
Board-Certified Personal Injury Attorney Serving St. Petersburg, FL
John R. Mathias, Florida Bar Board-Certified Civil Trial Specialist, represents injured clients across Pinellas County. You deserve a personal injury lawyer who has stood before a jury.
Building a Personal Injury Trial Practice Since 2006
Attorney John R. Mathias opened the Law Offices of John R. Mathias, P.A. in St. Petersburg in 2006, with a single focus: representing people hurt by someone else's negligence. Nearly two decades later, that focus hasn't changed. The firm still takes on car accidents, motorcycle crashes, truck collisions, and wrongful death claims for families throughout Tampa Bay.
What has grown is the depth of experience behind every case. As a personal injury trial lawyer, John has prepared and tried cases in courtrooms across Pinellas and Hillsborough counties, which means insurance companies know his firm is willing to go the distance rather than settle for less than a case is worth.
That trial background is also why the Florida Bar recognized him as a Board-Certified Civil Trial Specialist, a distinction held by only a small number of attorneys statewide.

Board-Certified Personal Injury Attorney Serving St. Petersburg, Florida
Attorney John R. Mathias has been Board-Certified as a Civil Trial Specialist by the Florida Bar for more than 20 years. Most personal injury attorneys in the St. Petersburg area are not board-certified. Board certification indicates a commitment to excellent client service, as well as extensive knowledge and training in an attorney’s chosen field of law.
For a free consultation with a board-certified personal injury trial lawyer, please call The Law Offices of John R. Mathias, P.A. at 727-821-1600 or send an email inquiry. Our law firm serves clients in St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Tampa and throughout South Florida.
Learn Why Board Certification From The Florida Bar Is Important
Board certification is a rare and important accomplishment achieved by only a small percentage of attorneys. The process of getting board-certified requires extensive testing and training, and board certification identifies the attorney who has successfully completed the process as an expert in his or her field.
If your personal injury attorney has been board-certified by the Florida Bar Association, you can be confident that your attorney has been recognized for:
Special knowledge
Skill
Proficiency
Professionalism
Ethics in legal practice
There are 24 separate areas of certification in the state of Florida. Certification sets an attorney apart, not only for their ability to complete the necessary requirements but also for the desire to do so. Achieving this goal takes time and effort, and it is not required of all attorneys. If your attorney has gone through this process, it is an indication that your attorney takes this area of law very seriously and is committed to providing excellent representation to clients.
To learn more about your options after suffering an injury due to someone else’s negligence, please see our Personal Injury Overview. You can also see our client testimonials to learn more.
Contact A Dedicated Personal Injury Lawyer For A Free Consultation
To get your immediate questions answered in a free consultation, please call The Law Offices of John R. Mathias, P.A. at 727-821-1600 or fill out our contact form.
How an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney Handles Your Case
Clients meet with John Mathias himself, not a rotating team of case managers. As an experienced personal injury attorney, he believes people who are recovering from an injury should never have to chase down their own lawyer for an update.
The cases that come through the door vary widely. One week it might be a bicycle accident on the Pinellas Trail, a pedestrian accident near Central Avenue, or an e-bike accident along Beach Drive. The next it might be a boating accident on Tampa Bay, a slip and fall at a local store, a dog bite, or a spinal cord injury from a serious crash. As an injury claim lawyer, John approaches each one the same way: investigate thoroughly, document the full extent of the harm, and negotiate from a position of strength.
That approach is also why families facing a wrongful death or a defective product injury turn to the firm. A serious injury lawyer who is ready to try a case in front of a jury tends to get insurance companies to the table faster, and with a fairer number on offer.
Credentials That Set a Board-Certified Injury Lawyer Apart
Not every accident injury attorney has earned the credentials behind this firm's work. Here is what sets John Mathias apart from many personal injury attorneys practicing in the Tampa Bay area.
Board-Certified Civil Trial Specialist
The Florida Bar has certified John as a Civil Trial Specialist for more than two decades, a credential earned by testing, peer review, and proven courtroom experience rather than by advertising.
Nearly Two Decades in the Courtroom
Since founding the firm in 2006, John has built a practice around trial readiness. Cases are prepared from day one as if they are headed to a jury, which shapes every negotiation along the way.
A Reputation Built on Direct Client Service
Clients work directly with the attorney handling their case rather than being passed between staff. That personal attention is part of why so many clients come from referrals by past clients.
Rooted in the St. Petersburg Community
The firm's office sits in downtown St. Petersburg, not far from the Saint Pete Pier and the routes that carry thousands of commuters across the Sunshine Skyway Bridge every day. John has spent his career practicing law in the same community where his clients live, work, and recover from their injuries.
That local familiarity matters when a case depends on knowing the roads, the intersections, and the courts involved. From I-275 and the Gandy Bridge to US-19 and Park Boulevard, the firm handles accident and injury claims arising throughout St. Petersburg, Tampa, Clearwater, Pinellas Park, Largo, Seminole, and Gulfport.
Being part of this community also means showing up for clients in person, whether that's a meeting at the office on 6th Street South or a conversation at the hospital.


What Clients Say About Working with This Firm
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% !
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‼️
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 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.

Talk to a Board-Certified Personal Injury Trial Lawyer
You do not have to figure out your next step alone. Call the Law Offices of John R. Mathias, P.A. to schedule a free consultation and get a straight answer about your case from the attorney who will actually handle it.