John C. Austin

Bar / Professional Activity

• Florida Justice Association, Member
• Pinellas County Trial Lawyers Association
• Clearwater Bar Association
• St. Petersburg Bar Association, Member
• Florida Bar, Member
• Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter

Verdicts / Settlements (Case Results)

• A $3,000,000 settlement was secured for a client who was struck by a Pinellas County school bus. Our client, a 44-year-old woman, was walking to her job and as she walked through the crosswalk at the intersection of Curlew Road and US-19, a Pinellas County-owned school bus struck her and rolled over her with its rear wheels. The client had a white crossing signal before she entered the crosswalk, giving her the right of way at the intersection., 2023
• our clients, a mother and son, were injured by an underinsured driver who ran a red light causing a high impact collision. The mom sustained serious neck and back injuries which required injection treatment. The son, who was planning on enlisting in the US Army, sustained neck injuries that threatened to eliminate his chances of an Army career. Roman Austin jumped into action quickly and secured all available insurance for this loss, both from the at fault driver, and our client’s uninsured motorist coverage. As a result, mom and son could get on with their lives quickly, and son is now looking forward to his Army career with no delay. It is cases like this that make us love what we do. Prompt, aggressive justice was obtained for these clients as a result of Roman Austin’s swift action. They received all insurance coverage available, a total of $170,000. , 2024
• The client was traveling on Park Boulevard in Seminole when she was side-swiped by another vehicle. She suffered neck and back injuries. Initially she treated conservatively undergoing chiropractic therapy. Her MRI revealed painful disc herniations and after treatment failed to resolve her pain she pursued pain management injections that made her symptoms more tolerable. In this case we were able to recover a total of $160,000 in both Bodily Injury as well as Underinsured Motorist Coverage., 2025
• $1,600,000 settlement. After the tragic death of a child in an All Terrain Vehicle Accident, with questionable liability, Roman Austin filed suit and obtained a settlement of $1,600,000 shortly before trial., 2023
• $425,000 Verdict. Our client was 24-years-old when he was hit in a rear-end crash with a commercial hauling company. He faced painful herniated discs in his back, needed medical injections, and had nearly $30,000 in medical bills piling up. Despite an initial offer of just $20,000, we pushed for justice and secured a $425,000 verdict. Our personal injury attorneys and the rest of the team put up the fight our client deserved and got them more than 20X the initial offer!, 2024
• A cyclist in Palm Harbor, riding in the bike lane, was cut-off by a commercial vehicle. The impact resulted in serious injury and multiple surgeries. After obtaining a minimal offer during pre-suit negotiations, Roman Austin knew it was not enough for our client. We filed suit and got the insurance company to pay $650,000.00.  , 2023
• Client was involved in a T-bone collision when another motorist ran through a stop sign. He was transported to the hospital by ambulance neck and back injuries. After a period of conservative therapy he underwent MRI scans which revealed herniated discs in the neck and back. After a failure of conservative treatment, he ultimately underwent injections in both the neck and back. Roman Austin obtained fully policy limit tenders of $110,000., 2024
• The client was rear-ended by a large semi-truck after coming to a stop for a school bus. The client suffered neck and shoulder injuries. Ultimately he required a shoulder surgery with residual impairments. In addition to his medical expenses the client suffered business losses which were included in the lawsuit., 2024
• $550,000 settlement. A phantom vehicle made a left turn in the direct path of our client’s path of traveling causing him to take evasive action, causing him to strike a concrete utility pole. The force of the impact caused both airbags to deploy and the car engine came through the firewall and into our client’s dashboard and legs. Our client sustained serious lower extremity injuries, neck, and back injuries necessitating hospitalization, multiple surgeries, and extensive rehabilitation. Because the at fault driver fled the scene of the accident, we presented 2 uninsured motorists claims to our client’s uninsured motorist carriers. Demand for tender of the first uninsured motorist policy in the amount of $250,000 was made by our firm and was paid promptly. Second demand for the second Underinsured Motorist policy in the amount of $300,000 was made by our firm. This second insurance carrier denied coverage, based upon a UM rejection form signed by our client. Our firm determined that the UM selection form was fraudulently signed by our client’s car insurance agent. Our firm then filed a Civil Remedy Notice asserting fraud, and the insurance carrier promptly paid its $300,000 UM policy limit within the 60 day time period provided under the Civil Remedy Notice. This resulted in a total recovery of $550,000.00 for our client. A total victory for our client! Not all law firms check the validity of client signatures on UM selection forms. Our clients can be assured of this attention to detail for each and every case., 2023
• This case involved a car crash in which the insurance company denied coverage requiring extensive litigation. The client sustained back, neck and head injuries. This was complicated by a preexisting history of similar injuries. In addition to his medical expenses he sustained significant lost wages. Ultimately despite the insurance company denying coverage, we were able to obtain the full policy limits of $150,000., 2024
• $300,000 Settlement. This case involved a significant car crash that occurred when a driver made an improper turn in front of our clients right of way. The client suffered extensive injuries including neck and back. Ultimately she underwent MRI which revealed disc herniations. Our client was a young lady starting out her career and these injuries caused significant problems for her. After litigating the case we were able to obtain the full policy limits and help her make a significant recovery., 2024

Videos

• What Advice Would You Give To A New Client | Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers, 2024

Pro bono / Community Service

• St. Petersburg Bicycle Club, Member and Donor, 2013
• Suncoast Animal League – Volunteer
• Founded the Not Just A Cyclist campaign. Our mission is to cultivate awareness between cyclists and drivers for safer, more responsible road sharing. By advocating for cyclists’ rights and safety, we strive to be a voice for the cycling community. Through education, advocacy, and community engagement, we aim to reduce accidents, prevent injuries, and unite those who love to ride. Together, we can make our roads safer for everyone., 2024
• Clothes to Kids - annual underwear drive for kids less fortunate, 2023
• Annual Donor - Tarpon Springs Fundamental Elementary School; Palm Harbor University High School Football Booster, St. Petersburg High Football Booster; Lakeview Fundamental Elementary School; The Back Pack Lady Project; Clothes To Kids , 2023

Educational Background

• B.S - University of Florida, 2004

Honors

• Member, Multi Million Dollar Advocates Forum, 2024

“Since joining Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers in 2021, John Austin has rapidly established himself as an exceptional attorney. He has secured multiple six- and seven-figure settlements for clients. One standout achievement includes his pivotal role in the Maria Garcia vs. Pinellas County School Board case, where his assistance in arguing a Claims Bill before the Florida State Legislature resulted in a $3 million judgment. John's dedication to securing justice for his clients makes him an exceptional candidate for Super Lawyers recognition.”