St. Petersburg Car Accident Lawyer

You’ve been in a car accident in St. Petersburg, Florida, and now you’re wondering what to do. If you take the right steps, you can position yourself to receive compensation that allows you to heal and move forward. The wrong steps, or no steps at all, can mean extended stress, pain, and financial hardship.

At Maranatha Law, we take over the process for our clients so you can focus on healing while we fight for the highest compensation possible.

Can a Car Accident Lawyer Help Me With Medical Bills?

Yes. Here at Maranatha Law, we do this in two ways:

• Connect you with medical professionals who understand the compensation process; and
• Fight to get all your medical bills, including future ones, covered. 

First, we connect you with medical professionals who understand the car crash compensation process. They will provide you with the highest levels of medical care while thoroughly documenting every step of the way, so we have high-quality medical evidence for your claim. Even if you don’t have adequate health insurance, they may be able to see you because they understand how compensation works in these cases.

Second, we fight to have the at-fault driver and the insurance companies cover your medical bills. That includes medical bills for care right after the wreck, follow-ups, and future medical costs due to injuries from the accident. We build a strong case for you so that your full road to recovery is covered, no matter how long that takes.

Can I Be Compensated for Emotional Trauma From a Car Wreck?

Yes. But it usually takes a skilled car accident attorney to make this happen. At Maranatha Law, we tackle it in two steps:

• Properly documenting your emotional trauma, and
• Showing that the wreck caused the emotional trauma.

Emotional trauma can be more challenging to prove than physical injury, but it is not impossible. At Maranatha Law, we make sure the medical professionals caring for you document emotional trauma causes and symptoms. We can also get you connected with specialists, like psychologists, who can diagnose and treat you for trauma from the auto accident.

Then we go about proving that your emotional trauma resulted from the accident itself. Insurance companies often try to argue that your emotional trauma actually stems from other areas of your life, not the car accident. With the latest science and expert testimony, we can advocate for the truth.

Will a Car Accident Attorney Handle Insurance Negotiations?

Yes. At Maranatha Law, your auto accident lawyer will handle all communications with insurance companies for you, including negotiations. 

Insurance professionals are trained to minimize your payout. They may use your words against you. They know you don’t know the system like they do, so they use confusing jargon. Sometimes they immediately offer you a low amount, hoping you’ll agree to it without understanding the full compensation available to you. Other times, they try to drag out the process so you give up and stop trying to get compensation.

At Maranatha Law, we take pride in using our skills and knowledge of the system to advocate for everyday people. Nothing makes us happier than achieving justice for our clients.

What Is the Process for a Potential Lawsuit After a Wreck?

There are steps to take in Florida before filing a lawsuit for a car crash. Here’s what you can expect:

Filing an Insurance Claim

The process starts with notifying your own insurance company:

• Florida is a no-fault state, meaning your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage (required of all Florida drivers) will handle medical expenses up to $10,000—regardless of fault; or
• If your injuries are severe or costs exceed PIP limits, you may also have the right to pursue a claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance.

It’s important to be careful when communicating with insurers—adjusters often try to minimize claim payouts.

Insurance Company Negotiations

During the car accident claim process, your lawyer will step in to handle communications with both your insurer and the at-fault driver’s insurer. They will gather medical records, accident reports, witness statements, and expert opinions to build a strong claim.

The goal is to negotiate a settlement that covers medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and future damages if your injuries have long-term effects. Many car accident claims are resolved at this stage without going to court.

Filing a Lawsuit

If negotiations don’t result in a fair settlement, your car accident lawyer may recommend filing a lawsuit against the at-fault driver. In Florida, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit.

The litigation process includes:

• Filing the complaint in court;
• Discovery, where both sides exchange evidence and take depositions;
• Mediation or settlement conferences, which may resolve the case before trial; and
• Trial, where a judge or jury decides the outcome.

At Maranatha Law, we have strategies for every step of the process to get you the outcome you deserve.

What if I Was Partially At-Fault in My Accident?

One tactic insurance companies and opposing counsel use is to blame you for the wreck. Under Florida law, the higher your percentage of fault, the less compensation you are able to receive. If you are found to be more than 50% at fault, you may not receive any compensation at all.

At Maranatha Law, we don’t let insurance companies or opposing counsel blame you for something you did not do. We gather evidence to show how the other party was at fault and advocate on your behalf. 

Call Us for a Free Consultation Today

Every case is unique. That’s why Maranatha Law offers free consultations. When you call us, we’ll ask you questions about your situation to see if we can help. If we aren’t a good fit, we’ll still point you in the right direction by referring you to other trusted resources that may better serve your needs.

If you sign with us, you can rest assured that we will vigorously advocate for you. Tim Maranatha, the founder of Maranatha Law, will work on your case personally. We know that being in an auto accident is a traumatic experience. Our goal is to help you get through the process, be made whole, and face the future from a position of strength. Call us today.