Car Accident Lawyer in Jacksonville

A car crash can lead to many unexpected expenses and challenges. If you’ve been on the wrong end of one, a Jacksonville personal injury lawyer from our firm can help you seek justice and compensation.

Since 2013, Blakeley Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers has recovered over $250 million for our clients. If you’ve been injured in a car crash, our car accident lawyers in Jacksonville can guide you through the claims process and fight for an outcome that meets your unique needs.

Why Hire a Jacksonville Car Accident Lawyer?

After a car accident, the insurance company isn’t on your side; they’re focused on protecting their bottom line. Going up against them without legal representation puts you at a serious disadvantage. 

An experienced Jacksonville car accident lawyer levels the playing field and handles every part of your case so you don’t have to. Here’s what our attorneys will do to help you after a crash:

• Investigate the accident: A lawyer can gather police reports, interview witnesses, and even consult accident reconstruction experts to build a strong case.
• Calculate your damages: A lawyer can evaluate your case and identify the damages you’re eligible for.
• Negotiate with insurance companies: Insurers often try to minimize your injuries and downplay your losses. An attorney can push back against lowball offers and fight for your much-deserved compensation.
• Represent you in court: If a fair settlement isn’t reached, your lawyer can file a lawsuit and present your case in court.

How Much Does a Car Accident Lawyer in Jacksonville Charge?

Our car accident attorneys in Jacksonville work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you only pay your lawyer if you win your case. Their fee will be a predetermined percentage of your settlement or court award, which you can discuss at your consultation.

Meet with us for a free consultation to discuss costs and learn more about the steps our team will take to get the best results possible for you after a crash.

How Long After a Car Accident Can You Hire a Lawyer?

You can hire a lawyer at any point after a car accident, but it’s best to do so as soon as possible. Early involvement gives your attorney enough time to take the following important steps on your behalf:

• Preserve evidence before it’s lost or destroyed
• Communicate directly with insurance adjusters
• Help you avoid making statements that could hurt your claim

Waiting too long can complicate your case, especially if important evidence is lost or the statute of limitations is approaching. Reach out to our team today to get an early start on your case.

Damages a Car Accident Lawyer in Jacksonville Can Pursue for You

The true cost of a crash goes well beyond the damage to your vehicle. Car accident medical bills pile up, paychecks stop coming in, and the emotional toll can be just as real as the physical one. 

A skilled Jacksonville car accident attorney will pursue comprehensive compensation for you, including the following damages:

• Medical expenses: These include the cost of hospital visits, surgeries, physical therapy, medications, and other necessary treatments related to the crash.
• Lost wages: An attorney can pursue income you’ve lost due to missed work, as well as compensation for diminished future earning capacity.
• Property damage: Your lawyer can seek compensation for the repair or replacement of your vehicle, along with any other damaged personal property.
• Pain and suffering: This includes compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident.
• Loss of consortium: If your loved one passed away in a car crash, your attorney can seek damages for your loss of companionship, care, or intimacy suffered by a spouse or family member.
• Punitive damages: In cases where the at-fault party acted with gross negligence or intentional misconduct, your lawyer can seek punitive damages.

What Is the Most You Can Sue for in a Car Accident Case in Florida?

There is no legal cap on the amount of money you can sue for in a Florida car accident case. That said, the amount you can recover for your injuries and losses will depend on the following factors:

• The at-fault party’s insurance policy limits
• Your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage
• The court’s assessment of your damages
• Whether punitive damages are appropriate

In cases involving severe injuries or wrongful death, damages can exceed $1 million. Our knowledgeable car accident attorneys in Jacksonville can assess your case and determine your claim’s value.

How to Get the Most Money from a Car Accident Settlement

Most people don’t realize how much their own actions after a crash can affect how much compensation they recover. Insurance companies look for any reason to reduce your payout, and small mistakes can give them exactly what they need. 

Our Jacksonville car accident law firm recommends taking the following steps to protect your claim and put yourself in the best position to recover everything you’re owed:

• Seek medical attention immediately: Delayed treatment can hurt your claim.
• Document everything: Keep detailed records of your injuries, treatments, expenses, and correspondence with insurers.
• Don’t talk to the insurance company: Let your lawyer handle communications to avoid hurting your claim.
• Avoid social media: Insurance companies may use your posts to argue you’re not as injured as you claim.
• Hire a lawyer early: Working with an attorney from the start will increase your odds of fair compensation.

Who Is Liable for a Car Accident in Florida?

Florida follows a no-fault system for minor car accidents, meaning each driver’s own insurance pays for their medical bills. However, if your injuries are severe, you may be able to pursue a third-party liability claim against the at-fault driver. 

Parties that may be liable for a crash include:

• Other drivers
• Employers (if a commercial vehicle was involved)
• Vehicle manufacturers (in cases with malfunctioning cars)
• Government entities (for unsafe road conditions)

Our car accident lawyers in Jacksonville can gather evidence to establish fault. We’ll identify the at-fault party and work hard to hold them liable for the injuries, financial losses, and emotional suffering you’ve been burdened with.

What Is Comparative Negligence in Florida?

According to Chapter 768 § 81 of Florida law, which lays out the state’s modified comparative negligence rule, you can only recover damages for a car crash if you are 50% or less at fault. If you are found to be more than 50% at fault, you cannot recover damages from the other party.

If you are partially at fault for the crash, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, a $100,000 settlement would become $80,000 if you were found 20% responsible for the accident.

How Do I Prove Liability?

Proving liability in a car accident case requires more than just saying the other driver was at fault; it requires evidence and strategy. That’s where we come in. Our team will build the strongest possible case and aim to prove liability by demonstrating the following:

• The other party owed you a duty of care.
• They breached that duty.
• The breach caused your accident.
• You suffered damages as a result.

Evidence commonly used to prove liability includes police reports, traffic camera or dashcam footage, witness statements, and expert analysis. Our Jacksonville car accident attorneys can collect this evidence to establish the other party’s fault.

How Long Do I Have to File a Car Accident Lawsuit in Florida?

Under Florida Statute § 95.11(3)(a), you have two years from the date of a car accident to file a lawsuit. If you fail to file within this time frame, you could lose your right to seek compensation. 

To avoid missing out on the damages you’re owed, reach out to an attorney as soon as you can after a crash. If you hire our Jacksonville car accident lawyers soon, we’ll have the time we need to prepare your case and file a civil suit on time.

How to Deal with Insurance Companies

After a car accident, you’ll likely hear from insurance adjusters. While they may seem helpful, remember that insurance companies are businesses focused on protecting their bottom lines. Their goal is to pay out as little as possible. Here are some tips for dealing with them:

• Be cautious with what you say: When speaking to adjusters, stick to the basic facts. Don’t admit fault, speculate about the accident, or downplay your injuries.
• Decline recorded statements: You are not required to give a recorded statement without legal representation. Politely decline and let your attorney handle communications.
• Don’t accept the first settlement offer: Early offers are often lower than you deserve. Accepting too soon may leave you without enough money to cover your damages.
• Document everything: Keep detailed records of your conversations with insurance adjusters.
• Consult a lawyer before signing anything: A Jacksonville car accident attorney can review settlement offers, negotiate on your behalf, and ensure you aren’t taken advantage of.

Who Pays for a Car Accident in a No-Fault State Like Florida?

Florida is a no-fault state, meaning that after most accidents, your own insurance pays for your medical bills and lost wages, regardless of who caused the crash. This coverage is known as Personal Injury Protection (PIP).

PIP covers up to 80% of medical costs and 60% of lost income, typically up to $10,000. However, it doesn’t cover pain and suffering, vehicle damage, or damages beyond the aforementioned threshold. 

To pursue those, you must meet Florida’s “serious injury” threshold, which requires significant and permanent loss of a bodily function, disfigurement, or death. If you meet that threshold, you can file a claim against the at–fault driver for additional compensation.

What if the Other Driver Doesn’t Have Insurance?

Though it’s legally required, many Florida drivers lack insurance. If you’re hit by an uninsured driver, your own uninsured motorist (UM) coverage may cover your damages. Uninsured motorist coverage can pay for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Not all policies include UM coverage, so it’s important to review your policy ahead of time. If you don’t have UM coverage and the at-fault driver has no assets, recovering compensation may be difficult. If you’ve been hurt in a crash caused by a driver who is uninsured, our car accident law firm in Jacksonville can help you explore your options.

Is It Worth Suing an Uninsured Driver?

Whether it is worth it to sue an uninsured driver depends on the situation. In many cases, suing an uninsured driver is not practical since they may not have the financial resources to pay a court judgment. However, if the driver has valuable assets or income, a lawsuit might be worthwhile. 

Our Jacksonville car accident attorneys can investigate the other party’s finances and determine whether a lawsuit is the right move. Even if you don’t sue, an attorney can help you pursue other compensation from other sources, like your own UM coverage or other liable third parties.

What Happens if Someone Lies About a Car Accident?

Unfortunately, some drivers lie about accidents to avoid financial responsibility. They may claim you caused the crash, downplay their actions, or even falsify statements to insurers. When this occurs, evidence becomes important. 

Police reports, witness statements, traffic camera footage, and physical evidence from the scene can help set the record straight. An experienced Jacksonville car accident lawyer can conduct a thorough investigation and use evidence to challenge the other driver’s dishonest claims.

How Does the Car Accident Lawsuit Process Work?

If your damages exceed what insurance covers, or if the insurer refuses to offer a fair settlement, you may need to file a lawsuit. In this situation, our Jacksonville car accident lawyers will file a lawsuit and represent you in court. 

That process generally involves these steps:

• Consultation and investigation: Your attorney gathers evidence and reviews your case.
• Filing the complaint: A formal lawsuit is filed in civil court.
• Discovery: Both sides exchange evidence, take depositions, and interview witnesses.
• Mediation or negotiation: Your lawyer will attempt to negotiate a fair settlement.
• Trial: If no settlement is reached, the case goes before a judge or jury.

How Long Does It Take to Settle a Car Accident Lawsuit?

If you’re wondering how long your car crash lawsuit will take to resolve, it’s important to understand that every car accident case is different. Some settle within a few months, while others take a year or more.

Your case’s timeline will depend on factors like:

• Injury severity
• The complexity of the case
• Insurance companies’ willingness to cooperate
• Whether the case goes to trial

Will My Case Go to Trial?

Most car accident cases are resolved through settlements. Insurers typically prefer to avoid the costs and unpredictability of a trial. However, if the insurance company denies liability or offers an unreasonably low settlement, your attorney may recommend going to court.

A Jacksonville car accident lawyer from our firm can evaluate the risks and benefits of a trial and help you make an informed decision.

Common Causes of Car Accidents

Understanding what caused your accident is one of the first things we look at when building your case. We’ll conduct a thorough investigation of the collision to determine what caused it and who should be held responsible. 

Many of the collisions our car accident lawyers in Jacksonville see are caused by the following factors:

• Distracted driving: This includes activities like texting, eating, adjusting the radio, or using a GPS, all of which divert a driver’s attention from the road.
• Speeding: Driving above the speed limit or too fast for weather and traffic conditions greatly increases the likelihood of a driver losing control and causing a crash.
• Impaired driving: Operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs slows reaction times and impairs judgment, which can lead to a crash.
• Aggressive driving: Behaviors such as tailgating, cutting off other drivers, and road rage contribute to a significant number of collisions.
• Reckless driving: This includes running red lights, making unsafe lane changes, or ignoring traffic signals, all of which can put others at risk.
• Poor weather: Conditions like heavy rain, fog, or slick roads can reduce visibility and traction, making it more difficult to avoid a crash.

Common Types of Car Accident Cases

Our firm has experience investigating and filing claims for a wide variety of accidents. We know how to gather important evidence, work with experts to learn more about how your crash happened, and file a claim that’s tailored to your unique situation.

You can rely on our experienced lawyer to file a strong claim after any of the following types of crashes:

• Rear–end collisions: These typically occur when one driver follows too closely or isn’t paying attention, resulting in a crash into the back of another vehicle.
• T–bone accidents: This type of crash occurs when one car strikes the side of another, usually due to failing to yield or running a red light.
• Head–on collisions: These are among the most dangerous types of accidents and usually involve vehicles traveling in opposite directions and crashing head-on.
• Hit and run accidents: These occur when a driver leaves the scene without stopping, which can complicate the process of identifying the at-fault party and securing compensation.
• Multi–vehicle pileups: Accidents involving three or more vehicles often raise complicated questions about fault and liability, especially when several drivers share responsibility.
• Accidents with commercial vehicles: Crashes involving trucks or delivery vans may lead to claims against both the driver and their employer.

Common Injuries in Car Accidents

Car accidents can cause injuries that range from painful but temporary to life-changing. Beyond the physical toll, your injuries directly influence how liability is argued, what damages you can pursue, and how much your claim is worth. 

Serious, well-documented injuries typically result in higher compensation, which is why seeking medical attention immediately and following through on treatment is important. Do not let a gap in care give the insurance company a reason to undervalue what you have been through.

Speak with our Jacksonville car accident attorneys about filing a claim for damages if you’ve sustained one of the following injuries in a car crash:

• Whiplash and neck injuries
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
• Broken bones
• Spinal cord injuries
• Internal bleeding
• Lacerations and bruises
• Soft tissue damage
• Herniated discs
• Nerve damage
• Burns
• Crush injuries
• Scarring and disfigurement
• Psychological trauma, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Steps to Take After a Car Accident

What you do in the hours and days after a crash can make or break your case. Insurance companies move quickly, and so should you. Every step you take from the moment the accident happens either strengthens your claim or gives the other side something to use against you. 

If another driver’s negligence caused your injuries, protect yourself by taking the following steps:

• Call the police and file an accident report.
• Exchange information with the other driver.
• Document the scene by taking photos and gathering witness contact information.
• Seek medical attention, even if you feel fine.
• Follow your doctor’s treatment plan and attend all follow-up appointments.
• Keep records of all medical bills, missed work, and accident-related expenses.
• Notify your insurer about the accident.
• Avoid posting about the accident or your injuries on social media.
• Contact a lawyer before speaking with the other driver’s insurer.
• Learn about what evidence can help your car accident case.

One of the biggest mistakes people make after a crash is waiting too long to hire an attorney. The sooner you have legal representation, the sooner someone is out there preserving evidence, pushing back on the insurance company, and building your case. 

Contact a Car Accident Attorney in Jacksonville

If you’ve been injured in a car crash, don’t wait to get legal help. The team at Blakeley Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers can negotiate with insurers on your behalf and fight to recover compensation for all of your losses.

Whether you’re dealing with an uninsured driver, a disputed claim, or a serious injury, professional help can make all the difference. Our car accident lawyers in Jacksonville have extensive experience with car accident cases. 

We can make sure the driver responsible for your damages is held accountable. Schedule a free consultation to discuss your case today.