Multi-vehicle car crashes in St. Petersburg, Florida, can be devastating, both physically and emotionally. These types of collisions include numerous drivers, passengers, and vehicles, making it difficult to determine who is at fault.
In these situations, it is critical to retain the services of an experienced St. Petersburg multi-vehicle car crash attorney at Perenich, Caulfield, Avril & Noyes Personal Injury Lawyers, who can represent you and guide you through the legal process. If you need help after an accident, contact us our St. Petersburg attorneys today to schedule a free consultation at (727) 349-1728.
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How Perenich, Caulfield, Avril & Noyes Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help After a Multi-Vehicle Accident in St. Petersburg
It’s crucial to hire an experienced legal team after suffering injuries in a multi-vehicle car crash. Perenich, Caulfield, Avril & Noyes Personal Injury Lawyers was the first law firm in the Tampa Bay area to practice personal injury law exclusively. Our St. Petersburg car accident lawyers have over 300 years of combined experience and have collected more than $675 for our deserving clients.
Here’s how we can help with your multi-vehicle car crash case:
- We will collect all available evidence, including police reports, witness statements, and photographs of the accident scene to determine who is at fault for the crash.
- We will handle all negotiations with the insurance adjusters to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.
- If the insurance companies involved do not offer a fair settlement or deny the claim, our law firm will file a lawsuit on your behalf.
- We will provide emotional support throughout the legal process and ensure that you have access to the resources you need to recover emotionally and physically.
For help after a multi-vehicle car crash in St. Petersburg, Florida, contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
How Common Are Car Crashes in Pinellas County?
According to statistics, there were hundreds of thousands of car crashes in Florida in 2022, causing serious injuries and fatalities. In St. Petersburg and the rest of Pinellas County, specifically, there are:
- An average of 115 traffic fatalities per year
- An average of 9,856 traffic injuries per year
- An average of 9,505 property damage crashes per year
Based on these figures, there are roughly 27 traffic injuries sustained every single day in the county, on average.
Overview of Multi-Vehicle Car Crashes In St. Petersburg, FL
Understanding how multi-vehicle accidents happen can help drivers avoid them and protect themselves on the road.
One of the primary causes is distracted driving. The use of smartphones or other devices while behind the wheel can take a driver’s attention away from the road, making it much more difficult to respond quickly to changing traffic patterns or road conditions.
Other common causes include speeding, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and failing to obey traffic signals or signs.
Common injuries after a multi-vehicle crash In St. Petersburg, Florida
Multi-vehicle crashes can be catastrophic, and the injuries sustained can vary depending on the severity of the collision.
One of the most prevalent injuries is whiplash, which occurs when a person’s head and neck are jolted forward and then backward quickly. This can cause damage to the soft tissues in the neck, leading to pain and discomfort.
Additionally, head injuries, spinal cord injuries, and fractures are other common injuries that can occur in a multi-vehicle crash.
It is essential to seek medical attention immediately after a collision to prevent further complications and begin the necessary treatment for any injuries sustained.
Liability in a Multi-Vehicle Crash In St. Petersburg, FL
Multi-vehicle car crashes occur frequently on busy roads and highways, and determining who is liable can be a complicated process. The key to understanding liability in these cases is determining the cause of the accident. Common liable parties include the following:
Driver
If a driver’s negligence or reckless behavior is the cause of the multi-vehicle crash, they may be held liable for the accident. Speeding, distracted driving, and drunk driving are common examples of driver negligence that can lead to accidents. In some cases, the driver may even face criminal charges in addition to being held liable for damages.
Employer
Sometimes, the employer of a driver can be held liable. For instance, if a delivery driver caused an accident while driving their delivery van, the company they work for might be responsible for the damages inflicted on other parties, including medical bills and property damage.
Municipality
If a poorly designed intersection or damaged road caused the accident, the government responsible for maintaining the roads might be responsible for the damages caused. However, it can be challenging to hold a government entity liable in such cases, making it crucial to have an experienced car accident lawyer.
Manufacturer
The manufacturer of the vehicle involved in the accident can also be held liable if the accident was caused by a defect or malfunction of the vehicle. In such cases, the victim may file a product liability lawsuit against the manufacturer to recover damages.
Examples of defects that can lead to multi-vehicle accidents include faulty steering systems, brake failure, and malfunctioning airbags.
Multiple Drivers
In some cases, multiple parties may be held liable for a multi-vehicle car crash, including the victims themselves. For example, if one driver fails to stop in time and causes a chain reaction that leads to a multi-vehicle crash, they may be held liable for damages caused by the accident.
Additionally, victims who fail to take reasonable steps to avoid the accident may also be held partially responsible for their injuries.
Modified Comparative Negligence In St. Petersburg, Florida
When disputes arise in the aftermath of an accident, fault becomes a critical issue. In Florida, the legal system uses a modified comparative negligence system to determine how much each party should be held responsible for the damages caused in a car accident.
Under modified comparative negligence, each party can be held accountable for their share of the damages, and there is a 51% bar to recovery. This means that even if you were found to be 50% responsible for the accident, you are still eligible to receive compensation. You just cannot be mostly at fault.
From there, any damages awarded will be reduced based on your own degree of contribution to the accident. For example, if you are found to be 20% responsible for the damages, you will only be eligible for 80% of the total damages you are seeking.
Our St. Petersburg car accident lawyers are well-suited to helping you respond to allegations of fault. Reach out today to learn more about how our personal injury law firm can help with your case.
Other Common Auto Accidents in St. Petersburg
Our legal team can help you recover financial compensation if you’ve been recently injured in any type of car accident in St. Petersburg, including:
- St. Petersburg U-Turn Accidents
- Rollover Crashes in St. Petersburg
- Parking Lot Accidents in St. Petersburg, FL
- St. Petersburg, FL Single Vehicle Crashes
- St. Petersburg Left-Turn Accidents
- And more
Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Car Wreck Lawyer in St. Petersburg, FL
Multi-vehicle car crashes can be a complicated and stressful process to navigate. Determining who is liable for the accident requires a thorough investigation of various factors, and liability is not always straightforward.
A personal injury lawyer can provide invaluable assistance in legal action related to multi-vehicle accidents. Contact us today to schedule a free case review with a trusted St. Petersburg multi-vehicle car crash attorney.
St. Petersburg Car Accident Resources
Visit our resource page to access more information regarding the help you need.
