St. Petersburg Car Accident Lawyer

A Brief Summary of the Following Page

• Who May Be Liable: Several parties may be liable for car accidents, including other drivers, pedestrians, manufacturers, passengers, property owners, and government agencies.
• Types of Damages: Victims may claim economic, non-economic, and, in cases of egregious negligence, punitive damages for their losses, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
• Statute of Limitations: Florida law gives car accident victims two years to file their claims, which Marsalisi Law can help achieve with an efficient and comprehensive approach.
• Legal Support: With a proactive approach to legal representation, Marsalisi Law provides extensive claim management, from evidence collection to strategic negotiation, allowing clients to focus on recovery with peace of mind.
• To schedule yours, call us at (727) 800-5052 or fill out our contact form.  Marsalisi Law is Where Law Gets Personal!

With its beautiful beaches and year-round sunshine, it is no surprise St. Petersburg is one of Florida’s most populated cities.  However, this also means roads in this area can be dangerous due to the amount of traffic.  If someone neglects their duty to drive with a reasonable standard of care and causes an accident and injuries, you have the right to pursue a claim and monetary compensation for your losses.  At Marsalisi Law, we can help you through every step of the legal process so that you can have a stress-free, smooth recovery.

We understand the challenges you face after suffering injuries in a car accident, so we take the time to listen to your story and develop a personalized plan based on your needs.  Frank P. Marsalisi treats clients like family, and with years of experience providing exceptional legal services, you can trust us to manage your claim successfully.  With our extensive knowledge, skills, and resources, we can help you navigate the claim process and stand up against the negligent party to secure the settlement you deserve.  

Who May Be Liable for a Car Accident in St.  Petersburg

Car accidents often happen quickly, making it challenging to know whose negligence caused the collision. Our skilled St. Petersburg car accident lawyer conducts a detailed investigation of the incident to identify the liable party and gathers evidence to prove their careless actions caused the accident and your injuries.  Depending on your unique circumstances, one or more of the following parties may be responsible for your injuries:

• Another driver: If another driver failed to follow traffic laws, drove recklessly, or was under the influence, they may be liable for the accident.
• Pedestrian: A pedestrian may be responsible for the accident if they did not follow traffic signals or did not give drivers enough time to stop.
• Passenger: Passengers can cause an accident by distracting a driver.  In this case, they may be liable for injuries.
• Manufacturer: If a defective part causes the accident, the manufacturer may be responsible for your injuries.
• Property owner or government agency: Property owners and government agencies are responsible for maintaining their roads.  Therefore, they may be held accountable if poor road conditions cause an accident.

In many car accident cases, multiple parties share fault. Florida uses a modified comparative negligence system to assign each party a percentage of responsibility, which gets deducted from their respective damages. For instance, if you are 20% at fault for the accident, your monetary compensation will be reduced by 20%. Our dedicated St. Petersburg car accident lawyer negotiates with insurance companies to ensure they do not place an unfair portion of the blame on you and offer a lowball settlement.

What Types of Damages May You Recover After a Florida Car Accident?

The impact of car accident injuries often goes beyond physical, having emotional and financial effects on your life. All these losses deserve recognition and reimbursement, so we fiercely advocate for the maximum monetary compensation you deserve.  Based on the severity of your injuries and other details of your claim, you may recover the following types of damages:

Economic

These damages include those with an objective monetary value, such as past and future medical expenses, emergency services, lost wages from missed work, loss of earning capacity, and property damage.  We may use your bills, receipts, invoices, pay stubs, and tax returns to determine the value of these damages.

Non-Economic

Unlike economic damages, non-economic damages have subjective, non-monetary value.  They often include pain and suffering, mental anguish, loss of companionship, and reduced quality of life. These damages are more challenging to calculate accurately, so it is crucial to have a St. Petersburg car accident lawyer’s help.

Punitive

If the liable party acted with gross negligence or malicious intent, they may be ordered to pay punitive damages. These damages serve as a punishment for the defendant to deter them from future negligent behavior.

Why Contact a Lawyer to Help With Your St. Petersburg Car Accident Claim?

After suffering injuries in a car accident, it is essential to act quickly due to Florida’s two-year statute of limitations. While this may seem like plenty of time, your recovery and the complexities of the legal process can make it difficult to meet this deadline on your own.  With the help of the trusted St. Petersburg car accident lawyer at Marsalisi Law, you can file your claim efficiently while focusing on recovery. We manage every aspect of your claim, including the following, with the utmost care and attention:

• Closely evaluating the details of your claim;
• Collecting and analyzing evidence, like medical bills, police reports, witness testimony, and traffic camera footage;
• Answering your legal questions;
• Developing a personalized legal strategy;
• Utilizing resources, like accident reconstructionists and traffic analysts, to build a strong claim;
• Negotiating with insurance adjusters on your behalf;
• Taking your claim to court if necessary.

We understand you may feel overwhelmed after a car accident, so we do everything we can to alleviate your stress. If you have questions about filing your claim, do not hesitate to contact Marsalisi Law today.

How Common Are Auto Accidents in St. Petersburg?

St. Petersburg, with its bustling population and heavy tourist traffic, experiences a significant number of car accidents each year.  According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, Pinellas County, which includes St. Petersburg, reported over 17,000 traffic crashes in 2022 alone.  Factors such as distracted driving, heavy congestion, and a high volume of visitors unfamiliar with local roads contribute to these statistics.  Local law enforcement data indicates that intersections along major thoroughfares like US-19 and I-275 are particularly prone to accidents, highlighting the need for heightened caution in these areas.

Common Causes of Car Accidents in St. Petersburg

Car accidents in St. Petersburg are often the result of several common factors.  Distracted driving, including texting or using a smartphone, is one of the leading causes.  The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that distracted driving accounts for a significant portion of all crashes nationwide, and St. Petersburg is no exception.  Driving under the influence (DUI) is another major cause, with local police records indicating numerous DUI-related incidents each year.  Speeding also contributes significantly, particularly on busy roads like Central Avenue and 4th Street.  Additionally, weather conditions such as heavy rain can make roads slick and hazardous, leading to increased accident rates.  Finally, a high number of tourists and seasonal residents unfamiliar with the local roadways can lead to navigation errors and collisions.

Understanding Comparative Negligence in Florida

Florida follows a modified comparative negligence system, which means that fault in an accident can be distributed among multiple parties.  According to Florida Statutes Section 768.81, each party’s level of fault is assessed and assigned a percentage.  If you are found partially at fault for an accident, your recovery amount will be reduced by your percentage of fault.  For instance, if you are 30% at fault for an accident, you can still recover damages, but they will be reduced by 30%.  This system ensures that even if you share some responsibility for the accident, you can still seek monetary compensation for your injuries and losses.

How Much Is My Car Accident Claim Worth?

The value of a car accident claim in St. Petersburg depends on several factors.  The severity of your injuries is a primary consideration; more severe injuries typically result in higher monetary compensation.  Economic losses, including medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage, are also critical in determining the claim’s worth.  Additionally, non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering and loss of enjoyment of life, play a significant role.  For instance, a person with permanent disabilities from a car accident will likely receive a higher settlement compared to someone with minor injuries. Insurance policy limits of the at-fault party and your own insurance coverage can also affect the total monetary compensation.  Consulting with a knowledgeable car accident lawyer can provide a more accurate assessment based on the specifics of your case.

What Will it Cost to Hire a Car Accident Lawyer in St. Petersburg?

Hiring a car accident lawyer in St. Petersburg typically involves a contingency fee arrangement.  This means you do not pay any upfront fees; instead, the lawyer receives a percentage of the settlement or court award.  This percentage usually ranges from 33% to 40%, depending on whether the case settles out of court or goes to trial.  Additionally, there may be other costs associated with your case, such as court filing fees, costs for obtaining medical records, and fees for expert witnesses.  These costs are often deducted from your settlement.  At Marsalisi Law, we are transparent about all potential costs and ensure you understand the financial aspects of your claim from the outset.

Schedule a Free Consultation With the Experienced St. Petersburg Car Accident Lawyer at Marsalisi Law Today

If you have suffered injuries in a St. Petersburg car accident, you deserve a St. Petersburg car accident lawyer who will take the weight of the legal process off your shoulders and allow you to focus on recovery. At Marsalisi Law, we provide the tools and knowledge you need to understand your rights and make the best decisions for your future. With this unwavering support and reliable communication, you can have the peace of mind that your claim is in the right hands.

St. Petersburg car accident victims have trusted our comprehensive English and Spanish legal services for years. Frank P. Marsalisi works with you from the beginning, starting with a free consultation. To schedule yours, call us at (727) 800-5052 or fill out our contact form. Marsalisi Law is Where Law Gets Personal!

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 Areas we serve:

Pinellas County, Hillsborough County, Polk County, Pasco County, Manatee County.