Car accidents in Pinellas Park can cause a considerable number of severe injuries. These injuries can forever change the lives of those involved. The injured accident victim may be unable to return to work, or medical bills may loom unpaid.
By contacting the legal team at Florin|Roebig, people injured in a car accident have immediate access to sympathetic and skilled board-certified attorneys. Our car accident lawyers can offer clarity, support, and advice that can assist the accident victim in gaining the compensation needed to help get their life back on track.
Accident Statistics for Pinellas County, Florida
The following are the 2023 accident statistics for Pinellas County, where Pinellas is located.
- There were 14,818 total accidents reported to police in Pinellas County in 2023.
- From these accidents, 9,194 injuries were sustained.
- Sadly, 109 people were killed in an accident in Pinellas County.
- A total of 4,108 hit-and-run accidents were reported in 2023.
Pinellas Park’s Worst Intersections
All roads can contain hazards that make things difficult for even the most experienced driver. While no roads can guarantee 100% safety, there are roads in Pinellas County that Pinellas Park residents should proceed with caution. Be sure to obey any and all traffic laws. Pinellas Park contains some of the most dangerous intersections in Pinellas County.
- Park Blvd and US 19: This intersection is notorious for its traffic jams and congestion, as well as its difficulty to navigate layout. With several lanes merging and passing one another, an unusually high degree of speed, and several blind spots, this intersection can be quite dangerous.
- Gulf Blvd and 34th Avenue: This intersection is particularly dangerous for drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists alike. This intersection is the site of many serious car accidents due to the high volume of traffic from beachgoers, the high speed of traffic, and the limited visibility caused by numerous curves and a long crosswalk.
- 62nd Avenue South and US 19: This intersection presents several lanes that can be difficult to navigate and has a high number of accidents. Additionally, the intersection is surrounded by several retail stores, making it highly likely that pedestrians will cross the busy streets.
The Car Accident Claim-Filing Process
In Pinellas Park, Florida, accident victims are allowed to seek compensation if they sustain injuries or have their property damaged. In legal terms, this is known as an auto accident claim, which can be filed by car accident victims to receive damages, which can be either financial or non-financial.
Misconceptions surrounding car accident claims can include the following:
- Car accident lawyers are not required if you have insurance
- Claims can only be filed by auto accident victims with severe injuries
- The insurance of the at-fault driver will cover all expenses
- Accident victims can take as long as they need to file a claim
- Car accident lawyers are too expensive to hire
- Accident victims have to accept whatever settlement they are offered
- Accident victims have to file a lawsuit to receive compensation
“Car accidents can cause a ripple effect that touches every portion of an accident victim’s life. One way to ease the stress of the aftermath is by hiring an experienced attorney to handle your claim for you,” says Shaun Cummings, an esteemed attorney of Florin|Roebig.
When it is time to file a claim, the following are steps you can take:
- Compile evidence for your claim by taking pictures and videos of everything at the accident scene, such as injuries, damaged vehicles, and recorded witness statements.
- Review your insurance policy to ensure you understand what your insurance provider will and will not cover.
- Contact a Florin|Roebig accident attorney when preparing to file your claim and request a free consultation.
- Get a copy of the police report before you call your insurance provider.
- Call your insurance representative to begin the claims process so you can receive your payment more quickly.
Pinellas Park, Florida Laws For Car Accident Cases
There are a few car accident laws the citizens of Pinellas Park, Florida, should be aware of, but two are the most important to remember: the statute of limitations for personal injury claims and the law surrounding fault.
Drivers should know that Florida is a no-fault state. This means every registered Florida driver is required by law to have personal injury protection insurance (PIP). PIP covers medical expenses and property damage, regardless of who caused the accident.
Pinellas Park citizens should know about the statute of limitations, which is four years for accident claims in Florida. The statute of limitations is when you can bring your accident claim against the at-fault motorist. Failing to file a car accident claim by this deadline could forfeit the right to file.
Fault and Liability in Car Accident Cases
Negligence, defined as a driver doing something that directly causes an accident, is another legal term that car accident victims will hear frequently while pursuing their claims.
Factors that can decide fault in auto accidents include:
- A driver’s negligence
- An intoxicated driver or a driver under the influence of another substance
- Condition of the roads
- The weather conditions at the time of the accident
- Whether or not a vehicle malfunction occurred
It is true that a person can be at fault for an accident but not liable for it. If a car malfunctions because the brakes were faulty due to an error in manufacturing, thus causing the vehicle to brake incorrectly, in this scenario, the motorist would be at fault but may not be liable for the accident.
While the driver may be at fault for the accident, the brake manufacturing company will be held strictly liable.
“Auto accidents can leave victims feeling shaken up, making hearing new legal terms and phrases more difficult. A skilled, efficient car accident attorney can greatly help navigate the aftermath of a car accident,” explains Shaun Cummings.
Our Featured Case Results
Consideration Of Negligence, Degree Of Fault
In auto accident claims, negligence is defined as any conduct or behavior that directly results in injury, property damage, or other consequences.
Forms of negligence in car accident claims that are filed by accident victims include:
- Gross negligence occurs when a driver seriously disregards other drivers’ safety and does not respect traffic laws.
- Comparative negligence states that every driver is given a portion of the fault and granted damages accordingly.
- Contributory negligence states that a claim cannot be filed to seek payment if a person is found to be even 1% at fault for the accident.
A car accident seldom happens due to the negligence of only one driver; therefore, courts will usually allocate at least some share of fault for each driver.
Important information to know about fault in car accidents:
- Drivers may still be able to seek damages in no-fault states.
- A victim’s settlement may be decreased by their percentage of fault.
- Fault can prevent you from seeking damages in certain states.
What To Do After A Car Accident in Pinellas Park
If you or a loved one have been involved in a car accident in Pinellas Park, the following are important steps that should be taken immediately.
1. Seek Medical Care
It is important to call 911 as soon as you can safely do so to ensure that an ambulance is sent to the accident scene. Emergency medical technicians (EMTs) will need to check on everyone involved in the accident to make sure they are okay, as some injuries can be hidden by adrenaline.
2. Collect Contact Information
Information that needs to be collected includes:
- The names of everyone involved
- Phone numbers for everyone in the accident
- The driver’s license numbers for the drivers
- Insurance information for all drivers
- The license plate numbers for the cars involved
3. Call The Police
The state of Florida legally requires anyone who has been in a car accident that resulted in any injuries or damaged property to report the accident to the police immediately. When you report the accident, police officers will investigate the accident and generate a report you need for insurance purposes.
4. Get Photos Or Videos
As soon as you are safely able to, you should begin taking pictures of everything at the scene of the accident. You should try to get photos of the following:
- Traffic flow
- Injuries
- Vehicle damage
- Weather conditions
- Record witness statements
5. Report The Accident To Your Insurance Company
Accident victims need to contact their insurance provider to report the accident as soon as possible. The sooner the claim is filed, the sooner it can be processed, and your settlement check can be sent your way.
6. Contact A Florin|Roebig Car Accident Lawyer
The entire care accident experience can be an ordeal to endure, including trying to get your insurance claim processed. Insurance companies have many tricks up their sleeves to try and get out of paying claims. Hiring a Florin|Roebig accident attorney can help ensure your claim is treated fairly.
Ways The Accident Can Impact Your Life
For those involved in a car accident, the impact can be far-reaching and touch many aspects of their lives.
Various ways an accident can affect your life include:
- Loss of your employment
- Loss of your ability to make money
- Your pain and suffering
- The loss of your independence
- The loss of your spouse or partner
- Modifying your home to accommodate your injuries/disability
- Losing your transportation
- Developing of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
How Florin|Roebig Can Help With Your Car Accident Claim
If you have been injured in a car accident, you may be considering hiring a car accident attorney to represent your claim. Hiring an accident attorney who has successfully represented accident victims for forty years can be a decision that makes or breaks your case and should be taken seriously.
Advantages that can be gained by hiring a Florin|Roebig auto accident lawyer include:
Car Accident Case Experience
The car accident lawyers of Florin|Roebig have been representing auto accident victims both in and out of court for forty years. Our lawyers have seen everything insurance companies are capable of doing in order to save money, so they are prepared to champion your claim.
A Strong Personal Injury Claim
Having successfully represented clients for decades, our Florin|Roebig lawyers know precisely what is needed to build a strong, winning claim. From the evidence you collect to how you fill out your paperwork, our attorneys know how to construct a solid car accident claim.
Negotiating A Fair Settlement
Generally, car accident claims can be settled relatively quickly without ever needing to step foot in a court. However, if your insurance provider does not cooperate or you need more compensation than what is offered, your Florin|Roebig lawyer is prepared to present your claim to a judge.
Practical Advice for After a Car Accident
If you or a family member have been in a car accident, you may feel shocked and unsure what to do next. The following are helpful steps to take in the aftermath of a car accident:
- Seek medical attention immediately to ensure there are no serious injuries.
- Collect evidence immediately by taking photos and recording videos of the accident scene.
- Contact your insurance company so that your accident claim can get started.
- Protect your legal rights by hiring a Florin|Roebig lawyer to ensure you avoid costly mistakes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does an attorney charge for a car accident in Florida?
Generally, attorneys in Florida receive 20-45% of the awarded settlement. Florin|Roebig attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, which means clients are not asked to pay any fees upfront.
Should I hire an attorney after a car accident in Florida?
Victims are allowed to represent themselves if they feel inclined to; however, the chances for a favorable outcome are better with a car accident attorney who knows how to build a solid case.
Who pays for car damage in Florida no-fault?
In Florida, each driver reports damages to their insurance companies. If the damage exceeds the coverage, a lawsuit may be pursued.
List Of Car Accident Attorneys Serving Pinellas Park
At Florin|Roebig, we have gained a reputation for being well-prepared, successful, and thorough in our representation of car accident claims throughout Florida including in Pinellas Park.
Florin|Roebig has a number of experienced car accident lawyers that provide superb service and remarkable expertise, including these attorneys and many more:
- Wil H. Florin, B.C.S.
- Tommy D. Roebig, B.C.S.
- Chase P. Florin, B.C.S.
- Luca G Esposito
We Are Nationally Awarded Lawyers
Find Help Filing A Car Accident Claim
If you have been hurt in an accident in Pinellas Park and are interested in hiring the best car accident lawyers in Florida, the following are the best ways to contact our offices.
- Call our phone number 24/7
- Our website, florinroebig.com.
- Questions can be emailed to [email protected]
Car accidents are traumatic and can be very difficult to navigate for accident victims who are already overwhelmed. Our Florin|Roebig attorneys have spent many years assisting clients who found themselves in your position.
Our offices provide the resources, support, expertise, and compassion needed to assist you in filing a car accident claim in Pinellas Park. Allow us to look after your claim while you take time to heal and get back on track. Call our offices today to schedule a free consultation.
