If you were hurt as a result of another’s negligence in St. Petersburg, FL, you can recover compensation through a personal injury claim. Whether it’s a motor vehicle accident, slip and fall accident, or on-the-job injury, making a claim takes a careful process to ensure you have the best possible chance of success.
1. Get Medical Care Right Away
Even when your injuries appear minor, visiting the doctor immediately supports your claim.
Waiting to receive medical care provides insurance firms with grounds to dispute that your injuries weren’t severe.
2. Collect Evidence
Photograph your injuries, the accident site, and any damaged property.
Get witness statements and contact details.
Get a copy of the police report (when available).
3. Report the Incident
If it happened in a car accident, notify your insurance company within 24 hours.
If it happened in a business or public setting, report it to the owner or manager of the property.
4. Know Florida’s No-Fault Insurance Laws
Florida is a no-fault state when it comes to car accidents, so you will need to file a claim with your own PIP insurance before anything else.
You can only sue the at-fault party if your injuries satisfy Florida’s serious injury threshold, which are:
- Severe permanent injuries
- Loss of permanent bodily function
- Scarring or disfigurement
5. Calculate Your Damages
Personal injury claims can include:
- Bills for medical care (hospital stays, therapy, surgery)
- Lost income if you could not work
- Damage to property (for vehicle collisions)
- Pain and suffering
6. File a Claim with the Insurance Company
Your lawyer will prepare a demand letter to the at-fault party’s insurer.
The insurance provider will review and approve, reject, or negotiate a settlement.
7. Negotiate or File a Lawsuit
If the insurance provider gives a low settlement, your attorney will negotiate for just compensation.
If this fails, you might be required to use it within Florida’s four-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases.
Final Thoughts
It is a complicated process to file a personal injury claim in St. Petersburg, FL, but with proper evidence and legal assistance, you can get the compensation you are entitled to. If you are not sure about your case, you can consult a personal injury lawyer to guide you through the process and advocate for your rights.
This post was written by Kelly-Ann Jenkins of Jenkins Law P.L. Kelly-Ann is a St Pete personal injury attorney. She focuses on personal injury, car accidents, and bicyclist injuries. The information on this site is not intended to and does not offer legal advice, legal recommendations, or legal representation on any matter. Hiring an attorney is an important decision, which should not be based on advertising. You need to consult an attorney for legal advice regarding your situation.
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