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Clearwater Car Accident Lawyer

Clearwater Car Accident Lawyer

Have you been injured in a car accident in Clearwater, FL? If so, call a Clearwater car accident lawyer from Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers at (727) 493-4418.

Having the right car accident lawyer on your side can help you get the compensation you deserve. Our attorneys will negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf and work towards a fair settlement.

Contact us today for a free case evaluation.

How Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help You After a Car Accident in Clearwater, FL

How Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help You After a Car Accident in Clearwater, FL

Suffering car accident injuries is never easy. Unfortunately, insurance laws in Florida can make it difficult to get the compensation you need. Insurance companies only add to the difficulty. You need an experienced Clearwater personal injury lawyer to help you fight for a fair outcome.

Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers is one of the most prominent personal injury firms in Tampa Bay. We have decades of experience fighting for injury victims in Clearwater. We’ve recovered millions for our clients and have become known as the “Aggressive Attorneys” because of our fierce representation of victims.

When you hire us, we will be responsible for:

  • Providing legal advice and keeping you updated throughout the process
  • Investigating your accident to determine liability and gather evidence
  • Identifying every course of action for financial recovery
  • Calculating the value of your claims
  • Working with experts in medicine, finance, and accident reconstruction (if necessary)
  • Communicating and negotiating with the insurance company
  • Taking your case to trial to protect your rights

Reach out to schedule a free consultation with a personal injury attorney. We’re standing by to assist 24/7.

Why Should I Hire a Clearwater Car Crash Lawyer?

Why Should I Hire a Clearwater Car Crash Lawyer?

To put it simply, hiring a car accident attorney gives you the best chance of obtaining adequate compensation for your injuries. If your accident qualifies you under Florida law to file a claim against the at-fault party, you will need to provide sufficient evidence to support your case.

You will also potentially be up against a powerful insurance company with a legal team at its bestowal. Depending on the facts, it might even be difficult to identify the liable party with the assets to compensate you.

Each of these factors will be in your hands to contend with if you do not have a lawyer to help with your case. But if you do, they’ll have the experience and skill set to deal with every potential complication.

In addition, a lawyer can represent you in court or at trial should your case get to that point. Attorneys also have access to resources – like the ability to conduct legal research or hire experts – that you might not have as a member of the general public.

How Much Does It Cost To Hire a Car Accident Lawyer?

How Much Does a Car Accident Lawyer in Clearwater Cost?

It will not cost you a cent upfront to hire our law firm to help you in your Clearwater auto accident case. This is because our lawyers work on a contingency fee basis.

The way this works is that we’ll obtain payment for our legal services as a percentage of the financial settlement or verdict we collect for you. It varies from case to case, but will generally be around 33%. We will also discuss and agree to this percentage with you ahead of time.

There are two primary benefits to this payment system. For one, we will be incentivized to maximize the value of your claim – the more money you win, the more money we get, too. And second, you’ll be able to hire us even if the collision has left you in a prohibitory financial position.

Reach out to our law office for more information about how the contingency fee will work in your specific situation.

How Long Do I Have To File a Lawsuit After a Car Accident in Florida?

How Long Do I Have To File a Lawsuit After a Car Accident in Clearwater, FL?

After most car accidents, you will have two years to bring a personal injury lawsuit. The clock starts running on the date of the incident.

However, those who lost loved ones in fatal accidents have two years from the date of death to file wrongful death claims (which may differ from the accident date).

There are exceptions to the standard two-year statute of limitations. If you initiate your lawsuit too late, you will no longer have the ability to seek compensation through a court of law.

Our attorneys can help you understand the time limit to submit your lawsuit during your free case consultation. Reach out today to schedule yours.

Clearwater, Florida Car Accident Statistics

Clearwater, Florida Car Accident Statistics

According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), the following represents car wreck statistics for Pinellas County: 

  • 2021: 16,464 crashes, causing 158 fatalities and 9,428 injuries
  • 2022: 15,683 crashes, causing 126 fatalities and 9,220 injuries
  • 2023: 14,495 crashes, causing 103 fatalities and 9,024 injuries

On average, Pinellas County’s wrecks make up around 4% of the state’s total auto accidents.

How Serious Are Car Accidents in Clearwater?

According to recent data, more often than not, Clearwater car accidents cause injuries or fatalities. On average, between 2021 and 2023, people were injured or killed in around 60% of the area’s collisions.

In other words, people have a 60% chance of suffering an injury or being killed in a traffic accident in Pinellas County, according to FLHSMV data. A person loses their life in a collision once every three to four days.

Pinellas County Car Crash Statistics

FLHSMV publishes detailed automobile accident stats. There have been the following numbers of accidents in Pinellas County across the past five years:

  • 2023: 14,495
  • 2022: 15,646
  • 2021: 16,464
  • 2020: 14,313
  • 2019: 17,078

The data are clear: car accident injuries are commonplace in Clearwater and the surrounding areas. You may be entitled compensation if you or a loved one were hurt due to someone else’s negligence.

Most Dangerous Intersections in Clearwater

Clearwater is home to many dangerous roads and intersections; some of the more well-known ones include:

  • Gulfview Blvd and Hamden Dr
  • Cleveland St and Fort Harrison Ave
  • FL-60/Gulf to Bay Blvd and Belcher Rd
  • Court St and Fort Harrison Ave
  • Chestnut St and Fort Harrison Ave
  • US-19 and Drew St
  • US-19 and Sunset Point Rd

Even if you can’t avoid these hazardous areas, you should use extra caution when traveling through them. Our experienced personal injury attorneys can help if you’ve been injured in an intersection accident.

What Should I Do After a Car Accident in Clearwater, FL?

What Should I Do After a Car Accident in Clearwater, FL?

When involved in a car accident, you need to take specific steps to protect the integrity of your case.

  • Seek Medical Treatment: You need to make sure your injuries are addressed. This means that you should seek immediate medical attention after the crash. Do not wait or delay this, as many injuries worsen over time. You need medical care even if you don’t think you were hurt badly. Your medical records are evidence in your case and can help you prove the severity of your injuries.
  • Notify Law Enforcement: Always call the police after a car accident. They will complete a police report and establish the cause of the incident. This becomes crucial evidence in your claim as it will be used by insurance companies and your attorney to establish liability. This can also help dictate your settlement, as it provides an accurate account of what happened during the incident.
  • Don’t Accept Blame for the Accident: Never apologize or accept blame for a car accident. There may be underlying circumstances that lead to the crash that is not your fault. Let the authorities certify who caused it. If you make an apology or admit guilt for a car accident, it can be used against you later. This can affect your total settlement award. If the other person blames you or becomes verbally violent, wait until the police arrive.
  • Exchange Information with the Other Drivers: This should include their name, address, phone number, vehicle make and model, driver’s license number and insurance carrier and policy number. Be sure to write it down in a place where you will access it later. You can also use your cell phone to take pictures of these important documents.
  • Take Photos of the Accident: Use your cell phone to take pictures of the accident, such as the damage to both vehicles and any relevant details. Do not forget to take photos of your injuries immediately after the car accident. This will provide valuable evidence of the seriousness of your injuries.
  • Talk to Witnesses: Speak with anyone who saw the events of the accident and is on the scene or near it. They can corroborate your account of what happened and present testimony in your claims. Get their contact info and ask them what they saw. You need these witnesses to back up your story and show that another motorist is to blame.
  • Inform your Insurance Company: Most insurance companies require that you notify them within one day of your car accident. You need to report your crash and give the information you collected from the other motorist. They will help facilitate your settlement and provide you with additional details about filing a claim. You may also want to get in touch with the other driver’s insurance company to ensure they reported the accident to them.
  • Contact a Clearwater Car Accident Lawyer: You will always want to consult a car accident lawyer about your crash. They can ascertain if you have a case. They will answer your legal questions, explain the process, and help you seek full compensation. Let your attorney fight for you and get you a settlement that helps pay for your injuries.

What Types of Compensation Can I Receive in a Car Accident Lawsuit?

What Type of Compensation will I Receive in a Car Accident Lawsuit?

If you bring a car accident lawsuit in Clearwater, you may be entitled to financial recovery for your economic and non-economic losses.

In rare cases, punitive damages may also be available.

Economic damages are paid to an accident victim to cover their financial losses, such as: 

These damages are typically easy to prove using documentation, such as receipts and bills. However, future losses, such as diminished earning capacity, can be more challenging to calculate without a professional’s help. 

Non-economic damages are typically awarded to victims who have sustained serious injuries. They represent physical and emotional harm, which are unique to each person. 

Examples include:

Experts and specialists are often needed to put an accurate dollar value on these non-economic damages. 

What Are Punitive Damages?

In some cases, a court may award punitive damages to an accident victim. These damages serve to punish intentional or grossly negligent conduct. For example, a drunk driver who caused a traumatic brain injury in a DUI accident may be ordered to pay the victim punitive damages.

What Causes Most Car Accidents in Clearwater?

Most crashes result from drivers who are negligent. In other cases, reckless behaviors behind the wheel are to blame. 

Some common causes of these traffic collisions include: 

Other causes include defective auto parts, such as faulty brakes or tires, and adverse weather conditions. It’s essential to identify the root cause of the accident to establish liability. In some cases, there may be more than one contributing factor, which means multiple parties may share fault for your wreck.

What Are Common Types of Car Accidents in Florida?

What are Common Types of Car Accidents in Florida?

Collisions are common in Florida, but some types happen more often than others.

Our experienced legal team helps victims after every kind of car accident, including but not limited to:

  • Hit-and-Run Accidents – You must stop your vehicle and remain at an accident scene until you’ve fulfilled all obligations, such as exchanging information and calling 911. Failing to do so could result in hit-and-run charges. If you were involved in a hit-and-run accident, we can help you identify all potential sources of compensation while you focus on your recovery.
  • Intersection Accidents – Intersections are risky places with a lot of activity, from vehicles moving in different directions to pedestrians in crosswalks. If you were injured in a Clearwater intersection crash, we can help you hold the at-fault driver accountable for their negligence. 
  • Rear-End Accidents – Rear-end collisions are some of the most common types of motor vehicle accidents. Sometimes, they’re minor fender benders. However, when high speeds are involved, they can cause severe harm. We can provide legal guidance if you were involved in a rear-end crash.
  • Head-On Collisions – Being struck head-on in your vehicle is one of the most traumatic events you can experience. It can also cause catastrophic injuries and damage. Our experienced personal injury lawyers can help you recover the compensation you need after a head-on crash in Clearwater.
  • Red and Yellow Light Accidents – Drivers who fail to yield at a traffic light can cause traumatic collisions. Whether they were racing to beat a yellow light or ran a red light, they should be held accountable for their reckless driving. Consult our attorneys for help proving liability after a red or yellow light accident.

We also help victims who have suffered injuries in the following types of accidents: 

Call our law firm to discuss the details of your car wreck. We can explain your legal options.

Florida’s No-Fault Insurance Laws

Florida’s No-Fault Insurance Laws

Florida is one of the few states that have “no-fault” insurance rules. It is a requirement to purchase Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance, which provides benefits to each covered person regardless of fault. However, these are limited and might not be enough to cover all of your losses.

By default, you cannot sue the at-fault driver for compensation in Florida like you can in an “at-fault” state. However, if you meet the “serious injury” threshold, you may be permitted to file a lawsuit even in the Sunshine State. What constitutes a serious injury is defined by Florida law

You can obtain substantial compensation with the help of a seasoned attorney.

Contact Our Clearwater Car Accident Attorneys For Assistance

Contact Our Auto Crash Attorney Today

If you were hurt in a car crash in Clearwater, FL, you deserve trusted legal representation. You’ll get the support you need if you consult a Clearwater car accident lawyer from Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers.

We’ve used our skills in and out of the courtroom to recover tens of millions for our clients. We have 119+ years of combined experience to put behind your claim for compensation. We know how to hold negligent drivers accountable and pursue full compensation for lost income, medical bills, and other damages.

Contact us to schedule a free evaluation of your potential legal claims.

Car Accident Client Review

Clearwater Client Review

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Local Auto Repair Shops

  • Cooper’s Automotive Repair inc – 1603 N Hercules Avenue, Clearwater, FL 33765
  • Fredy’s Auto Repair Shop – 600 N Martin Luther King Jr Avenue, Clearwater, FL 33755
  • Bob’s Auto Repair – 812 Park St, Clearwater, FL 33756

*Disclaimer – we do not endorse these companies or profit from having them listed on our website. These were some of the highest-rated auto repair shops on Yelp.

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