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Our Jacksonville Car Accident Attorneys Fight for Fair Compensation and the Justice Our Clients Deserve
Being injured because someone else was careless is a devastating experience. In an instant, you can be left with serious physical injuries, mounting medical bills, time away from work, and a long recovery that affects your entire family. No one should have to carry the financial and emotional burden of another person’s negligence.
In these situations, you need strong legal representation – a trusted ally who can guide you through Florida’s complex personal injury laws and insurance rules. The legal team at RTRLAW is committed to high standards, thorough case investigation, and clear communication at every stage of your claim. When choosing a car accident attorney, it is important to look for a firm with a proven history of fair settlements and successful trial verdicts. RTRLAW has demonstrated results in serious injury and car accident cases throughout Florida.
Our Jacksonville team is ready to protect your rights and help you pursue the compensation you deserve with the assistance of a dedicated Jacksonville car accident lawyer. We guide clients through every step of the legal process, from the first consultation to final resolution, providing compassionate support and straightforward advice. We offer free, no-obligation case reviews and flexible meeting options so you can focus on healing while we handle the legal details. Our positive reputation, online reviews, and peer ratings reflect our commitment to client satisfaction and successful outcomes.
Contact us at (904) 549-7661 or toll-free at 1-833-HIRE-RTR (1-833-447-3787) to discuss your case with an experienced Florida personal injury attorney today.
What Causes Car Accidents in Jacksonville?
While some crashes are truly unavoidable, such as collisions caused by sudden animal crossings, most car accidents are the result of preventable driver errors. The U.S. General Services Administration Office of Motor Vehicle Management estimates that roughly 98% of all crashes involve some form of human error. Even if you obey every traffic law, you can still be seriously injured because another driver made a dangerous decision behind the wheel.
Common causes of car accidents in Jacksonville include:
- Excessive speed and aggressive driving
- Distracted driving, including cellphone use, eating, or interacting with passengers
- Ignoring traffic signs or signals
- Failure to wear a seatbelt
- Not adjusting driving behavior to weather or traffic conditions
- Driving in the wrong direction or lane
- Driving under the influence of alcohol, illegal drugs, or prescription medications
- Failure to use turn signals
- Following too closely (tailgating)
- Unsafe or improper lane changes and lane merging
- Poor vehicle maintenance leading to equipment failures, such as brake or tire problems
Pedestrians and cyclists are especially vulnerable in car accidents in Jacksonville because they lack the physical protection that vehicles provide. Even low-speed collisions can cause life-changing injuries for these road users.
Each year, thousands of crashes occur on Jacksonville roads, including busy corridors like I-95 and I-10, resulting in serious injuries and fatalities. The combination of high traffic volume, heavy commercial vehicle presence, and distracted or impaired drivers creates significant risk for residents and visitors.
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration data shows that distracted driving accounts for a substantial portion of fatal crashes nationwide, and Jacksonville is no exception. Inclement weather, such as heavy rain and reduced visibility, also contributes to many local accidents. By understanding these risks and holding negligent drivers accountable, we can help reduce future tragedies on Jacksonville roads.
If you have been injured through no fault of your own, a personal injury attorney from RTRLAW can help you understand your rights, navigate the insurance process, and seek fair compensation for your injuries and losses.
What Types of Injuries Do Car Accident Victims Face?
Advances in vehicle safety technology have improved crash outcomes for many drivers, but serious injuries still occur every day. It is estimated that tens of millions of Americans seek medical treatment for unintentional injuries each year, and car crashes are a major cause of those visits. For many victims, these injuries lead to missed work, long-term medical needs, and significant financial strain.
Common injuries in Jacksonville car accidents include:
- Traumatic brain injuries and concussions
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Back and neck injuries
- Broken bones and fractures
- Internal organ damage and internal bleeding
- Severe burns and scarring
- Soft tissue injuries, including whiplash and herniated discs
- Cuts, bruises, and lacerations
- Amputations and loss of limbs
- Emotional distress, anxiety, depression, and other psychological trauma
Some crashes tragically result in fatalities, which may give rise to wrongful death claims brought by surviving family members. Non-fatal injuries can still require extensive hospitalization, surgery, rehabilitation, and ongoing care. The recovery process for catastrophic injuries and complex fractures can take months or even years, and some victims may never fully regain their prior level of health.
Lost income, loss of future earning capacity, and reduced quality of life can intensify the financial and emotional toll. Having a knowledgeable personal injury lawyer by your side is crucial to pursuing compensation that reflects both your current and future needs.
The Critical Importance of Immediate Medical Care After an Injury
After a collision, it is common to feel shaky but “okay” and to assume that medical care is unnecessary. This can be a serious mistake. Your body releases adrenaline and other stress hormones during a traumatic event, which can mask pain and other symptoms for hours or even days.
Some injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal trauma, and internal bleeding, may not present obvious symptoms right away. Conditions like concussions or internal organ damage can worsen over time if left untreated. Certain injuries also have delayed symptoms that only become apparent as swelling or bleeding progresses.
Seeking prompt medical attention protects your health and strengthens your legal claim. Emergency room or urgent care records create a clear connection between the crash and your injuries. Without timely documentation, insurance companies may question the cause or severity of your injuries and attempt to deny or reduce your claim.
Following your doctor’s treatment plan, taking prescribed medications, attending follow-up appointments, and keeping copies of all medical records and bills are essential steps. Notify your own insurance company about the crash within a reasonable time to avoid potential issues with coverage. If you are unsure where to go for care, RTRLAW can help connect you with qualified medical providers and explain how your treatment ties into your personal injury case.
Understanding Car Accident Law in Florida with an Experienced Personal Injury Lawyer
Florida’s personal injury laws have a significant impact on your right to compensation after a car accident. Unlike some states that limit certain types of damages, Florida generally allows injury victims to pursue full compensation for documented economic and non-economic losses, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering, when legal thresholds are met.
Florida applies a modified comparative negligence system in most negligence cases. This means that if you are found partially responsible for the accident, your compensation can be reduced by your percentage of fault, and you may be barred from recovery if you are found to be more than 50% at fault. Insurance companies often rely on this rule to argue that injured people share more blame than they actually do.
Florida law also imposes deadlines for filing personal injury lawsuits. In many car accident cases, the statute of limitations is generally two years from the date of the crash, while wrongful death claims have a similar but separate two-year period. Recent changes to Florida’s laws make it especially important to act quickly so that your rights are preserved and key evidence is not lost.
Personal injury claims can be complex, often involving medical experts, accident reconstruction specialists, and extensive documentation. Insurance companies frequently attempt to limit payouts by disputing the cause of injuries, minimizing their severity, or arguing that prior conditions are to blame. An experienced personal injury attorney from RTRLAW can help you navigate these challenges, present strong evidence, and pursue the full compensation you are entitled to under Florida law.
Economic, Non-Economic, and Punitive Damages: What Compensation Can You Recover?
After a serious Jacksonville car accident, the financial and emotional impact can extend far beyond initial emergency care. Florida personal injury law recognizes different categories of damages to fairly compensate victims for the full scope of their losses.
Economic damages are your measurable financial losses, such as medical bills, prescription costs, rehabilitation expenses, lost wages, reduced earning capacity, and property damage. These losses can usually be demonstrated through receipts, invoices, employment records, and expert opinions about future care needs.
Non-economic damages address the more personal side of your injuries: physical pain, emotional distress, mental anguish, loss of enjoyment of life, and the impact on your relationships and daily activities. These losses are more difficult to quantify but are often just as significant as your financial losses.
In rare cases involving especially reckless or intentional conduct, punitive damages may also be available. These damages are designed to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior in the future, rather than to compensate for specific financial losses.
Because Florida uses a comparative negligence system, your total damages award can be reduced by your percentage of fault. Working with a skilled attorney is crucial to presenting the facts accurately, minimizing any unfair assignment of blame, and ensuring that all categories of damages are fully evaluated and pursued.
Comparative Negligence and Determining Fault in Jacksonville Car Accident Cases
Determining who is at fault in a Jacksonville car accident is a key part of any personal injury case. Under Florida’s modified comparative negligence rule, each party’s share of responsibility is evaluated based on the evidence. If you are found partially at fault, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of responsibility, and you may be barred from recovery if you are more than 50% at fault.
For example, if your damages total $100,000 but you are found 20% responsible, your recovery could be reduced to $80,000. This is why insurance companies often try to shift as much blame as possible onto injured victims.
An experienced personal injury lawyer will carefully review police reports, photographs, witness statements, crash data, and other evidence to tell the full story of what happened. In some cases, government entities responsible for road design or maintenance, or other third parties, may share fault. Identifying all potentially responsible parties and accurately assessing fault can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case and the amount you ultimately recover.
Identifying All Potentially Liable Parties in Your Case
Many people assume that the only liable party in a crash is the other driver, but this is not always true. To maximize your financial recovery, it is important to identify every party whose actions may have contributed to your injuries.
Potentially liable parties in a Jacksonville car accident case may include:
- Other negligent drivers
- Employers of on-the-job drivers (such as delivery or commercial drivers)
- Vehicle or parts manufacturers in cases involving defective components
- Maintenance companies are responsible for faulty repairs
- Property owners or contractors who created hazardous conditions on or near the roadway
- Government entities responsible for unsafe road design, signage, or maintenance
Your attorney will gather and analyze evidence, review accident and maintenance records, consult with investigators, and interview witnesses to determine who should be held accountable. By pursuing claims against all responsible parties, RTRLAW works to increase the chances of a full and fair recovery for our clients.
The Cost of Hiring a Jacksonville Car Accident Lawyer
Financial concerns should never prevent you from getting the legal help you need. Most Jacksonville personal injury lawyers, including RTRLAW, work on a contingency fee basis. This means you do not pay any upfront attorney’s fees. Instead, the lawyer’s fee is a percentage of the compensation recovered through a settlement or verdict. If your attorney does not recover compensation for you, you do not owe attorney’s fees.
The best way to decide if a lawyer is the right fit is to schedule a free initial consultation. During this meeting, you can ask questions about the legal process, the expected timeline, possible outcomes, and how fees and case costs will be handled. You will also have the opportunity to discuss your injuries, your medical treatment, and your goals for your case.
Whether your case involves a relatively minor injury or a complex, life-changing condition, having a dedicated attorney can significantly increase the likelihood of a better financial recovery. Many Jacksonville
law firms, including RTRLAW, prioritize client care by handling the legal details so you can focus on your health. If you have questions about your rights or your next steps after a car accident, contact our office for a free consultation.
Jacksonville Serious Car Accidents FAQs: Protecting Your Rights and Maximizing Your Recovery with RTRLAW
What should I do immediately after a car accident in Jacksonville?
After a crash, your safety comes first. Move to a safe area if possible and check yourself and others for injuries. Call 911 to report the accident and request medical assistance. Exchange contact and insurance information with all involved drivers and avoid arguing or admitting fault at the scene.
Take photos and videos of the vehicles, roadway, traffic signals, skid marks, weather conditions, and any visible injuries. If witnesses are present, ask for their contact information. Because
Florida is a no-fault state. You will usually start by claiming your own PIP coverage, but thorough documentation is still critical if your injuries are serious and you later pursue a claim against the at-fault driver.
Keep a journal of your symptoms, pain levels, and how the accident affects your daily life. Then contact a Jacksonville car accident attorney at RTRLAW as soon as possible to protect your rights and begin gathering evidence before it disappears.
How long do I have to file a car accident claim in Florida?
In many Florida car accident cases, you generally have two years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury lawsuit. Missing this deadline can prevent you from pursuing compensation in court. Certain claims, such as those involving government vehicles or agencies, may have additional notice requirements or shorter time limits.
A Jacksonville attorney from RTRLAW can review your situation, explain which deadlines apply, and ensure your claim is filed correctly and on time. Acting promptly also helps preserve evidence and improves your lawyer’s ability to build a strong case on your behalf.
How much compensation can I receive for a car accident in Jacksonville?
The value of a Jacksonville car accident case depends on many factors, including the severity of your injuries, the cost of your medical treatment, how long you are out of work, whether you will need future care, and the extent of your pain and suffering.
In serious car accident cases, victims may be entitled to compensation for hospital stays, surgeries, physical therapy, prescription medications, home modifications, and long-term care. You may also be able to recover damages for reduced earning capacity if your injuries limit your ability to work in the future.
RTRLAW’s Jacksonville team analyzes all aspects of your case, including future needs and non-economic harm, to pursue the maximum compensation available for your situation.
Can I still recover compensation if I was partially at fault in the crash?
Yes, in many cases you can still recover compensation even if you were partially at fault, as long as you are not found to be more than 50% responsible for the crash under Florida’s modified comparative negligence rule. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
For example, if your total damages are $100,000 but you are found 30% at fault, your recovery may be reduced to $70,000. RTRLAW’s attorneys work to gather and present evidence that accurately reflects what happened and minimizes any unfair assignment of blame.
What types of damages can a Jacksonville car accident attorney help me recover?
Depending on the facts of your case, you may be able to recover both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages include medical bills, lost wages, future lost earnings, property damage, and other out-of-pocket expenses related to the crash. Non-economic damages include pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
In particularly serious cases, you may also seek compensation for permanent disability, disfigurement, or loss of consortium. When another person’s negligence causes your injuries, you have the right to hold them accountable. RTRLAW’s Jacksonville car accident attorneys work to identify every category of damages available and pursue a recovery that reflects the full impact of your injuries.
Do I need a lawyer if the insurance company offers a settlement right away?
It is rarely a good idea to accept an early settlement offer without talking to a lawyer first. Initial offers from insurance companies are often far lower than what your claim is truly worth. Once you accept a settlement and sign a release, you usually cannot go back and ask for more money, even if your injuries worsen later.
A free consultation with RTRLAW’s Jacksonville car accident lawyers can help you understand whether an offer is fair and what your case may actually be worth. Our attorneys negotiate with insurers every day and are prepared to take your case to court if a fair settlement cannot be reached.
How do Jacksonville car accident attorneys determine who is liable?
Attorneys determine liability by conducting a thorough investigation of the crash. This may include reviewing police reports, examining photographs and video footage, interviewing witnesses, obtaining cell phone records, and working with accident reconstruction experts.
They look for evidence of speeding, distracted driving, drunk driving, failure to yield, or other violations of traffic laws. In some cases, vehicle defects or unsafe road conditions may also play a role. RTRLAW’s Jacksonville team uses this information to identify all responsible parties and build a strong liability case on behalf of our clients.
What are common mistakes victims make after a car accident in Duval County?
Common mistakes include failing to call law enforcement, not seeking medical care right away, admitting fault at the scene, posting about the accident on social media, and giving recorded statements to insurance adjusters without legal advice. Many victims also accept the first settlement offer because they feel pressured or overwhelmed.
RTRLAW advises Jacksonville and Duval County residents to speak with a car accident attorney before dealing with the insurance company, signing documents, or agreeing to any settlement. Taking these precautions can help protect your claim and your long-term interests.
What is the cost of hiring a car accident attorney in Jacksonville?
RTRLAW represents car accident clients on a contingency fee basis. You do not pay attorney’s fees up front, and you only owe fees if we successfully recover compensation through a settlement or verdict. This arrangement allows injured people to access quality legal representation regardless of their financial situation.
Jacksonville car accident attorneys at RTRLAW also offer free case evaluations, allowing you to learn about your rights and options without any financial risk.
How can a Jacksonville car accident attorney help me deal with the insurance company?
Insurance companies are focused on protecting their bottom line, not on making sure you are fully compensated. A Jacksonville car accident lawyer from RTRLAW can take over all communications and negotiations with insurers so you do not have to deal with adjusters directly.
Your attorney will respond to information requests, manage paperwork, and ensure that you do not say or sign anything that could harm your claim. If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, RTRLAW is prepared to present your case in court and advocate for you before a judge and jury.
Why Retain RTRLAW for Your Jacksonville Car Accident Case?
If you have been involved in a car accident in Florida, it is vital to have a strong advocate who will stand up for your rights and fight for your recovery. Whether your own
insurance company is refusing to pay your full PIP benefits or you have exhausted your PIP coverage and need to pursue a claim against the at-fault driver, RTRLAW is ready to help.
We provide assertive yet compassionate representation for car accident victims and their families, bringing decades of experience and substantial resources to every case. RTRLAW’s attorneys have been helping injury victims since 1988 and have recovered hundreds of millions of dollars in compensation on behalf of clients throughout Florida.
Our team also handles wrongful death lawsuits for families who have lost loved ones in traffic collisions. You do not have to face this process alone. We can often handle many aspects of your case over the phone or electronically, making it easier to get help while you focus on healing.
Call (904) 549-7661 or toll-free at 1-833-HIRE-RTR (1-833-447-3787) for a free, no-obligation case review and take the first step toward rebuilding your life after a Jacksonville car accident.
