Best Car Accident Lawyers in Jacksonville

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Jacksonville, Florida?

  You can reach (217) 479-4630 for non-emergency or general information inquiries in Jacksonville.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Jacksonville, Florida?

  You can submit your request in person to Deputy Director Steve Lundy at 1 West Adams Street, Suite 100, Jacksonville, FL 32202, or you can file the request by calling 630-CITY.

• Which areas in Jacksonville have the highest rates of car accidents?

  Several spots along Jacksonville's I-95 were highlighted as particularly hazardous in a recent investigative news investigation. These are:

  • the area close to Lem Turner Rd (58 crashes, three deaths)
  • the vicinity of Kings Road and Forest Street (195 crashes, 33 injuries, two deaths)
  • the area around Emerson (125 crashes, 23 injuries)

  New research has also identified these three Jacksonville roads as the "riskiest" in the state.

  • I-10 and Roosevelt Boulevard
  • I-295 and Commonwealth
  • I-95 and Myrtle Avenue North

• How do you determine liability in a car accident in Jacksonville?

  The law in Florida is based solely on comparative negligence. As a result, establishing culpability entails figuring out who caused the accident. The primary defense in auto accident cases is negligence. In essence, "negligence" is synonymous with "carelessness." In extreme circumstances, strict liability or intentional tort theories are used to replace negligence. These are different techniques for figuring out guilt when negligence isn't a factor. When evaluating blame, the matter of contributory negligence must also be taken into account in Jacksonville.

• How long can you file an injury claim after a Jacksonville car accident?

  In Florida, you have four years to bring a case to court. If a Jacksonville personal injury case is brought to court after the deadline, the court may refuse to hear it. However, there are times when the time limit doesn't apply. For example, if you didn't know about the damage immediately after the accident, the court may be willing to let you have more time. On the other hand, the time limit is shorter for filing a personal injury claim against the state of Florida or a local government.

• Can you file a lawsuit following a Jacksonville accident?

  In certain instances, you may be able to file a car accident claim in Jacksonville compelling the other driver or the other driver's insurance company to compensate you for your damages. However, due to Florida's no-fault legislation, individuals involved in an auto accident would typically utilize their own insurance coverage to cover the cost of medical treatments, missed earnings, and other accident-related expenses, such as loss of services.

• How are damages for pain and suffering calculated after a car accident in Jacksonville?

  A pain and suffering calculator provides accident victims with a rough idea of their potential personal injury settlement. This calculator is a method that calculates non-economic damages by multiplying your losses by 1 to 5, depending on the severity of your injury. However, if your lawsuit does not proceed to trial, your damages—whether economic or non-economic—are often restricted to the coverage limits of your insurance policy. The two most prevalent types of auto insurance coverage are bodily injury (BI) and uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM) protection. Pain and suffering can be covered by both BI and UM, but only up to the policy limitations.

• How do I choose a car accident lawyer?

  To select a car accident lawyer, consider the lawyer's experience, focus, and reputation. While nearly any attorney can negotiate with insurers for a settlement, not all attorneys have amassed experience litigating a claim in a court of law. Choose an attorney with a background that includes car accident claimants; it's helpful if the attorney is focused on personal injury law. Lastly, read reviews from previous clients to get a feel for the attorney's helpfulness and responsiveness to clients. The best lawyer for your case is one that you feel comfortable and confident working with.

• What steps should I take after a car accident?

  Immediately following a car accident, get out of traffic as soon as possible and dial 9-1-1. Exchange car insurance information with any other involved drivers and get a police report as soon as possible. Be truthful about what happened, even if you are at fault, but stick to reporting the facts of the accident without offering an opinion on who is to blame. If possible, take photos of your car, other cars at the scene, and the scene itself.

• (When) Do I need a lawyer after a car accident?

  Start working with a car accident lawyer as soon as possible following your car accident (some attorneys even make hospital visits). By reaching out for legal help early on, you avoid some of the pitfalls of trying to handle your claim on your own. Your attorney can also get the ball rolling on reimbursement for your medical bills and lost wages while awaiting the outcome of your claim.

• How long after a car accident can you claim an injury?

  The length of time you can file a claim for an injury following a car accident is governed by the statute of limitations in your state. Although it varies, most states set the statute of limitations for injured parties to seek compensatory damages at three years following the accident or three years after you discover your injuries. In cases where children are injured, the statute of limitations may be longer.

• What do I do after a car accident that I'm not responsible for?

  After an accident that's not your fault, seek immediate medical help if you are injured. Once it's safe to do so, obtain the other driver's contact and insurance information, any statements from witnesses, and photos of the scene. Obtain a police report and contact your insurer and the at-fault party's insurer. If you are injured, schedule a consultation with a car accident attorney to discuss your legal options.

• What happens if someone sues you after a car accident?

  If you have car insurance in force at the time of the accident, your insurance is contractually bound to represent you on any claims that arise, indemnifying you against loss up to the limits of your policy. You can help your insurance company by cooperating fully. If the plaintiff in any lawsuit obtains a judgment above your policy limits, then you can be held personally responsible for any damages awarded.

• What/how much can I expect from a car accident settlement?

  According to the Insurance Information Institute, the average bodily injury claim in 2018 was $15,785. The amount of any particular car accident settlement hinges primarily on the severity of the injuries sustained as a result and whether or not any partial or total permanent disability was caused by the accident. Claims that involve broken bones or nerve damage likely settle for more than claims where soft tissue injuries are present.

• How do I arrange a rental car after an accident?

  To arrange a rental car after an accident, first consider whether your insurance or the other party's insurance will be paying for the rental. If another driver is found to be at-fault for the accident, that driver's insurance may pay the costs. If you are responsible, your insurance may pay if your policy covers such expenses. Speak with your insurance adjuster to determine if you have benefits available.

• How long does it take for car insurance to go back down after an accident?

  Post-accident rate spikes can last anywhere from three to five years, depending on your insurer. However, if damages incurred during the accident are less than $2,000, your rate may not go up at all. Three years is typical for collision and property damage claims. Five years is not uncommon in accidents involving bodily injury claims, DUI or DWI, reckless driving, or serious violations at the time of the accident.

• How to settle a car accident claim without a lawyer?

  To negotiate a car accident settlement without a lawyer, you'll have to prove that the other party was to blame for your damages. Gather evidence at the scene to support your claim, including witness statements and photos. Seek medical treatment for your injuries immediately. Notify the other driver's insurer of your intent to file a claim. If you reside in a no-fault state, you will need to use your personal injury protection (PIP) benefits first before filing a claim against the other party for medical expenses and bodily injury. Be prepared with medical records, police reports, receipts for out-of-pocket accident-related costs, and proof of lost income due to the accident before beginning negotiations.