Sarasota is a city of acclaimed cultural attractions, illustrious beaches, and rapid growth. Situated on the Gulf of Florida, south of Tampa Bay and north of Fort Myers, it’s home to 55,000 full-time residents. It’s also the prime destination of more than 2.2 million tourists visiting Sarasota County every year.
The city’s motto is, “Where urban meets small-town living.” Major draws are The Ringling museums and galleries, Siesta Key (ranked No. 1 U.S. beach in 2020), the Sarasota Museum of Art, aquatic parks, sports stadiums, and a host of annual art and film festivals.
While there is certainly much to enjoy about this fine community, our Sarasota personal injury lawyers recognize it’s not without its fair share of potential hazards. Some of these are the typical risks one might encounter in any city. Our Sarasota car accident attorneys have handled many motor vehicle accident cases, pedestrian accident claims, slip-and-fall injuries, and more.
To schedule a free consultation and discuss your case, contact our firm today.
Why Should I Hire Garvin Injury Law After an Accident in Sarasota, Florida?
After a serious accident, you need more than just a lawyer. You need someone who knows the law and has the resources to take on large insurance companies on your behalf. At Garvin Injury Law, we have been helping injury victims in Florida for over 50 years. In that time, we have recovered millions for our clients and earned a reputation for determined, results-driven legal services.
We prepare every case as if it will go to trial. That approach shows the insurance companies we are serious, often leading to stronger settlement offers. It also means that if your case does go to court, we are ready to present it effectively.
When you hire our personal injury attorneys in Sarasota, Florida, we will:
- Conduct a detailed investigation into the cause of your accident
- Identify every potentially liable party
- Gather medical records, accident reports, and witness statements
- Work with experts to strengthen your case
- Calculate the full value of your losses
- Negotiate directly with insurers for a fair settlement
- Prepare your case for trial if necessary
Our experience in the courtroom often encourages insurance companies to settle for higher amounts than they would otherwise. If you choose us to represent you, we’ll work tirelessly to maximize the value of your claim. Contact us today to learn more and get started with a free consultation.
How Much Is My Sarasota Personal Injury Case Worth?
No two personal injury cases are exactly alike, so there is no single answer to how much your claim is worth. The value of your case will depend on the facts, the severity of your injuries, and how those injuries affect your life.
Factors that can influence case value include:
- The type and extent of your injuries
- The cost of medical treatment, both now and in the future
- Time missed from work and any long-term loss of earning ability
- The degree of your pain and suffering
- Whether you share any fault for the accident
- The strength of the evidence supporting your claim
Our Sarasota personal injury attorneys can review your circumstances in detail during your free consultation and give you a clearer idea of what your case may be worth. Call today.
What Damages Are Available After an Accident in Sarasota?
In a Florida personal injury case, you may be entitled to both economic and non-economic damages. In some rare situations, punitive damages may also be available if the defendant’s conduct was especially reckless or intentional.
Economic damages cover your financial losses, such as:
- Current and future medical bills
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Rehabilitation and therapy expenses
- Property damage
- Out-of-pocket costs related to your injuries
Non-economic damages address more personal, intangible harm, including:
- Physical pain and suffering
- Emotional distress and mental anguish
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Scarring or disfigurement
- Loss of companionship or consortium
Punitive damages are meant to punish and deter wrongful conduct, but they require clear and convincing evidence of intentional misconduct or gross negligence under Florida law.
What Is Negligence and Who May Be Responsible for My Injuries?
Negligence is the legal concept at the heart of most personal injury cases. It essentially means the same thing as “carelessness” and occurs when someone fails to use reasonable care and causes harm to another person.
To prove negligence, you must establish four legal elements:
- The defendant owed you a duty of care
- They breached that duty through their actions or inaction
- That breach directly caused your injuries
- You suffered damages as a result
Many parties can potentially be held responsible for an accident in Sarasota, depending on the circumstances. These may include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Motor vehicle drivers
- Trucking companies and commercial carriers
- Property owners and managers
- Manufacturers of defective products
- Employers of negligent workers
- Government agencies responsible for road maintenance or safety
Our legal team can investigate your case internally and pursue all available sources of compensation while you focus on your health and well-being.
How Much Does It Cost To Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer in Sarasota, Florida?
At Garvin Injury Law, we handle personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis. This means you do not pay anything upfront to hire us, and there are no hourly rates or retainer fees. Our payment comes as a percentage of the compensation we recover for you. If we are not successful in your case, you do not owe us any attorney’s fees.
This approach allows you to work with an experienced Sarasota personal injury attorney without adding financial stress during your recovery. It also ensures our goals are aligned with yours, as we are motivated to secure as much compensation for you as we can.
At the beginning of your case, we will clearly explain the percentage and terms of the agreement, and we are always available to answer any questions about fees or costs as well.
Sarasota Personal Injury Statistics
Sarasota sees thousands of preventable accidents each year, many resulting in serious injuries or fatalities. According to data from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV):
- Sarasota County reported more than 6,000 traffic crashes in 2024 alone
- These crashes resulted in over 4,000 injuries and more than 50 fatalities
- Pedestrian and bicycle accidents remain a significant concern in the area
These statistics highlight how frequently accidents occur and how important it is for victims to understand their rights. If you have been injured, getting legal help quickly can protect your ability to recover fair compensation.
Types of Sarasota Injury Cases We Handle
- Pedestrian and bicycle accidents.
- Motorcycle accidents.
- Trolley accidents.
- Bus/shuttle accidents.
- Boating accidents.
- Jet ski accidents.
- Scooter accidents.
- Hotel injuries.
- Premises liability (slip-and-fall, dangerous property conditions, inadequate security/third-party criminal attacks, etc.).
- Medical malpractice.
At Garvin Injury Law, as lifelong Southwest Florida residents and longtime Sarasota personal injury lawyers, we recognize no one plans on getting hurt while on vacation, during a night out, or simply running errands. Nonetheless, these things happen – usually as the result of another’s failure to use reasonable care.
In these situations, it’s imperative that injured parties seek immediate medical treatment. From there, they should promptly contact a local injury attorney who can help them navigate the civil claims process in Southwest Florida.
What is the Personal Injury Claim Process in Sarasota, Florida?
State-level civil court cases in Sarasota are handled by the 12th Judicial Circuit court. Appeals are heard by Florida’s 2nd District Court of Appeal. Federal claims are handled in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida. However, most Sarasota injury cases are filed at the state level, and the majority don’t make it to trial, let alone an appellate court.
Often, when you’re working with an experienced lawyer, it may not even be necessary to file a Sarasota injury lawsuit. Matters can be settled fairly through negotiations with insurers. We investigate the claim, evaluate the extent of your injuries and losses, and send a demand letter to liable parties/their insurers.
From there, settlement negotiations begin. Because we know how to determine the true value and strength of your claim, we can help ensure you aren’t pressured into a low-ball settlement. It’s only if insurers refuse fair settlement terms that we advise clients to press ahead with litigation.
That said, it’s wise to hire an attorney who is prepared to take the matter to court if necessary. When defendants and their insurers recognize you’re working with a lawyer who has a successful track record of civil injury case wins, they tend to take settlement talks more seriously.
Even if you are partially at-fault for what happened, Florida is a comparative fault state. That means your shared blame for the accident may proportionately reduce your damages, but it won’t eliminate your right to collect compensation from other responsible parties.
Is There a Deadline to File a Sarasota Personal Injury Claim?
Yes: You do not have an endless amount of time in which to file an injury lawsuit in Florida. The statute of limitations on most injury claims is four years from the cause of action (usually the time of injury). This applies to injuries that occurred before March 24, 2023. Injuries that occurred after this date have a two-year statute of limitations.
Additionally, if the defendant is a government agency or a medical professional, your filing deadline will be tighter, and there may be more stringent notice requirements. Wrongful death cases in Sarasota must be filed within two years.
Our Sarasota injury attorneys are committed to identifying all of your options for compensation and fiercely advocating on your behalf for a fair payout. Florida injury lawyers are paid on a contingency fee basis, meaning you do not pay attorney’s fees unless and until you win.
Contact Our Sarasota Personal Injury Lawyers for a Free Consultation
If you were injured in Sarasota, FL, due to someone else’s negligence, Garvin Injury Law is ready to stand by your side. With over 50 years of combined experience and millions recovered for our clients, you can count on our Sarasota personal injury attorneys to secure the compensation you need and deserve.
Contact Garvin Injury Law, personal injury lawyers in Sarasota, Fort Myers, Naples, Port Charlotte and Key West today at (239) 277-0005, or online for a free case review.