1. Jeeves Law Group, P.A.
Focus Area: Personal injury, class action litigation, and medical malpractice
Practice Areas: Car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, bicycle accidents, wrongful death, pedestrian accidents, slip and fall injuries, dog bites, medical malpractice, class action lawsuits, insurance disputes, spinal cord injuries
Background: Established in 2003, the firm is led by attorney Scott Jeeves, who has over 30 years of legal experience in Florida. He is a board-certified trial lawyer and certified circuit court mediator. The firm has obtained millions of dollars for clients and holds memberships in the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, Florida Justice Association, Pinellas County Mid-County Bar Association, and the American Bar Association. Licensed to practice in all Florida state courts, U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida, and U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit.
Location: 2100 1st Ave S, Ste 2, St. Petersburg, FL 33712
Contact: (727) 894-2929 | https://www.jeeveslawgroup.com
Consultation: Free case evaluation, contingency fee basis (no fees unless case is won), bilingual services available (Spanish)
2. Salter, Healy, Rivera & Heptner
Focus Area: Personal injury and wrongful death litigation
Practice Areas: Car accidents, motorcycle accidents, trucking accidents, slip and fall accidents, construction accidents, wrongful death, premises liability, nursing home negligence
Background: The firm has over 60 years of combined experience among its attorneys. The team includes Board Certified Civil Trial Specialists and former insurance defense attorneys. They have successfully recovered millions of dollars in jury verdicts and settlement awards for clients throughout Florida. Available 24 hours a day, seven days a week for consultations.
Location: St. Petersburg, FL (Tampa Bay area office)
Contact: (727) 472-4000 | https://www.salterhealy.com
Consultation: Free consultation, contingency fee basis (typically 33-40% of recovery), no upfront costs
3. McQuaid & Douglas (727 Injury Law)
Focus Area: Car accidents and personal injury with emphasis on brain injuries and concussions
Practice Areas: Car accidents, Uber and Lyft accidents, motorcycle accidents, trucking accidents, bicycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, slip and fall, brain injuries, spinal cord injuries
Background: Sean K. McQuaid serves as firm President and also serves as President of the St. Petersburg Bar Association. He joined the firm after law school in 2000 and became a shareholder in 2006. The firm specializes in concussions and brain injuries, offering focused expertise in these complex cases. Multiple attorneys provide personalized attention from initial consultation through final resolution.
Location: 721 1st Ave. North, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Contact: (727) 550-8800 | https://www.727injury.com
Consultation: Free consultation, $0 out of pocket, contingency fee arrangement
4. Graves Thomas Injury Law Group
Focus Area: Personal injury litigation with a focus on auto accidents
Practice Areas: Car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, wrongful death, slip and fall, premises liability, product liability
Background: The firm has 50 years of combined experience and has recovered over $250 million for clients. They represent clients throughout the Tampa Bay region including St. Petersburg and have extensive knowledge of local courts and defense attorneys. The team includes experienced personal injury lawyers, investigators, and paralegals.
Location: 200 Central Ave Suite 304, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Contact: (813) 231-1786 | https://www.gravesthomas.com
Consultation: Free initial consultation, contingency fee basis (standard is approximately 33% of settlement)
5. Chambers|Pilon Personal Injury Law
Focus Area: Personal injury representation with deep local community roots
Practice Areas: Car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, slip and fall, wrongful death, premises liability, pedestrian accidents
Background: Established in 1971, the firm is a family-run, multi-generational personal injury practice serving St. Petersburg for over 50 years. Joseph W. Chambers and Jeffrey K. Chambers lead the firm with extensive experience in the local community. They serve clients throughout Pinellas County including Clearwater, Gulfport, Pinellas Park, and surrounding areas.
Location: St. Petersburg, FL (Downtown St. Petersburg)
Contact: (727) 914-6299 | https://www.chamberspilon.com
Consultation: Free initial consultation, contingency fee arrangement
Personal Injury Laws in Florida
Statute of Limitations
Florida has a two-year statute of limitations for most personal injury claims based on negligence. This deadline applies to accidents occurring on or after March 24, 2023. For accidents that occurred before that date, the previous four-year statute of limitations may still apply. Wrongful death claims must be filed within two years of the date of death. Medical malpractice claims have a two-year statute of limitations with a four-year statute of repose.
Negligence Rules
Florida follows a modified comparative negligence system under House Bill 837, effective March 24, 2023. Under this rule, an injured party can recover damages as long as they are less than 51% at fault for the accident. If the injured party is found to be 51% or more responsible, they are barred from any recovery. Any damages awarded are reduced by the percentage of fault attributed to the injured party.
Damage Caps
Florida does not impose general caps on compensatory damages in most personal injury cases. However, there are specific limitations when suing government entities. Claims against the State of Florida are capped at $250,000 per person or $500,000 per incident. Dog bite claims follow a strict liability standard under Florida Statute 767.04, holding dog owners responsible regardless of prior knowledge of dangerous behavior.
Auto Insurance Requirements
Florida is a no-fault insurance state. All drivers must carry minimum coverage of $10,000 in Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and $10,000 in Property Damage Liability (PDL). Florida does not require Bodily Injury Liability coverage for standard vehicle registration. PIP coverage pays 80% of medical expenses and 60% of lost wages up to the policy limit regardless of fault. Drivers must seek medical treatment within 14 days of an accident to qualify for PIP benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Florida’s no-fault insurance system affect my personal injury claim in St. Petersburg?
In Florida’s no-fault system, your own PIP insurance pays for your initial medical expenses up to $10,000, regardless of who caused the accident. However, if your injuries meet Florida’s “serious injury threshold” (including significant scarring, permanent disability, or severe injuries), you may file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver to recover additional damages beyond what PIP covers. Many St. Petersburg residents carry only the minimum PIP coverage, which can be quickly exhausted after a serious accident, making it important to understand your options for pursuing additional compensation.
What is the impact of Florida’s 2023 tort reform on accident cases in St. Petersburg?
The 2023 tort reform under House Bill 837 significantly changed personal injury law in Florida. The statute of limitations was reduced from four years to two years for negligence claims, and the state shifted from a pure comparative negligence system to a modified comparative negligence system with a 51% bar. This means St. Petersburg accident victims must act more quickly to file claims and cannot recover damages if found to be 51% or more at fault. These changes make early consultation with an attorney more critical than before.
Can I still recover damages if I was partially at fault for an accident in Pinellas County?
Yes, under Florida’s modified comparative negligence rule, you can recover damages as long as your fault does not exceed 50%. Your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found 30% at fault and your damages total $100,000, you would receive $70,000. However, if you are found 51% or more at fault, you will be completely barred from recovering any compensation. Insurance companies often try to attribute higher fault percentages to injured parties to reduce their payout obligations.
What should I do immediately after a car accident on Interstate 275 or other St. Petersburg roadways?
After ensuring safety and calling 911, document everything by taking photos of the scene, vehicle damage, and any visible injuries. Exchange insurance information with other drivers but avoid discussing fault. Seek medical attention within 14 days, as this is required to preserve your PIP benefits under Florida law. File a crash report with the St. Petersburg Police Department for accidents involving injuries or property damage exceeding $500. Contact a personal injury attorney before providing recorded statements to insurance companies.
Why is the 14-day medical treatment deadline important for Florida accident victims?
Florida law requires that you receive initial medical treatment within 14 days of an accident to be eligible for PIP benefits. If you fail to seek treatment within this window, your PIP insurer can deny coverage for all medical expenses related to the accident. This rule applies regardless of how minor your injuries may initially seem. Many injuries, such as soft tissue damage or concussions, may not show symptoms immediately after an accident, making it important to get evaluated by a medical professional even if you feel fine at the scene.