St. Petersburg Personal Injury Lawyer

If someone hurt you or a loved one in St. Petersburg because of their negligence or intentional misconduct, you have rights and legal options for obtaining compensation. You probably have a lot of questions about holding the at-fault party accountable and getting the money you need. A St. Petersburg personal injury lawyer at Dolman Law Group can address your questions and concerns and fight hard to protect your rights and increase your chances of getting maximum compensation.

Our Florida personal injury lawyers at Dolman Law Group have the skills and knowledge to handle your claim effectively and help you recover the financial compensation you deserve. We are here for you throughout the entire claims process, and we promise to keep you informed and involved each step of the way.

Trust the top-rated St. Petersburg personal injury attorneys at Dolman Law Group to help you get justice and fair compensation for your injuries and losses. Contact us today for a free consultation and learn how we can make a significant difference in your St. Petersburg personal injury case.

Instant Chat About Your Personal Injury Case

Why You Should Work With a St. Petersburg Accident Lawyer at Dolman Law Group

If you suffered injuries in a vehicle accident, a serious fall, or a work incident–or if a dangerous product harmed you–the first thing you should worry about is receiving proper medical care. However, accident victims also face other distressing concerns, including paying for medical treatments, falling behind on bills, and figuring out how to care for their families while they cannot work.

When you discuss your accident with an experienced personal injury attorney in our St. Petersburg offices, they can explain the legal process and what compensation you may be eligible to receive from the careless parties that caused your losses. Our dedicated injury attorneys have more than 120 years of combined experience handling the most challenging personal injury cases. Our mission is to fight for each client’s rights and pursue the justice they deserve.

Our past settlements and verdicts have ranged anywhere from $80,000 to more than $5 million. For example, some of our most notable personal injury cases have resulted in the following awards:

• $5 million for a car accident victim.
• $5.7 million for a nursing home bed sore, leading to infection and death.
• $3.85 million for a trucking crash that resulted in a traumatic brain injury.
• $3.2 million for a truck accident that led to a brain injury and incomplete spinal cord injury
• $1.75 million for a victim who sustained a shoulder injury in an accident on I-275.

To discuss your personal injury accident with our team, contact us today for a free case consultation. We can meet at our St. Petersburg location or anywhere else that is convenient for you.

Types of Claims Our St. Petersburg Injury Attorneys Handle

The attorneys at Dolman Law Group handle all types of personal injury claims in St. Petersburg, including:

• St. Petersburg Car Accidents
• St. Petersburg Drunk Driving Accidents
• St. Petersburg Truck Accidents
• St. Petersburg Uber Accidents
• St. Petersburg Motorcycle Accidents
• St. Petersburg Slip & Fall Accidents
• St. Petersburg Workers’ Compensation
• St. Petersburg Medical Malpractice
• St. Petersburg Nursing Home Abuse
• St. Petersburg Bicycle Accidents
• St. Petersburg Pedestrian Accidents
• St. Petersburg Wrongful Death
• St. Petersburg Construction Accidents
• St. Petersburg Dog Bites
• St. Petersburg Product Liability
• St. Petersburg Bus Accidents

We also handle many other types of personal injury claims not listed here, so contact us for a free consultation to determine whether you have a viable claim.

Important St. Petersburg Accident Statistics

St. Petersburg is located in Pinellas County, Florida, and it’s one of the largest cities in the greater Tampa Metro area. The city has a population of more than 258,000 and offers numerous attractions, such as the Salvador Dali Museum and the St. Pete Pier. It also has miles of stunning beaches, cruise offerings, the Alligator and Wildlife Discovery Center, and dozens of top-notch eateries, shops, and entertainment venues.

Being a large city with so much to offer, St. Petersburg also sees its share of traffic accidents. Interstate 275 and 34th St. North border the city on the west, and Highway 92 and U.S. Highway 19 Alternate are major thoroughfares in town. According to Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) reports, Pinellas County and the St. Petersburg area reported the following accidents in one recent year:

• 14,819 total traffic accidents, resulting in 9,190 injuries and 113 fatalities
• 420 total motorcycle accidents, resulting in 367 injuries and 22 motorcycle accident fatalities
• 652 total bicycle accidents, resulting in 625 injuries and 12 fatalities
• 487 pedestrian accidents, resulting in 414 injuries and 43 fatalities

Additionally, the area reported 4,108 hit-and-run accidents, with 794 injuries and 11 fatalities. Alcohol impairment was a factor in 362 crashes that injured 211 and killed 15.

Keep in mind these numbers show only traffic accident statistics. Many more people suffer injuries from other incidents and accidents, including falls, medical malpractice, workplace accidents, and more. You must seek the guidance of a qualified legal professional to recover damages from any entity or party that hurt you or a close family member in St. Petersburg.

Who Could Be Held Liable for My Injury?

Every accident is different, so there are several different parties that could potentially be held liable for damages, such as:

• Negligent or reckless drivers – Speeding, distracted, intoxicated, or otherwise careless driving can result in catastrophic or fatal accidents.
• Property owners – Businesses, landlords, or homeowners may be liable if unsafe conditions on their property caused a fall or other injury.
• Employers – Businesses may be held responsible for accidents caused by employees performing job-related duties.
• Product manufacturers – Sometimes products are designed or manufactured in a way that makes them unsafe, even when they are used as intended.
• Contractors or construction companies – Unsafe job sites can result in injuries to workers or bystanders.

In some cases, multiple parties may share responsibility for an accident. For example, a crash involving a commercial vehicle could involve both the driver and the company that owns the vehicle.

You will need detailed evidence to establish liability, including accident reports, witness statements and medical records. Our experienced lawyers know how to gather the evidence needed to hold another party responsible for your injuries.

What Questions Should I Ask a St. Petersburg Personal Injury Lawyer?

Meeting with a lawyer for the first time can feel overwhelming, especially when you are dealing with injuries and uncertainty about your future. Preparing a few questions in advance can help you better understand your situation and your legal options.

During an initial consultation, you may want to ask questions such as:

• Do I appear to have a valid personal injury claim?
  A lawyer can review the basic facts of your case and explain whether negligence may be involved.
• What types of compensation might be available?
  Compensation can vary depending on the severity of injuries, financial losses, and long-term impact.
• How long could the claims process take?
  Personal injury cases may take time because medical recovery and insurance negotiations are often involved.
• Will my case likely settle or go to court?
  Many cases resolve through negotiation, but some may proceed to litigation depending on the circumstances.
• What information or documents should I gather?
  Medical records, accident reports, photographs, and witness information can often strengthen a claim.

The goal of an initial meeting is not to pressure you into taking legal action. Instead, it allows you to gain clarity about your rights and the steps that may be available to you.

What Types of Injuries Do People Suffer in St. Petersburg?

Any time a negligent person, business, or government entity causes someone to sustain preventable injuries, the injured party may have a valid personal injury lawsuit. The personal injury lawyers at Dolman Law Group have helped thousands of people recover compensation for a variety of injuries, including:

Traumatic brain injuries and other head injuries – Our St. Pete brain injury attorneys are experienced in representing clients with the following issues:

• Mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI)
• Coup-contrecoup injury (where the brain bounces off two sides of the skull)
• Brain contusion
• Subdural hematoma
• Skull fracture
• Cerebral edema
• Concussion
• Second impact syndrome
• Diffuse axonal injury (DAI)

We often work with treatment teams that include a neurologist, a neuropsychologist, and a neuro-radiologist. These specialized physicians also serve as experts on the brain injury lawsuits our firm handles.

Spinal cord injuries– We are experienced in handling both complete and incomplete spinal cord injury claims, including quadriplegia and paraplegia. Our firm maintains relationships with spinal cord injury experts who can illustrate the costs associated with a lifetime of medical treatment along with loss of vocational skills and the ability to manage household tasks.

Spinal cord injury lawsuits are inherently expensive due to the cost associated with retaining the correct experts. It is essential you retain an attorney or firm that has successfully handled claims relating to an injury of the spinal cord.

Back and neck injuries – The attorneys at Dolman Law Group have handled in excess of 5,000 back and neck injury claims and lawsuits over their combined 120+ years of experience.

We have handled claims associated with these medical conditions:

• Bulging discs
• Herniated discs
• Cauda equina syndrome
• Cervical and lumbar spinal fusion (including anterior cervical discectomy and fusion)
• Laminectomy
• Discectomy
• Kyphoplasty
• Lumbar decompression
• Vertebroplasty
• Foraminotomy
• Nucleoplasty and others

All too often, we see lawyers and adjusters spending far too much time and energy focused on the nomenclature regarding terms such as “bulging” or “herniation.” We focus on the symptoms or symptomatology and how they have diminished our client’s quality of life when building a case.

Birth injuries – Our focus is on any harm or injury suffered by a baby or the mother at or near the time of birth (during delivery or pregnancy). We have handled an exhaustive list of claims, including:

• Cerebral palsy
• Brachial plexus injury
• Erb’s palsy
• Shoulder dystocia
• Paralysis
• Nerve damage
• Lack of oxygen and oxygen deprivation

Burn injuries – We handle burn injury claims related to electrical cord fires, workplace injuries, tanker explosions, truck accidents, retail center fires, nightclub fires, hotel and restaurant fires, motor vehicle accidents, and apartment building fires. Our goal is to recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and overall physical pain.

Slip-and-fall injuries – We have successfully handled slip-and-fall accidents along with premises liability claims against major corporations such as;

• Wawa’s
• Walmart
• Publix
• Winn Dixie
• Hyatt Hotels and
• Walt Disney World, among others.

Physical Evidence is crucial in a premises liability slip and fall case, and the sooner we can investigate, the better evidence we can find

We must show that the property owner (or its agents and employees) knew or should have known of a dangerous condition they failed to address or fix. In a typical slip-and-fall case, we utilize investigators to immediately visit the scene of such an incident and either secure evidence or take detailed photos of the scene along with a thorough investigation.

We are presently handling a number of claims against Airbnb for injuries that have occurred at properties listed on their service.

Wrongful death – These cases involve the pursuit of a claim on behalf of the survivor(s) of an individual who died as a result of the negligence exhibited by an individual or corporation. Only certain family members are eligible to receive compensation from a wrongful death lawsuit, which usually must be filed by the estate’s representative.

What Are the Most Common Types of Accidents in St. Petersburg That Lead to Injuries?

Auto accidents—Over 50% of our clients sustained injuries in auto accidents. Our car accident lawyers are well respected by insurance carriers, their adjusters, and insurance defense lawyers.

We have successfully handled claims and lawsuits against every conceivable auto insurance carrier, including but not limited to:

• Geico
• State Farm
• USAA
• Progressive
• Allstate
• Nationwide, among others.

Our firm routinely represents those injured as a result of a T-bone crash, rear-end collision, head-on collision, and all other types of car wrecks. We have handled over 500 claims and lawsuits against Uber and Lyft.

Motorcycle accidents – If you sustained injuries or lost a loved one in a St. Petersburg motorcycle wreck someone else caused, you must retain a competent motorcycle injury lawyer. Personal injury protection (PIP) generally extends to vehicles with at least four wheels. Thus, motorcycle accident victims will struggle to handle their inevitable medical bills and lost wages without obtaining compensation from the negligent party.

Since PIP coverage does not apply to motorcycles, a motorcyclist does not need to pass the “permanent injury threshold” applicable to car accident victims. Thus, our motorcycle accident lawyers can pursue damages such as lost wages and outstanding medical bills right off the bat. We have multiple seven-figure results on motorcycle accident cases and have the experience to assist you immediately.

Truck accidents – The biggest mistake we commonly see is when personal injury attorneys handle semi-truck accidents in the same manner as auto accidents. An individual injured as a result of an accident or collision with an 18-wheeler would be best served by retaining a lawyer experienced in litigating claims involving big rigs.

A skilled trucking accident lawyer must be well-versed in Federal trucking laws, like those related to hours of service. These laws govern:

• The amount of time a trucker may drive continuously without a break
• When they must take a break
• How many hours they may operate a semi-truck in a given week, and
• The information that must be kept in their log

Further, the attorney must understand rules pertaining to the maintenance and upkeep of a big rig along with the hiring and retention of drivers. Many of our trucking accident lawsuits contain a count for negligent maintenance or negligent retention and hiring.

Trucking accident cases are extremely expensive when handled correctly, and law firms that treat these unique claims the same as a car accident tend to leave significant money on the table.

Pedestrian accidents – Whether a driver is simply distracted or knowingly violates a traffic law if a pedestrian is involved in a crash, they usually suffer serious injury as a result of the impact. Our team works hard to recover compensation from the negligent person driving the vehicle while protecting our client’s rights as an innocent bystander who was in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Medical Malpractice – We touched on birth injury cases earlier. However, along with birth injury lawsuits, our firm handles a wide variety of medical malpractice cases. We have experience handling the following types of claims:

• Misdiagnosis (including failure to diagnose cancer)
• Surgery errors
• Delay in diagnosis leading to a fatality or a serious or permanent injury
• Error in anesthesia and many others.

What Steps Should I Take After a St. Petersburg Personal Injury Accident?

Following a personal injury accident in St. Petersburg, you cannot always gather evidence or talk to witnesses. After an accident, be sure you are safe and follow a few steps to protect your legal rights. These steps include the following:

Call the Authorities

You should call 911 immediately. This will ensure that medical crews and police officers respond to the scene. Once you get the medical help you need, these officers will investigate the incident and write down information regarding what happened in their police report. If you decide to take legal action after the personal injury accident, this police report can help your attorney fight for the money you need.

Get Examined by a Doctor

Even if injuries appear relatively minor, you should still go to a doctor to get examined. It is all too common for serious injuries such as brain trauma, internal bleeding, or spinal cord damage to take some time to manifest. However, the longer you wait for treatment, the more debilitating the injuries can become.

In addition, these doctors can provide you with a medical report following your examination that can explain the extent of your injuries and show the connection between the harm sustained and the personal injury accident. This report can be helpful if the insurer or the defendant tries to argue that your injuries resulted from a separate event or are not as severe as you claim.

If you wait to long to seek medical treatment following the accident, the at-fault party’s insurer could assert you weren’t as injured as you claimed to be. Don’t give them any ammuntion to reduce or deny your claim. Go to the doctor as soon as you can.

Contact the Experienced St. Petersburg Accident Lawyers at Dolman Law Group to Investigate the Accident Scene

Depending on the circumstances of a personal injury accident, you may not always be able to gather evidence from the scene. However, when you work with an experienced St. Petersburg injury attorney from Dolman Law Group, you will not have to worry about investigating your accident alone.

Our skilled legal professionals can gather photos and videos showing:

• Visible injuries and damages following the crash
• The dangerous conditions that caused the harm
• Torn or bloody clothing
• Any automobiles involved in the accident, and
• Other evidence that can show what occurred

We can also look for individuals who were present at the accident scene to memorialize their testimony, which can be used to help validate your legal claim and show what happened and who was responsible for the harm and losses you endured.

Never Discuss the Accident With Others

After an accident, several people will want to know details about what happened, including insurance adjusters. However, you’re under no obligation to provide a statement, especially a recorded statement, to an insurer. You also need to be very careful about what you say about the accident in general.

Don’t apologize for the accident, admit fault, or say anything others could misinterpret as your admitting fault. Stick with basic contact information and don’t voluntarily offer additional information. 

Speak with an attorney before speaking with anyone else, especially an insurance company. Insurance companies and other parties can use anything you say to hurt your case and reduce the money you receive or deny your claim altogether.

Beware of the Insurance Company’s Tactics

Following a personal injury accident, an insurance company is sure to be one of the first parties involved. While you may want to believe this is good, you must realize that the insurance company is not there to help you. In truth, they are there to make a profit. The less they pay you for your claim, the more money they will make in the process. That is why these companies will try to do everything to get you to admit fault for the accident or say something that can hurt your case.

As mentioned, don’t speak with an insurance representative without first speaking with an attorney. At Dolman Law Group, our skilled personal injury legal team can help you better understand the deceitful tactics the insurance company may try. We can handle these discussions on your behalf to make sure you avoid saying something that can hurt your case and affect the money you can obtain. If the insurance company contacts you for a statement, politely but firmly refer them to your lawyer.

Do I Have a Solid St. Petersburg Injury Claim?

Just because you suffered harm in a St. Petersburg accident does not mean you automatically have a claim for compensation. Instead, viable claims usually exist when an attorney can establish fault and when the injuries and losses warrant the investment of money, time, and effort to pursue the case.

To determine whether you have a valid case following a personal injury accident, consider discussing the matter with our experienced personal injury lawyers. Our attorneys can review whether another party was responsible for the harm and losses you suffered, determine what legal options are available to you, and help you figure out what legal steps you should take next and how to go after the maximum compensation you deserve.

How Does a St. Petersburg Accident Lawyer Determine Who’s at Fault in Your Accident?

Liable parties in a personal injury claim will vary depending on the circumstances of the case. For example, Florida is a no-fault insurance state that requires those who drive a motor vehicle to carry a Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance policy. Under this insurance coverage, you are not required to prove that anyone was at fault

When someone sustains an injury in a motor vehicle accident, they must first file a claim with their own PIP insurance carrier (or, in the case of an uninsured or underinsured motorist, they may file a claim under the other party’s carrier). An injured party may only file a lawsuit and request payment from the other driver’s insurer after medical expenses and lost wages exceed the PIP limits.

When a lawyer litigates a claim for a personal injury victim, multiple parties may be named as defendants. Depending on the cause of the injury, common defendants may include:

• Drivers who were driving distracted, driving under the influence, or violating other traffic laws.
• Businesses that negligently hired or trained employees or failed to maintain their property or equipment safely.
• Employers who allowed or encouraged unsafe or illegal practices to “get the job done.”
• Individuals who sexually harassed or abused others at home, in public, or in the workplace.
• Manufacturers, Distributors, and Retailers who designed, distributed, marketed, or sold defective products or failed to warn consumers about product use.

Our Skilled Injury Attorneys Know How to Prove Liability For a Personal Injury Accident

Most personal injury claims result from a party acting wrongfully or negligently, causing another person significant injuries. Negligence is usually defined as conduct that fails to meet the standard of care expected from a reasonable person and injures another individual.

However, to prove negligence, your attorney needs to establish:

• The wrongful party owed you a legal duty of care
• The wrongful party breached this legal duty of care.
• The wrongful party’s breach resulted in your harm and injuries.
• You suffered monetary damages due to your injuries and losses.

Negligence is not the only way to show liability for a personal injury claim, though. An injury victim’s lawyer can also establish fault by showing strict liability, negligence per se, or intentional conduct.

For instance:

• Intentional conduct involves a person purposely performing an action or performing it with significant certainty. Personal injury cases due to assault or battery are often from intentional conduct.
• Negligence per se violates a law created to protect others from harm. In Florida, some ordinances or statutes that, if violated, may result in negligence per se include building codes, speed limits, and blood alcohol levels for motorists.
• Strict liability: Strict liability is a standard of liability where an individual is legally responsible for the consequences of an activity, regardless of their intent or fault. Under Florida’s laws, for instance, a person who engages in abnormally dangerous activity is subject to strict liability if they cause harm to another person or property.

The best way to determine whether you can hold another party liable is to review your accident with an experienced St. Petersburg personal injury attorney as soon as possible.

At Dolman Law Group, our legal team can review the facts of your accident, figure out what happened, who we can hold responsible for your injuries, and pursue damages for what you had to endure because of their wrongful actions.

What Financial Damages Can a Personal Injury Attorney in St. Petersburg, FL Pursue On Your Behalf?

You may recover financial damages if you suffer harm in a St. Petersburg personal injury accident due to another person’s wrongful actions. These damages include:

Economic Damages

Economic damages refer to compensation for the easy-to-quantify losses that result from an accident, including:

• Medical expenses resulting from doctor visits, hospital stays, ambulance services and emergency room visits, assistive medical devices, surgeries, and prescription medications
• Ongoing medical care needs
• Lost income and business opportunities
• Lost earning capacity
• Personal property damages, including motor vehicle or motorcycle repair or replacement costs
• At-home replacement services, including child-care or cleaning services
• Other expenses

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages refer to payment for the more personal losses that develop after an accident and the resulting injuries.

These losses include things such as:

• Pain and suffering
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Physical disfigurement
• Loss of companionship
• Loss of consortium
• Loss of reputation
• Limb loss
• Scarring
• Humiliation and inconvenience

Punitive Damages

The court may award punitive damages to punish the wrongful party for their deplorable actions and prevent others from committing similar acts. In Florida, the accident victim needs clear and convincing evidence that the wrongdoer engaged in gross negligence or intentional misconduct to obtain these damages.

Discuss your case with a skilled St. Petersburg personal injury lawyer to determine which damages you may obtain. Our legal professionals can figure out which monetary damages apply to your case and fight for the recovery you deserve.

Personal Injury FAQs

Will I Have to Go to Court?

Probably not, as many personal injury claims resolve through settlement negotiations between the parties involved. Insurance companies often prefer to settle cases outside of court when possible.

However, if a fair agreement cannot be reached, filing a lawsuit and proceeding to court may become necessary. An attorney can explain how the process works and what steps may occur if litigation becomes part of your case.

What if the Insurance Company Already Offered Compensation?

Insurance companies sometimes present early settlement offers after an accident. While these offers may seem helpful, they may not always reflect the full extent of your damages. Medical treatment, rehabilitation, and long-term effects may not yet be fully understood. Lawyers wait until the victim has reached maximum medical improvement before negotiating a settlement.

You should review any settlement offers with an experienced attorney. Once you sign a settlement offer, you are usually barred from pursuing any more compensation.

What if the Person Who Injured Me Does Not Have Insurance?

If the responsible party lacks insurance, other sources of coverage may still apply. For example, your own uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage may provide compensation in certain situations. The availability of coverage depends on the policies involved and the circumstances of the accident.

Do I Need a Lawyer for a Minor Injury Claim?

Not every injury requires legal action. However, even injuries that initially seem minor can lead to unexpected medical complications or disputes with insurance companies. Consulting with a lawyer can help you understand your rights and whether pursuing a claim may be appropriate.

What If My Injuries Did Not Appear Until Days After the Accident?

Some injuries, particularly soft-tissue injuries or concussions, may not present symptoms immediately. It is not uncommon for pain or complications to appear days after an accident. Seeking medical care as soon as symptoms arise is important for both your health and your claim. Medical documentation can help connect the injury to the accident.

Can I File a Personal Injury Claim on Behalf of a Loved One?

In certain situations, family members may be able to pursue legal action on behalf of an injured individual. For example, a parent may file a claim for an injured minor, or a legal guardian may represent someone who cannot manage their own legal affairs. The specific rules depend on the circumstances and applicable Florida law.

What Happens if My Case Goes to Trial?

If a case proceeds to trial, both sides present evidence and arguments before a judge or jury. Witness testimony, expert analysis, and documentation may be used to explain how the injury occurred and what damages resulted. After reviewing the evidence, the court determines whether compensation should be awarded. Although many cases settle before reaching trial, preparing thoroughly for the possibility of litigation can be an important part of pursuing a claim.

At Dolman Law Group, we keep our clients informed throughout the legal process, so they are prepared and know what to expect.

How Much Money Will I Receive From a St. Petersburg Personal Injury Accident Claim?

While a lawyer can determine which financial damages you can pursue after a personal injury accident, they can not predict precisely how much money you will obtain after your accident.

Too many factors affect this amount, including:

• The type of injury that resulted from the accident and the severity of the injury
• The ability to recover from the injury or whether the injury is permanent
• The extent of the pain and suffering
• The ability to work after the accident and the extent of lost income
• The medical treatments that will be required after the accident
• The wrongdoer’s culpability
• The credibility of the evidence presented
• Whether you can take part in activities you once did before the accident

However, while these attorneys cannot tell you the exact amount of financial recovery you can obtain after an accident, when you work with an experienced St. Petersburg personal injury accident attorney from Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA, these lawyers can prepare strong legal arguments to take on these factors and help you fight for maximum compensation.

How Long Do I Have to File a St. Petersburg Personal Injury Lawsuit?

After a personal injury accident, you have a limited amount of time to file a lawsuit. In St. Petersburg, injured parties have only two years from the accident to pursue legal action. If you do not have an attorney file a lawsuit for you within this period, the court can bar you from pursuing the compensation you need.

You do not want to run out of time to file a suit.

Discuss your case with our experienced St. Petersburg personal injury accident attorneys as soon as possible. We can promptly determine how much time you have to file your lawsuit while ensuring any legal documents and filings are prepared and submitted before the deadline.

How Much Does It Cost To Hire an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney in St. Petersburg?

Typically, personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. This means your legal professionals do not collect fees unless they win your case or obtain a settlement. In addition, according to this agreement, these attorneys will only take a percentage of your winnings after they win, and these winnings will be based on an agreed-upon amount. If you lose your case, neither you nor your attorney will get any money, and you will not be required to pay your attorney any fees for the work done on your case.

However, if you want more information regarding contingency fee agreements or what this can mean, contact our knowledgeable St. Petersburg personal injury accident attorneys. These lawyers can answer your questions and discuss in detail what these fees can mean for your case.

How Long Does It Take to Resolve a St. Petersburg Personal Injury Claim?

No personal injury accident claim follows a set timeline. Due to the uniqueness of each case, these claims can take anywhere from a few weeks to years to resolve, especially if the case goes to trial. That is why predicting how long each case will take to conclude is challenging.

Fortunately, when you work with a knowledgeable St. Petersburg personal injury accident attorney, you will not have to go through this lengthy process alone. Instead, these lawyers can stand by your side through this challenging time, keep the process moving, and help you obtain the maximum financial recovery you deserve as quickly as possible.

At Dolman Law Group, our legal team can review the facts of your accident, figure out what happened, who we can hold responsible for your injuries, and hold those at fault accountable for everything you had to endure because of their wrongful actions.

Can I Recover Compensation Even If I Was Partially At Fault?

Under Florida law, personal injury cases are typically subject to a modified comparative fault rule. Comparative fault means there may be shared liability for damages among all parties involved. If a victim is found partially responsible for their own injuries, the damages awarded to the victim will be reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to the victim. If the victim is more than 50 percent at fault, they cannot recover damages from the other parties.

Therefore, defendants (such as insurance companies) have a strong incentive to shift blame to the victim in order to avoid paying the full amount of damages. Common strategies defendants employ include arguing the victim violated traffic laws, was under the influence of alcohol or drugs, was trespassing, or used a product incorrectly. In some cases, defendants may outright deny their own liability or try to place their share of the blame on a co-defendant. Our personal injury lawyers anticipate these tactics and will work to ensure that those who are responsible for your injuries are held accountable.

What’s the Process to Recover Compensation for a Personal Injury Claim in St. Petersburg?

Here’s a general overview of the process for obtaining compensation for a personal injury claim in St. Petersburg. Keep in mind that specific procedures and requirements can vary based on the circumstances of your case, Florida’s personal injury and tort laws, and other factors. Thus, it’s always a good idea to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney in St. Pete.

1. Seek Medical Attention: Your health and well-being are the top priorities. Seek medical attention as soon as possible after the injury. This not only ensures your health but also establishes a record of your injuries and their severity.
2. Preserve Evidence: Collect and preserve any evidence of the accident or incident that caused your injury. This can include photographs, witness statements, accident reports, medical records, and any other relevant documentation.
3. Consult an Attorney: It’s advisable to consult with a personal injury attorney who is experienced in handling cases in St. Petersburg. They can provide legal advice, evaluate the strength of your case, and guide you through the legal process.
4. Investigation: Your attorney will conduct a thorough investigation to gather evidence, interview witnesses, review medical records, and assess the extent of your damages.
5. Demand Letter: Your attorney may send a demand letter to the at-fault party or their insurance company. This letter outlines the details of the incident, your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, and a demand for compensation.
6. Negotiations: Typically, your attorney and the insurance company will negotiate to reach a settlement. Your attorney will advocate for fair compensation based on the evidence and damages.
7. Filing a Lawsuit: If negotiations fail to produce a satisfactory settlement, your attorney may recommend filing a lawsuit. This involves drafting a complaint and filing it with the appropriate court.
8. Discovery: Both parties will engage in a phase called “discovery,” during which they exchange relevant information and evidence. This can involve interrogatories (written questions), depositions (recorded interviews), and document requests.
9. Pre-Trial Motions: Attorneys may file pre-trial motions to address various issues, such as evidence admissibility or the dismissal of certain claims.
10. Settlement Negotiations (Again): Even after a lawsuit is filed, settlement negotiations can continue. Many cases are settled before reaching trial.
11. Trial: If a settlement cannot be reached, the case will proceed to trial. During the trial, both sides will present their evidence and arguments to a judge and potentially a jury. The judge or jury will then decide the outcome of the case.
12. Judgment and Appeals: After the court makes a decision, a judgment will be entered. Either party may appeal the decision if they believe legal errors were made during the trial.

Working closely with an experienced St. Petersburg personal injury attorney from Dolman Law Group can help ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries and damages.

Contact a St. Petersburg Personal Injury Lawyer at Dolman Law Group for a Free Consultation Today

After a serious accident, your world is turned upside down. While you focus on recovering from your injuries, trust a dedicated St. Petersburg personal injury lawyer at Dolman Law Group to protect your legal rights. We will fight for the maximum compensation possible for your losses by holding the at-fault party responsible for their actions.

With offices across both Florida coasts and in St. Petersburg, you can easily reach Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA, at (727) 472-3909, or you can use our online contact page to set up a free consultation.

Client Testimonials

Rating: 5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “AMAZING and understanding attorneys! Did great on my case and I highly recommend Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA for anyone that has been injured in an accident!” – Koralis R.

Rating: 5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Chad Robinson always responded immediately whenever I had questions or concerns. He worked hard to make sure I received what I deserved.” – Michelle D.

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Resources

St. Petersburg Emergency Rooms

If you suffered serious injuries in St. Petersburg because of someone else’s negligence, get immediate medical attention from any of the area’s emergency rooms or urgent care centers.

• HCA Florida St. Petersburg Hospital Emergency Room: 6500 38th Ave N First Floor, St. Petersburg, FL 33710
• Bayfront Health St Petersburg Emergency Room: 701 6th St S, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
• St. Anthony’s Hospital- Emergency Center: 1200 7th Ave N, St. Petersburg, FL 33705
• HCA Florida Northside Hospital Emergency Room: 6000 49th St N 1st Floor, St. Petersburg, FL 33709
• HCA Florida Pasadena Hospital Emergency Room: 1501 Pasadena Ave S 1st Floor, St. Petersburg, FL 33707
• Emergency Center at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital: 550 6th St S, St. Petersburg, FL 33701

*Disclaimer – Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA does not endorse these medical providers, nor do we profit from having them listed on our website.

St. Petersburg Courthouses

• Pinellas County Clerk of Court inside the St. Petersburg Judicial Building: 545 1st Ave N, St. Petersburg, FL 33701

About St. Petersburg

St. Petersburg, Florida, often referred to as “St. Pete,” is a coastal city located along the western side of the Tampa Bay area. Known for its waterfront parks, cultural attractions, and year-round sunshine, the city attracts both residents and visitors from across the country. It is a popular city for golfing, boating, fishing and going to the beach.

The city has experienced steady growth over the past decade, with new businesses, residential developments, and tourism activity contributing to a vibrant local economy.

St. Petersburg is connected to surrounding communities through major roadways such as:

• Interstate 275
• U.S. Highway 19
• Central Avenue
• 4th Street North

Top Sights in St. Petersburg

St. Petersburg is home to many well-known attractions that draw visitors throughout the year. These locations highlight the city’s unique blend of art, nature, and waterfront scenery.

Popular attractions include:

• The Dalí Museum – One of the most recognized art museums in Florida, featuring an extensive collection of works by Salvador Dalí.
• St. Pete Pier – A waterfront destination with restaurants, parks, and scenic views of Tampa Bay.
• Sunken Gardens – A historic botanical garden showcasing tropical plants and wildlife.
• Fort De Soto Park – A popular coastal park known for beaches, nature trails, and kayaking.
• Museum of Fine Arts – A cultural landmark offering exhibits ranging from classical antiquities to modern art.

These attractions help make St. Petersburg a destination for tourism and recreation.

Is St. Petersburg a Good Place to live?

Many people choose to live in St. Petersburg because of its coastal environment, warm climate, and active cultural scene. The city offers a mix of urban amenities and outdoor recreation that appeals to residents of all ages.

Some features that attract residents include:

• Access to beaches along the Gulf Coast
• A growing arts and music community
• Waterfront parks and outdoor recreation
• Dining, shopping, and entertainment districts
• Proximity to Tampa and other major Florida cities

However, like many growing cities, St. Petersburg also experiences challenges related to traffic congestion and population growth. These factors can sometimes contribute to accidents and injuries.

What is the Cost of Living in St. Petersburg?

The cost of living in St. Petersburg is about 4 percent lower than the national average, according to Payscale. The cost of housing is also about 18 percent lower than the national average. The median home price is $40,045 while the median rent is $1,321 per month. However, the cost of utilities, groceries and transportation are all higher than the national average.

Bestplaces.net says a family needs about $5,550 per month to live in St. Petersburg, while an individual needs about $4,867 per month.

What County is St. Petersburg Located In?

St. Petersburg is located in Pinellas County, Florida.

Pinellas County is situated on a peninsula between Tampa Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. The county includes several well-known coastal communities, including:

• Clearwater
• Largo
• Pinellas Park
• Gulfport

Legal matters arising from accidents in St. Petersburg are often handled within the Pinellas County court system.