Best Car Accident Lawyers in Palm Harbor, FL

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Palm Harbor, Florida?

  727-582-6200 is the non-emergency contact number for the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Palm Harbor, Florida?

  Copies of police reports for car accidents in Palm Harbor can be obtained from the Records Division of the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office. Residents are provided with a link to download the crash report from the website of the Sheriff's Office. Police reports are available in PDF format.

• How frequent are car accidents in Palm Harbor?

  In November 2021, Pinellas County, which includes the census-designated community of Palm Harbor, reported 12,237 motor vehicle accidents that injured 6,940 people. One hundred and three of the reported accidents were catastrophic. Four of the fatal collisions were caused by drunk driving or driving under the influence of other substances that affect the motor and coordination skills of drivers.

• What are the most dangerous intersections in Palm Harbor?

  Florida Avenue and U.S. 19 Alternate, Belcher Road and Innisbrook Drive, and U.S. 19 and Tampa Road are cited as the most dangerous intersections in Palm Harbor. Auto insurance website Quote Wizard ranked the Tampa Bay Area as the fourth worst area in the country for traffic accidents.

• What role does Florida’s no-fault insurance law play in Palm Harbor car accident claims?

  Under Florida’s no-fault insurance legal doctrine, car accident victims in Palm Harbor have multiple options for recovering compensatory damages from at-fault parties. Injured victims can file a claim with the negligent party’s insurance, their personal injury protection insurance provider, or both. A car accident lawyer helps injured plaintiffs choose the right option for their circumstances.

• Can Palm Harbor residents who are injured in car accidents recover damages if they are at fault?

  Yes, under Florida's comparative fault laws, car accident victims in Palm Harbor can still recover compensatory damages. According to the state's shared responsibility rule, each party to the accident is assigned a percentage of fault. Each party is responsible for its proportionate share of the damages. When blame is assigned to injured parties, their damages are reduced to reflect their proportionate responsibility.

• How can victims of Palm Harbor car accidents seek additional compensation if they have exhausted their $10,000 personal injury protection and property damage liability insurance coverage limits?

  Car accident victims in Palm Harbor may file a claim with the at-fault party’s insurer as well as a lawsuit to recover compensation in court. Uninsured or underinsured motorist insurance coverage claims can also be filed with their own insurers in the event that the negligent driver is not covered. Florida's "no-fault" insurance laws require drivers to buy insurance to cover their own losses in the event of an auto accident.

• How do I choose a car accident lawyer?

  To select a car accident lawyer, consider the lawyer's experience, focus, and reputation. While nearly any attorney can negotiate with insurers for a settlement, not all attorneys have amassed experience litigating a claim in a court of law. Choose an attorney with a background that includes car accident claimants; it's helpful if the attorney is focused on personal injury law. Lastly, read reviews from previous clients to get a feel for the attorney's helpfulness and responsiveness to clients. The best lawyer for your case is one that you feel comfortable and confident working with.

• What steps should I take after a car accident?

  Immediately following a car accident, get out of traffic as soon as possible and dial 9-1-1. Exchange car insurance information with any other involved drivers and get a police report as soon as possible. Be truthful about what happened, even if you are at fault, but stick to reporting the facts of the accident without offering an opinion on who is to blame. If possible, take photos of your car, other cars at the scene, and the scene itself.

• (When) Do I need a lawyer after a car accident?

  Start working with a car accident lawyer as soon as possible following your car accident (some attorneys even make hospital visits). By reaching out for legal help early on, you avoid some of the pitfalls of trying to handle your claim on your own. Your attorney can also get the ball rolling on reimbursement for your medical bills and lost wages while awaiting the outcome of your claim.

• How long after a car accident can you claim an injury?

  The length of time you can file a claim for an injury following a car accident is governed by the statute of limitations in your state. Although it varies, most states set the statute of limitations for injured parties to seek compensatory damages at three years following the accident or three years after you discover your injuries. In cases where children are injured, the statute of limitations may be longer.

• What do I do after a car accident that I'm not responsible for?

  After an accident that's not your fault, seek immediate medical help if you are injured. Once it's safe to do so, obtain the other driver's contact and insurance information, any statements from witnesses, and photos of the scene. Obtain a police report and contact your insurer and the at-fault party's insurer. If you are injured, schedule a consultation with a car accident attorney to discuss your legal options.

• What happens if someone sues you after a car accident?

  If you have car insurance in force at the time of the accident, your insurance is contractually bound to represent you on any claims that arise, indemnifying you against loss up to the limits of your policy. You can help your insurance company by cooperating fully. If the plaintiff in any lawsuit obtains a judgment above your policy limits, then you can be held personally responsible for any damages awarded.

• What/how much can I expect from a car accident settlement?

  According to the Insurance Information Institute, the average bodily injury claim in 2018 was $15,785. The amount of any particular car accident settlement hinges primarily on the severity of the injuries sustained as a result and whether or not any partial or total permanent disability was caused by the accident. Claims that involve broken bones or nerve damage likely settle for more than claims where soft tissue injuries are present.

• How do I arrange a rental car after an accident?

  To arrange a rental car after an accident, first consider whether your insurance or the other party's insurance will be paying for the rental. If another driver is found to be at-fault for the accident, that driver's insurance may pay the costs. If you are responsible, your insurance may pay if your policy covers such expenses. Speak with your insurance adjuster to determine if you have benefits available.

• How long does it take for car insurance to go back down after an accident?

  Post-accident rate spikes can last anywhere from three to five years, depending on your insurer. However, if damages incurred during the accident are less than $2,000, your rate may not go up at all. Three years is typical for collision and property damage claims. Five years is not uncommon in accidents involving bodily injury claims, DUI or DWI, reckless driving, or serious violations at the time of the accident.

• How to settle a car accident claim without a lawyer?

  To negotiate a car accident settlement without a lawyer, you'll have to prove that the other party was to blame for your damages. Gather evidence at the scene to support your claim, including witness statements and photos. Seek medical treatment for your injuries immediately. Notify the other driver's insurer of your intent to file a claim. If you reside in a no-fault state, you will need to use your personal injury protection (PIP) benefits first before filing a claim against the other party for medical expenses and bodily injury. Be prepared with medical records, police reports, receipts for out-of-pocket accident-related costs, and proof of lost income due to the accident before beginning negotiations.