1. Hoskins, Turco, Lloyd & Lloyd
Focus Area: Personal Injury Litigation
Practice Areas: Car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, slip and fall accidents, pedestrian accidents, bicycle accidents, medical malpractice, wrongful death
Background: Locally owned and operated firm based in Port St. Lucie with over 40 years of experience. The firm has secured over $500 million in settlements and verdicts for clients. Personal injury division led by Steve Hoskins, a Board Certified Civil Trial Attorney, a distinction held by fewer than 7% of Florida attorneys.
Location: Port St. Lucie, FL 34952
Contact: (772) 344-7770 | https://www.hoskinsandturco.com
Consultation: Free case reviews available 24/7; contingency fee basis
2. Kibbey Wagner Injury & Car Accident Lawyers
Focus Area: Accident and Injury Claims
Practice Areas: Car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, brain injuries, wrongful death, pedestrian accidents, bicycle accidents
Background: Over 80 years of combined experience among attorneys. The firm has collected over $200 million for clients in the past six years. Known for treating clients personally and providing family-style representation.
Location: 1100 SW St. Lucie West Blvd, Suite 202, Port St. Lucie, FL 34986
Contact: (772) 247-3374 | https://kibbeylaw.com
Consultation: Free consultation available; contingency fee arrangement
3. Todd Passman, Personal Injury Attorney
Focus Area: Personal Injury Representation
Practice Areas: Car accidents, motorcycle accidents, slip and fall accidents, personal injury, accident victim advocacy
Background: Over 20 years of experience practicing law in St. Lucie County. Born and raised locally in St. Lucie County. Known for personal attention to cases rather than delegating to paralegals. Maintains a reputation for compassion and creativity in seeking justice for injured clients.
Location: Downtown Fort Pierce (serving Port St. Lucie and surrounding areas)
Contact: https://stluciepersonalinjuryattorney.com
Consultation: Free initial consultation; contingency fee basis
4. Ged Lawyers, LLP
Focus Area: Personal Injury and Civil Litigation
Practice Areas: Car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, slip and fall accidents, pedestrian accidents, bicycle accidents, wrongful death
Background: Full-service law firm providing legal representation since 1995. Trial-experienced attorneys prepared to fight in court when necessary. Offers evening and weekend appointments for client convenience. Has recovered over $26 million for clients.
Location: Serving Port St. Lucie, FL
Contact: https://www.gedlawyers.com
Consultation: Free consultation available 24/7; contingency fee structure
5. Rosenthal, Levy, Simon & Sosa
Focus Area: Personal Injury and Disability Law
Practice Areas: Car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, slip and fall injuries, workers compensation, Social Security Disability
Background: Over 40 years of experience serving South Florida including Port St. Lucie and Palm Beach County. Over 200 years of combined experience among attorneys. Prepared to go to trial and known for refusing to settle unless clients receive deserved compensation. Reputation built largely on word-of-mouth referrals.
Location: Offices in West Palm Beach and Port St. Lucie
Contact: (866) 640-7117 | https://www.rosenthallevy.com
Consultation: Free case review available; no fees unless they win
Personal Injury Laws in Florida
Statute of Limitations
Florida has a two-year statute of limitations for most personal injury claims based on negligence, as established by Florida Statutes Section 95.11(5)(a). This deadline applies to car accidents, slip and fall incidents, and other negligence-based claims. The two-year period begins on the date of the injury. This is a significant change from the previous four-year statute, which was reduced through HB 837, effective March 24, 2023. Any accident occurring on or after that date is subject to the two-year deadline.
Wrongful death claims also carry a two-year statute of limitations, running from 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 this rule, an injured party can recover damages even if they share fault for the accident, but their compensation is reduced by their percentage of fault. However, if the injured party is found to be more than 50% at fault for the accident, they are barred from recovering any damages. This change was also implemented through HB 837 in 2023, transitioning Florida from a pure comparative negligence state to a modified system.
Damage Caps
Florida does not impose caps on compensatory damages in personal injury cases. There are no limits on economic damages such as medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage. Similarly, non-economic damages for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life are not capped. The exception is claims against government entities, which have specific limitations.
Auto Insurance Requirements
Florida is a no-fault state with unique auto insurance requirements. Drivers must carry:
Personal Injury Protection (PIP): Minimum of $10,000. PIP covers 80% of necessary medical expenses and 60% of lost wages for the insured and passengers, regardless of fault in an accident.
Property Damage Liability (PDL): Minimum of $10,000. This covers damage caused to another person’s property.
Florida does not require bodily injury liability insurance for most drivers, though it may be required for those involved in at-fault accidents or with certain violations on their record. Because of the no-fault system, drivers first turn to their own PIP coverage for medical expenses after an accident. The ability to sue for additional damages is limited to cases involving serious injuries such as significant and permanent loss of bodily function, permanent injury, or significant scarring or disfigurement.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I am partially at fault for my car accident in Port St. Lucie?
Under Florida’s modified comparative negligence system, you can still recover compensation if you are partially responsible for your accident, but your award will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found 20% at fault for a collision on US-1 and your total damages are $100,000, you would receive $80,000. However, if you are determined to be more than 50% at fault, you cannot recover any compensation from the other party.
How does Florida’s no-fault insurance system affect my personal injury claim in St. Lucie County?
Florida’s no-fault system means your own PIP insurance is your first source of recovery after a car accident, covering up to $10,000 in medical expenses and lost wages regardless of who caused the crash. You can only pursue a claim against the at-fault driver if your injuries meet certain thresholds, including permanent injury, significant scarring, or permanent loss of a bodily function. Many Port St. Lucie residents carry only the state minimum coverage, so having uninsured motorist coverage can provide additional protection.
What is the deadline to file a personal injury lawsuit after an accident on the Treasure Coast?
You have two years from the date of your injury to file a personal injury lawsuit in Florida. This deadline applies to accidents occurring on or after March 24, 2023. If you miss this deadline, you will generally lose your right to seek compensation through the courts. Given Port St. Lucie’s ranking as one of the fastest-growing cities in the United States, accident rates have increased, making timely consultation with an attorney important.
Can I sue a government entity if I am injured due to poorly maintained roads in Port St. Lucie?
You can file a claim against a government entity in Florida, but special rules apply. You must provide written notice to the appropriate government agency within three years of the injury and give the agency six months to investigate before filing a lawsuit. Claims against government entities also have different procedures and potential limitations on recovery. An attorney experienced with government claims can help navigate the specific requirements.
What types of damages can I recover in a Florida personal injury case?
Florida allows recovery of both economic and non-economic damages without caps. Economic damages include medical bills, future medical expenses, lost wages, lost earning capacity, and property damage. Non-economic damages cover pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and loss of consortium. In cases involving wrongful death, surviving family members may also pursue compensation for funeral expenses and loss of financial support.