Two St. Petersburg police officers were hospitalized after a car crashed into a golf cart.
Two St. Petersburg police officers were hospitalized after a car crashed into a golf cart, according to a WFLA report.
For someone injured in a collision like this, the hospital visit may be only the beginning. Follow-up appointments can mean time away from work, and insurance paperwork can arrive while they’re still trying to understand their injuries. If the crash happened on the job, workers’ compensation may also come into play.
Finding Out How the Crash Happened
Determining responsibility takes more than looking at which vehicle hit the other. The vehicles’ paths, traffic signals, visibility, and witness accounts all deserve a close look.
A recording from a nearby business might show something the drivers couldn’t see. Photos may help establish where the impact occurred. That evidence is worth preserving early, especially video that could be overwritten.
A St. Petersburg car accident attorney can help locate available evidence and investigate conflicting accounts. Until that work is done, assigning blame would be premature.
Sorting Out Insurance After a Golf Cart Crash
Knowing which insurer to contact isn’t always straightforward. A lawyer handling a golf cart accident claim will need to examine the cart’s classification, how it was being used, and the policies that might apply.
If an insurer says there’s no coverage, ask for the reason in writing. The policy language and the facts behind the decision need to be reviewed before you know where that leaves you.
Keep those letters and emails, along with your medical bills and any records of missed work. They give your attorney a clearer picture of what has happened since the crash.
When the Injured Person Was Working
Police officers and other employees hurt while performing their duties may have a workers’ compensation claim. Under Florida law, a covered injury generally must arise from work performed within the course and scope of employment. Being at work when a crash occurs is relevant, but eligibility still depends on the facts and legal requirements.
An injured employee may also have a separate claim against an outside driver who negligently caused the crash. Florida allows qualifying workers to receive workers’ compensation benefits while pursuing a claim against a responsible third party. The employer or workers’ compensation insurer may, however, be entitled to reimbursement from that recovery. Those rights need to be addressed when handling the claims. Florida Statutes § 440.39.
For someone hurt on the job, that means a workers’ compensation claim may not be the only avenue to explore. Whether either officer involved in this crash has such a claim has not been established here.
Getting Help After a Crash in St. Petersburg
You may be ready to speak with a lawyer before you have all the paperwork. Bring what you have: photos, insurance correspondence, treatment records, or simply the names of people who witnessed the collision. Explain how the injury has affected your work and daily life.
At Armando Personal Injury Law, we’ll review what happened and discuss the next steps with you. If you were working when you were hurt, tell us that too, so any workers’ compensation issues can be considered alongside the accident claim.
If you were injured in a car or golf cart crash in St. Petersburg or elsewhere in Pinellas County, contact Armando Personal Injury Law for a free consultation.
About the Author
Attorney Armando Edmiston is the founder of Armando Personal Injury Law in Tampa and St. Pete, Florida. A U.S. Marine veteran, Hillsborough County native, and ACS Forensic Lawyer-Scientist, he represents Floridians in serious personal injury and wrongful death cases.