Clearwater Car Accident Lawyer

Clearwater Beach’s white sand and blue waters are appreciated by locals and visitors alike. The city of Clearwater, Florida also boasts hundreds of excellent businesses as well as outstanding neighborhoods. Our economic hub makes the causeway and both sides of Highway 19 buzzing with activity. Unfortunately, this buzz can quickly turn into a noisy din when traffic accidents happen in Clearwater. Accident victims can be seriously hurt, resulting in broken bones, nerve damage, brain injuries, and other car accident injuries that require serious hospitalization. Massive hospital bills usually follow, even for those who thought they had “good” insurance. If you have been hurt in a car wreck in Clearwater, you are likely worried about your medical bills and other accident-related expenses. You can file a personal injury claim with the help of a car accident lawyer in Clearwater to seek all of your damages from every at-fault party.

Steinger, Greene & Feiner, personal injury law firm, has a reputation for winning large settlements for our clients throughout Florida. We work closely with you to record every penny of your damages and identify all at-fault parties who could be responsible for the costs.

Find out how much your potential accident claim could be worth during a free consultation and no-obligation case review with one of our Clearwater car accident lawyers.

Call (800) 316-8514 or contact us online to schedule your free case evaluation now.

Pinellas County Accident Statistics

The sad fact is that 121 people lost their lives in fatal wrecks in 2018 across the county. None of these people expected to be involved in an accident when they left their homes, and their families were changed forever.

According to FLHSMV, there were a total of 13,764 crashes in the county in 2023, with 12,633 of these being car accidents. Of these, 5,842 resulted in injuries. Additionally, there were 503 motorcycle crashes, 622 bicycle crashes, and 502 pedestrian crashes.
Of the total number of wrecks in the county, 3 618 were hit-and-run. In other words, at least one person involved in the accident took off. The person or people didn’t stay on the scene and wait to talk to law enforcement. They chose to drive away and not immediately take care of their responsibilities.

Causes of Car Accidents in Clearwater

In Clearwater, the causes of car accidents can vary, but some common factors include:

• Distracted Driving: Drivers who are texting, talking on the phone, or engaging in other distractions behind the wheel can cause serious accidents.
• Speeding: Many Clearwater roads have high traffic volume, and speeding can lead to accidents, especially on busy routes like Gulf to Bay Boulevard or Highway 19.
• Driving Under the Influence (DUI): Alcohol and drug impairment continue to be leading causes of accidents in Clearwater, especially during weekends and holidays. In 2023, there were 269 alcohol-impaired driving crashes and 22 drug-impaired crashes, according to FLHSMV.
• Weather Conditions: Clearwater is known for its sunny weather, but heavy rain and occasional storms can make roads slick and increase the likelihood of accidents, particularly on bridges and coastal routes.
• Running Red Lights or Stop Signs: Running traffic signals is a common cause of T-bone accidents, particularly at high-traffic intersections in Clearwater.
• Fatigue: Drivers who are tired or fall asleep behind the wheel pose a serious risk, especially on long stretches of roads like the Courtney Campbell Causeway.

The causes of car accidents in Clearwater are often directly linked to the types of accidents that occur and can impact the liability and compensation process.

Common Car Accident Types in Clearwater

Accidents can happen at any time, and Clearwater, like many other cities, sees its fair share of car accidents. Whether you’re navigating the busy streets of downtown Clearwater or driving along the scenic coastal routes, the risk of accidents is real. In Clearwater, some common types of accidents include:

• Rollover Accidents: These can occur when a vehicle flips over, often due to high speeds, sharp turns, or a sudden swerve to avoid another vehicle. They tend to happen more often with taller vehicles like SUVs or trucks.
• Head-on Collisions: These accidents are particularly dangerous and happen when two vehicles crash into each other from opposite directions. They can occur when a driver veers into oncoming traffic due to distractions or impaired driving.
• Rear-end Collisions: Often caused by tailgating, distracted driving, or sudden stops, rear-end collisions are common on busy Clearwater roads, especially during rush hours or in heavy traffic.
• T-bone Accidents: These accidents occur when one vehicle strikes another from the side, forming a “T” shape. They are often the result of one driver running a red light or failing to yield at an intersection.
• Hit-and-Run Accidents: Sadly, hit-and-run accidents are on the rise in Clearwater, as some drivers flee the scene to avoid responsibility. If you’re the victim of a hit-and-run, it can be especially challenging to recover compensation, but it’s not impossible.

If you have been involved in any type of car accident, you have rights that must be protected. Reach out to the law firm office to schedule a free case evaluation.

Types of Damages Available After an Accident in Clearwater

If you’ve been involved in a car accident in Clearwater, the first line of defense for covering your medical expenses and lost wages is likely your personal injury protection (PIP) insurance. Since Florida operates under a no-fault system, PIP insurance pays for some of the costs of your injuries, no matter who was at fault in the accident. This is why it’s often called “no-fault” insurance.

PIP claims cover:

• 80% of reasonable and necessary medical expenses up to $10,000
• 60% of lost wages, up to $10,000
• Funeral and burial expenses up to $5,000

However, you may quickly find that PIP only covers a small portion of your overall expenses. For example, you’ll be responsible for the remaining 20% of your medical bills, which you may need to pay out of pocket or through your medical insurance if you have it. You’ll also bear the cost of 40% of your lost wages.

But there’s another option that could help you recover additional costs after your accident: bodily injury liability (BIL) insurance. If the accident was caused by someone else’s fault, BIL coverage, which comes from the at-fault driver, can pay for the remaining balance on:

• Hospital bills
• Out-of-pocket medical treatment expenses
• Lost wages

Additionally, a BIL claim can compensate for your pain and suffering, which is something PIP insurance doesn’t cover. Commercial drivers are required by Florida law (F.S. §324.021) to carry BIL insurance.

Unfortunately, not all drivers carry enough BIL insurance to fully cover your damages. If the at-fault driver lacks sufficient insurance, this is where uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage becomes crucial. UM/UIM is optional, but it can make a huge difference if the responsible driver doesn’t have enough insurance to cover your costs. If you find yourself in this situation, UM/UIM coverage steps in to help pay for your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages, ensuring that you’re not left financially vulnerable.

How to File a Third-Party Liability Insurance (BIL) Claim in Clearwater

If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Clearwater, filing a third-party liability (BIL) claim can help you recover the costs of medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

It’s crucial to file your BIL claim within the legal time frame, known as the statute of limitations. In Florida, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim has been reduced to two years as of March 2023. This means you have only two years from the date of the accident to file your claim. If you miss this deadline, you may lose your right to pursue compensation.

There are specific steps you need to take to ensure that your claim is successful. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to file a BIL claim:

1. Step 1: Determine If You Have a “Serious Injury”
   To file a BIL claim in Florida, you must first meet the legal requirement of a “serious injury.” Florida law defines serious injuries as those that cause:
   – Broken bones
   – Amputations
   – Severe scarring or disfigurement, particularly to the face
   – Substantial loss of bodily function
   – Disability lasting for at least 90 daysIf your injury meets one of these criteria, you may be eligible to file a BIL claim.
   If you’re unsure, it’s important to consult with a Clearwater car accident lawyer who can help you assess your personal injury case.
2. Step 2: Prove That the Other Driver Was at Fault
   Once you have established that your injury is serious, the next step is to prove that the other driver was at fault. This is essential for a BIL claim, as it is only applicable when the other driver’s negligence caused the accident.
   To support your car accident case, gather as much evidence as possible, including:
   – Photos of the accident scene
   – Police reports that document the accident
   – Witness statements that support your version of events
   – Medical records that demonstrate the extent of your injuries
   – Traffic camera footage or dashcam videos (if available)
   Clearwater personal injury lawyer can assist you in collecting this evidence and determining whether additional expert testimony or accident reconstruction is necessary.
3. Step 3: File the BIL Claim
   After proving that your injury is serious and that the other driver was at fault, you can move forward with filing your BIL claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company. This process involves submitting all your evidence and documentation, including medical bills, proof of lost wages, and any other relevant expenses.
   Your lawyer will handle the negotiations with the insurance company on your behalf to ensure that you are offered a fair settlement. In some cases, the insurance company may dispute liability or offer a low settlement, so having legal representation is crucial to protect your interests.
4. Step 4: Negotiate or Pursue Legal Action
   Once your claim is filed, your lawyer will work to negotiate a settlement with the at-fault driver’s insurance company. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, your car crash lawyer may advise you to file a lawsuit and take the case to court. This could involve additional steps, including discovery, depositions, and trial proceedings.

Filing a BIL claim can be complicated, but you don’t have to navigate the process alone. At Steinger, Greene & Feiner, our experienced Clearwater car accident attorneys have the experience and expertise to guide you through every step of filing a third-party liability claim. Don’t wait—contact us as soon as possible to ensure your claim is filed within the two-year statute of limitations and to protect your right to compensation.

Schedule Your Free Case Review with a Car Accident Lawyer in Clearwater Today

You are likely feeling shaken and scared after your accident, and you may be confused about your options. Before you talk to insurance companies, you can talk to an experienced car accident attorney in Clearwater.

Call (800) 316-8514 to schedule your free appointment at Steinger, Greene & Feiner, or contact us online. We are waiting to answer your questions and to help you get started on filing a claim as soon as you can.

FAQ on Car Accident in Clearwater