In recent years, the number of traffic accidents in Clearwater has continued to rise due to thousands of vehicles being on its roads each day. Clearwater is a popular place not only to live but is also one of the country’s top tourist spots. Ranked as one of the best beaches in Florida, Clearwater Beach’s breathtaking views are one of the main tourist attractions in the area. While the beautiful scenery attracts tourists from around the U.S., it also increases the number of drivers who are not familiar with local driving laws. Increased traffic around popular spots like Clearwater Beach and the Clearwater/St. Petersburg International Airport (PIE) makes the likelihood of an accident much higher.
Those who find themselves involved in a vehicle accident may find the consequences to affect many areas of their lives. This can include permanent disabilities, financial loss, property loss, and more. It’s vital to file a personal injury case with a qualified lawyer like the ones at Florin|Roebig if you believe that your accident was a result of driver negligence. Whether you were a passenger or driver, you may be entitled to compensation for the damages you have suffered.
At Florin|Roebig, we know filing an automobile accident claim can be overwhelming and tricky. That’s why Florin|Roebig offers a free consultation to go over your case and determine the best strategy for filing a strong personal injury claim. Attorney Tommy Roebig advises accident victims to consult an expert if they’re considering filing a claim. “Having dealt extensively with insurance companies for my clients who have suffered injuries from a Clearwater car accident, I’ve seen the tactics they use to minimize claims. My role is to counter these tactics with robust legal strategies, ensuring you receive the compensation you truly deserve. At Florin|Roebig, we fight hard to ensure you receive the financial compensation you deserve.” To this day, Florin|Roebig has one of the highest jury verdicts in the county of $42 million from a drunk driving accident.
Common Causes of Auto Accidents In Clearwater
There are several traffic-heavy areas in Clearwater, Florida due to the gorgeous beaches, busy downtown, and influx of rideshare drivers in the town. Though these qualities are all part of the city’s charm, together, they can lead to an abundance of car crashes.
Common causes of motor vehicle accidents can include:
- Dangerous driving: Dangerous driving can include speeding, disregarding traffic signs, or not checking blind spots.
- Aggressive driving: Aggressive driving can include reckless driving, weaving in and out of traffic, unsafe lane changes/cutting other drivers off, or tailgating.
- Distracted driving: Distracted drivers such as those on their phones, fiddling with the radio, eating, or doing their makeup can cause accidents.
- Alcohol or drug intoxication: Drivers who operate their motor vehicle while drunk or high are commonly involved in auto accidents.
- Bad weather: The bad weather Clearwater often endures can make car accidents more likely. The heavy downpours, lightning strikes, and strong winds can make drivers distracted or less in control of their vehicles.
- Defective car parts: Faulty vehicle parts can cause a driver to lose control of their automobiles, leading to a crash.
Any of these factors can lead to a serious injury that warrants a personal injury claim. Not all injuries, however, qualify for a claim. The best way to find out if your injury qualifies is to speak to a skilled personal injury lawyer at Florin|Roebig.
Common Car Accident Injuries in Clearwater
Many people involved in car accidents sustain physical injuries. As a result, many car accident victims find themselves overwhelmed with medical bills due to endless treatments and even long-lasting damage.
Some of the most common types of auto accident injuries include:
- Brain injury
Neck injury - Spinal cord injuries
- Soft tissue injuries
- Whiplash
- Scrapes and cuts
- Injury from the airbag deployment
- Paralysis
- Loss of limb
Physical injuries can range from minor to severe and affect your mental health, financial health, and even independence. You may be eligible to file a personal injury claim based on the extent of the injuries you sustained and the medical attention they required.
In addition to severe injuries, some auto accidents lead to death. If you believe your loved one was killed as a result of a negligent driver, you may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit. Speaking with a personal injury lawyer at Florin|Roebig can help you determine if your case is for a wrongful death claim.
What To Do Following An Auto Accident In Clearwater
Being involved in a car accident in a busy area like Clearwater can make an already stressful situation confusing and overwhelming.
If you find yourself involved in a car accident, it can be helpful to keep the following steps in mind:
- First and foremost, try to move your car out of oncoming traffic if it is still operational.
- Next, call 911 to report any injuries and file a police report if the accident is more than minimal.
- Exchange contact information, insurance policy information, and names with the other driver involved in the crash. It’s also a good idea to talk to any witnesses and get their personal information to strengthen your case.
- Make sure to take any photos or videos to provide evidence that may strengthen your case.
- Check your insurance policy to see what is covered in an auto accident and if you have personal injury protection (PIP).
- Consider seeking legal advice and legal representation to determine if you are eligible to file an auto accident claim (Florin|Roebig offers a free case evaluation to see if it is in your best interest to pursue a car accident claim).
- Contact our state-of-the-art trial and litigation center situated just outside of Clearwater in the heart of North Pinellas County, Florida.
Why Should You File a Car Accident Claim?
There are several reasons to file a car accident claim. Understanding common reasons to file can help you determine if you’re eligible for compensation.
Some of the most common reasons to file include:
- Medical expenses: Medical care and hospital stays for injured parties post-accident can be very expensive and quickly add up.
- Lost wages: Inability to work a job after the accident can result in lost income. This can be especially challenging on top of medical expenses.
- Holding the driver responsible: Taking legal action in a car accident case can help hold the faulty party responsible, which may prevent future incidences.
- Pain and suffering: Noneconomic losses such as physical pain and mental suffering are also important factors that may encourage you to file a claim.
Filing a car accident claim is a personal process and, as such, the motivation to do so is different for everyone. The skilled attorneys at Florin|Roebig can help you build your case and advocate for you throughout the process, ensuring you receive the appropriate compensation.
Factors That Affect Car Accident Claims
The circumstances of each car accident are different, and knowing how they affect your claim is important. At Florin|Roebig, our experienced attorneys can evaluate your claim and identify the key factors that can impact its outcome.
Common factors that may affect your personal injury claim are:
- The extent of your injuries: How severe your injuries are and what medical expenses you have incurred due to necessary medical attention.
- Psychological and emotional injuries: In addition to physical injuries, your mental and emotional health can be temporarily or permanently affected. Psychological and emotional injuries are just as important.
- Loss of wages/employment: You may lose money or your job entirely due to the injuries you have sustained. This is an important variable in your case.
- Loss of ability to perform household tasks independently: Injuries can cause the inability to do basic chores around the house or function independently.
- Car repairs: The extent of costly repairs your vehicle needs.
- Property damage: Expenses related to replacing any personal property that was lost as a result of the accident.
- Pain and suffering: The extent of physical pain you are suffering from injuries sustained from the accident.
- Loss of companionship: If your marriage partner is severely injured or killed in a car accident, you may be able to file for loss of companionship.
- Insurance coverage limits: While your insurance coverage may help cover some of the costs associated with an accident, many people find their insurance coverage is not sufficient to cover the costs entirely.
- Fault determination: Arguably the most important part of a car accident claim is fault determination. It’s important for fault to be determined correctly as it can affect the amount of compensation you receive if any.
- Statute of limitations: If you choose to file an auto accident claim at a later date, you may find the statute of limitations to affect your claim. Generally, victims of a car accident have up to two years in the state of Florida to file a claim. That being said, there are exceptions to this timeframe in unique cases.
How Much Compensation Can You Win?
Every auto accident is unique. As a result, different factors are considered when determining the maximum compensation a party is entitled to.
These factors include but are not limited to:
- The type of injury you’ve sustained
- The severity of the injury
- Any medical expenses or other costs resulting from the injury
- How the injury affects your career, home, or aspects of your life
It’s highly recommended to speak with an experienced personal injury attorney as they can provide you with answers to all of your questions. The lawyers at Florin|Roebig can help you successfully file a claim, determine your payout, and support you along the way.
Our Featured Case Results
Types Of Damages Awarded In Car Accident Claims
The compensation you are awarded from your vehicle accident claim is often dependent on the circumstances of your crash. While there is no hard and fast rule for this, the experienced accident attorneys at Florin|Roebig may be able to give you an estimate based on their evaluation of your case.
Some factors that may affect compensation in a car accident claim include:
- The severity of your injuries
- Proof the other driver was at fault
- Physical and emotional pain suffered
- Damages to your car, including if your car was totaled
It’s always best to speak with a legal expert when filing a personal injury claim as they can increase your chances of securing the maximum compensation you are entitled to. Florin|Roebig attorneys can also explain in detail the types of damages you are eligible to receive.
Auto Accident Rates In Clearwater
The breathtaking beaches of Clearwater, Florida are a big driver in tourism, making it a hotspot for vacationers. Located in the Tampa Bay area, many people choose to spend their time off in Clearwater, which increases the traffic and congestion on local roads. As a result, accidents happen frequently.
- In 2023, there were 14,817 car accidents in Pinellas County, where Clearwater is located.
- There were 9,189 injuries that occurred as a result of these accidents.
- 111 fatal accidents occurred in 2023.
- 11 fatalities were reported as related to alcohol and drugs.
- In 2023, 4,107 hit-and-run crashes were reported.
Florin|Roebig attorney Tommy Roebig says the number of claims related to area car accidents continues to grow.
“We’ve seen an increase in Clearwater claims in recent years, both from residents and tourists. It’s important that you have a local law firm to represent you that understands the intricacies of Florida law and what you may be entitled to.”
Clearwater’s Most Dangerous Roadways
Every road in Clearwater has the potential to be dangerous However, several roads and intersections have significantly high rates of car crashes.
The five most dangerous intersections in Clearwater:
- U.S. Highway 19 & Gulf to Bay Boulevard (State Road 60):
This intersection is notorious for its heavy traffic volume, with a high density of commuters, tourists, and delivery vehicles all converging at once. Multiple lanes, high speeds on U.S. 19, and frequent lane changes make it challenging for drivers to merge smoothly and navigate turns safely. The combination of fast-moving traffic and complex on/off ramps contributes to frequent collisions. - Gulf to Bay Boulevard & Belcher Road:
Both Gulf to Bay and Belcher are major thoroughfares with a steady flow of vehicles throughout the day. The intersection has numerous turn lanes and signals, leading to driver confusion and hesitation. High traffic density, coupled with vehicles rushing to beat the light or making sudden lane changes, increases the risk of side-impact and rear-end collisions. - U.S. Highway 19 & Countryside Boulevard:
Located near a busy shopping and commercial area, this intersection sees a surge in traffic from local residents, shoppers visiting the Countryside Mall area, and through-traffic from U.S. 19. Multiple access points to retail parking lots and the sheer volume of cars turning in and out of businesses create sudden stopping and merging scenarios, leaving little reaction time for drivers. - Missouri Avenue & Druid Road:
This intersection is tricky because of its proximity to residential areas, schools, and businesses. Inconsistent traffic patterns—ranging from morning school drop-offs to midday errands—mean drivers encounter a constantly changing flow of vehicles and pedestrians. Limited visibility at certain angles and the challenge of making safe turns across multiple lanes contribute to an elevated risk of accidents. - Drew Street & Fort Harrison Avenue:
Located closer to downtown Clearwater, this intersection often deals with congested traffic during peak hours, pedestrians crossing at multiple points, and drivers looking for on-street parking or making sudden turns onto side streets. The mix of commercial, residential, and pedestrian traffic converging in a relatively small area creates a high-stress environment where misjudgments and minor distractions can quickly lead to fender-benders and more serious crashes.
List Of Top-Rated Clearwater Car Accident Lawyers
Don’t take on the insurance companies by yourself. The dedicated, successful team at Florin|Roebig has more than three decades of experience serving clients throughout Florida and is ready to discuss your claim.
Our award-winning legal team includes the Clearwater car accident attorneys:
Wil H. Florin, B.C.S.
Tommy D. Roebig, B.C.S.
Chase P. Florin, B.C.S.
Parker Y. Florin, LL.M.
Taylor D. Roebig
Nollys R. Solarte, O.C.
Lawrence J. Najem, O.C.
Andrew M. Leone, O.C.
For every year since the inception of the honor in 2010, Florin|Roebig has been selected as one of the “Best Law Firms in America” by “US News and World Report” and “Best Lawyers in America.”
We Are Nationally Awarded Lawyers
Find Help Filing A Car Accident Claim
The experienced Clearwater personal injury attorneys at Florin|Roebig have years of experience and the know-how to help you file your auto accident claim. We have a team of experts determined to take on your case and ensure you receive compensation. Call us for a free consultation today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I get a lawyer after a car accident in Florida?
There are many great reasons to get a personal injury lawyer after being involved in a car accident. If you have sustained injuries, financial losses, pain and suffering, or emotional distress, you may be able to receive compensation.
Hiring a lawyer can ensure that your rights are being advocated for and you have the highest chance of receiving compensation for your losses.
How much can someone sue for a car accident in Florida?
The amount of money someone can sue for a car accident in Florida differs based on the individual accident. There are many factors that can affect the maximum compensation of a claim. These can include the extent of injuries, any damage to your vehicle, the cost of medical treatments, etc.
How long after an accident can you sue in Florida?
After an accident in Florida, you have two years to file a car accident claim and sue. There can be exceptions to this rule in unique circumstances, but as a rule of thumb, you should pursue legal action within two years.
Who pays for car damage in Florida no-fault?
Florida is a no-fault state, which means regardless of who is at fault, your insurance company will cover medical costs. That being said, the insurance company of the at-fault driver is responsible for car damage costs.
Florin|Roebig, and its content team, are committed to delivering content of the highest caliber. Our editorial standards check for accuracy, sourcing, objective analysis, and more. Every article is fact-checked by an editor prior to being published. Additionally, our content is legally reviewed by one of our practicing attorneys. Our attorneys only review content in practice areas that they specialize in.
