Clearwater Car Accident Lawyer

If you have been physically injured as a result of a car crash, the advice and representation of a Clearwater car accident lawyer can help you navigate your accident claim. Our lawyers will endeavor to maximize the amount you’re able to recover for the cost of your injuries and more. 

Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA, is a law firm that focuses solely on personal injury law and chooses to represent injured plaintiffs. We have seen first-hand the devastating consequences motor vehicle accidents in Clearwater can have on innocent victims and their families. Our car accident lawyers are available to discuss your legal options in a free consultation and case evaluation.

Our Clearwater office is located at 800 N Belcher Rd, just a 15-minute drive from Morton Plant Hospital and five minutes from BayCare Ballpark, where the Philadelphia Phillies play Spring Training baseball.

Instant Chat About Your Personal Injury Case

Why Should I Choose Dolman Law Group to Represent Me in a Clearwater Car Accident Claim?

Our Clearwater car accident lawyers have a reputation for taking cases to trial when necessary. A car accident attorney or law firm that does not regularly litigate serious injury claims and take cases to trial is similar to a dog who barks a lot but never bites. Every auto insurance company keeps detailed notes about all law firms they have dealt with, which can impact how seriously the insurance company takes your Clearwater car accident lawyer and, therefore, your car accident claim.

Oftentimes, the settlement offers provided by an insurance carrier are based on the risk they face if the car accident victim refuses to settle. They also try to evaluate whether the accident injury lawyer or law firm has the ability to try the case before a jury. Your Clearwater car accident lawyer must have the financial resources necessary to retain the best experts and the legal skills and ability to negotiate a fair settlement or see your case through to a final verdict.

Dolman Law Group’s lead trial lawyer, Stanley Gipe, is a Board Certified Civil Trial Lawyer as designated by the Florida Bar. This designation means that Stan is considered an expert in trying jury cases. Our founder, Matthew Dolman, is a lifetime member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum and the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum for settlement or verdicts in excess of $1 million and $2 million dollars, respectively. Mr. Dolman has also been named a Florida Superlawyer and Florida Legal Elite on multiple occasions.

Neighborhoods We Serve in Clearwater

Sand Key 33767, Clearwater Point 33767, Island Estates 33767, Old Clearwater Bay 33755, Misty Springs 33761, Sand Key Club 33767, Del Oro Groves 33759, Normandy Park Oaks 33756, Westchester Lake 33761, Viewpoint On The Bay 33756, Countryside Woods 33761, Pierce 100 33756, Oaks Of Northwood 33759, Sunshine Tower Apartment 33756, Countryside Northridge 33761, Charter Oaks 33763, Valencia Park 33763, Glenwood 33755, Sea Island 33767, Morningside/Meadows 33764

Clients Rely On Dolman’s Car Accident Lawyers To Take On Powerful Insurance Companies

Dolman Law Group is often called upon by fellow car accident attorneys to assist on the biggest cases with the highest potential for a large recovery. Over the past decade, we have handled numerous catastrophic injury claims and motor vehicle accident lawsuits. Our auto accident law firm has the financial resources to take on the biggest corporations.

In fact, we have litigated personal injury lawsuits against Walmart, Walt Disney World, Publix, Winn-Dixie, McDonald’s, Amazon, Uber, and insurance carriers such as State Farm, Allstate, Geico, Progressive, Nationwide, Mercury, Hartford, United Auto, Zurich, and practically every other car insurance carrier you can think of. Dolman Law Group has the necessary financial resources, experience, and tenaciousness to handle any size personal injury claim.

When you need legal assistance from an experienced personal injury attorney after suffering serious car accident injuries, trust your auto accident claim to the best auto accident lawyer in Clearwater at Dolman Law Group. We will protect your rights and help recover compensation on your behalf while you focus on your recovery.

What Should I Do After a Clearwater Car Crash?

The moments following a car crash are often confusing and stressful. Even relatively minor collisions can leave drivers shaken and unsure of what steps to take next.

Taking certain actions after an accident may help protect both your health and your ability to pursue a claim later.

If you are able to do so safely, consider the following steps after a Clearwater car crash:

Seek Medical Attention Immediately

Your health should always be the first priority. Even if injuries seem minor, it is important to be evaluated by a medical professional. Some injuries like concussions, internal injuries and soft tissue damage may not be obvious right away.

There are multiple hospitals in the Clearwater area where you can seek treatment after a car crash injury, including:

• HCA Florida Clearwater Emergency
• Morton Plant Hospital- Cantonis Emergency Center
• Mease Countryside Hospital- Jacobsen Emergency Center
• Mease Dunedin Hospital- Harris Emergency Room
• Bay Area Emergency Physicians

Call Law Enforcement

In Florida, many car accidents require a police report. Officers who respond to the scene will document important details such as vehicle positions, road conditions, and witness statements. This report can later serve as important evidence.

Exchange Information

Drivers involved in the crash should exchange:

• Names and contact information
• Driver’s license numbers
• Vehicle registration information
• Insurance details

Document the Scene if Possible

Photographs can help preserve important evidence. If it is safe to do so, try to capture images of:

• Vehicle damage
• Roadway conditions
• Traffic signals or signage
• Visible injuries
• The surrounding accident scene

Notify Your Insurance Company

Florida operates under a no-fault insurance system, which means your own Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage may initially cover some medical expenses and lost wages.

Avoid Giving Recorded Statements Without Legal Guidance

Insurance adjusters may request recorded statements soon after an accident. While cooperation with insurers is necessary, it may be helpful to understand your rights before providing detailed statements.

Consider Speaking With a Clearwater Car Accident Attorney

Legal guidance can help you better understand your options, especially if injuries are serious or fault for the crash is disputed.

Common Types of Clearwater Car Crashes

Car accidents occur in many different ways. Understanding the type of collision involved can sometimes help determine how the crash occurred and who may be responsible.

Some of the most common types of car crashes in Clearwater include:

Rear-End Collisions

These crashes often occur in heavy traffic or at stoplights along busy corridors like Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard. They typically happen when a driver follows too closely or is distracted.

T-Bone or Side-Impact Crashes

Side-impact accidents frequently occur at intersections when one driver fails to yield or runs a red light.

Head-On Collisions

Although less common, head-on crashes can cause severe injuries. They may occur when a driver crosses into oncoming traffic.

Multi-Vehicle Accidents

Chain-reaction crashes sometimes occur on major roadways such as U.S. 19 or during periods of heavy tourist traffic.

Sideswipe Accidents

These collisions often happen during lane changes or merging situations.

Parking Lot Accidents

Crashes in shopping centers, beach parking areas, or residential complexes can still lead to injuries and liability disputes.

Each accident type involves unique factors. Determining the cause of the crash may require reviewing evidence such as traffic camera footage, witness statements, and accident reconstruction analysis.

How Do Attorneys Prove Negligence in a Clearwater Car Accident Case

Most car accident claims are based on the legal concept of negligence. In simple terms, negligence occurs when someone fails to use reasonable care and that failure causes harm to another person.

To pursue compensation in a Clearwater car accident case, attorneys typically need to demonstrate four key elements.

Duty of Care

Every driver has a legal obligation to operate their vehicle safely and follow traffic laws.

Breach of Duty

A breach occurs when a driver fails to meet that responsibility. Examples may include:

• Distracted driving
• Speeding
• Running a red light
• Driving under the influence
• Failing to yield the right of way

Causation

It must be shown that the driver’s actions directly caused the crash and the resulting injuries.

Damages

Finally, the injured person must have experienced measurable losses such as medical expenses, lost income, or pain and suffering.

Attorneys often rely on multiple types of evidence to establish negligence, including:

• Police accident reports
• Witness testimony
• Traffic camera footage
• Vehicle damage analysis
• Medical records
• Accident reconstruction experts

The goal is to clearly show how the crash occurred and why another party may be legally responsible.

Common Causes of Clearwater Car Accidents

Although circumstances like inclement weather conditions may play a role in a car crash, the most common cause is driver error. Drivers have an obligation to one another to follow traffic laws, be sober, alert, and exercise caution when operating their vehicles. Unfortunately, drivers may become distracted by a text or conversation, use poor judgment, grow impatient and violate traffic laws, or otherwise jeopardize the safety of those around them.

When a driver behaves negligently, they can be found liable for this breach of their duty of care, making them responsible for the other driver’s damages. Other parties, such as car parts manufacturers or local governments, can also be held responsible for failing to honor their duty of care to drivers. The following are the most common factors that contribute to car accidents occurring.

• Drunk driving
• Drowsy driving
• Aggressive driving and road rage
• Distracted Driving
• Ignoring traffic laws
• Faulty or defective car parts
• Poorly maintained roads

What Injuries Are Most Common in Clearwater Car Accidents?

A wide range of injuries is possible depending on the type and severity of the car accident itself. If you were in a T-bone collision, a head-on crash, or a rear-end collision, your injuries could be very different. Moreover, the nature of your unique car accident injury might not correspond to the apparent seriousness of the accident itself.

Common Clearwater Auto Accident Injuries:

• Cuts and bruises
• Broken bones 
• Whiplash injury 
• Soft tissue injuries
• Neck and back injuries
• Spinal cord injury
• Herniated discs
• Internal bleeding
• Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
• Dental and facial injuries

Some injuries do not present symptoms immediately after they occur. That’s why you must seek medical attention immediately following an accident, especially if there’s a chance you experienced traumatic brain injuries. 

An experienced car accident lawyer can help you plan for outcomes you may not have immediately foreseen. Going to a healthcare provider as soon as possible also preemptively protects you from accusations by an insurance company that you have exaggerated your injuries, or they are unrelated to your car accident.

Reported Car Crashes Involving Injuries in Clearwater, FL

Source: www.flhsmv.gov/

Florida Car Accident Statistics Reveal the Most Dangerous Roads in Clearwater

Several of Pinellas County’s most dangerous roads and intersections are located in or around Clearwater, Florida. These locations have high rates of traffic accidents based on annual totals of fatalities and injuries.

• US-19 and Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard
• Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard and South Belcher Road
• 66th Street and Ulmerton Road

Even if you take every reasonable precaution to avoid an accident in one of these problematic areas, you can still be injured if another driver behaves negligently. According to the FLHSMV, Pinellas County had 14,313 accidents in 2020. This resulted in 108 fatalities and 8,412 injuries.

Understanding Florida’s No-Fault Insurance

In the United States, insurance laws vary from state to state. Florida is one of several states operating under a no-fault car insurance system. Under this system, drivers carry insurance to cover the cost of their own injuries and do not necessarily need to pursue compensation from another party to obtain benefits. This no-fault insurance is called personal injury protection (PIP).

In Florida, drivers are required to have Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance to cover medical expenses and lost wages that may arise from a car accident. However, it is important to note that if the injured driver does not receive medical attention within 14 days of the crash, the PIP insurance may not apply. The purpose of PIP is to allow for expeditious medical treatment without having to wait for a resolution of your insurance claim.

It may be possible to receive more than the maximum payout from PIP insurance after an accident, so it is essential to get medical help and to speak to a motor vehicle lawyer right away. Our team of attorneys works hard to make the insurance claim process easy, and they have plenty of experience recovering the right amount of compensation for Clearwater injury victims.

What Damages Can I Recover in a Clearwater Car Accident Case?

Medical bills play a large part in any personal injury claim, although they are far from the only expense most injured parties incur. A Clearwater personal injury attorney will explain your injuries and present a clear picture to the insurance carrier of how your car wreck has impacted your quality of life and finances.

Examples of Damages in a Car Accident Lawsuit:

• Medical bills: When you are in a car accident, your top priority should be your health, but the financial costs of medical treatment can be overwhelming. It is important to get a full medical evaluation right away, even if it is expensive, as some injuries may not be immediately apparent, such as internal bleeding or chronic pain. Knowing the full extent of your injuries will help you take steps to ensure that you get the care you need.
• Car repairs: If you were in a car accident severe enough to cause physical injury, your vehicle was also almost certainly damaged. You’ll need someone to restore it to safe, working order once you’re back on your feet and able to drive again.
• Lost wages: You may not return to work immediately or return to your full workload after an accident. In cases where a disability is long-term, it may be difficult or impossible to pursue any form of employment. In these instances, a person may be eligible to receive financial compensation for their lost income, but the legal aspects of disability and insurance can be difficult to understand. This lost wages component is an important factor when seeking reimbursement for personal injury through compensatory damages.
• Other job-related losses: Missing a few days of work may not be a dealbreaker for most people’s careers. However, serious injuries may leave you out of work for weeks or months, during which time you may miss out on key promotions or raises. In some cases, injuries may prevent you from ever returning to your occupation, career, or any job at all. Costs for job retraining and disability can also be factored into a claim for damages.
• Wrongful death: Losing a family member unexpectedly in an accident often comes with emotional losses. Many can be reimbursed in a wrongful death lawsuit. For example, a loss of companionship or loss of parental guidance may be compensated. Losing a loved one can impact your mental and emotional health and have substantial financial repercussions, such as funeral and burial expenses.

Why Should I Hire a Clearwater Auto Accident Attorney?

You may be unsure of whether you need to hire an attorney for an auto accident case. When involved in a car accident, it is important to remember that insurance companies have a team of lawyers and adjusters who work to reduce payouts and maximize profits. If unsure of what to do, it is wise to contact a car accident lawyer who can provide a free initial consultation.

Experienced motor vehicle attorneys are, first and foremost, your personal representation. Their only goal is to maximize the compensation for damages you are legally entitled to. A Clearwater car accident attorney is an invaluable asset when it comes to compiling a convincing case and negotiating damages. They will handle a variety of tasks as your representative.

What an Experienced Car Accident Lawyer Can Do For You 

1. Interview all available witnesses. Time is always a factor with witnesses. Memories fade and people move around or out of state, making wrangling them and getting their statements a top priority.
2. Obtain the police report and photographs of the accident scene to help determine liability if it is at issue. The increased prevalence of private security cameras at nearby businesses may also provide relevant footage of the crash.
3. Obtain photographs depicting the property damage involved to all vehicles. Photographic evidence helps preserve the exact state of a car’s damage immediately afterward and helps confirm the nature of the crash itself.
4. Perform a background check on the defendant, including their criminal history. Incidents in the other driver’s legal past, including potential suspensions or revocations of their license, may have bearing on your case.
5. Obtain all medical records before and after the accident. Some drivers may have underlying medical conditions that impair their ability to be behind the wheel, which could serve as evidence that they failed to comply with what is legally known as a “duty of care” when operating a motor vehicle.
6. Retain competent experts to assist us in presenting our case if the claim proceeds to litigation. An experienced car accident lawyer will have access to a bevy of outside experts who can help explain the complicated causes and complications of an auto accident.
7. Procure and review cell phone records if we have reason to suspect the at-fault party was using their phone at the time of the car wreck. Distracted driving is an increasingly common cause of auto accidents. A history of the driver’s phone activity just before the accident can be used to prove negligence and is accessible to those with the technical know-how.

Contact an Experienced Car Accident Lawyer Before Speaking With the Insurance Company

Florida is a no-fault insurance state. As such, those who have been in an accident will usually turn to their own insurance company for financial help. However, insurance companies are not focused on giving out the most money possible, and their personnel is trained in ways of reducing the amount of compensation. 

Our lawyers are the first line of defense against the tactics that these companies use to devalue your claim. Therefore, it is best to not communicate with insurance adjusters alone, even if the conversation appears to be casual. Anything one says can be used in a court of law, and the safest bet is to have a lawyer handle any talks with the insurance company.

Choosing the Right Clearwater Car Accident Lawyer

Our Clearwater car accident attorneys specialize in personal injury, believing that by focusing on this one area, we can provide our clients with the best possible representation. We have a well-earned reputation for success and understand that each case is unique. We are committed to staying up to date on the latest developments in the field and to providing excellent, personalized service to our clients.

Do NOT select your auto accident lawyer based solely on a television commercial, radio spot, or billboard. Many of the biggest advertisers are considered settlement mills by auto insurance carriers. Furthermore, high-volume law firms have difficulty providing personal attention to their clients. In fact, a common complaint we receive from clients who retained Dolman Law Group after firing a large advertising law firm is they never met with nor spoke to an auto accident lawyer at that firm.

Dolman Law Group Works Closely With Our Clients

It is not uncommon for our Clearwater auto accident legal practice to be handed cases from other law firms that have been unable to uncover all insurance policies or sources of coverage. Even more distressing is the fact that these firms have not made attempts to speak to witnesses, research the accident, or consult with health care providers to gain a full understanding of our client’s injuries and treatment plan.

A client should be able to get a hold of their attorney promptly. All of our lawyers list their cell phone numbers and email addresses on their business cards. It’s rare for other attorneys to provide their clients with their personal cell phone numbers, but this is common at Dolman Law Group. We do this so that our clients have the accessibility to communicate directly with their personal injury attorneys.

When we are asked to step in after a client fires their former personal injury attorney, the #1 reason given to us for the dismissal is lack of communication. A licensed attorney, rather than a paralegal, should handle your case. 

While we employ a full staff of paralegals, legal assistants, clerks, and investigators, your Clearwater car accident attorney will control the decisions and strategies related to handling a claim or case. The staff only assists the accident injury attorney. It is that simple, and that is what you pay for.

Dolman Law Group Is Not a Settlement Mill

Many personal injury law firms are little more than settlement mills. “Settlement mill” is an unofficial term for a type of law firm that typically settles cases for only a fraction of their true value and relies more on volume than the quality of representation. They want to handle as many cases as possible, with as little effort as possible, to maximize their own profits. As the accident victim, this means you may be entitled to more compensation than you realize and more than the insurance adjuster is going to propose. 

Generally speaking, very few clients know when their car wreck attorney is leaving money on the table in negotiations. To be sure you are being treated fairly, hire a law firm that gives time and attention to your individual case. At Dolman Law Group, we have a full-time investigator on staff with significant experience investigating the cause of a motor vehicle collision. Further, we communicate with and retain highly regarded medical experts and automobile accident reconstruction experts to enable us to prepare each case properly.

Our goal is to maximize the compensation you may recover for injuries sustained as a result of your auto accident. Thus, as Clearwater motor vehicle accident attorneys, we are both thorough and diligent in each case we work on.

Dolman Law Group Recovers Maximum Damages for Our Injured Clients

Dolman Law Group represents victims of car, motorcycle, and truck accidents. We also accept medical malpractice matters with a focus on birth injury cases, victims of premises liability and negligent security, and human trafficking cases. We are known for Florida residential claims related to cast-iron pipes and complex product liability lawsuits against the manufacturers of Zantac and AFFF firefighting foam. Our broad knowledge base has enabled us to be highly effective negotiators who obtain impressive results. 

Responsible car accident lawyers cannot guarantee a specific payout for your particular case. However, an experienced Clearwater car crash lawyer can help to advocate and work to get you the compensation to which the law entitles you. Dolman Law Group has a history of positive case results.

Again, no two cases are exactly alike—even one truck accident resulting in a shoulder injury may be different from the next—but in the past, we have helped clients receive significant damages, including:

• $3.2 million for a semi-truck accident resulting in a brain injury
• $1.58 million for an auto accident resulting in a spinal injury
• $1 million for a father killed in a rideshare vehicle

These are just a few examples of the results we have obtained. As of March 2022, we have resolved thirteen cases for $1,000,000.00 or more. Personal injury is one of the most common areas to practice—but one of the more difficult areas to perform at a high level of competence. 

Not only do we consistently secure impressive settlements, but we also work tirelessly to maintain client satisfaction through the process of filing a personal injury case. For more information, take a look at our client testimonials.

Can I Recover Compensation if I Was Partially at Fault for the Crash?

Many people hesitate to pursue a claim because they believe they may share some responsibility for the accident. However, Florida law allows injured individuals to recover compensation even if they were partially at fault.

Florida follows a modified comparative negligence rule. Under this system:

• You may recover compensation if you are 50 percent or less responsible for the accident.
• Your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault.

For example if your damages total $100,000 and you are found 20 percent responsible, your recovery may be reduced to $80,000.

However, if a person is found more than 50 percent responsible, they may not recover damages under Florida law.

Determining fault is not always straightforward. Insurance companies often conduct their own investigations and may attempt to assign greater blame to reduce their financial exposure. For this reason, many accident victims choose to seek legal guidance when fault is disputed.

What Are the Steps in a Car Accident Case in Clearwater?

Every case is unique, but most car accident claims follow a similar general process.

Understanding the steps involved can help you know what to expect if you decide to pursue compensation.

1. Initial Consultation

Your case often begins with a consultation where you can discuss what happened, your injuries, and any documentation you have gathered.

2. Case Investigation

An attorney may begin investigating the crash by reviewing evidence such as:

• Police reports
• Medical records
• Photographs of the accident scene
• Witness statements
• Insurance information

Additional experts may also be consulted if necessary.

3. Determining Damages

Your legal team may assess the full scope of your losses, which could include both financial and non-financial damages.

Examples of damages often pursued in car accident cases include:

Economic Damages

• Medical bills
• Future medical care
• Lost wages
• Reduced earning capacity
• Rehabilitation expenses

Non-Economic Damages

• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Long-term physical limitations

4. Insurance Negotiations

Many car accident claims are resolved through negotiations with insurance companies. During this stage, your attorney may present evidence supporting your claim and attempt to reach a fair settlement.

5. Filing a Lawsuit if Necessary

If negotiations do not resolve the matter, a lawsuit may be filed in the appropriate Florida court. Clearwater cases may be filed in Pinellas County courts, depending on the circumstances.

6. Discovery and Litigation

During the litigation process, both sides exchange evidence and take depositions. The majority of cases still resolve through settlement discussions.

7. Trial (If Required)

Some cases proceed to trial, where a judge or jury determines liability and damages.

How Long Does It Take to Resolve a Car Accident Case?

The timeline for resolving a car accident claim varies widely depending on the circumstances.

Some cases resolve within a few months, while others may take significantly longer. Several factors can influence the duration of a case.

These may include:

Severity of Injuries

Cases involving serious injuries often take longer because doctors must determine the full extent of long-term medical needs.

Disputed Liability

If drivers disagree about who caused the crash, additional investigation may be necessary.

Insurance Negotiations

Settlement discussions with insurers can sometimes take time, particularly if large medical expenses are involved.

Court Schedules

If a lawsuit is filed, court availability and procedural requirements can affect the timeline.

In many situations, resolving a case too quickly may not be in the injured person’s best interest. It can take time to fully understand the long-term effects of an injury and calculate appropriate compensation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Clearwater Auto Accidents

At Dolman Law Group, we receive calls from people with concerns about what to do after a car accident. This is smart—if you have a legal question, never hesitate to call someone knowledgeable. These are some of our most frequently asked questions:

Contact Dolman Law Group For Help With Your Clearwater Car Accident Lawsuit

Our experienced Clearwater car accident lawyers have 115+ combined years of experience representing victims. Additionally, our litigation team has served as lead counsel on over 2500 personal injury lawsuits. With our team of relentless negotiators on your side, you can rest assured that your needs will be our priority.

Our goal is to maximize the damages in your case to ensure you recover proper compensation for your physical injuries, loss of income, inability to perform specific duties while injured, out-of-pocket expenses, and potentially permanent issues. If necessary, we will take your auto accident lawsuit to trial to accomplish this.

If you were in a Clearwater car accident, contact Clearwater personal injury attorneys at Dolman Law Group. With offices across both Florida coasts, you can easily reach the car accident lawyers of Dolman Law Group at 833-552-7274 (833-55-CRASH), or you can write to us using our online contact page for your free consultation. Our knowledgeable personal injury attorneys can use their years of experience to help you get the compensation you’re entitled to under the law.

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