Were you injured in an auto accident and need a St. Petersburg car accident lawyer? There is not anything that can prepare the human body for the physical damage a car accident can cause. Although you may escape with minor injuries, many car accident victims will have lifelong disabilities like traumatic brain injuries, neck injuries, and spinal cord injuries, which means their life will never be the same.
If this has happened to you or a loved one, then you should know that you have the right to pursue compensation. An experienced personal injury attorney from Distasio Law Firm could help you get the financial recovery your need for your economic losses as well as your non-economic damages, like pain and suffering.
Seeking Help After a Motor Vehicle Collision in St. Petersburg
The first action you should take after a car accident is to make sure everyone is safe. The Insurance Information Institute provides a few next steps on what to do at the scene of an accident, including:
Getting Medical Advice
Your first step after an accident should be to get medical advice. You may feel fine, and you might not have any obvious injuries. However, that does not mean that medical treatment will not be necessary. Even if you have not suffered physical injuries, shock or other emotional distress may set in, and this may require medical help. You should also check on the wellbeing of the passengers in the car.
Another reason you should get medical advice is to make sure you have medical records. Should you or your loved one pursue compensation at a later date, your medical records can help to support your claim.
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Calling the Police
Even if the accident is minor, contact the police. They will complete a police report, and they may record the scene. These records will also prove useful should you or your loved one pursue your right to compensation.
Exchanging Information
If there is another car or person involved, get their details. These details should include their contact and insurance information, driver’s license and plate numbers, details of the car, and the location of the accident.
Getting Documentation
We have already detailed the importance of obtaining medical and police records, but there is other documentation that is valuable should you want to prove a claim. This information includes witness details/statements, and pictures and videos of the scene.
Working with an Auto Collision Lawyer in St. Petersburg
Finding the right car crash lawyer in St. Petersburg to help you or your loved one fight your case is not always easy. You need to find someone you are comfortable with and that you can have confidence in, which is why you should choose Distasio Law Firm. We offer:
Excellent Client Service
When you come to us, you get a attorney working on your case, not a case manager. We deliver a hands-on service from an injury lawyer, and we strive to offer each of our clients the highest possible level of service.
When we are working on your case, we dedicate the financial resources and time necessary to increase your chances of success.
A Personal Touch for Every Case
We consider the personal touch we bring to each case as one of the most important aspects of the service we offer our clients. We do this by taking the time to understand every area of your case and what you and your loved one want to achieve.
We will listen to your concerns throughout every stage of any legal process that might ensue, and we will work with you all the way to hold the responsible party accountable for their actions.
We Act as Your Advocates
As you or your loved ones may struggle following an auto accident, it is crucial that you feel you have a dedicated car accident lawyer on your side. You have our reassurance that we prioritize our clients’ needs above everything else.
We will act as your advocates throughout your legal case. We will do everything we can to get your case settled without going to court. But sometimes that is not possible. Rest assured, if your case has to go before a jury we have the financial resources and legal skills to go to trial.
We Are Transparent
Distasio Law Firm believes in transparency. That means we will be open with you every step of the way. We will make sure you are clear on the possibilities of the case, and we will detail any positives or negatives that may occur.
If you or your loved one have questions during any phase of the legal proceedings, a lawyer will be available to talk to you.
For further information on how an auto collision lawyer in St. Petersburg from Distasio Law Firm can support you during a legal case, call now.
Types of Car Accidents
Car accidents take different forms and have various causes. We have dealt with many types in the past. The most common cases we see are:
Distracted Drivers
These types of drivers may be on the phone or texting, applying makeup or shaving, eating or drinking at the wheel, or changing radio stations. Florida is one of the worst states for distracted driving, with Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) reporting 52,129 cases in 2018.
Reckless Drivers
These drivers take little care when they are out on the roads. They do not adapt their driving according to weather conditions, and they often speed or drive too fast for the state of the road. They have little regard for the safety of other drivers.
Driving Under the Influence (DUI)
When you hear this phrase, you usually think of drivers who are over the drunk driving limit. However, drivers under the influence of recreational drugs and prescribed medications are also a major hazard on Florida’s roads.
Other cases we see include:
- Rear-end collisions
- Driving when fatigued
- Poorly maintained automobiles
- And more
St. Petersburg Passenger Vehicle Accident Lawyer
If you were injured in a passenger vehicle accident in St. Petersburg caused by another party’s negligence, you may be able to recover compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
You do not need to face settlement negotiations or a personal injury lawsuit alone. A St. Petersburg passenger vehicle accident lawyer from Distasio Law Firm may be able to manage your case while you concentrate on your recovery.
Negligence Can Cause Passenger Vehicle Accidents
You may be entitled to compensation if your St. Petersburg passenger vehicle accident was a result of someone else’s negligent actions.
Some accidents are the result of driver negligence. For example, a negligent driver may cause an accident if they are:
- Driving while distracted
- Driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Driving while fatigued
- Driving while ignoring the rules of the road
In many cases, evidence that a driver violated a traffic law can establish their negligence.
Some passenger vehicle collisions are a result of malfunctioning equipment or a vehicle defect. In these cases, a negligent mechanic or manufacturer could be liable for the damages caused in the accident.
A committed passenger vehicle accident lawyer in St. Petersburg from Distasio Law Firm may be able to investigate your accident and determine who is liable for your injuries.
In order to do this, we may need to gather evidence by:
- Speaking with any eyewitnesses to your accident
- Reviewing the scene where the collision took place
- Accessing video surveillance from the accident
- Going over police reports from the wreck
- Hiring accident reconstruction or medical experts to testify in your defense
If we are able to prove that another party’s negligence caused your accident, they may be liable for your damages.
Compensation in a Passenger Vehicle Accident Case
The following compensation may be available to accident victims in St. Petersburg:
- Ambulance and emergency room treatment fees
- Costs of all medical treatment, including medications
- Estimated future costs of medical care
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning potential
- Pain and suffering
- And more
If your loved one passed away in a passenger vehicle accident caused by another party’s negligence, you may be able to recover wrongful death damages. Distasio Law Firm also handles wrongful death lawsuits. Call us to learn more.
Take These Steps After a St. Petersburg Passenger Vehicle Accident
Depending upon your situation, you may wish to take the following steps after a St. Petersburg passenger vehicle accident:
- Get medical care for your injuries
- Report the accident to the police
- Get contact information from the other driver and witnesses
- Take pictures of the accident and your injuries
- Get in touch with your insurance company
If you have any questions about your legal options or working with a lawyer on your case after taking these steps, call Distasio Law Firm for a free consultation.
The Statute of Limitations in A Passenger Accident Case
If you are considering legal action to pursue compensation for your injuries, do not wait too long. Florida generally imposes a two-year statute of limitations on personal injury lawsuits per Florida Statute § 95.11. For wrongful death lawsuits, the statute of limitations is generally just two years.
Allowing this time limit to expire before you take legal action could prevent you from recovering compensation via a lawsuit, even if the evidence in your defense is strong.
There may be other circumstances in your case that affect your legal deadlines. A well-practiced St. Petersburg passenger vehicle accident attorney can discuss the deadlines in your case when you call us for a free consultation.
Speak to a St. Petersburg Car Accident Attorney Today
Florida’s statute of limitations allows you two years to file a personal injury claim, but you should come forward sooner. It will allow us more time to investigate your case and gather the vital evidence that we need.
Approaching a law firm may not be the first thought on your mind following a car accident. However, if there is an individual or company that should be held accountable, then that is what the Distasio Law Firm will endeavor to do.
We offer free initial consultations, so you have nothing to lose by approaching us to discuss filing a claim. When you do come to us, we guarantee a personalized, client-centric approach. A St. Petersburg car accident lawyer will take the time to understand your case, and we will go the extra mile to represent you. For further information, contact us today.