Car accidents on dangerous roads like US-19, Dale Mabry, and major intersections throughout the Tampa Bay area can cause life altering injuries in seconds. If your crash was caused by someone else’s negligence, you shouldn’t have to face the physical, emotional, and financial fallout alone.
Perenich Law has helped thousands of injured Floridians rebuild their lives. Our mission is simple: restore what was taken from you and fight for the compensation you deserve so you can focus on healing.
Contact us today for a free consultation.
Why Choose Perenich Law
Our firm has spent decades standing up for people who can’t fight for themselves. We investigate crashes, determine fault, and pursue full compensation with urgency and compassion.
We have obtained millions of dollars on behalf of our clients through jury verdicts and settlement awards, including the following recent judgements:
• $2,150,000 – Fatal car accident involving a 12-year-old
• $1,232,000 – DUI crash
• $750,000 – Red light violation
• $225,000 – Head on collision
• $200,000 – Rear end collision
While no attorney can guarantee outcomes, our record reflects our commitment to justice and accountability.
What to Do After a Car Accident
Taking the right steps after a crash protects your health. By avoiding common mistakes that can be made following a car accident, you strengthen your claim.
1. Call 911
You need to call 911 immediately after a car accident, not only to notify the police, but to obtain emergency medical assistance if needed. Police will document the crash and create a report that may support your case.
2. Seek Medical Care Immediately
The trauma experienced because of a car accident isn’t always apparent immediately. It is extremely important that you seek medical care as soon as possible. A medical professional will document your injuries, providing you with a clear link between the crash and your injuries.
3. Gather Evidence
Following the car accident, if possible, collect photos or videos of:
• Your injuries
• The vehicles involved
• Road conditions and any skid marks on the street
• Weather conditions
• Traffic signs/signals in the area
• And any additional evidence
4. Exchange Information Carefully
Share basic information with the other motorists—names, driver’s license numbers, insurance information, and contact details. But avoid apologizing or making any definitive statements about the car accident or fault.
5. Identify Witnesses
If there are witnesses, get the names and contact information from anyone who saw the car accident.
6. Stay Off Social Media
It is in your best interest to not post anything about the car accident on social media. Defense teams and insurance companies can and will use anything you post against you during the case. Keep the details of the car accident private during this time.
7. Don’t Speak to the Insurance Companies Alone
Insurance companies aim to minimize payouts. Before you speak to an insurance adjuster, speak with Perenich Law. Our attorneys can handle these communications to protect your rights.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I have a case?
Determining if you have a case is not something you have to explore on your own. You may have a claim if you were injured, suffered financial losses, and another party may be responsible. Our attorneys can assess your situation and explain your legal options.
How do I get compensation?
Florida is a no fault state, meaning you would first pursue compensation for your medical expenses, other costs, and loss of income due to the car accident from your own insurance industry. Your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance would help pay for these expenses.
However, if the car accident resulted in severe injuries and no-fault insurance doesn’t cover the full extent of your costs, you may pursue a legal claim.
The laws and regulations are complex, but you don’t have to navigate them alone. Reach out to Perenich Law to help you during this difficult time.
What damages can I recover?
If you pursue legal action following a car accident, you may be entitled to:
Economic damages:
• Medical bills
• Future medical care
• Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
• Property damage
• Replacement services
• Rehabilitation
• Other out of pocket expenses
Non-economic damages:
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Loss of limb or disfigurement
• Loss of companionship or consortium
• Inconvenience
Additionally, in certain circumstances, courts may award punitive damages, intended to punish the defendant for their wrongful actions. While rare, they are considered if there if convincing evidence the wrongful party committed intentional misconduct or gross negligence.
How much is my case worth?
Every case is different and, although Perenich Law can’t tell you how much you’ll receive following a car accident, we can help you pursue maximum damages by thoroughly investigating the crash.
Factors which can affect damages include injury severity, medical needs, lost income, long term impact, and liability.
Should I accept the insurance company’s first offer?
Following a car accident, insurance companies may be quick to offer you a settlement amount. It may not be in your best interest to accept the offer. Initial offers may be far below the amount needed to cover all your expenses and losses and, once you accept the offer, you can’t ask for more—even if additional costs directly related to the crash arrive.
This is why it’s important to consult with Perenich Law before you agree to an insurance settlement. Our attorneys are experienced legal professionals that can determine if the offer is fair or not.
What if multiple parties caused the crash?
Laws involving multiple defendants are complex and confusing. Perenich Law can help you understand these regulations, their impact on your case, and how to move forward.
Do I need a police report?
Although not required, it is highly recommended to have a police report filed after a car accident. Without an initial police report, investigations into the crash can take additional time, leading to substantial delays. To safeguard your claim and expedite your case, you should contact the police immediately after your car accident.
Should I replace my child’s car seat after a crash?
Yes. Even minor collisions can compromise the safety of car seats. Remove the seat that was involve in the car accident and purchase a new one. You may be reimbursed for the cost of a replacement seat through your insurance company.
How Perenich Law Helps You
When you partner with Perenich Law, an experienced car accident attorney works directly with you to fight for the justice you deserve. You can focus on what’s most important—healing and recovery—while we present a strong case. We will:
• Review your car accident and determine if you have a case
• Answer your questions and guide you through the legal process
• Thoroughly investigate the accident and gather evidence
• Work with medical and financial experts to substantiate your claim
• File all legal documents before the statute of limitations expires
• Negotiate aggressively with the other parties and insurance companies
• Take your case to trial if necessary
We fight to hold negligent parties accountable and secure the compensation you need to move forward.
Common Causes of Car Accidents
Car accidents often stem from preventable behaviors and hazardous road conditions, including:
• Distracted driving such as texting, eating, adjusting controls
• Speeding, reducing reaction time and increasing crash severity
• Dangerous intersections, including: SR 60 & Belcher, US 19 & Drew, Fort Harrison & Chestnut, and Enterprise between US 19 & Village
• Driving under the influence
• Rear end collisions in congested traffic
• Aggressive driving, illegal turns, fatigue, failure to yield, unsafe passing, vehicle defects, and road hazards
If you were injured in any of these scenarios, our attorneys can evaluate your case and explain your legal options.
Common Car Accident Injuries
The most devastating aspect to a car accident is that a crash can result in injury to nearly any part of the body. Common injuries include:
• Head injuries, including traumatic brain injuries
• Neck, back and spinal cord damage, which can lead to permanent disability
• Internal injuries, including internal bleeding (hemorrhaging)
• Broken bones, which require surgery and long-term recovery and rehabilitation
• Lacerations, which may require sutures
• Facial trauma, needing extensive and possibly multiple surgeries
• Severe burns, which could require painful skin grafts
• PTSD, resulting in stress or anxiety
• Wrongful death of a loved one
If you suffered any of these injuries, prompt medical care and legal guidance are critical.
Florida’s Statute of Limitations
In Florida, you generally have two years from the date of the car accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Exceptions may shorten or extend this deadline.
Waiting too long can weaken your case—evidence disappears, memories fade, and witnesses become harder to locate. Perenich Law can ensure your claim is filed correctly and on time. Don’t wait to speak to one of our attorneys.
Contact a Car Accident Attorney Today
When another driver’s negligence turns your life upside down, you need a legal team that stands with you and fights for you. Perenich Law is here to help you pursue justice and rebuild your future. We’re your partner on the road to recovery.
Call today for your free consultation.
(727) 669-2828
