Sarasota Personal Injury Lawyers

Have you been injured in an accident in Sarasota, FL? If your accident was caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to seek fair compensation for your losses. An experienced Sarasota personal injury lawyer will fight for the compensation you deserve and level the playing field with the insurance company.

For more than 28 years, Catania & Catania Injury Lawyers has represented Sarasota residents in all types of personal injury cases. Contact our law firm today at (941) 241-2378 or online to schedule a free consultation to discuss what we can do to help you.

How Catania & Catania Injury Lawyers Can Help After an Accident in Sarasota, FL

How Catania & Catania Injury Lawyers Can Help After an Accident in Sarasota, FL

Has an accident left you with financial uncertainty and mounting bills? Do not count on the at-fault party or their insurance company to look out for your best interests. They are only interested in shifting blame and minimizing or avoiding payouts. You deserve an aggressive Sarasota personal injury lawyer who will represent you zealously.

Catania & Catania Injury Lawyers is an award-winning personal injury law firm in Sarasota, Florida. We have earned the 2020 Silver Client Champion Award and the Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent rating, thanks to our recovery of over $500 million for our clients. With our firm, you benefit from more than 120 years of combined experience.

When you choose Catania & Catania Injury Lawyers to represent you, we will:

  • Handle all paperwork and communications while providing dependable legal advice
  • Investigate your accident with the help of experts to gather strong evidence
  • Identify all parties who may be liable for your damages
  • Accurately value your case and your long-term losses
  • Negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf
  • Take your case to court and pursue the maximum jury verdict if needed

Contact our law firm today for a free case evaluation with a Sarasota personal injury attorney who cares about you.

How Common Are Accidents in Sarasota, FL?

Car, truck, or motorcycle accidents, even slips and falls, and assault: are only some of the ways Sarasota County residents may be hurt or even killed. When someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing is responsible for an injury, it can give rise to a personal injury claim.

Motor vehicle-related accidents are the leading cause of accidental injuries and deaths in Sarasota. According to FLHSMV, in 2022, there were a total of 7,065 traffic accidents in Sarasota County including automobiles, motorcycles, bicyclists, pedestrians, and hit-and-runs. Additional statistics, by accident type, are covered below to shed light on just how common accidents are in Sarasota.

Types of Personal Injury Cases We Handle in Sarasota, Florida

Types of Personal Injury Cases We Handle in Sarasota, Florida

At Catania & Catania Injury Lawyers, we serve as tireless advocates for accident victims and their families. We handle cases in all areas of Florida personal injury law. 

Contact our law firm if you or a loved one have been hurt in any of the following types of cases:

After a serious accident, you deserve an advocate ready to take on the insurance company to fight for what you deserve. Call Catania & Catania Injury Lawyers today at (941) 241-2378 for a free consultation with our award-winning Sarasota personal injury lawyers ready to help you.

We’re here to help, 24/7

Sarasota Accident Statistics 2022

Few of us ever imagine the reality of being involved in a tragic accident – and hopefully, you and your loved ones are able to avoid any serious incidents in your lifetimes. However, according to FLHSMV, the statistics for accidents in Sarasota show us that, all too often, a victim’s life can change in an instant.

Sarasota Car Accidents 

In the bustling city of Sarasota, car accidents account for a significant proportion of traffic incidents. From minor fender-benders to catastrophic collisions, these accidents shape the local landscape of road safety, bringing attention to the pressing need for careful and responsible driving.

  • In 2022, there were a total of 7,065 motor-vehicle accidents reported in Sarasota County.
  • Of those, more than 4,100 car accidents resulted in injuries.
  • Sadly, there were nearly 60 fatal accidents in Sarasota County in 2022.
  • Additionally, there were more than 1,600 hit-and-run accidents reported to law enforcement in the region.

Sarasota Truck Accidents

Truck accidents in Sarasota present unique risks due to the significant size and weight of these vehicles. These accidents frequently result in severe damages and injuries, highlighting the critical role of trucking regulations and professional training in ensuring the safety of all road users.

Sarasota Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle accidents in Sarasota underscore the inherent risks faced by motorcyclists on our roads. With less protection than passengers in cars and trucks, motorcyclists often bear the brunt of collisions, making motorcycle safety a key concern for the community.

  •  Nearly 180 motorcycle crashes occurred in Sarasota County in 2023.
  • Of those, 157 resulted in injury, and 9 resulted in fatalities.

Sarasota Bicycle Accidents

Bicycle accidents in Sarasota serve as a reminder of the vulnerabilities of cyclists navigating busy streets alongside larger vehicles. These incidents highlight the importance of infrastructure that supports safe biking and heightened awareness from all road users.

  •  Sarasota County recorded 217 bike accidents in 2022, with 207 involving injuries and 5 fatalities.

Sarasota Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrian accidents in Sarasota can be devastating, and there is an urgent need for enhanced pedestrian safety measures. Whether crossing the road or walking alongside it, pedestrians are at risk, emphasizing the significance of vigilant driving and safe pedestrian practices.

  •  There were 186 pedestrian-involved accidents in Sarasota County in 2023.
  • There were 148 injuries from pedestrian accidents in 2023 and 9 fatalities. 

Sarasota Wrongful Death 

Wrongful deaths in Sarasota, often resulting from tragic accidents, bring the human cost of safety failures and negligence into sharp focus. These cases represent the most devastating potential outcomes of accidents, reinforcing the importance of justice and compensation for the families left behind.

Common Injuries in Sarasota Personal Injury Cases

Personal injury cases in Sarasota span a wide range of scenarios, each with its unique set of injuries. Whether resulting from car accidents, slip and fall incidents, or workplace accidents, these injuries often have long-lasting impacts on victims’ lives. At Catania & Catania, we have significant experience representing clients who have suffered from a variety of injuries, including but not limited to:

  • Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): These injuries can lead to long-term cognitive issues and require extensive medical care.
  • Spinal Cord Injuries: Such injuries may cause paralysis or other serious neurologic problems.
  • Broken Bones and Fractures: Often requiring surgery, these injuries can lead to extended periods of immobility.
  • Burn Injuries: These can occur from car accidents, workplace accidents, or faulty products.
  • Soft Tissue Injuries: These include sprains, strains, and whiplash injuries that often result from traffic accidents.

These common injuries require extensive medical care, often resulting in hefty medical bills and significant lifestyle changes. It’s crucial to consult with an experienced Sarasota personal injury lawyer at Catania & Catania to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve to cover medical costs, lost wages, and other related expenses. We’re here to help you navigate this challenging time and secure the best possible outcome for your case.

What is My Personal Injury Case Worth?

what is my sarasota injury case worth

There is simply no way to estimate the value of a personal injury case without careful consideration of many unique factors. At the very least, your case should be worth the value of your economic losses. However, it can be difficult to calculate if you will have long-term medical needs or diminished earning capacity.

The value of your non-economic losses will depend on the type and severity of your injuries and how they affect your life in the future.

There are many factors that may influence the value of your case. Do you share fault for the accident? Did you fail to mitigate damages? Both can reduce how much you recover.

Contact Catania & Catania Injury Lawyers today to schedule a free case review with an award-winning Sarasota personal injury attorney. We will help you explore your case’s worth.

What Damages Are Available After an Accident in Sarasota, Florida?

In a personal injury case, damages are divided into two broad categories: economic damages and non-economic damages.

Economic damages represent your financial losses after an accident, including:

  • Property damage
  • Lost wages
  • Reduced or lost earning capacity
  • Medical expenses and bills
  • Future medical care
  • Rehabilitation
  • Home health care
  • Domestic services
  • Modifications to your home and vehicle
  • Medical devices
  • Transportation to and from medical treatment

Non-economic damages are awarded for your intangible losses. This may include pain and suffering, disfigurement, mental anguish, emotional distress, loss of consortium, and reduced quality of life.

In rare cases, you may qualify for punitive damages. If the defendant’s gross negligence or intentional misconduct caused your injuries, a jury may award punitive damages to punish them. Punitive damages are capped at $500,000 or three times your total compensatory damages in Florida.

What Happens if I’m Blamed for an Accident in Florida?

Florida uses a pure comparative negligence rule in accidents involving shared blame. Under this rule, you can still recover financial compensation for your accident even if you were 99% at fault. The amount you recover will be reduced in proportion to your percentage of fault. For example, if you suffered $80,000 in damages but were 50% to blame for an accident, you will recover only $40,000 (50%).

The insurance company may blame you to reduce their liability. They may claim you were driving recklessly, not paying attention to your surroundings, or that you didn’t mitigate your damages by seeking prompt medical attention and following the doctor’s orders.

Always consult with experienced Sarasota personal injury lawyers as soon as possible when you are being blamed for an accident. Your lawyer will help you fight back against these tactics.

What is Negligence and How Does it Affect My Personal Injury Case?

What is Negligence and How Does it Affect My Case

Some personal injury cases involve intentional torts (such as assault) or strict liability. Most cases, however, are centered on negligence. 

A successful personal injury case requires proving all elements of negligence:

  • The defendant owed you a duty of care
  • They breached the duty
  • The breach caused your accident and injuries.
  • You suffered damages as a result.

You are required to prove negligence and causation by a “preponderance of the evidence.” This means it was more likely than not that the defendant was negligent and caused your accident. 

Our personal injury attorneys in Sarasota will investigate your accident and gather evidence to build a strong negligence case. Evidence may include property maintenance reports, surveillance footage, witness statements, accident reports, internal company records, and more. We will also work with specialists for expert testimony as needed.

How Long Do I Have to File a Personal Injury Lawsuit in Sarasota, Florida?

The amount of time you have to file your lawsuit depends on the type of case. For most personal injury cases, the statute of limitations in Florida is two years. Failing to file your lawsuit before the deadline will result in your case being dismissed.

Wrongful death cases and medical malpractice cases also have a 2-year statute of limitations. Some cases may have a longer or shorter deadline. For example, claims against government entities have a much shorter statute of limitations.

Contact Catania & Catania Injury Lawyers as soon as possible to preserve your case. We will work to gather evidence and build your case while you focus on healing.

What Does it Cost to Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer in Sarasota, FL?

Financial concerns should never prevent you from getting the skilled legal representation you need after an accident. At Catania & Catania Injury Lawyers, we work on a contingency fee basis. This means you will not be charged any attorney’s fees until we negotiate a settlement or win a judgment on your behalf.

If your case is successful, our fees and other costs will come out of your recovery.

Schedule a Free Consultation with a Sarasota Personal Injury Lawyer

Free Consultation with a Sarasota Personal Injury Lawyer

Do not let the insurance company mistreat you, blame you, or minimize your injuries. Call Catania & Catania Injury Lawyers today at (941) 241-2378 for a free case review with an experienced Sarasota personal injury lawyer committed to helping you.