St. Petersburg Personal Injury Lawyer John Mathias
John Mathias represents injured Floridians as an experienced personal injury attorney, working directly with each client and building every case as if it is headed to trial.
Why I Represent Victims in Tampa Bay
I grew up in Tampa, specifically Carrollwood. I attended Carrollwood Elementary School, Chamberlain High School, and the University of South Florida in Tampa, FL. Immediately after, I attended Stetson Law School in Gulfport, FL. I have lived in the Tampa Bay area most of my life and have been fortunate to call Tampa Bay home.
I began practicing law in 1988. Straight out of law school, I represented insurance companies and their insureds who hurt someone else. After several years, I lost the joy of practicing law. It didn't matter how many jury trials I did (15 trials the last year I worked for Nationwide); it was just on to another claim.
In 1999, I "jumped ship" and moved over "to the other side" to help injured people when they needed it most with a private law firm in St. Petersburg. In 2006, I started my own law firm. I made it a point to connect with my clients and answer their questions and concerns throughout the process. No client has ever complained that their lawyer called them too much.
Injured People Deserve a Lawyer Who Knows Them
A lawyer who really knows their clients does better at representing them, during negotiations, and at trial.
Over the years since opening my own firm, many of my clients have become friends and referred other friends to me. Each person has a new story, and I want to listen to it.
Call my office. I will personally pick up the phone. No charge. You can speak directly to me, not a paralegal or case manager. If I am not available, I promise I will call you back by the end of my day. Other attorneys have referred cases to me, and they were surprised I picked up the phone instead of a receptionist or paralegal. That's just how I do business, and it's worked for over 25 years.
A Personal Injury Attorney Rooted in Tampa Bay Since 1988
Since 1988, attorney John Mathias has served as a dependable personal injury attorney for families across St. Petersburg, Tampa, Clearwater, and the surrounding Pinellas County communities. His work at this injury law firm is backed by a legal career spanning nearly four decades, giving clients access to decades of trial experience.
- May 1985: Graduated from the University of South Florida, B.A. in Business Administration
- December 1987: Graduated from Stetson University College of Law
- April 1988: Admitted to practice law in Florida by the Supreme Court of Florida
- 1988 to 2000: Worked for insurance companies such as Allstate, State Farm, and Nationwide, defending their insureds at trial on personal injury claims
- 2000 to 2006: Worked for a private law firm representing injured persons
- June 2001: Became Board Certified in Civil Trial Law, with the certification renewed every five years since
- 2006 to present: Opened the Law Offices of John R. Mathias, P.A. in downtown St. Petersburg, FL, and for over 20 years has recovered millions for injured persons
- Member, Northeast Exchange Club, St. Petersburg Chapter, part of a nationwide organization dedicated to the prevention of child abuse
- Captains for Clean Water, a statewide organization dedicated to preserving Florida's waters and its fishery
- Tampa Bay Waterkeeper, a nonprofit organization dedicated to maintaining and protecting Tampa Bay's clean water, ecosystem, and coastal resiliency
- Member, United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida, and has tried cases in federal court in the Tampa Division
- Member, St. Petersburg Bar Association
- Member, Tampa Bay Trial Lawyers Association
- Member, The Florida Bar
- Member, Florida Justice Association
- Member, American Association for Justice
- Rated "AV" by Martindale-Hubbell, the oldest and most respected national legal directory. The directory rates lawyers on legal ability and ethical conduct, based on reviews by their peers. Legal ability is rated "A" (Very High to Preeminent), "B" (High to Very High), or "C" (Good to High), and ethical conduct is rated "V" (Very High). "AV" is the highest rating possible.
- Member, American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA), Florida Chapter, an invitation-only organization of trial attorneys and local judges formed to protect the Seventh Amendment right to trial by jury. Membership requires five years of active trial practice, a minimum of 7 to 10 civil jury trials tried to conclusion, and demonstrated professionalism, civility, and integrity.
- Member, The National Trial Lawyers (NTL), an invitation-only, nationwide organization of trial lawyers that recognizes the top civil plaintiff and criminal defense trial lawyers in the United States
- Former member, Florida Bar Grievance Committee for the Sixth Judicial Circuit
- Formerly certified by the Supreme Court of Florida as a Civil Court Mediator and court-appointed mediator; John let the certification lapse while focusing on litigating cases, but it was a valuable experience
How John Works With You on Your Case
When you hire this firm, John Mathias handles your case himself. You meet with him, you talk with him, and he knows the details of your accident and your injuries.
John explains your options in plain language and keeps you informed about where your case stands, so you are not left guessing. Here is what you can expect:
- 01Your free consultation is with John himself
- 02Your options are explained in plain language
- 03You are kept informed about where your case stands
- 04Your questions are answered by the attorney handling your case
- 05His years defending insurance companies help you understand what the other side is likely to do
How This Injury Law Firm Approaches Every Case
Trial experience gives a lawyer real leverage at the negotiating table. John spent his early years defending insurance companies before turning that inside knowledge into a weapon for injured clients. Every injury claim lawyer decision he makes today is shaped by knowing exactly how the other side prepares its defense.
That trial-ready posture carries into every type of matter this firm accepts, including cases for a serious injury lawyer client facing a lifetime of medical care:
Insurance adjusters research the attorney across the table before they research the claim. Knowing they are dealing with a trial lawyer who prepares every case for court changes how they value a claim from the first phone call.
- 01Car accident lawyer and auto accident lawyer representation after serious roadway crashes
- 02Motorcycle accident attorney and motorcycle crash lawyer cases involving fractures and road rash
- 03Truck accident lawyer, commercial truck accident lawyer, and delivery truck accident lawyer claims against trucking companies and their insurers
- 04Bicycle accident lawyer, e-bike accident lawyer, and pedestrian accident lawyer cases on Pinellas County's busy streets and trails
- 05Dog bite lawyer, animal attack lawyer, premises liability lawyer, and slip and fall attorney claims
- 06Product liability lawyer, wrongful death attorney, and spinal cord injury lawyer representation for the most serious losses
Recognition Built Over Decades, Not Overnight
Attorney Mathias is rated AV by Martindale-Hubbell, a rating based on peer reviews of legal ability and ethical conduct. He is also a member of national trial lawyer organizations, including the American Board of Trial Advocates and The National Trial Lawyers.
To learn more about his Florida Bar credential, or about how to choose the right attorney for your case, these two resources go deeper than a bio page can.
A Lifelong Connection to St. Petersburg and Pinellas County
John Mathias earned his law degree at Stetson University College of Law, right here on the Gulfport and St. Petersburg campus, before building his practice a short drive from the Saint Pete Pier. The firm's office on 6th Street South sits close enough to downtown that clients from Gulfport, Pinellas Park, and Seminole regularly stop in without fighting cross-bay traffic.
St. Petersburg's ongoing growth, from new construction downtown to increased traffic across the Sunshine Skyway Bridge, has brought more of the case types this firm handles daily, including construction accident lawyer matters tied to the area's building boom. The same waters that make Tampa Bay a favorite spot for fly fishing also bring boating accident lawyer cases when a day on the water goes wrong.
Knowing the roads, the courts, and the judges across the Sixth Judicial Circuit helps John prepare each client's case with local insight.
What Injury Clients Say About Attorney Mathias
10 stars – Highly Recommended I hired Attorney Mathias after having the misfortune of being involved in three car wrecks caused by negligent drivers, and I couldn’t be more grateful and satisfied with the guidance and representation I received. Attorney Mathias is not only an experienced personal injury attorney with over 30 years of experience but also a Certified Civil Trial Specialist for over 20 years. This makes him an expert in not only settling but also taking cases to trial. From the very first consultation, he impressed me with his knowledge of personal injury law, auto and health insurance matters, and took the time to explain the entire legal process in great detail every step of the way. Throughout the entire 5 year process, he kept me informed, counseled me every step and was very attentive and always quick to personally answer any questions I had. As a Certified Civil Trial Attorney, he brought a level of courtroom readiness that most lawyers simply don’t have. Even though my case settled before trial, I know the other side took us seriously because of his credentials and reputation. He handled all of the negotiations with the insurance companies, medical providers, opposing attorneys and fought to make sure I received the compensation I deserved to cover my medical bills, lost wages and more. I never felt like “just another case”. He truly cared. He is a good man. If you are looking for an experienced, professional, confident attorney with integrity, I wholeheartedly recommend Attorney Mathias and his staff.
I highly recommend John if you are in search of an attorney. I felt overwhelmed by the whole process and was unsure of what to do next. Thankfully, John stepped in and took care of everything. He helped me through the legal process with compassion and professionalism, always keeping me informed and fighting hard on my behalf. I'm truly grateful for his help and would not hesitate to recommend him to friends or family in a similar situation.
The Law Offices of John R. Mathias, I highly recommend!!! John & his team have been an asset to my family for well over the past 13 years. He's detail oriented, quick to respond & not to mention, I didn't have to wait 2 years to get compensated! Several years back, I had 2 incidents happen, beyond my control, John & his team handled both cases for me, I trust this firm whole heartedly, so if you're looking for a firm you can trust, look no further, they will work for you & you will win‼️
I have used John twice with great results both times. He and his staff are very cordial and professional and make you feel comfortable and relaxed. When I had questions they were quick to get back to me with the answers. I will not hesitate to recommend Mr Mathias to anyone looking for and attorney.
Excellent attorney, considered about my matters and available when you need to contact him.
My experience with John was exceptional! From the moment of contact through the process of assisting me in my case. He was very thorough in explaining what my rights were in my accident and I felt very comfortable until settlement. He took the worry away while I was recovering. I will refer him to anyone who needs a P.A attorney from now on. Thanks John!
My experience with Law Offices of John R. Mathias has always been a wonderful experience. I was recommend to him by my mom and have been with them ever since. Very nice and professional. I will highly recommend him to my family and friends. Get in a car accident call “John R. Mathias”.
John and Baylie are really professional, I'm glad to have them as my attorneys. My case was a unique one but I was really surprised that they were able to settled it really quickly. If you're looking for a great lawyer, they are the best one for you
My experience with the Law Offices of John R. Mathias, P.A. was outstanding. The emphasis on great customer service was evident from the start, with a responsive and attentive team dedicated to addressing my concerns promptly. The attorneys’ depth of knowledge was impressive, providing clear explanations of legal complexities and ensuring I felt well-informed throughout the process. Professionalism was a constant, reflected in their ethical conduct and commitment to my best interests. Law Offices of John R. Mathias, P.A. personalized approach created a sense of trust and collaboration, making the legal journey smoother. I highly recommend their services to anyone seeking not only knowledgeable and professional legal representation but also a client-centric experience that exceeds expectations.
I would highly recommend John Mathias to anyone who needs a great attorney.
My attorney client relationship with John R. Mathias began over 25 years ago. Yes, that long ago! From our initial meeting, he's always been a personable and down to Earth person. He doesn't need to put on any frills, bells, whistles...none of the fake stuff. He's upfront and no empty promises. He's handled all of my cases and I have referred several friends to him. From the initial acceptance of the case, John keeps you informed of everything. You don't have to call and try to find out anything or leave countless messages. If he isn't available he gets back to you or his staff will. Now we talk about our children and family, not just the case. When I refer others to him, I say " Let me give you my friend John's number." I really can't say enough about Attorney John R. Mathias🙂
Hi, I’m Jeri.I wanted to leave a review but I have to use my daughter’s account. John was a great attorney that always gave 100% !
Talk Directly With Attorney John Mathias About Your Case
You do not have to face an insurance claim alone. Call the Law Offices of John R. Mathias, P.A. and speak directly with John, the attorney who will handle your claim from start to finish.