Palm Harbor Car Accident Lawyer

After being involved in a car accident in Palm Harbor or anywhere else in Pinellas County, it is normal to wonder if you should get help from a Palm Harbor car accident lawyer. Every day, people are injured in car accidents in Palm Harbor and the Tampa Bay area. Navigating the complexities of Florida’s no-fault insurance system only adds to the stress and frustration you are experiencing. Seeking help from Jack Bernstein, Injury Attorneys, takes this weight off your shoulders and allows you to focus on healing and recovery.

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Palm Harbor Car Accident Statistics

Palm Harbor is located in Pinellas County. Car crash data for 2023 for Pinellas County collected by the FLHSMV (Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles) including the following statistics: 

• 14,804 total crashes
• 107 fatalities from all crashes
• 9,178 injuries from all crashes
• 650 bicycle crashes
• 11 bicycle fatalities
• 420 motorcycle crashes
• 20 motorcycle crashes
• 100 fatal car crashes
• 6.429 injuries from car crashes
• 484 pedestrian crashes
• 41 pedestrian fatalities
• 4,104 hit-and-run crashes
• 791 hit-and-run injuries
• 11 hit and run fatalities

According to City-data.com, fatal car crash statistics for Palm Harbor included:

• Eight fatal car accidents
• 12 total vehicles involved in fatal crashes
• Nine fatalities
• 14 people were injured in car crashes, including the deceased
• Six pedestrian fatalities

This was an increase of 50% in fatal accidents from 2020. The number of pedestrian deaths also increased significantly from one in 2020 to six in 2021. 

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Car Accident Attorneys in Palm Harbor

It may surprise you to learn that Florida has strong laws that protect car accident victims. Even though Florida has a no-fault system for minor accidents, many of our clients are surprised to learn that Florida law allows accident victims to bring a full claim for damages any time they have serious, permanent or disfiguring injuries because of a car accident. It’s important not to assume that you don’t have a claim for damages under Florida law. Our Palm Harbor car accident lawyers can help you examine your case to determine if you qualify.

If you qualify to bring a claim for recovery, we can help you pursue your rights. There are a lot of steps involved in a Florida car accident legal claim. We preserve and gather evidence, prepare legal filings and negotiate possible resolutions with the other party. When you work with us, it’s up to you to ultimately decide whether to accept a settlement or take your case to trial. We make sure that you have the information that you need to make the best decisions for you. Our car accident lawyers in Palm Harbor are both aggressive and compassionate as we work together to help you get the relief that you deserve.

The Most Dangerous Roads and Intersections in Palm Harbor

According to CL Tampa Bay, the two most dangerous roads and intersections in Palm Harbor are:

• US 19 and Tampa Road: There were 642 crashes, 13 severe crashes, two fatalities, and two pedestrian and bike injuries in 2019
• US 19 and Curlew Road: There were 613 crashes, 13 severe crashes, two fatalities, and eight pedestrian and bike injuries in 2019

Common Causes of Car Accidents in Palm Harbor

Some of the more common causes of car accidents in Palm Harbor include:

• Texting and driving
• Running a stop sign or red light
• Distracted driving
• Poor weather conditions
• Driving under the influence
• Failing to yield the right of way
• Following too closely
• Improper lane changes

What To Do After a Car Accident

Taking the right steps after a car accident is vital to protecting your legal rights and ensuring you get fair compensation for your damages. You should do the following:

• Call 911: You will want to report the accident and seek medical care even if your injuries seem minor. Your well-being and health should always come first.  
• Gather evidence: If you are physically capable of doing so, take pictures and videos of the accident scene that capture all damages, road conditions, skid marks, and other relevant details that can be used to establish who is at fault.
• Collect contact information: If physically possible, get the contact details of all witnesses who saw the accident.
• Exchange insurance information: You want to obtain insurance information from all drivers involved in the accident. Even though Florida is a no-fault state, there are situations where you can seek compensation from another party’s insurance. 
• Open a claim with your insurance company: As soon as possible, contact your insurance company and open an accident claim. Only provide them with basic details, like the police report number and the date, time, and location of the accident.
• Speak with a car accident injury lawyer: Schedule a free consultation with a Palm Harbor car accident lawyer immediately. Your lawyer will provide free legal advice, answer your questions, and help you determine what your next steps should be.

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What if an Uninsured Driver Hits Me?

If an uninsured driver hits you in Palm Harbor, Florida, you can file a claim for your personal injuries against your own insurance through your PIP coverage. You may also file a lawsuit against the responsible party for any amounts that exceed your PIP coverage limits.

However, you need to ensure the responsible party is solvent, meaning they can financially afford to pay for your injuries. If the person is not solvent, a lawsuit may not be your best option. Therefore, when faced with this situation, it is highly recommended to speak with a qualified car accident lawyer for assistance in ensuring you get compensation for your damages. 

How Can a Lawyer Help Me After a Car Accident?

A Palm Harbor car accident lawyer can help you in several ways after a car accident, as follows:

• Helps establish negligence: Even though Florida is a no-fault state, there are specific situations where you can seek compensation from the negligent party, like when you do not have full coverage insurance or you reach your coverage limits that do not fully cover your damages.
• Ensures you receive the compensation you deserve: You can be entitled to different types of compensation you may overlook if you file the claim yourself.
• Helps navigate Florlida’s no-fault laws: The no-fault laws in the state are very complex and can be confusing unless you have legal expertise.
• Negotiates with the insurance company: Your lawyer will handle all negotiations with the insurance company on your behalf to help you get the maximum compensation you deserve.
• Accurately evaluates the amount of compensation: Insurance companies are notorious for not offering the full amount of compensation you should receive and undervaluing your claim. Your attorney knows how to make an accurate assessment to determine the total amount you are due.
• Provides peace of mind: Knowing a personal injury attorney is handling your claim allows you to focus on recovering and healing from your injuries and not have to worry about the added stress of dealing with the insurance company to receive your settlement.

What Damages Are Available After a Car Accident?

There are different economic and non-economic damages you may be entitled to receive after a car accident in Palm Harbor, Florida, including:

• Medical expenses: You can seek compensation for current and future medical bills related to your injuries sustained in the accident, including hospital visits, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, rehabilitation, and in-home care.
• Lost income: If you are unable to work after the accident or not able to return to work in the future, you are entitled to all of this lost income.
• Pain and suffering: Pain and suffering experienced after the accident and potentially long-term suffering, like if the accident caused permanent nerve damage resulting in chronic pain, entitles you to monetary compensation.
• Emotional distress: Mental anguish resulting from the car accident, such as anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or sleep disturbances, is claimable as part of your injuries.
• Loss of consortium/companionship: If the injuries sustained affect your relationship with your spouse or partner, causing a loss of consortium or companionship, you can seek damages.
• Punitive damages: In certain cases, when the responsible party’s actions are deemed grossly negligent, and your case goes to trial, you may be entitled to punitive damages from the court as a means to punish the individual and serve as a deterrent to others.

Please keep in mind that the damages you can seek will depend on the specific circumstances of your case and may include other damages not mentioned here. 

How Long Do I Have To File an Injury Claim After a Car Accident?

In Florida, you only have a specific period in order to file an injury claim. The statute of limitations for car accident injuries is usually two years from the date of the car crash. However, there may be exceptions, like a minor is the one that sustained the injuries.

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If You Have Been Injured in a Car Accident in Palm Harbor, Call Jack Bernstein, Injury Attorneys

At Jack Bernstein, Injury Attorneys, our experienced Palm Harbor car accident attorneys help protect your legal rights. We fight aggressively to ensure you obtain the compensation you deserve from your insurance company and all responsible parties. Please do not attempt to navigate filing your injury claim by yourself until you have spoken to us first and obtained free legal advice. 

Sources:

Fatal Car Crashes and Road Traffic Accidents in Palm Harbor, Florida. (2021).

FLA. STAT. § 95.11(4). (2023).

Florida Crash Dashboard. (2024).

Wolf, C. (2021). Tampa Bay’s 30 Worst Intersections, According to FDOT Crash Data.

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Serving All Areas of Palm Harbor