Clearwater, FL
Car Accident Lawyers
If you were injured in a car accident for which someone else was liable, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and losses. However, trying to settle your claim by working with the responsible party’s insurance company can be challenging. Ultimately, you could end up accepting far less as a settlement for your car accident injuries than what you might actually be entitled to receive.
The experienced Clearwater, FL car accident lawyers at Scott Marshall Injury Attorneys understand what you are going through, and we are here to help. We are committed to helping victims navigate the claims process with ease and recover the compensation they are entitled to under Florida law.
How Our Car Collision Attorneys Can Help You After A Car Accident In Clearwater
The aftermath of a car accident can be overwhelming. You may have to deal with the challenges that come from having a damaged or irreparable vehicle, in addition to facing physical and emotional injuries. The financial toll of medical bills and of lost wages while you’re recovering can add immeasurable stress.
The benefits of having an experienced team of Clearwater car accident injury lawyers in your corner cannot be overstated. With skilled personal injury attorneys advocating for your rights and interests, you can focus your attention on recovering from your injuries and putting the accident behind you.
At Scott Marshall Injury Attorneys, our knowledgeable car wreck attorneys represent clients in a wide range of motor vehicle accident claims, including:
- Car accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Truck accidents
- Pedestrian/motor vehicle accidents
- Bicycle/motor vehicle accidents
- Rideshare service accidents
- DUI accidents
When you engage our firm, your legal team will handle all aspects of your claim, from start to finish. We will conduct a detailed investigation to help determine liability and to uncover evidence to support your claim for compensation. We will also leverage our network of independent experts to establish key elements and build a robust case.
Our experienced attorneys understand the tactics insurance companies often take when trying to settle claims for less than full and fair compensation. We will handle all negotiations on your behalf, advocating for your interests and fighting to secure a fair settlement for you. In the event the other party or their insurance company are unwilling to negotiate in good faith, we will be prepared to take your case to trial and litigate your claim in court.
Clearwater, Florida Car Accident Statistics
Unfortunately, motor vehicle accidents happen every day in Pinellas County. In fact, according to statistics provided by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), there were 14,819 crashes in Pinellas County in 2023, resulting in 114 fatalities and 9,187 injuries. While these numbers represent decreases from the total accidents and fatalities in the county in 2021 and 2022, the number of injuries related to car and other motor vehicle accidents has remained consistent (9,220 injuries in 2022 and 9,428 in 2021).
Statistically, accidents in Clearwater represent roughly 1% of Florida’s total traffic accidents, although Clearwater represents only approximately 0.5% of the state’s population. Fortunately, most car accidents in Clearwater are not fatal. However, data for 2021 indicates that Clearwater saw 20 fatalities, more than 100 incapacitating injuries, and hundreds of non-incapacitating injuries from motor vehicle crashes. Fatal accident statistics at the state level are also sobering; in 2022, Florida ranked fourth in the nation for traffic deaths.
No matter how careful you are as a driver, bicyclist, or pedestrian, remember that accidents can occur anywhere, and at any time. The FLHSMV reports that crashes occur, on average, every 44 seconds in Florida.
What Are Clearwater’s Most Dangerous Intersections?
While any intersection can be the site of a traffic accident, certain intersections in Clearwater seem to see more than their fair share of crashes. These include:
- Ft. Harrison Avenue and Court Street
- Keene Road and Gulf to Bay Boulevard
- US-19 and Drew Street
These intersections and streets, along with US-19 ALT/Myrtle Avenue/Missouri Avenue, tend to have a higher number of accidents than other areas of Clearwater. Being aware of this and exercising extra caution when traveling on these roads may help you avoid becoming an accident statistic yourself.
What Causes Most Car Accidents In Pinellas County?
The most common type of motor vehicle accidents in Pinellas County is rear-end collisions caused by distracted driving, using excessive speed, or tailgating. Angle/side collisions and head-on collisions are not as frequent, but when they occur, they can cause significant damage and injuries. These types of accidents may also be caused by speeding or distracted driving but can also result from drivers failing to obey traffic signs/signals, failing to yield, or making improper turns.
Because Pinellas County is home to many senior citizens, the causes of car accidents may also be more likely to involve prescription drug use, poor hearing, diminished eyesight, or slower reaction times.
It is important not to make snap judgments or assumptions about what caused your car accident. Your personal injury lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation into the facts and circumstances of your case, to determine the causes and identify all responsible parties.
How Do I Get Compensation After A Car Accident In Clearwater, FL?
There are essentially two paths you could choose from to pursue compensation for your injuries and financial losses after a car accident in Clearwater: insurance claims and personal injury lawsuits.
Insurance Claims
With an insurance claim, you work directly with an insurance claims adjuster to obtain compensation to pay for your damaged vehicle and other personal property (if applicable) and for your medical expenses. This is usually the fastest way to obtain compensation, but you could end up receiving far less than your claim is worth if you don’t engage an attorney to help you.
Personal Injury Lawsuits
When you work with automobile accident lawyers in Clearwater to pursue a personal injury lawsuit, your attorney will be your advocate for you, negotiating with the insurance company. Your lawyer will use facts and evidence to determine the true value of your claim and will fight to help you obtain fair compensation.
Understanding Florida Law
Florida uses a “no-fault” standard for motor vehicle accident claims. This means that you can generally receive compensation from your own insurance policy for medical bills and in some cases lost wages, even if you were deemed responsible for the accident. However, if your injuries from the accident result in disability, significant, or permanent impairment, or if a loved one died from car-accident-related injuries, you can file a personal injury lawsuit against the other party.
It is important to understand that there are time limits for filing personal injury lawsuits in Florida. These time limits are called the “statute of limitations.” If you intend to file a lawsuit to recover compensation for injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident, you typically have up to two years from the date of the accident in which to file your claim. If your lawsuit only involves damage to (or the loss of) your vehicle as the result of a car accident in Florida, you can generally file suit up to four years from the date of the accident. Note that in certain scenarios, such as accidents involving government employees, the timelines may differ. Consulting with an experienced attorney as soon as possible is the best way to preserve your rights after an accident.
Contact Our Clearwater, FL, Car Accident Lawyers Today
When you engage the knowledgeable, compassionate Clearwater car crash attorneys at Scott Marshall Injury Attorneys, you can be confident your case is in good hands. We will act quickly to build a robust case for you and will fight tirelessly to help you obtain the compensation you deserve. Our legal professionals are prepared to handle all aspects of your injury claim on your behalf, so you can focus on getting back on your feet.
Schedule your free consultation with an experienced personal injury attorney in our Clearwater office today!