Clearwater Car Accident Attorney
Auto Accident Team Here to Help You!
If you have been injured in an accident, our accident attorneys at the Clearwater office of Kemp Law can help. Our experienced Clearwater car accident lawyer will work to build a strong case on your behalf and ensure that any comparative negligence is taken into account when seeking compensation for your injuries.
At Kemp Law, our accident attorneys in Clearwater strive to uphold our commitment to the people of the Bay Area. Our team is experienced with comparative negligence cases and can help you seek compensation for your injuries. Our overall approach is very simple, and our firm was founded on a single guiding principle: we help people. Our Clearwater car accident attorneys are simply some of the best in the business. We provide a very personal and results-driven service to all clients because we believe that is how you best help them. An auto accident that causes injury can be very traumatic. This means your attorney should be a caring and supportive presence throughout the duration of your case to help ease this trauma.
Understanding Clearwater's Accident Landscape
We live in a beautiful area of Florida, with plenty of beaches and incredible scenery, but there are problems as well. The area of Pinellas County where Clearwater is located has unfortunately, become known as home to some of the most dangerous intersections in the entire country, let alone the state of Florida.
High-Risk Areas in Clearwater
Clearwater, known for its iconic Clearwater Beach and historic landmarks like the Capitol Theatre and Pier 60, unfortunately, witnesses its share of car accidents. With bustling traffic on the Courtney Campbell Causeway and frequent congestion on Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard, the likelihood of accidents in these areas is higher. Other high-risk areas include:
- US Highway 19
- Drew Street
- Belcher Road intersections
- Cleveland Street District
- Bayside Bridge
- Courtney Campbell Causeway
Local landmarks often play a role in shaping accident statistics, and being aware of these can help you navigate Clearwater's roads more cautiously.
Why Choose Kemp Law?
Local Expertise and Experience
When accidents occur, having a legal team familiar with Clearwater's unique landscape is invaluable. Kemp Law boasts a team of experienced attorneys well-versed in Florida's car insurance laws. Their expertise extends to handling cases related to accidents throughout Clearwater, from busy intersections to scenic causeways, making them the ideal choice for local representation.
24-Hour Call Back Guarantee
It is with your needs in mind that we instituted a 24 HR Call Back Guarantee. Every call we receive will be returned within 24 hours, no matter what. We instituted it because we found that the biggest complaint people had about their car accident attorney was primarily a lack of communication. They would call the office repeatedly to ask a question and at times their calls would go unanswered. We feel that's no way to take care of someone who has been injured.
Comprehensive Legal Support
Kemp Law goes beyond the typical legal services. They provide comprehensive support, assisting clients in dealing with insurance companies and ensuring they receive fair compensation. From hit-and-run incidents near the Clearwater Marine Aquarium to collisions throughout the area, Kemp Law has a proven track record of securing favorable outcomes for their clients.
Distinguished Recognition
Our Clearwater car accident attorneys are esteemed members of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum and the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum. They are part of a national network that facilitates information exchange, local support, and case referrals among top trial lawyers in America who have achieved remarkable success in handling large and intricate cases. Fewer than 1% of attorneys nationwide earn this high distinction. We always provide legal representation in your best interests, maintaining open communication lines, and keeping you updated about your case every step of the way.
What to Expect in Your Car Accident Case
Investigation and Evidence Gathering
When an accident happens and you are injured, you need assistance from an experienced and highly skilled car accident lawyer in Clearwater. That's where the Clearwater car accident attorneys at Kemp Law come in to help. No car accident victim should ever go it alone; everyone needs assistance when it comes to getting the compensation they are entitled to under the law.
Before any court proceedings begin, extensive preparation is necessary. This includes gathering evidence such as:
- Police reports
- Witness statements
- Medical records
- Dash cam footage (if available)
- Accident scene documentation
The Value of Dash Cam Evidence: Dash cams provide an unbiased, objective account of events leading up to and during a car accident. This evidence is invaluable in establishing the sequence of events and determining liability. Visual evidence is compelling in court and can protect you from false claims while strengthening your case significantly.
Dealing with Insurance Companies
Regardless of who the insurance company represents, the job of their claims representative is always to limit their liability and their payout. The only chance you have is with a highly experienced attorney who can maneuver through the system.
Important Warning: Your auto accident case can be affected if you give a recorded statement to the other driver's insurance company. The reason they try to get a recorded statement from you is because they want to pinpoint you on the answers to questions. If you make statements about your injuries or pain, they can use that against you at a later time.
Understanding Florida's Car Insurance Requirements
Clearwater residents should be familiar with Florida's minimum insurance requirements, which include:
- Personal Injury Protection (PIP): Covers your own medical expenses regardless of fault
- Property Damage Liability (PDL): Covers damage to another person's property
Understanding the different types of coverage, including comprehensive and collision, is essential for ensuring adequate protection in the event of an accident.
The Legal Process
Florida car accident cases can be very traumatic and difficult to deal with, especially when the injuries are serious. Many cases involve large medical bills, lost wages and other income, and the potential cost of long-term care, rehabilitation, and physical therapy in the future. Such cases may require a lot of intense negotiation with insurance carriers, as well as a thorough investigation and the use of numerous experts to make a case.
What We Must Prove: We have to prove that the other driver or other parties were negligent and that the injuries you have are because of the accident itself. This is not always easy to prove.
Pre-Trial Preparation
Your legal team at Kemp Law will meticulously review all evidence to ensure nothing is overlooked. In order to get the compensation that you deserve in a car accident case, you likely won't be able to do it yourself. You should focus everything on getting well, and your Clearwater car accident lawyer can do the heavy lifting.
Court Proceedings (If Necessary)
During a court trial, both parties will present their arguments and evidence to a judge or jury. Your attorney from Kemp Law will skillfully advocate on your behalf, presenting compelling arguments and cross-examining witnesses to strengthen your case.
Verdict and Judgment
Following the presentation of evidence, the judge or jury will reach a verdict. If the verdict is in your favor, Kemp Law will work tirelessly to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries and damages.
Important Legal Considerations
Statute of Limitations
In Florida, it can be necessary to file a lawsuit before the statute of limitations runs out. This is important because failing to file before then means the loss of your right to file one forever. If your claim is against any type of government, the limits and restrictions on filing are often more difficult.
Florida's Comparative Negligence Law
It's important to know that Florida is a pure comparative negligence state, which means that the judge or jury will assign a percentage of fault to each party in the accident. That means, if they decide the accident was 40 percent your fault, you can only recover 60 percent of your damages in the accident. A highly skilled car accident attorney can investigate and analyze the facts of the case and minimize the amount of fault that can be assessed against you and see to it that you get the maximum compensation.
Multiple Liable Parties
Multiple parties may be at fault in your accident, and identifying all potentially liable parties may be necessary to maximize the recovery for your injuries and damages. For example:
- If either car was recalled for a defect, it may be possible to name the vehicle manufacturer in addition to the driver
- If the vehicle was used in the course of the liable party's job, there may be other sources of recovery
Common Questions About Car Accidents in Clearwater, FL
Can I file a lawsuit if I wasn't wearing my seat belt?
Yes, you are able to still sue the driver and the owner of the car if you were injured in an accident while not wearing your seatbelt. However, keep in mind that because of comparative negligence, the jury could place a percentage of liability on you for your injuries and the verdict could be reduced by that percentage.
Will my auto accident case be affected because I gave a recorded statement to the other driver's insurance company?
Your auto accident case can be affected. The reason the other driver's insurance company tries to get a recorded statement from you is because they want to pinpoint you on the answers to your questions. If you make statements about your injuries or pain, they can use that against you at a later time.
Can a passenger recover damages if the injuries were caused by the driver of the same car?
Yes you can, as long as you are not married to the driver of the vehicle. You can be a relative. You can be a friend. You can definitely recover damages if the accident is the result of the driver.
Our Mission
It is very easy to describe what Kemp Law does. Our mission statement says it all. We strive to "relentlessly pursue protecting our clients and improving our community through respect, communication, and service." Put more simply, we help people.
Everything we do is with that singular purpose in mind. If a client has been injured by someone else, we will do everything we can to make sure they get the best possible medical care at little or no expense to them.
Our firm is unique; we are committed to our community and our clients with a level of legal expertise that is among the highest in the area. In fact, we were featured in Positively Tampa for our efforts.
Regardless of where you live in the Tampa Bay region, including Hillsborough, Pasco, Pinellas, and Hernando Counties, we look forward to helping you make the best of your situation. Many of our attorneys have been acclaimed as among the 1% of all attorneys in the country, and they're right here in our area, ready to help you.
Contact a Clearwater Car Injury Attorney
There are so many things to consider when you've been the victim of an accident, but one of them shouldn't be how to pay for everything if someone else is at fault. The Clearwater car accident attorneys at Kemp Law have the knowledge and the skills to make sure that all details are handled properly and that the result is to your satisfaction and relief. You should get everything you deserve at the same time you experience peace of mind.
Call us at (727) 788-6792 or submit a contact form for a free consultation.