CrashAidUS 41, I-75, and Fruitville Road
US 41 (Tamiami Trail) is the main north-south arterial through Sarasota. I-75 runs inland and meets University Parkway and Fruitville Road exits that people use to describe a crash.
Fruitville Road, Bee Ridge Road, and Stickney Point Road are local east-west names. The Ringling Bridge and downtown one-ways matter when a crash is near the bayfront.
Sarasota Police often investigate crashes inside the city. The Sarasota County Sheriff and the Florida Highway Patrol may have the report on county or interstate roads.
Sarasota County Judicial Center
The Twelfth Judicial Circuit serves Sarasota County. The Sarasota County Judicial Center is at 2002 Ringling Boulevard, Sarasota, FL 34237. Confirm the division and hours on the circuit site before you travel.
A crash near the Manatee County line toward Bradenton can raise a venue question. Name the road and city; you do not have to decide the courthouse to request a referral.
Hospitals near Sarasota crashes
Sarasota Memorial Hospital on Tamiami Trail is the primary trauma and emergency destination for Sarasota crash patients.
Doctors Hospital of Sarasota also serves many injury patients across the county.
Florida rules that apply after a Sarasota 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 Sarasota 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 Sarasota
Write whether you were on US 41, on an I-75 exit such as Fruitville Road, or on a downtown street near Ringling Boulevard. That detail helps route your free referral request.
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
Where is the Sarasota courthouse for a car crash case?
The Sarasota County Judicial Center is at 2002 Ringling Boulevard, Sarasota, FL 34237, in the Twelfth Judicial Circuit. Confirm the division before you go.
Which hospital should I name after a Sarasota crash?
Sarasota Memorial Hospital is the main trauma center. Doctors Hospital of Sarasota also treats many crash injuries. Get qualifying care within 14 days to protect PIP benefits.
The crash was on I-75 near University Parkway. Sarasota or Manatee?
Name I-75, the direction, and the exit. University Parkway sits near the county line. You do not have to pick the line yourself to request a CrashAid referral.
Is CrashAid a free attorney referral service in Sarasota?
Yes. CrashAid is a free attorney referral service with English and Spanish help. Call (941) 770-2727.
Can I request a referral before the police report is ready?
Yes. The form does not require a report number. Ask Sarasota Police, the county sheriff, or FHP for a copy when it is released.
