St. Petersburg Personal Injury Lawyer John R. Mathias
Board certified civil trial specialist John R. Mathias represents injured Floridians as an experienced personal injury attorney, building each case on trial readiness rather than quick settlements.
A Personal Injury Attorney Rooted in St. Petersburg Since 2006
Since founding the Law Offices of John R. Mathias, P.A. in 2006, attorney John R. 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 trial experience most injury lawyers never accumulate.
I am Board Certified by the Florida Bar in the area of Civil Trial Law. To become board certified a lawyer must have tried a minimum of 15 cases in front of a jury and taken a written examination demonstrating their expertise in the area of Civil Trial Law. Only a small percentage of Florida lawyers are Board Certified in the area of Civil Trial. Under the Florida Bar rules, only a Board Certified Civil Trial lawyer can hold himself out as a "specialist".
I was admitted by the Supreme Court of Florida to practice law in the state of Florida in 1988. I have been admitted to practice in the Northern and Middle District Courts of the United States of America since 1988. I am also admitted to practice before the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals of the United States of America. I have tried cases in both the Federal and Florida court systems.
I am a member Florida Bar Grievance Committee for the Sixth Judicial Circuit. The committee investigates and gathers facts relating to the complaints against other lawyers referred to it by the Florida Bar. The committee then makes recommendations to the Florida Bar regarding the lawyer's conduct and discipline, if necessary. I have also been trained as a Certified Civil Mediator. I have been certified by the Supreme Court of Florida as a Civil Court Mediator and Court appointed Mediator.
I am a member of the Florida Justice Association, American Association for Justice, The Florida Bar, Tampa Bay Trial Lawyers, and The St. Petersburg Bar. I am also a member of the Northeast Exchange Club. I am rated "AV" by Martindale-Hubbell. Martindale-Hubbell is the oldest and most respected national legal directory. The directory rates lawyers based on reviews by their peers. The rating is based on legal ability and ethical conduct. Legal ability is rated "A" (Very High to Preeminent), "B" (High to Very High), or "C" (Good to High). Ethical Conduct is rated "V" (Very high). "AV" is the highest rating possible. Very few lawyers achieve this rating.
I graduated from the University of South Florida with a degree in Business Administration in May of 1985. I attended Stetson University College of Law and obtained my law degree in December of 1987. I have been practicing law continuously ever since. I began my legal career working for insurance companies defending arson, fraud, and injury claims. Some of these companies included State Farm, Allstate, and Nationwide. Nationwide Insurance Company provided additional negotiation training through the Pepperdine School of Law in California. I now use this training and experience to fight those companies I once represented.
I have been married for 15+ years and have two children. In my free time, I enjoy fly fishing for snook, redfish, tarpon, and bonefish.
- Stetson University College of Law, Gulfport/St. Petersburg, Florida
- J.D. - 1987
- University of South Florida
- B.A.
- Major: Business Administration
- American Board of Trial Advocates, Associate, 2023 to Present
- The National Trial Lawyers, Member, 2012 to Present
- Tampa Bay Trial Lawyers, Member, 2006 to Present
English
Board Certified in Civil Trial Law, Florida Bar
President/Attorney
What Board Certification as a Civil Trial Specialist Means for You
Not every attorney who advertises as a personal injury lawyer has actually earned the title of specialist. The Florida Bar only allows a board certified personal injury lawyer, certified specifically in civil trial law, to use that word, and reaching that status requires proof, not just paperwork.
When you hire this firm, you hire a personal injury trial lawyer who has already met standards most attorneys never attempt:
- 01A minimum of 15 jury trials completed before applying for certification
- 02A written examination testing real courtroom skill in civil trial law
- 03Peer review by other attorneys and judges familiar with the candidate's work
- 04Ongoing recertification every five years to keep the credential current
- 05Recognition reserved for a small percentage of Florida lawyers statewide
- 06A distinction that separates a true accident injury attorney from a volume settlement mill
How This Injury Law Firm Approaches Every Case
An accident lawyer who has never taken a case to verdict has limited leverage at the negotiating table. John built his career the opposite way, spending 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 board certified trial lawyer, rather than a firm that settles everything quietly, changes how they value a case 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
Board certification is only one part of the picture. Attorney Mathias has also earned recognition from peer review organizations and national trial groups that judge attorneys on courtroom results and ethics, not advertising budgets.
If you want to see exactly what that certification requires or 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 R. 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 gives clients an advantage that an out-of-town firm simply cannot offer.
What Injury Clients Say About Attorney 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% !
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 Directly With Attorney John R. Mathias About Your Case
You do not have to navigate an insurance claim alone, and you do not have to settle for a firm that hands your case to a junior associate. Call the Law Offices of John R. Mathias, P.A. and speak with the board certified trial attorney who will actually handle your claim from start to finish.