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St. Petersburg, Florida Car Accident Lawyer

Car accidents can have a lasting impact on your health and financial situation. Financial compensation can help get you on the road to recovery. If you’ve experienced an auto accident, St. Petersburg, Florida car accident lawyer Wendy Doyle-Palumbo is ready to stand by you and protect your right to compensation.

Do I Really Need a Car Accident Lawyer in St. Petersburg, Florida to Handle My Case?

You are not legally required to have a car accident lawyer handle your claim. However, in many cases, it is wise to have the help of an attorney, as they can best protect your rights and fight for fair compensation.

It is best to have a skilled car accident lawyer on your side if:

  • The other driver is blaming you for the accident;
  • You sustained injuries in the accident;
  • There was significant property damage;
  • The insurance company has denied your claim;
  • The insurance company is attempting to offer a low settlement; or
  • There are multiple responsible parties.

In these situations, you may find it more challenging to handle your claim on your own. An auto accident attorney in St. Petersburg can handle your claim from start to finish while providing exceptional legal representation.

How Much Compensation Am I Entitled To?

Damages serve to compensate victims who suffer injuries and property damage after an accident. Damages can be either economic or non-economic.

Economic damages reimburse victims for financial losses experienced due to the accident. They can include:

  • Medical expenses,
  • Property damage,
  • Lost wages, and
  • Lost earning capacity.

Non-economic damages are not as easy to calculate, as they relate to physical and mental losses. These damages include:

  • Pain and suffering,
  • Mental and emotional distress,
  • Loss of consortium, and
  • Permanent scarring or disfigurement.

It can be a challenge to determine how much you are truly owed after an accident. In many cases, individuals without attorneys are unaware of the damages they are entitled to and therefore settle for a much lower amount. Your St. Petersburg accident attorney will review your case and seek the financial recovery you need.

Will My Case Need to Go to Court?

No two cases are the same, and therefore your case may or may not have to go to court. In many instances, cases settle before they see the courtroom.

However, if the insurance company is unwilling to settle or offers an unfair settlement amount, your case may need to go to trial. If your case goes to trial, you will be able to seek the recovery you need and deserve.

Whether your case settles or goes to trial, your auto accident attorney in St. Petersburg, FL, should not back down from any challenge and should continue to represent you until the very end.

The Other Driver’s Insurance Company Called—Should I Talk to Them?

Oftentimes, after the other driver reports the accident to their insurance company, that company may contact you directly. They will ask you for a recorded statement to get your side of the story. It is important you do not speak to the other driver’s insurance company or provide any statement.

In most cases, the insurer is fishing for information, and anything you say can be used against you to limit their liability and avoid paying. If the insurance company contacts you, inform them you cannot speak to them without first consulting with your attorney.

What Evidence Best Helps My Claim?

You should begin collecting evidence as soon as possible after your accident. This evidence can be used to strengthen your claim. It can include:

  • Photos and videos of the scene and involved vehicles,
  • The other driver’s information,
  • Witness information,
  • Documentation reflecting lost wages,
  • Medical bills,
  • Medical records, and
  • The police report.

Some of the relevant evidence and documentation may take some time to gather, but it is essential you do so. If you have the help of a car accident lawyer in St. Petersburg, FL, they can also help collect evidence as they build your case.

Consult With a Car Accident Lawyer in St. Petersburg, Florida

Wendy Doyle-Palumbo has had the pleasure of helping car accident victims for over 30 years. Clients benefit from our small firm and can always expect care, respect, and attention. We strive to form strong relationships with our clients, making them feel confident in their decision to work with us. Contact our office today, and let’s discuss your case.

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