Personal Injury Lawyers Serving Clearwater and Pinellas County

First, call 911 and ensure a police report is filed — this is important for cases handled in Pinellas County. Then, seek medical treatment right away, even for minor symptoms, since Florida law requires proof of treatment within 14 days for PIP coverage. Collect photos, witness details, and insurance information if possible. Finally, contact an attorney before giving statements to insurance companies, who often try to limit payouts.

Yes. Tourists and seasonal visitors injured in Clearwater — whether at the beach, in a hotel, or in traffic — have the same rights as residents to file a personal injury claim. Your case would be filed in Pinellas County courts, and your attorney can handle most of the process without you needing to stay in Florida.

In Clearwater, you generally have two years from the date of your accident to file a lawsuit. This is Florida’s statute of limitations for negligence claims. Failing to file in time usually means your case is dismissed. Certain cases, such as claims against a city or county entity, may have shorter notice requirements.

Florida’s modified comparative negligence law applies in Clearwater. If you’re partially responsible for the accident, your recovery is reduced by your share of fault. For example, if you’re found 20% at fault, your compensation is reduced by 20%. If you’re more than 50% at fault, you may not be able to recover damages.