St. Petersburg Car Accident Lawyer

Not all injuries are treated the same under Florida law. If your injuries are considered serious, you may have the right to file a personal injury lawsuit and pursue damages beyond what insurance typically covers.

Florida’s serious injury threshold includes:

• Permanent loss of an important bodily function
• Significant and permanent scarring or disfigurement
• A permanent injury diagnosed by a medical provider
• Death

Meeting these criteria allows you to seek additional compensation for long-term medical care, emotional distress, and other losses not covered by PIP.

This includes hospital visits, surgery, diagnostic testing, physical therapy, prescription medications, and future care related to your injuries.

You can pursue payment for missed time at work and long-term losses if your injuries affect your ability to earn a living.

Florida allows victims to recover for physical pain, emotional distress, anxiety, and the overall impact the accident has had on daily life.

You may be entitled to reimbursement for repairs to your vehicle or replacement if it was totaled, plus any other personal property damaged in the crash.

Understanding the full range of compensation available can make a major difference in your recovery. As part of our personal injury representation, Bernstein Law helps clients build strong claims that reflect the real costs of what they’ve lost.

The steps you take right after a crash can directly affect your ability to recover compensation later. Following the right process early on can help protect your health, your legal rights, and your claim.

Even if your injuries seem minor, get checked by a medical professional as soon as possible. This ensures your health is protected and creates a medical record that supports your case.

Call law enforcement and make sure an official accident report is filed. This document is often critical when dealing with insurance companies or pursuing a legal claim.

If it’s safe to do so, take photos of the vehicles, road conditions, and any visible injuries. Get contact information from witnesses and other drivers involved.

Insurance adjusters may contact you quickly and ask for a recorded statement. Politely decline until you’ve spoken to a lawyer because these statements can be used to limit your compensation.

Getting legal guidance early can make a major difference. An attorney can help preserve evidence, explain your rights, and protect your claim. Bernstein Law provides local support to accident victims across St. Petersburg and Pinellas County from the moment you reach out.

Taking these steps doesn’t just strengthen your case, it gives you a clearer path forward during a difficult time.

Even if you do everything right after a car accident, the insurance company may still try to pay you less than you deserve. This is where the real fight often begins.

Insurers may seem helpful at first, but their job is to minimize payouts. Some of the most common tactics include:

• Downplaying your injuries
• Offering a quick, low settlement before the full extent of your damages is known
• Delaying responses or denying valid claims altogether

These strategies can leave you with far less than what you need to recover.

At Bernstein Law, we push back with facts, evidence, and experience. We know how to build strong claims that reflect the true cost of your injuries and we don’t let insurers decide what your case is worth.

At Bernstein Law, we believe every car accident victim deserves more than a quick settlement — they deserve an advocate who will dig deep, challenge lowball tactics, and fight for the outcome they actually need.

Attorney Derek Bernstein is personally involved in every car accident case. From the moment you reach out, you work with him directly — not a case manager. He investigates your case thoroughly, consulting with doctors, reviewing insurance policies, and gathering the evidence that moves the needle in negotiations.

When adjusters stall or undercut claims, we respond with strategy, not just paperwork. That means knowing when to push harder, when to bring in expert witnesses, and when to prepare for trial.

Our job isn’t just to get a number on the table — it’s to ensure that number reflects the actual impact the crash has had on your health, your work, and your future. And if it doesn’t, we don’t back down.

We take cases on a contingency fee basis, so you don’t owe us anything unless we win. That way, you can focus on healing while we focus on results. When adjusters stall or undercut claims, we respond with strategy and force. Bernstein Law doesn’t flinch under pressure — we fight like your case depends on it, because it does.

Being involved in a car accident leaves most people with more questions than answers, especially when the insurance process feels rushed or unclear. Here are some of the most common concerns we hear from clients across St. Petersburg and Pinellas County.

Answer: Yes. Some injuries, like soft tissue damage or concussions, may take time to fully appear. If they worsen, you can still take legal action, especially if they disrupt your daily life or work. It’s important to seek medical care early and document everything.

Answer: You may still be able to recover compensation through your own uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage. A car accident attorney can review your policy and explore other options based on the facts of your case.

Answer: Florida’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally two years from the date of the crash. But waiting can hurt your case, acting early gives your lawyer time to build the strongest possible claim.

Answer: Florida follows a no-fault system, meaning your own Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage typically covers initial medical bills and some lost wages, no matter who caused the accident. However, you may still be able to file a lawsuit if your injuries are considered serious.

Answer: Be cautious. Insurance companies often make early settlement offers that undervalue the full scope of your injuries. It’s wise to consult with a lawyer before accepting anything, you may be entitled to much more than they initially offer.

Answer: Start by getting medical care and notifying law enforcement. Take photos, gather witness information if possible, and avoid giving recorded statements. As soon as you’re able, speak with an attorney who understands local laws and can protect your rights from day one.

Answer: Possibly. Under Florida’s modified comparative fault rules, you can still recover damages if you’re less than 50% at fault, but your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

Answer: Photos, medical records, witness statements, accident reports, and proof of lost income all help build a strong claim. The sooner this evidence is preserved, the better.

Answer: You pay nothing up front. Bernstein Law works on a contingency fee basis, meaning you only pay if we win your case. That allows you to get experienced representation without worrying about legal bills.

Answer: Not necessarily. Many car accident claims settle outside of court. However, if the insurance company won’t offer a fair settlement, Bernstein Law is fully prepared to take your case to trial.

If you still have questions or aren’t sure where to start, that’s okay. Bernstein Law is here to offer clear, local guidance and help you move forward with confidence.

If you’ve been in an accident, choosing the right attorney can make all the difference. At Bernstein Law, that means working directly with the person leading your case, Derek Bernstein. Clients across St. Petersburg trust him not only for his experience, but for how he shows up: prepared, responsive, and personally invested in your recovery.

Derek Bernstein founded Bernstein Law to bring true service and responsiveness back to legal representation. He lives in St. Petersburg with his wife and two children and remains deeply connected to the Tampa Bay community. Drawing on his working‑class background, Derek connects with clients facing emotional and financial hardship after a crash and treats everyone as a real person, not just another case . Known to many as “The Law Bear,” Derek earned that name for his fierce, grounded approach — approachable to clients, relentless with insurers.

At Bernstein Law, clients aren’t kept at a distance, they connect directly with Derek from the very start. He takes the time to understand each case personally, not just in legal terms but in how it impacts your life. That one-on-one approach means you’re not repeating your story to new staff every time you call. Instead, you get clear answers and a legal strategy shaped around your unique circumstances.

Clients often share how relieved they feel when Derek returns their calls quickly, answers questions clearly, and follows up without needing reminders. That consistency builds trust during what can be an uncertain time. Whether it’s a quick text or a longer conversation, Derek makes sure his clients feel informed and supported every step of the way, something many large firms simply don’t offer.

Derek’s focus has always been helping people in his community get back on their feet after serious crashes. He knows how overwhelming the aftermath can be, from injury recovery to dealing with adjusters who don’t play fair. That’s why he’s built a practice grounded in transparency, compassion, and tenacity. With every case, Bernstein Law aims to not only recover what you’re owed, but to make sure you’re treated with respect and honesty throughout the process.

When you work with Bernstein Law, you don’t just get a car accident lawyer, you get Derek Bernstein in your corner. He’s here to fight for you, listen to you, and help you navigate your recovery with certainty.

If you were hurt in a car accident, you don’t have to handle the next steps alone. Bernstein Law is here to help with personal guidance, responsive service, and a commitment to results.

Our firm proudly serves clients across St. Petersburg and Pinellas County, offering clear answers and aggressive representation when it matters most. You won’t be passed around, attorney Derek Bernstein will guide your case personally from the initial call through resolution.

Ready to take the next step? Call Bernstein Law today at (727) 209-7957 or fill out our quick online form for your free consultation. You owe nothing unless we win and everything to gain by taking action now.