Since 1997

St. Petersburg, FL Car Accident Lawyers

If you were injured in a car accident in St. Petersburg, FL, you may be entitled to compensation for expenses related to your injuries and damaged property. While you could try to settle your claim directly with the insurance company, you should know that insurers do not have your best interests in mind. Instead, their primary goal is to close claims related to car accident injuries quickly and inexpensively.

At Scott Marshall Injury Attorneys, our experienced car accident lawyers in St. Petersburg, FL help injured accident victims with their claims. We understand what you are going through. When you choose to work with us, you can rest easy knowing we will fight tirelessly to help obtain the compensation you deserve. 

How Our Attorneys
Can Help You After A Car Accident In St. Petersburg

Becoming injured in a car accident can upend your life in ways you never imagined. In addition to having to deal with damage to, or the complete loss of, your vehicle, you are also likely facing physical and emotional pain. The financial consequences of an accident can add to this toll, creating more stress. Hiring experienced, knowledgeable car crash attorneys can help you get back on your feet.

The compassionate automobile accident lawyers at Scott Marshall Injury Attorneys help victims who were injured in a wide range of accidents, including:

  • Car accidents
  • Motorcycle accidents
  • Truck accidents
  • Bicycle/pedestrian accidents
  • Rideshare accidents
  • DUI accidents

Our attorneys are committed to pursuing the best possible outcome for every client’s claim. When you engage our firm, we will work closely with you to understand the facts and circumstances of the accident. That includes conducting thorough investigations, gathering evidence, talking to witnesses, and collaborating with various experts as needed to establish the key elements of your case.

We will negotiate on your behalf with the responsible party and insurance companies, seeking to obtain full and fair compensation. In the event the other side is unwilling to agree to a fair settlement, our experienced litigators will take your claim to court, fighting for your rights.

St. Petersburg, Florida
Car Accident Statistics

According to data provided by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, there were 14,819 crashes in Pinellas County, FL in 2023. Sadly, 113 people were killed in motor vehicle accidents in the county between January 1, 2023, and December 31, 2023, with another 9,186 people suffering injuries. These numbers were down slightly from 2021 and 2022, when St. Petersburg and Pinellas County saw 16,464 (2021) and 15,683 (2022) crashes, with 158 and 123 fatalities, respectively.

The truth is, car accidents can happen anywhere, and at any time regardless how careful you are. Statistics say in Florida, there is a car accident every 44 seconds. In terms of driver safety, Florida ranks 29th in the nation, according to a 2024 Forbes Advisor study. For every 100,000 licensed drivers in the state, there were 19.2 fatal car accidents.

In 2023, St. Petersburg and greater Pinellas County saw 6,428 total injury crashes and 106 crashes involving at least one fatality within 30 days of the accident.

What Are
St. Petersburg’s Most Dangerous Intersections?

While accidents can occur anywhere, there are certain intersections in St. Petersburg, FL with higher incidents of automobile accidents. These include:

  • Central Avenue between 2nd St. North and 4th St. North
  • 4th St. and U.S. Highway 92
  • 38th Ave. North and U.S. Highway 92
  • 22nd Ave. N. and 66th St. N./SR-693
  • 22nd Ave. N. and U.S. Highway 19
  • U.S. Highway 19 and 5th Ave. N. (U.S. 19 ALT)

Exercising additional caution when traveling in these high-accident areas could help you avoid becoming another St. Petersburg accident statistic.

What Causes
Most Car Accidents In Pinellas County?

There are many factors that can contribute to car accidents. In St. Petersburg and Pinellas County, the most common causes of motor vehicle accidents include:

  • Speeding
  • Distracted driving, including texting or otherwise using cell phones while driving
  • Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
  • Aggressive driving
  • Failure to obey traffic laws, including failure to yield, failure to obey traffic signs or stoplights, following too closely, etc.

Sometimes, there are several contributing factors behind a car accident. However, these reasons may not be immediately obvious. This is why it is critical to engage skilled car wreck attorneys who can conduct full investigations and gather evidence to establish fault and support your claim for compensation.

How Do I Get
Compensation After A Car Accident In St. Petersburg, FL?

Florida law says you are entitled to compensation if you were injured in a car accident in the state. You have a couple of options for pursuing what you are owed.

First, you could opt to file your claim directly with the insurance company. When you go this route, the insurer will place a value on your claim. If you sign and accept the offered settlement, you will be barred from seeking compensation related to the same accident in the future even if you later have related, but unexpected, medical expenses. This is generally the fastest route to resolve your claim. However, you could be short-changing yourself if you opt to work directly with the insurance company.

The other path you could choose in some circumstances involves engaging car collision attorneys to file a personal injury lawsuit. When you choose this option, your attorney will work to establish a fair value for your claim, including already incurred and anticipated medical expenses, property damage, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Understanding
No-Fault Insurance

Under Florida’s no-fault insurance laws, you will generally recover compensation from your own insurance company for damages sustained in a motor vehicle accident. However, there is an exception in the case of a “serious” injury. This would include a car accident that leaves you with significant and permanent scarring or disfigurement, a permanent injury, the significant and permanent loss of an important bodily function, or one that results in a victim’s death.

Be Aware Of
Timing Considerations

As you evaluate your options for pursuing compensation, you should also be aware that Florida’s Statute of Limitations could limit your right to recover damages if you wait too long to act.

If you were involved in an accident that occurred after March 24, 2023, you generally have two years from the date of the accident in which to file a personal injury claim. However, there are some circumstances which could change that filing timeline. For example, if the injured person was a minor at the time of the accident or was an incapacitated person when the accident occurred, there may be additional time to file. Other exceptions may apply; talking to a personal injury attorney as soon as possible can help ensure you meet all applicable filing deadlines.

Choose The Experienced 
Car Accident Injury Lawyers At Scott Marshall Injury Attorneys

The car accident lawyers in St. Petersburg, FL understand that being injured in a motor vehicle accident can be confusing and stressful. Our compassionate legal team is here to help, and we are prepared to handle all aspects of your personal injury claim — no matter how complicated it may seem.

To learn more about how we help clients and to understand your rights and options, schedule a free, no-obligation initial consultation in our St. Petersburg office today.