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Serving St. Petersburg for Over 30-Years

Call 911, stay calm, and move to a safe location if you are able to. Ask for a police report to document the accident. Go to the hospital if your injuries warrant it. Exchange insurance information with all parties. Do not discuss who is at fault under any circumstances with any of the involved parties or any witnesses. Call your insurance company and make a claim. Keep a camera in your glove box to document any property damage or injuries such as cuts, scrapes, scratches, and/or bruises.

There are many variables that determine the value of your case, including past and future medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering. The insurance coverage you carry as well as the insurance coverage the at-fault party carries will also help determine the value of your case.

Personal Injury cases are contracted for a contingency fee. This means the attorney will only be paid if a settlement is reached on your behalf. Typical fees are standard throughout Florida and are 33 1/3% if your case is settled anytime before a lawsuit is filed. Typical fees are 40% if your case settles anytime after a lawsuit is filed and depend on the amount received. Costs are separate from fees.

Every case is different and the time it takes to settle your case varies greatly. A case can settle in as little as a few months and can take as long as a few years depending on your specific circumstances. Mr. Athanason will review this with you during your consultation.

After your initial office visit with Mr. Athanason, we will recommend you to a doctor for treatment, usually a chiropractor, neurologist, or orthopedic surgeon. Depending on your injuries, the doctor will determine how often and for how long you will need to treat. During the course of treatment with your chiropractor, neurologist, or orthopedic surgeon, you will be sent for MRIs, so there will be additional documentation of your injuries. During your course of treatment, we will request updated notes and reports from your treating doctor(s). Once you have reached Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI), we will request Final Narrative Reports from your doctor(s) that contain your diagnosis, treatment, impairment rating, and future costs of medical care, and proceed with putting together a demand package that will be sent to the insurance company.