Goldstein, Buckley, Cechman, Rice, Purtz, Smith & Smith, P.A.

About Goldstein, Buckley, Cechman, Rice, Purtz, Smith & Smith — Personal Injury Port Charlotte Florida

Goldstein, Buckley, Cechman, Rice, Purtz, Smith & Smith, P.A. has provided personal injury Port Charlotte representation to Charlotte County clients for more than 63 years. Founded in 1962, the firm’s attorneys carry Florida Bar Board Certifications in Civil Trial Law, Business Litigation, and Construction Law, plus National Board of Trial Advocacy certification in Civil Trial Advocacy — a level of credentialing that distinguishes this firm from most regional personal injury practices. Five offices across the Lee, Collier, and Charlotte county area keep the firm accessible to Port Charlotte residents. Visit the Port Charlotte attorney directory for additional local options.

Charlotte County recorded 38 traffic fatalities in a recent annual period, and the Port Charlotte area sits at the intersection of US-41 and US-17 — two high-traffic corridors with documented crash histories. The firm handles car and truck accidents, motorcycle crashes, slip and fall cases, spinal cord injuries, product liability claims, and estate planning matters for Port Charlotte-area families.

What Clients Say

Port Charlotte clients describe the firm as responsive and thorough — attorneys who return calls promptly and prepare cases as though they’re heading to trial even when most resolve in settlement. Reviewers note that the firm’s Board Certification credentials give clients confidence that they’re working with attorneys who have demonstrated courtroom competence independently verified by the Florida Bar.

Personal Injury Port Charlotte — Practice Areas & Services

• Car & Auto Accidents: Representing Charlotte County crash victims, including accidents on US-41 and US-17 in the Port Charlotte and Punta Gorda corridor.
• Truck Accidents: Claims against commercial trucking companies for serious and fatal injuries caused by large vehicles in Southwest Florida.
• Motorcycle Accidents: Full representation for injured riders in Charlotte County against insurers and at-fault drivers.
• Slip, Fall & Premises Liability: Claims against property owners for dangerous conditions throughout Port Charlotte and Charlotte County.
• Spinal Cord & Catastrophic Injuries: Pursuing long-term compensation in life-altering injury cases that require ongoing medical care.
• Product Liability: Claims against manufacturers for defective vehicles, equipment, or products that cause injuries in the Charlotte County area.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the statute of limitations for a car accident in Port Charlotte?

Florida’s personal injury statute of limitations is two years from the date of the accident. The clock starts on the day of the crash, not the date you first felt symptoms or received a diagnosis. Waiting too long — even one day past the deadline — permanently bars your right to file a lawsuit in Charlotte County Circuit Court.

Do I need to report a car accident to Florida DHSMV after a Port Charlotte crash?

Florida law requires a crash to be reported if it results in injury, death, or property damage of $500 or more. In Charlotte County, reports go to the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office or local police department. After a serious crash, a police report is essential evidence for your insurance claim and any subsequent personal injury lawsuit.

Can I recover compensation if I was partly at fault in a Charlotte County accident?

Yes — but Florida’s modified comparative fault rule (effective March 2023) reduces your recovery by your percentage of fault. If you are found 20% at fault for a $100,000 claim, you recover $80,000. If you are more than 50% at fault, you cannot recover at all under the current law. An attorney can analyze the evidence to minimize any fault attributed to you.