St. Petersburg Car Accident Lawyer

St. Petersburg Car Accident Lawyer

Victims of auto accidents can face serious injuries that prevent them from working for weeks or months at a time, and saddle them with medical expenses they may not be able to afford. In the aftermath of a collision, you need an experienced car accident attorney in St. Petersburg to help you file a car crash claim.

Taking legal action to obtain car accident compensation isn’t easy, and it isn’t something you should attempt to do on your own. Instead, turn to the St. Petersburg personal injury law firm of Jack Bernstein, Injury Attorneys. Our skilled team can help you take the right steps after your accident.

The Insurance Company Isn’t There To Help You

The insurance company hopes that you’ll accept a small settlement right away. However, the team at Jack Bernstein, Injury Attorneys, has more than 37 years of experience acting as car accident lawyers in St. Petersburg and knows better. We’re here to say: Don’t take the insurance company’s word for it. You may be missing out on compensation that you deserve. Instead, we invite you to meet with us for a complimentary review of your case.

If the insurance company offers you a fair settlement, we can let you know and give you the confidence that you’re receiving the appropriate compensation. However, if the insurance company isn’t valuing your claim fairly, our legal team can work on your behalf to ensure that your compensation accurately reflects the value of your losses.

St. Petersburg Car Accident Statistics

In 2023, Pinellas County experienced 14,818 crashes, which resulted in 9,186 injuries and 112 fatalities. The county recorded an accident rate of 1512.2 per 100,000 motor vehicle crashes that year. Auto accidents in 2023 resulted in 8,285 instances of property damage, as well. 

Where Do Car Accidents in St. Petersburg Happen?

Numerous roads and intersections in St. Petersburg present dangers to drivers, beginning with US 19. This is one of the busiest highways in the city and typically has bumper-to-bumper traffic, which can lead to aggressive and reckless driving. 

38th Avenue N. is another high-risk road. It’s a major east-west route that runs the entirety of Pinellas County, and connects with US 19, US 92, and I-275. The points where these connections occur are particularly dangerous because of the high concentration of vehicles there.

Lastly, the intersection of US 91 and 4th Street sees numerous crashes each year. It’s a major north-south highway and therefore sees a high volume of daily traffic. 

Common Causes of Car Accidents in St. Petersburg

One of the most common causes of car accidents in St. Petersburg is distracted driving. Other behaviors that might be characterized as driver negligence include:

• Reckless driving
• Fatigued driving
• Failure to yield
• Speeding
• Intoxicated driving

Other entities could be responsible for the crash as well. When road conditions cause an accident, the government agencies in charge of maintenance might be liable. Similarly, if a defective vehicle component causes a crash, the manufacturer could be to blame.

In all of these instances, negligence plays a key role. This is a legal concept that requires establishing that the other party owed a duty of care that they breached. 

Navigating Florida’s Car Accident Laws

Managing the car accident claims process in Florida requires knowing a bit about the state’s insurance system. Florida has no-fault laws in place that require you to file against your own personal injury protection (PIP) coverage after a crash. If your injuries go beyond PIP coverage, you may be able to file a lawsuit.

Florida works under a modified comparative negligence system, which means you’re eligible to recover your losses as long as you weren’t more than 50% at fault for the initial accident.

Starting a claim as soon as possible is vital, as the state imposes a statute of limitations for car accidents. In Florida, you generally have two years to begin legal action, though exceptions may apply in certain cases.  

Immediate Steps After a Car Accident in St. Petersburg

To start the car accident claims process, you must:

• Call emergency services to the site. 
• Speak with law enforcement and learn how to get a copy of the police report.
• Exchange information with the other party.
• Gather evidence at the scene.
• Contact your insurance provider to let them know you were in a crash.
• Hire an attorney.

In any Florida car accident case, it’s critically important to seek medical care as soon as possible after your accident. Identifying and documenting your injuries immediately after a car accident not only helps you begin your recovery, but it also enables you to establish that the injuries are the result of the accident.

Your claim for compensation can include any type of medical expense that you incur. Costs for X-rays, MRIs, casts, splints, bandages, and mobile devices are just some of the expenses that you may include in your claim. Return visits to the doctor to check on progress may also be part of your claim.

Why Contacting a Car Accident Lawyer in St. Petersburg Early Is Crucial 

When you work with Jack Bernstein, Injury Attorneys, you’re working with an experienced car accident attorney in St. Petersburg who knows the ins and outs of Florida’s complex car accident laws. 

We know what steps you need to follow in order to successfully bring your claim for compensation. Along the way, we make sure that you understand what to do at every stage in order to navigate the claims process as smoothly and successfully as possible.

Your first legal papers are called your summons and complaint. The summons and complaint detail what happened in your case, and why you deserve financial compensation. 

We make sure that we prepare these documents accurately and file them with the appropriate court. We address issues, like jurisdiction, service, and time deadlines, to make sure to avoid errors that may jeopardize your claim.

Even if you’re still receiving treatment for your car accident injuries, it’s important to speak with an attorney as soon as possible. There are strict deadlines when bringing your claim. The sooner we can begin working on your claim, the sooner we can determine the deadline in your case, and make sure that we establish an effective timeline.

Additionally, we always begin contacting witnesses and preserving evidence as quickly as possible. We may also advise you to get additional medical care, so you can work with a medical expert who will explain how your injuries are the result of your accident.

Types of Damages Available to Car Accident Victims 

Car accident victims in St. Petersburg can claim economic damages to cover their medical expenses (including future care), as well as lost wages. If you can’t return to work, your car accident compensation may also reflect your loss of earning potential. 

You might also be eligible to claim non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and loss of consortium. In cases involving gross negligence, you qualify to pursue punitive damages.

How Much Is Your Car Accident Claim Worth in St. Petersburg? 

Every claim is unique, so putting a number on yours will depend on various factors. The severity of your injuries, how they impact your life, whether you’re able to work, your age, and whether you bear any of the liability will all play a role. Working with a qualified attorney can help you maximize your car accident compensation. 

How Jack Bernstein, Injury Attorneys, Fights for Your Rights in St. Petersburg  

When you’re in a car accident, you’re angry, confused, and often left wondering what to do. We want to take the guesswork out of the situation and be your guide as you work on your recovery. We want to do everything possible on your behalf to help you with your claim so that you can have peace of mind. When the insurance company isn’t on your side, you can be rest assured that we’re there to fight for you.

We want your meeting with our team of professional car accident lawyers to be an empowering and informative experience. We want to hear your story and answer your questions. Our team will break down how the law applies to your unique case.

We then review the claims process with you and explain what the possible and likely outcomes are under Florida law. If you choose to hire us, we get to work the same day to bring your claim forward, and build the evidence for you. 

An experienced car accident attorney in St. Petersburg from our firm will start by thoroughly investigating your accident and gathering evidence to prove liability. We’ll then commence negotiations with insurers to push for fair compensation. 

Reach Out Today for a Complimentary Consultation

If you have been in a car accident in St. Petersburg, you don’t have to brave the process of getting the compensation you need alone. We can speak with you immediately, and we can travel to your home or the hospital to meet with you in the setting you prefer. Our consultations are always confidential and complimentary.

Contact us today to begin building your claim for recovery, so you can get back to your normal life.

FAQ

How Do You Know If You Have a Valid Car Accident Claim in St. Petersburg, FL?

The best way to determine this is to speak with a qualified attorney. 

What Types of Compensation Can You Recover for Your Injuries and Damages From a Car Accident in St. Petersburg?

You could receive compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and loss of consortium. 

Should You Hire an Attorney After a Car Accident in Florida?

Yes. It’s always in your best interests to hire a lawyer. 

How Long Do You Have To File a Car Accident Lawsuit in St. Petersburg, FL?

Per Florida’s statute of limitations, you have up to two years to file a claim.

Citations:

FLA. STAT. §768.81. (2024).

FLA. STAT.§95.11(5). (2024).

Motor Vehicle Traffic Crashes. (2025)

Traffic Crash Facts Annual Report 2023. (2024)