, there are around 39 accidents every day in the St. Petersburg area based on these statistics. See more statistics here.
Where Do Most Car Accidents in St. Petersburg Happen?
Certain areas in St. Petersburg are more prone to accidents than others. This is often due to a combination of high traffic volume, complex intersections, inadequate signage, or poor visibility.
According to local reports, some of the most dangerous intersections include:
- 34th Street and 54th Avenue
- 66th Street and Tyrone Boulevard
- 38th Avenue and 66th Street
Being extra cautious when driving through these high-risk locations can help reduce the likelihood of an accident.
The Most Common Causes of Auto Accidents in St. Petersburg
With over 50 years of combined experience, our experienced car accident attorneys in St. Petersburg can help you with a wide range of claims.
Here are some of the most common causes of auto accidents in the area:
Distracted Driving Accidents
Inattentive driving is a leading cause of car accidents. Activities like texting, eating, or adjusting the radio can divert a driver’s attention and lead to serious collisions. Contact our St. Petersburg distracted driving accident lawyers for help pursuing compensation.
Speeding Accidents
Speeding is not only illegal but also significantly increases the risk of accidents and the severity of injuries. Establishing that the other driver was speeding can strengthen your case. Our experienced St. Petersburg speeding accident lawyers can provide more information.
Highway Accidents
Accidents on highways often involve high speeds and multiple vehicles, resulting in devastating injuries. Our St. Petersburg highway accident attorneys are skilled in handling these complex cases and can help you seek the compensation you deserve.
Multi-Vehicle Accidents
Determining liability in accidents involving multiple vehicles can be challenging. Our St. Petersburg multi-vehicle accident lawyers have the expertise to navigate these complexities and advocate on your behalf.
DUI Accidents
Driving under the influence is a serious offense that can lead to catastrophic accidents. If you were injured by a drunk driver, you might be entitled to significant compensation. Our St. Petersburg DUI accident attorneys can assist you in taking legal action.
Rear End Accidents
A rear-end accident is a common type of collision that occurs when one vehicle strikes the back of another vehicle traveling in the same direction. These accidents often happen when the lead vehicle slows down or comes to a stop, and the vehicle behind it is unable to react quickly enough to avoid a crash. If you’ve been in a rear-end accident, our lawyers are ready to discuss your situation and help you.
Head-on Crashes
Head-on crashes happen when one vehicle crosses the center lane into oncoming traffic and collides with another vehicle traveling in the opposite direction. This type of accident is incredibly dangerous and can easily result in fatalities
Intersection Accidents
Intersection accidents occur when two or more vehicles collide at a crossroads, often due to drivers running red lights, failing to yield, or misjudging right-of-way. These collisions can lead to serious injuries, especially at high speeds or in heavy traffic.
Other Types of Accidents
We also handle many other types of auto accident cases, such as:
- Truck accidents
- Left-turn collisions
- Red and yellow light crashes
- Rollover accidents
- Single-vehicle crashes
- Motorcycle accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
Call our law firm for assistance after any kind of accident. We have the skills and resources to represent you effectively.
Can I Still Recover Compensation if I’m Being Blamed for a Car Accident in Florida?
Florida follows what is called a “modified comparative fault” law in personal injury cases. This rule means that you can still recover compensation if you were partially at fault, as long as you are assigned less than 51% fault.
If you are 50% or less at fault, you can still recover, but your percentage of fault will reduce your compensation proportionally. For example, if you are 40% at fault, your total compensation will be reduced by 40%. If you are 60% responsible, you won’t be able to recover at all.
Having a car accident lawyer on your side is critical in cases where you could be facing blame. An attorney can push back against unfounded accusations of fault and fight to get you the compensation you need to recover and get back on your feet.
How Does Florida’s No-Fault Auto Insurance Affect My Car Accident Claim?
Florida is a no-fault state. This means that, after an accident, you’ll file a claim with your own insurance for your medical bills and other losses. To register a vehicle in Florida, you must have proof of Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and Property Damage Liability (PDL).
PIP covers up to 80% of your medical expenses and 60% of your lost wages, regardless of who caused the crash. However, you are only required to have $10,000 in PIP and $10,000 in PDL, so all of your expenses may or may not be covered.
If your damages exceed the PIP limits, you may be able to file a personal injury claim if your injuries reach a certain threshold of severity. To learn more about Florida’s no-fault system and discuss what the best course of action for you might be, reach out to a personal injury lawyer who is knowledgeable about Florida law today.
Who Could Be Liable for My St. Petersburg Auto Accident Injuries?
Under Florida law, determining who may be held liable for your injuries after a car accident involves examining the specific details of the case, as responsibility can fall on more than one party depending on the circumstances.
This can include factors such as:
- Other drivers who acted negligently or recklessly
- Vehicle manufacturers, if a defective part contributed to the accident
- Employers if the at-fault driver was on the job at the time of the crash
- Government entities responsible for road maintenance if poor road conditions played a role
Establishing negligence is key to holding these parties accountable. Negligence occurs when someone fails to act with reasonable care under the circumstances. For example, running a red light and causing a collision would likely be considered negligent behavior.
Our car accident attorneys in St. Petersburg can help identify all liable parties and build a strong case to support your claim.
How Do I Prove Negligence After a Car Accident in Florida?
Negligence is the most common basis for personal injury cases. To succeed in a negligence case, you must prove four elements:
- Duty: The defendant must have owed you a legal duty of care (for example, the duty to follow traffic laws).
- Breach: The defendant must have breached their duty of care.
- Causation: The defendant’s breach of duty must be the proximate and actual cause of the plaintiff’s injuries/damages.
- Damages: The plaintiff must have suffered actual and quantifiable damages.
A lawyer will be able to help you prove each of the elements of negligence in your particular car accident case.
What Types of Damages Are Available After a Car Accident in Florida?
St. Petersburg car accident victims may be eligible to pursue two types of compensatory damages: economic and non-economic.
In rare cases, punitive damages might also be available to penalize the at-fault party for especially egregious behavior.
Economic damages cover your financial losses, such as:
- Out-of-pocket expenses
- Rehabilitation and therapy services
- Current and future medical expenses
- Property damage repairs or replacement
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
- Lost income due to inability to work as a result of the injury or incident
Other types of economic damages may be awarded based on your specific circumstances.
Non-economic damages compensate you for subjective losses, including:
- Physical pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Disfigurement and scarring
- Loss of companionship
- Reduced quality of life
Florida law does allow for punitive damages in certain cases. However, they require a higher standard of proof and are only awarded if you can demonstrate that the other driver acted with gross negligence or intentional misconduct—such as deliberately trying to cause harm.
How Much is My Car Accident Claim Worth?
Car accident claims in St. Petersburg can vary greatly in value.
Some may be worth a few thousand dollars, while others could be valued in the millions.
When evaluating a case, we consider factors such as:
- The type and severity of your injuries
- Your financial losses
- The identity of the at-fault party
- Insurance policy limits
- The strength and availability of evidence
- Your future quality of life
- Your ability to return to work
Accurately calculating a car accident claim can be complex and may require professional assistance, such as input from a forensic economist. At Graves Thomas Rotunda Injury Law Group, we’ll utilize every resource to help you secure the maximum compensation that fully addresses your losses.
What’s the Statute of Limitations For Car Accident Lawsuits in Florida?
In Florida, you generally have two years from the date of your accident to file a lawsuit in court. This deadline is established by the state’s statute of limitations for personal injury cases. Failing to file your personal injury lawsuit within this time frame could result in losing your right to pursue compensation.
However, exceptions to this two-year deadline might apply to your situation. It’s also advisable to initiate the insurance claims process as soon as possible. Contacting our experienced car accident attorneys is the best way to determine the specific time limits that apply to your case.
How to Choose the Right Car Accident Lawyer in St. Petersburg?
Choosing the right car accident lawyer in St. Petersburg requires careful consideration to ensure you receive the best representation.
Factors that you should consider when choosing an attorney to represent you after an automobile accident include:
- Experience: Look for a lawyer with a proven track record and extensive experience handling similar cases.
- Track record: Evaluate the lawyer’s success rate in settlements and trials.
- Reputation: Check online reviews, client testimonials, and peer reviews to gauge the lawyer’s credibility and reliability.
- Resources: Ensure the lawyer or law firm has adequate resources to investigate and build your case.
- Communication skills and availability: You want a lawyer who will keep you updated and informed throughout your case. Make sure they are accessible and responsive to you.
The above are just a few factors you should consider when choosing a St. Petersburg car accident lawyer. If you have questions or concerns after your accident, we encourage you to contact our team at Graves Thomas Rotunda Injury Law Group.
How Much Does It Cost To Hire a Car Accident Lawyer?
Most car accident attorneys in St. Petersburg work on a contingency fee basis. Unlike other lawyers who may charge a flat fee or bill by the hour, personal injury attorneys only get paid if they successfully recover compensation for you.
When you hire your lawyer, you’ll sign a contingency fee agreement. Typically, the attorney will receive about 33% of any settlement or jury verdict they secure on your behalf. If they don’t recover any money for you, you won’t owe any attorney’s fees.
This arrangement benefits both you and your attorney. You’ll have access to top-tier legal representation regardless of your financial situation, and your lawyer is incentivized to maximize the value of your claim.
Common Types of Car Accident Injuries
Car accidents in St. Petersburg can result in life-altering injuries, some of which may have long-term or permanent effects.
Injuries we can help you seek compensation for include:
- Concussions
- Other traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Broken bones and fractures
- Nerve damage
- Leg injuries
- Crushing injuries
- Soft tissue injuries
- Lacerations and cuts
- Road rash
- Knee injuries
- Back and spinal cord injuries
- Internal organ damage
- Rotator cuff injuries
- Amputations
- Eye injuries
- Whiplash and neck injuries
- Wrongful death of a loved one
If you or a family member suffered injuries in a crash, a personal injury lawyer in St. Petersburg can make a significant difference in the outcome of your personal injury claim. Contact our attorneys for a free case evaluation.
What Steps Can I Take After a Car Accident in St. Petersburg, Florida?
The steps you take immediately after a car accident can significantly impact your legal claim. However, your health and safety should be your top priority. If possible, move yourself and your vehicle to a safe area away from traffic.
From there:
- Call 911 to report the accident to the police. They will arrive at the scene, document the incident, and create a police report that can be valuable evidence for your case. Florida law requires this step for many types of accidents.
- Exchange information with the other driver, including insurance details and contact information.
- Cooperate with law enforcement, but avoid apologizing or admitting fault. Statements accepting blame can harm your claim later on.
- Gather evidence at the scene if you’re able. Take photos of vehicle damage, road conditions, traffic signs, and any visible injuries.
- Seek medical attention as soon as possible. Even if you don’t feel seriously injured, some injuries may not be immediately apparent. Medical records will also serve as important evidence.
Next, contact a car accident lawyer for a free consultation. The specifics of your case will largely determine your next steps.
Call Our Experienced St. Petersburg Car Accident Attorneys Today for Legal Help
If you or a loved one were injured in a car accident in St. Petersburg, FL, you may be entitled to fair compensation. Graves Thomas Rotunda Injury Law Group is a premier personal injury law firm that advocates for accident victims.
We have 50 years of combined experience, and we’ve already recovered over $250 million for clients in the area. Contact our St. Petersburg car accident attorneys for a free consultation.
Additional Resources
Car Accident Infographic
