If you’ve been injured in an accident in St. Petersburg, Florida, that was caused by the negligent actions of an individual or business, you may be wondering what your legal options are. Chances are your family, friends, and co-workers have recommended that you speak with a St. Petersburg personal injury lawyer about your accident. You’d be wise to heed their advice.
Florida state law gives you the right to seek compensation for your injury-related damages from the party or parties responsible for your accident. However, obtaining this compensation can be a challenge, especially if you aren’t familiar with the legal system or how insurance companies operate. St. Petersburg accident attorney Tania Rivas can help you navigate the complex legal system and negotiate with the insurance company to obtain the full compensation you deserve for your accident-related damages.
Types of St. Petersburg Personal Injury Cases
An accident can happen to anyone at any time. Injuries can range from minor to catastrophic, even fatal. Common accident injuries include:
- Bone fractures
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Head injuries
- Neck and back injuries (such as whiplash)
- Burns
- Disfigurement
- Amputation
There are many different types of injury accidents in Florida. St. Petersburg personal injury attorneys handle a wide range of cases, including those involving:
- Car accidents
- Truck accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Medical malpractice
- Slip and falls and other premises liability accidents
- Wrongful death
What are the Benefits of Hiring a St. Petersburg Personal Injury Lawyer?
A St. Petersburg accident attorney can help you in many ways after your accident, ranging from filing your personal injury claim, collecting the evidence to support your case, and assigning a dollar value to your damages to negotiating on your behalf with the insurance companies or representing your case in court if the insurance company refuses to settle.
It’s important to contact an attorney as soon as possible after your accident. Obtaining compensation for your injuries will depend upon your ability to establish that:
- You were involved in an accident;
- The accident was caused by the negligent actions of another;
- You sustained injuries as a result of the accident; and
- You suffered damages as a result of these injuries
The sooner an attorney gets to work on your case, the better your chances of obtaining the full compensation you are due for your injuries.
What Types of Compensation Can I Expect to Receive in a Personal Injury Case?
Depending on the nature and severity of your injuries, you may be able to collect compensation for:
- Medical expenses (including current and ongoing expenses for hospitalization, examinations, surgical procedures, physical therapy, medication, medical devices, and long-term medical care)
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of companionship
- Reduced quality of life
How much you’ll collect is impossible to predict. Every personal injury case is different. Your attorney will fight to get you the total compensation you need to restore your life as close as possible to the way it was before the accident.
Schedule an Initial Consultation with a St. Petersburg Personal Injury Attorney
Your first step is to schedule an initial consultation to discuss your case. Most St. Petersburg personal injury attorneys provide free initial consultations to prospective clients.
Initial consultations are important for both the attorney and the client. This meeting will give you the opportunity to get to know the attorney and determine if they’re someone you trust and can work with. For the attorney, this meeting allows them to evaluate whether your case is one they have the experience and resources to handle.
Arrive at the meeting prepared to discuss your accident, the events that led up to the accident, and your accident-related injuries. Bring all the documentation you possess (police reports, accident-scene photos, medical bills, etc.) pertaining to the accident. The attorney will listen to your story, review the evidence you provide, and discuss possible damages. They’ll be able to answer any legal questions you may have about the accident.
Frequently Asked Questions About St. Petersburg Personal Injury Claims
How Much Does It Cost to Hire an Attorney?
Don’t make the mistake of thinking you can’t afford to hire a St. Petersburg personal injury attorney to handle your case. Unlike criminal defense, estate, and other types of lawyers, personal injury attorneys accept their cases on a contingency basis.
This means there are no upfront retainers or other costs; attorney’s fees are collected after the case has been resolved, as a predetermined percentage of the final cash settlement.
How Long Does it Typically Take to Settle a Personal Injury Case in St. Petersburg?
The overwhelming majority of personal injury cases in St. Petersburg are settled out of court before going to trial. How long it takes to reach a settlement in a personal injury case depends on many factors.
Factors that can delay a settlement include cases where the facts are disputed, the severity of your injuries, and the amount of money you’re asking for. Typically, it can take anywhere from several months to just over a year to settle a personal injury case.
How long do I have to file a personal injury claim in Florida?
In Florida, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. If you fail to file your claim before the statute of limitations expires, you will lose your right to pursue compensation for your injuries.
Waiting too long can also make it harder to gather evidence to support your case. As time passes, witnesses may forget important details, or physical evidence may be lost or destroyed. By filing your claim promptly, you increase your chances of gathering strong evidence to support your case and receiving fair compensation for your injuries.
Speak to a St. Petersburg Accident Attorney Today
St. Petersburg personal injury lawyer Tania Rivas and Rivas Law Group are here to protect your rights after an accident. Tania has represented clients injured in a variety of accidents in St. Petersburg and surrounding communities. She’s recovered millions of dollars for her clients, including an $850,000 settlement for a husband and wife injured in a rear-end accident and an $800,000 settlement in a wrongful death case for the family of a pedestrian struck and killed by a car.
If you’ve been injured in an accident in St. Petersburg that was caused by the negligent actions of another, contact Rivas Law Group without delay. You can contact us online or call us at (877) 299-5539 to schedule a free, initial consultation to discuss your case with an experienced St. Petersburg personal injury attorney.
