Clearwater Car Accident Lawyer

Devastating car accidents can occur anywhere and for any reason. However, in Clearwater and Tampa, especially along dangerous roads such as US 19 and Dale Mabry, these accidents have been known to result from a blatant disregard of traffic laws, often resulting in catastrophic injuries and debilitating pain that instantly changes an individual’s life forever.If this car collision was due to another person’s wrongful, negligent, or reckless actions, you should not have to deal with the horrifying consequences on your own.

Instead, it is time to fight back and go after the financial recovery and justice you deserve. Fortunately, with Perenich Law Injury Attorneys on your side, you can rest assured that you can have dedicated legal help fighting to restore your life and the hope of a bright future while you focus on what matters most, your healing and recovery.

Contact a Clearwater car accident lawyer today for a free consultation. Our experienced personal injury attorneys can discuss the specifics of your auto accident and help you file a claim.

Table of Contents
Common Causes
Common Injuries
Statute of Limitations
Frequently Asked Questions

Perenich Law Injury Attorneys – Clearwater Car Accident Law Firm

Founded by brothers Gregory J. Perenich, Timothy Perenich, and Terence Perenich, the Perenich Law Injury Attorneys law firm has been working hard for decades fighting for those who can not fight for themselves, investigating the cause of their accidents, determining fault, and pursuing a fair and just recovery for their damages.

In fact, our single goal is to zealously represent accident victims by going after the rightful compensation they need as quickly as possible.

Because of this dedication, experience, and drive, our diligent Clearwater car accident attorneys have obtained millions of dollars on behalf of our clients through jury verdicts and settlement awards, including the following recent judgments:

$2,150,000 settlement for a car accident that killed a 12-year old
$1,232,000 settlement for a DUI car accident
$750,000 settlement for an auto accident due to a motorist who ran a red light
$225,000 settlement for a head-on collision
$200,000 settlement for a nurse assistant involved in rear-end motor vehicle collision

While we cannot guarantee specific results, contact us today to see what our diligent legal professionals can do for you. We offer a free case evaluation to all injured Clearwater car accident victims. This can help you explore your legal options, so you can choose the path that is best for you and your family.

Common Causes of Motor Vehicle Accidents in Clearwater

Car accidents in Clearwater can occur for various reasons, including everything from careless driving to poorly maintained roads. However, the more common causes of these devastating collisions include the following:

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is one of the top causes of car crashes across our country. Generally, when a driver is said to be distracted, they do not have their complete attention on the road. Instead, they are focusing their attention on other tasks such as texting, eating, or playing with the radio. However, when these drivers glance away from the road, even for a second, they risk causing a severe crash.

Traveling at High Speeds

The faster a motorist drives, the slower their reaction time becomes. Consequently, if drivers need to stop suddenly or prevent an accident while going over the speed limit, the chances are high that they will not be able to do so. Plus, speeding also increases the amount of force involved in a collision, which can lead to severe injuries and fatalities.

Dangerous Clearwater Intersections and Roadways

Another common cause of car collisions in Clearwater is the dangerous intersections and roadways in the area, including:

State Road 60 and S. Belcher Road
U.S. Highway 19 and Drew Street
Fort Harrison Avenue and Chestnut Street
The stretch of roadway in Clearwater on Enterprise Road between U.S. 19 and Village Drive.

Driving Under the Influence

Drivers who get behind the wheel while intoxicated put not only themselves in harm’s way but also others on the roadway. This is because driving while under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or even certain prescription medications can impair a motorist’s reasoning, thinking, concentration, reaction time, awareness, and driving skills, which can consequently lead to horrifying accidents.

Rear-End Crashes

A rear-end collision happens when a motorist hits the vehicle directly in front of them from behind. These accidents often occur in congested traffic areas, at stop signs, or red lights. Yet, although most of these crashes happen at low speeds, they can also happen while traveling on highways, sometimes leading to chain reactions involving numerous other vehicles.

Yet, even though these are some of the leading causes of motor vehicle collisions in Clearwater, many other factors can result in one of these accidents, including road rage and aggressive driving, illegal turns, fatigued driving, failing to yield, unsafe passing, vehicle defects, and road hazards.

Following a collision, reach out to a seasoned Clearwater car accident attorney as soon as possible. Our lawyers can promptly review what happened, figure out if you have a viable legal claim, and help you pursue the compensation you deserve. Contact Perenich Law Injury Attorneys today to get started.

Common Injuries Resulting from a Car Crash

One of the most devastating aspects of a motor vehicle accident is that these crashes can result in harm to virtually any part of the body.

Yet, even though these injuries can differ in type and severity depending on the circumstances of the collision, generally, the more common car accident injuries that tend to result from these accidents include:

Traumatic brain injuries
Spinal cord damage
Neck and back injuries
Soft tissue injuries
Broken bones
Significant lacerations
Crushing injuries
Facial trauma
Severe burns
Post-traumatic-stress-disorder
Wrongful death

Injury Claims and the Statute of Limitation in Clearwater

To bring a successful personal injury claim following a Clearwater car crash, you first need to make sure that there is enough time to file your case. This is known as the statute of limitations, which is a law that dictates the amount of time a person has to bring a legal suit following an alleged offense. If these individuals do not file their case within that allotted time, they can be barred from collecting compensation for the harm and losses they sustained from the incident.

In the state of Florida, the statute of limitations to file an injury claim following an auto accident is two years from the collision date. Yet, there are often exceptions to this rule that can extend or shorten this filing period.

That is why after a car wreck, you should not wait to speak with a skilled car accident lawyer at Perenich Law Injury Attorneys. Our capable attorneys can not only determine the maximum amount of time you have to file your case, but they can also help ensure that your legal documents, motions, and filings are appropriately prepared and submitted before time runs out.

Additionally, although you may have years to file a case, it is not the best idea to wait that long to pursue a legal claim. This is because, over time, memories of the incident can fade, witnesses may no longer be available to testify, and evidence from the accident can disappear.

Steps to Take After a Clearwater Car Collision

If you have been involved in a car crash, the last thing you want to worry about is gathering evidence from the accident scene or getting people’s contact details. However, these actions can not only keep you safe after this devastating accident but protect your legal rights as well. For these reasons, following a motor vehicle collision, you should do the following:

Call 911 After a Car Accident

You need to call 911 immediately after your car crash. Not only is this the fastest way to alert the police of your collision and get your accident on record, but if you need emergency medical assistance, this is the quickest way to notify emergency medical personnel that they need to get to the scene.

Once the police arrive, they can perform a preliminary investigation and jot down their findings in their police report. If you decide to pursue legal action after your accident, this police report can serve as valuable evidence.

Why You Should Call The Police After Your Clearwater Accident

Go to the Hospital After Your Car Crash

Insurance companies are looking for any reason to deny your case or try to settle for less than you deserve. By not getting medical treatment after your accident, the insurer could argue that your injuries were not a result of the accident or are not that serious.

However, when you get to a doctor as soon as possible after your collision, these health care providers can present you with the evidence needed to prove these arguments wrong. Generally, after a medical professional examines you, they will document your injuries in their medical report, providing you with documentation of a direct link between your auto collision and the injuries you sustained.

In addition, another important reason to get to a doctor after your accident is because of the hidden injuries that may result. Many times, serious injuries, such as traumatic brain trauma can take some time to develop. Yet, the longer you wait to get medical help, the more debilitating the injury can become. For these reasons, it is best not to delay getting medical help. Rather, you should head to your doctor as soon as you can.

Gather Evidence for Your Car Accident Claim

Following the accident, if you can, collect as much evidence from the scene as possible.

This should include photos and videos of:

Your visible injuries
The vehicles involved in the accident
The placement of these vehicles on the road
Skid marks on the street
The weather conditions at the time of the accident
Traffic signs near the area, and
Any other evidence that can help show what happened

Talk To the Other Drivers After Your Car Accident

You should also try to exchange information with the other motorists involved in the accident. This includes names, driver’s license numbers, insurance information, and contact details.

However, as you talk to these individuals, make sure you watch what you say. This means you want to avoid making any definitive statements about the incident, apologizing for anything that occurred, or indicating that any of it was your fault. These types of comments can impact your case and the amount of money you can receive down the road.

Check for Witnesses Following the Accident

If you can, look for people at the scene who saw what happened and get their names and contact details. These individuals can often provide further information about the accident and help back up your claim.

Do Not Post on Social Media After Your Car Accident

It’s not recommended to post to social media. Even though getting out your frustrations and worries on your social media accounts may seem like a great way to relieve stress after an accident, it may not be in your best interest to do so. Defense teams and insurance companies are looking for anything they can to use against you and your claim. Consequently, social media posts or online group forum posts can hurt your case, as the other side may try to use these posts as evidence that your accident was not as serious as you indicated it to be.

Do Not Talk to the Insurance Adjuster on Your Own

Although you may believe that speaking to the insurance adjuster after your car crash is no big deal, in reality, this discussion could affect your car accident claim.

The insurance company is not your friend. They are a business that wants to make money. By paying you less, following the accident, the more money they make in the long run. As a result, these adjusters will try to do almost anything to get you to admit to something that can justify them denying your claim.

That is why, before you speak to an insurance adjuster, you want to first talk to a knowledgeable Clearwater car accident attorney at Perenich Law Injury Attorneys. Our personal injury attorneys can not only prepare you on what you should and should not say to the insurance company, but they can even take over these conversations on your behalf, helping to ensure that you do not say anything that can affect your claim. Speaking with one of our seasoned lawyers who can assist you on what you need to do after your car accident and what mistakes to avoid after your auto accident is crucial for the value of your claim.

Common Mistakes People Make After a Car Accident

Clearwater Car Accident FAQ

After a Clearwater car accident, you may want answers and information regarding the legal options and remedies you have, especially if you suffered significant damages, injuries, and losses following the accident. For these reasons, our capable legal team has prepared the below frequently asked questions that many of our clients often have after a car accident. Our car accident lawyers in Clearwater hope with this information, you have a better understanding of the legal action you should pursue and how you can secure the maximum financial recovery you deserve.

1. How Do You Know if You Have a Valid Legal Case After a Clearwater Motor Vehicle Accident?

Although many people assume that if another car hits them, they should pursue legal action to recover compensation for the harm they sustained, in reality, it does not always work this way. In truth, numerous questions and factors can affect a person’s ability to bring a legal claim.

For instance, you need to consider the following:

Were you injured in the Clearwater car accident?
What is the extent of the harm you sustained?
Is there still time to bring legal action following the car accident?
Is there any insurance money available after the accident?

Due to these numerous factors, it is often in your best interest to reach out to an experienced Clearwater motor vehicle collision lawyer, such as those at Perenich Law Injury Attorneys, as soon as possible. Our seasoned attorneys can go over your accident, figure out if you have a viable legal claim, and help you understand your legal options.

2. What Do You Have to Do to Obtain Compensation for Your Injuries and Losses Following a Car Crash in Clearwater?

Florida law gives accident victims two avenues to obtain compensation following a car accident.

Because Florida is a no-fault insurance state, you first would be able to pursue compensation for your medical expenses, out-of-pocket costs, and loss of income related to the accident from your own insurance company. Regardless of who caused the accident, you’ll go to your own insurance first. Your Personal Injury Protection policy (PIP) would kick in and help you pay for these expenses at first.

However, if the car collision resulted in severe injuries and no-fault insurance will not cover the full extent of your accident costs, you may pursue a legal claim against the at-fault driver.

According to Florida’s statute, “serious bodily injury” means an injury to an individual, including the motorist, which consists of a physical condition that creates a substantial risk of death, serious personal disfigurement, or impairment or protracted loss of the function of any bodily member or organ.

Based on these complex regulations, if you want to collect compensation after a motor vehicle collision, it may be beneficial to reach out to a Clearwater motor vehicle accident attorney. These car accident lawyers can help you figure out not only which option you should pursue, but they can also help you fight for the maximum compensation you need.

3. What Types of Damages Can You Pursue in a Clearwater Car Accident Lawsuit?

If you can pursue legal action following a Clearwater car crash, you may seek certain types of compensation. In Florida, this compensation often includes the following types of damages:

Economic Damages

These damages refer to the easily measurable losses that result from the accident.

They include:

Past and present medical bills and medical expenses, including doctor visits, prescription medications, hospital stay, emergency services, assistive medical devices, and surgeries
Future medical care
Lost wages and earning capacity
Personal property repairs
Replacement services
Rehabilitative therapy (physical and occupational therapy)
Other out-of-pocket costs

Non-economic Damages

These damages refer to the subjective losses that result from an accident.

These losses are generally not easy to quantify and tend to include:

Pain and suffering
Loss of enjoyment of life
Limb loss
Disfigurement
Mental anguish
Loss of companionship
Loss of consortium
Inconvenience

Additionally, in certain instances, courts may award punitive damages. Unlike other damages, punitive damages do not compensate the victim for their losses following an accident. Instead, punitive damages punish the defendant for their wrongful actions and deter others from committing this same act. Consequently, courts don’t award punitive damages in every personal injury case. Rather, for a court to award these damages, a victim’s attorney has to show through clear and convincing evidence that the wrongful party personally committed intentional misconduct or gross negligence.

4. How Much Is My Clearwater Car Accident Case Worth?

Although an experienced Clearwater auto accident attorney can help you determine what damages you may seek following a car crash, they cannot tell you how much money you can receive following the accident.

Too many factors that can affect this amount, such as:

The severity and extent of the injuries
The ability to work following the accident
The lost income the accident caused
The medical treatments you will need now and in the future
The ability to take part in activities you used to enjoy before the accident
The extent of your pain and suffering
The credibility of the evidence and witnesses presented
The certainty of the defendant’s liability
The need for replacement services after the auto accident

However, even though an auto accident lawyer cannot tell you precisely how much money you can collect after a motor vehicle crash in Clearwater, they can help you pursue maximum damages by thoroughly investigating the incident, figuring out which of these above factors can influence your claim, and preparing the strongest legal case in response to these elements.

5. If the Insurance Company Offers a Settlement Amount Following a Clearwater Car Accident, Should You Accept It?

Following a car crash, you may find that the insurance company will quickly offer you a settlement amount to cover your accident. However, although it may seem like a no-brainer to accept this amount, it may not be in your best interest to do so.

Insurance companies tend to offer settlements quickly after a car crash because they hope that by doing so, you will not think twice about verifying this amount, discussing it with a car accident lawyer in Clearwater, or making sure it is enough money to cover all of your losses and expenses following the accident. Consequently, what ends up happening is you agree to a meager offer that barely covers any of your current costs, let alone any future ongoing care. Yet, because you already accepted this money, you cannot go back to the insurer down the road and ask them for more compensation, even if the costs are related to the original accident.

That is why, before you agree to a settlement amount, you should speak to a skilled and knowledgeable Clearwater car accident attorney, like those at Perenich Law Injury Attorneys. These experienced legal professionals can go over this settlement amount with you and determine if it is fair. If it is not, they can head back to the negotiation table with the insurer and fight for an amount that is.

6. What Happens If There Was More Than One Party Responsible For the Car Crash?

Although most car crashes involve two parties, in some instances, there may be others at fault for the accident, including:

Other liable motorists, bicyclists, and motorcyclists
Negligent pedestrians
Governmental agencies responsible for road maintenance and design

If more than one party is at fault for your car accident in Florida, you can sue all those responsible for your injuries and go after the money you need from all those involved in the accident.

Yet, although these laws involving multiple defendants may be somewhat confusing, working with an experienced car accident lawyer in Clearwater can help you understand these regulations, how they affect your case, and how you can go after the just compensation you require.

7. Is a Police Report Required to File an Automobile Accident Claim in Clearwater?

Although it is not always necessary to have a police report to file a car accident claim in Clearwater, it is a good idea to insist that the police are called to the scene after an accident. Not only can these officers investigate your accident and create a report of what happened, which can help your legal claim. But without this police report, the insurance company is likely to take additional time investigating your crash.

As a result, if this extended investigation is needed, it can lead to substantial claim delays and prevent you from promptly receiving the money you need after the collision. In fact, without this report, the other driver or their insurance company may even try to claim that you were responsible for the accident. That is why, to safeguard your claim and expedite your case, you should contact the authorities immediately after your auto collision.

8. Following a Clearwater Car Crash, What Should You Do With a Child’s Safety Seat?

Even if your child’s safety seat looks like it survived the crash or sustained minimal damage, do not assume it is safe. The seat could have sustained internal damages that can reduce its ability to protect your child. Discontinue using the safety seat and purchase a new one to protect your child.

However, you may get reimbursed for the cost of the replacement seat with the insurance company. All you need to do is provide a copy of the receipt of the new chair to the insurer to receive compensation for the new child safety seat.

9. Why Should You Reach Out to the Perenich Law Injury Attorneys Following a Clearwater Car Accident?

To have a successful injury claim following a car accident, you need to present strong legal arguments and detailed and relevant evidence proving your claim. However, this is probably the last thing you want to worry about after a car crash.

Fortunately, when you work with an experienced Clearwater car accident attorney, such as those at Perenich Law Injury Attorneys, you will not have to stress about taking on this legal fight on your own. Instead, you can focus on what is most important, your healing and recovery, while these lawyers go after the justice and damages you deserve.

Once you retain an auto accident lawyer from the Perenich Law Injury Attorneys law firm, they can:

Go over the car crash with you in detail, figure out if you have a viable case, and discuss the legal options you have.
Provide you with the legal assistance you require during this challenging time, such as answering all the questions and concerns you have regarding your case and the legal process involved.
Thoroughly investigate the car collision and gather the evidence necessary to prove fault and damages.
Bring in experts to substantiate your claim, such as financial specialists, doctors, and accident deconstructionist.
Ensure that legal motions are filed before the statute of limitations expires.
Make sure to hold all the liable parties accountable for the harm and injuries you sustained after the car crash.
Handle all the discussions and negotiations with the other side, including the insurance company, and go after a just settlement offer.
Head to trial if the other side is unwilling to negotiate fairly and work relentlessly to get the successful outcome you need.

If a motor vehicle accident impacted your life or the life of a loved one, do not wait any longer to secure the legal help you need. Instead, contact Perenich Law Injury Attorneys today for your free case consultation, and let our attorneys show you how they can pursue the damages you require and fight for the justice you deserve.

When You Need a Clearwater Car Accident Attorney, Call Us

When another driver crashes into you and leaves you injured, no matter how open-and-shut the case or your need for compensation seems, the insurance company will always make it hard. That’s when you need a Clearwater car accident lawyer. That’s when you need Perenich Law Injury Attorneys.