Clearwater Beach’s white sands 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 an 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 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, no-obligation case review with one of our Clearwater car accident attorneys.
Call (800) 316-8514 or contact us online to schedule your free, no-obligation case evaluation now.
Types of Damages Available After an Accident in Clearwater
Most car accidents in Florida are handled with a claim through your personal injury protection (PIP) insurance provider. This insurance is required in Florida for all registered vehicles. It pays for some of the costs of your own injuries no matter who was at fault, which is why it’s sometimes called “no-fault” insurance.
PIP claims pay for:
- 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
As you can see, a PIP policy only covers a small portion of your accident losses. You will need to cover the remaining 20% of your hospital bills with your personal medical insurance if you have any available. You are forced to eat the cost of the remaining 40% of your lost wages.
Fortunately, there is another option for paying your injury costs after a car accident in Clearwater: bodily injury liability (BIL) insurance. BIL coverage comes from at-fault drivers who caused your accident. BIL insurance is optional for most people, but they may purchase it to protect themselves from getting sued. Commercial drivers are required by Florida law (F.S. §324.021) to carry BIL insurance.
BIL claims pay for the remaining balance on:
- Hospital bills
- Out-of-pocket medical treatment expenses
- Lost wages
A BIL claim will also pay for your pain and suffering, a type of damages not available under PIP insurance.
How to File a Third-Party Liability Insurance (BIL) Claim in Clearwater
To be eligible for a BIL claim, you must have a qualifying “serious injury” and be able to prove that your accident was the fault of another drivers. Types of serious injuries include broken bones, amputations, severe scarring of the face, substantial limited use of a bodily system, or any injury that makes you generally disabled for at least 90 days.
Steinger, Greene & Feiner understands the types of injuries that cause insurers and Florida courts to agree that the victim meets the “serious injury” threshold. We also know how to gather evidence that can convince juries of fault. We use these skills to seek winning results for our injured clients.
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 the FLHSMV, there were a total of 17,874 crashes in Pinellas County in 2018. More than 7,000 of these crashes resulted in at least one injury. There were 503 motorcycle crashes, 622 bicycle crashes, and 502 pedestrian crashes.
Of the total number of wrecks in the county, 4,985 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.
The Most Dangerous Roads In and Around Clearwater
Any roadway can pose a risk. There are some, though, that seem to have more than their fair share of accidents. When it comes to the area in and around Clearwater says the NHTSA, these are the roads and highways you want to be most cautious of:
- Interstate 4
- Brandon Blvd
- Gibsonton Dr
- Hillsborough Ave
- Fletcher Ave
- Dale Mabry Highway
There are ways that you can keep yourself safe on the road no matter where you are. Keep your eyes on the road, follow traffic laws, avoid aggressive drivers and avoid distractions. Some accidents are unavoidable. The truth of the matter is that many accidents occur because someone was negligent in their duty to drive safely. Don’t be that person.
Accidents You May See in Clearwater
We’ve all seen an accident on the highway or local street. We breathe a sigh of relief that it wasn’t us and send our thoughts out to the people involved. There are some accidents that you have been more likely to see than others. Accidents in Clearwater that you come across are likely to be one of these:
- Rollover
- Head-on Collision
- Rear-end Collision
- T-bone
- Hit-and-Run
If you have been involved in any type of car accident, you have rights that must be protected. Reach out to our office to schedule a free case evaluation. If you prefer, visit our site’s Spanish version to gather more information. We are here for you and will work tirelessly to help you get what you deserve.
Sightseeing in Clearwater
Clearwater is one of the most beautiful areas in Florida. With so much to see and do, it’s a city that attracts thousands of tourists each year. It should come as no surprise that the majority of top attractions in the city involve water. If you find yourself in Clearwater, be sure to visit the following:
- Clearwater Marine Aquarium
- Clearwater Ferry
- Clearwater Beach
- Pier 60
- Sand Key Park
Any of these parks and landmarks are easy to get to if you keep your wits about you. No one can be accused of saying that driving through South Florida is easy!
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.