Best Personal Injury Lawyers in Jacksonville

FAQs

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

  The phone number of the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office for non-emergency reports is 904-630-0500.

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

  You can request copies of public records online from the Public Records Center of the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office through jacksonvilleso.mycusthelp.com/WEBAPP/_rs/(S(izwvatirdf4ric5qefe50xvj))/supporthome.aspx. You can also acquire a copy by reaching the records unit at 904-630-2209, visiting the Police Memorial Building at 501 E. Bay St., and composing correspondence to Jacksonville Sheriff's Office, Attn: Public Records Unit, 501 E. Bay St., Jacksonville, FL 32202.

• When should you retain a personal injury lawyer in Jacksonville?

  Considering hiring a Jacksonville personal injury attorney if:

  • You've suffered injuries that have rendered you permanently disabled or will necessitate ongoing medical attention.
  • Your collision involves multiple parties, which can make filing insurance claims more difficult.
  • The insurance provider won't make a reasonable settlement offer.

• How much do Jacksonville personal injury attorneys charge?

  In Jacksonville, most personal injury attorneys operate on a contingency basis, meaning they are paid a fee as a percentage of any settlements or judgments successfully obtained for their clients. According to a criterion that the Supreme Court of Florida has authorized, that proportion is 33.3 percent of all cases settled or 40 percent of all awards made once a lawsuit is filed and litigation begins.

• Should you discuss the accident with the other person's insurance provider in Jacksonville?

  The best action is to consult a Jacksonville personal injury lawyer before speaking with the other party's insurance provider. Keep in mind that the information you provide will be utilized to reduce the amount of damages the other party is required to pay. If the insurance provider for the other individual calls, just politely state that you'd prefer not to talk about the situation.

• How frequently do traffic collisions happen in Jacksonville?

  Statistics show that there are roughly 45 car crashes per day in Jacksonville and Duval County. According to previously gathered statistics, there were 24,437 collisions of various kinds in 2021 and 24,344 accidents in 2022. As of January 2023, 959 collisions had occurred, 584 of which resulted in injuries and six fatalities.

• How much money can you get in a personal injury case in Jacksonville?

  The amount of compensation you can get in a personal injury case in Jacksonville depends on the following factors:

  • The sum of your lost wages
  • Anticipated recovery period
  • Whether the accident resulted in a fatality, a serious injury, or a handicap
  • The scope of the provided insurance coverage
  • The accident's joint negligence
  • How much your family relies on your income

• How to choose a personal injury attorney?

  It's crucial to find a personal injury attorney who is experienced, but it's also important to feel comfortable. Take advantage of free consultations and ask questions about how long each candidate has been practicing, how their fee structure works, and who will be handling the majority of the casework (some big firms may hand off routine tasks to paralegals). Above all, find someone who listens well and believes they can achieve an optimal outcome. Still uncertain? Ask friends for referrals and check out online reviews.

• What does a personal injury lawyer do?

  Personal injury attorneys help those who have suffered due to the negligence of others get the compensation they deserve. That may include negotiating settlements with other people, insurance companies, or even government agencies or arguing the case in court. Some attorneys specialize in a certain type of injury, such as auto accidents or birth injuries, while others advocate for almost any injured party.

• What does personal injury law cover?

  In the legal world, "personal injury" is any kind of injury, physical or psychological, that results from the negligence of a person, business, or other entity. While visible or acute injuries such as a broken leg or concussion are among the most obvious types of personal injuries, this category also covers less tangible injuries such as emotional distress and issues such as asbestos exposure that may contribute to long-term problems.

• What are the most common types of personal injury claims?

  Personal injury claims encompass a wide variety of situations ranging from accidents on privately owned property to injuries in the line of duty to whiplash sustained during a commute. These claims may include car accidents, dog bites, slip and falls, medical malpractice, defamation, product defect accidents, premises liability, product liability, workplace accidents, food poisoning at a restaurant, and boating or aviation accidents.

• How do personal injury lawyers get paid?

  Many personal injury lawyers advertise that they don't get paid unless their client does. This is called "working on contingency," meaning the attorney is compensated only if they win their case. These payments are typically percentage based, giving attorneys a predetermined portion of the court-ordered award. Other lawyers may command an hourly rate or combine an hourly rate with a smaller contingency fee.

• How much do personal injury lawyers charge?

  Personal injury lawyer fees can differ from state to state and may be subject to local regulations. In general, personal injury attorneys work under contingency agreements entitling them to 33% of any related settlement or award. Sometimes lawyers use a sliding contingency, charging 33% for awards agreed upon during pre-trial negotiations and raising the fee to 40% once the matter goes to trial.

• When do I need to hire a personal injury lawyer?

  Anytime an injury is known or suspected to be the result of negligence, it's a good idea to consult with a personal injury attorney who can offer insight into the validity of a claim and whether or not that claim is worth pursuing legally. A consultation is particularly important if someone has suffered serious injuries that have left them disabled or otherwise impacted their financial future or quality of life.

• Can I file a personal injury claim without a lawyer?

  It's possible to pursue a personal injury claim without an attorney; however, it's best to save self-representation for cases involving minor injuries or are otherwise considered straightforward. Cases that involve serious injuries that are not completely resolved or where liability has yet to be determined are more complex. Those situations can quickly become stressful and time consuming as they require an understanding of tort law, resources for gathering medical records, and time to review photographs and evidence pertaining to the injury and scene of the accident (if applicable). Bringing on an experienced personal injury lawyer could result in a higher reward while giving the injured party more time to concentrate on their physical, mental, and emotional recovery.

• How long does a personal injury lawsuit last?

  The length of time it takes to settle a personal injury lawsuit is highly dependent on a number of factors ranging from the type of case to the length of medical treatment to whether the suit is settled before court or requires a long trial. While most personal injury cases are resolved within two years, more complicated suits could take longer.

• What are the benefits of hiring a personal injury lawyer?

  It's tempting to save on lawyer's fees by pursuing self-representation, but there are many benefits to hiring a personal injury lawyer including their years of experience. A good attorney will know how to properly assess your damages, including not just medical bills but other concerns, such as lost wages and pain and suffering, to craft a demand that fully reflects the compensation to which the injured party is entitled. They also have the resources and knowledge necessary to consult with experts, negotiate effectively with insurance companies, properly navigate the legal system, and otherwise ensure the best possible outcome.