CrashAidUS 19, Gulf-to-Bay, and the causeways
US 19 is a freeway through Clearwater and is the road many people use to describe a north-south crash. Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard, which is SR 60, runs east across the Courtney Campbell Causeway toward Tampa and west toward the beach.
Memorial Causeway connects the mainland with Clearwater Beach. A crash on the island is still a Pinellas matter, but the cross street is different from a crash on US 19. Missouri Avenue, also called Alternate US 19, runs south from Clearwater into Largo.
This page does not cite a crash study for US 19, SR 60, or Memorial Causeway, so it does not rank them. If a motorcycle was involved, passenger-car PIP rules often do not apply. The motorcycle article explains that difference.
Two Clearwater court addresses
The Clearwater Courthouse is at 315 Court Street, Clearwater, FL 33756. The Pinellas County Justice Center is at 14250 49th Street North, Clearwater, FL 33762. They serve different functions. Use jud6.org to see which building matches the hearing. CrashAid is not located at either address.
Clearwater Police often investigate crashes inside the city. The Pinellas County Sheriff or the Florida Highway Patrol may have the report on a county or state road, including parts of US 19.
Hospitals near Clearwater crashes
Morton Plant Hospital in Clearwater is a primary destination for crash injuries on the mainland and beach side.
Mease Countryside Hospital in nearby Safety Harbor also serves north Pinellas patients.
Florida rules that apply after a Clearwater crash
House Bill 837 (HB 837), signed in 2023, changed two rules that matter after a Florida car crash. This is general information for people hurt in Clearwater who want to pursue the compensation they deserve.
Florida Statute § 768.81 now uses modified comparative fault in negligence cases. A person found more than 50 percent at fault for their own harm may not recover damages from the other party. The statute says that bar does not apply to medical-negligence cases under chapter 766.
For negligence claims that accrued after March 24, 2023, Florida Statute § 95.11 generally allows two years to file a lawsuit. Crashes before that date may still fall under the older four-year period. Acting early preserves evidence and options.
Florida is a no-fault state. Personal Injury Protection (PIP) is meant to pay initial medical bills regardless of who caused the crash. Under § 627.736, you generally must receive initial medical care from a qualifying provider within 14 days of the crash, or the insurer can deny PIP medical benefits. Whether the $10,000 benefit or a $2,500 cap applies can depend on an emergency-medical-condition finding. Passenger-car PIP rules do not automatically apply to motorcycles.
After a crash in Clearwater
Say whether the crash was on US 19, on Gulf-to-Bay, on the Courtney Campbell Causeway, or on the beach side of Memorial Causeway. A causeway crash can sit between Clearwater and Tampa. Name the direction you were heading.
What to do after the crash
- Move out of traffic if you can, and call 911 when anyone is hurt or the cars cannot be moved safely.
- Photograph the vehicles, the signal or sign, and the road if it is safe to do so.
- Exchange names, phone numbers, insurance, and plate numbers. Write down witness names if someone stops.
- Get medical care promptly. The 14-day PIP window is short.
- Ask the investigating agency for the crash report. You can still request a referral before the report is ready.
- Be careful about a recorded statement to the other driver's insurer. You can ask for a referral first.
- Call (941) 770-2727 or use the form on this page. CrashAid is a free attorney referral service — English and Spanish.
Request a free attorney referral
CrashAid is a free attorney referral service — English and Spanish. Call or use the form to pursue the compensation you deserve. Referrals are welcome.
Questions
Which Clearwater building is the courthouse?
The Clearwater Courthouse is at 315 Court Street, Clearwater, FL 33756. The Pinellas County Justice Center is at 14250 49th Street North, Clearwater, FL 33762. Check jud6.org for the right division.
A crash on Clearwater Beach uses a different county?
No. Clearwater Beach is in Pinellas County. Describe Memorial Causeway or the beach street so the location is not confused with mainland US 19.
The crash was on the Courtney Campbell Causeway. Clearwater or Tampa?
The causeway is SR 60 between Clearwater and Tampa. Name the direction of travel and the nearest landmark. You do not have to pick the city line to request a referral.
Can CrashAid tell me who was at fault?
No. CrashAid does not investigate crashes or give legal advice. Florida's modified comparative fault rule is explained above as general information. A participating attorney can review fault after you request a referral.
