Car Accident Lawyers Jacksonville

FREE CONSULTATION – NO OBLIGATION

If you’ve been injured in a car accident or lost a loved one in a Jacksonville car crash, you may be entitled to compensation. The best source of reliable information is a trusted car accident lawyer in Jacksonville, and Harrell & Harrell is here to fight for you. We are committed to helping accident victims who have been injured or lost loved ones recover the fair compensation they deserve.

Understanding your legal options is critical after a crash. This page provides a general overview of Florida car accident law, when you may be entitled to compensation, and how to protect your claim. The sooner you seek legal guidance, the stronger your case can be. Our personal injury attorneys have extensive experience handling car accident claims, and we offer free, no-obligation consultations. Call us right now at (904) 251-1111 or fill out our contact form to get started.

Our Jacksonville Car Accident Lawyers Help You Seek Maximum Settlement

We understand the strain that medical bills and lost income can put on you and your family, and we’ve helped thousands of clients just like you put their lives back together after an accident. Regardless of the severity of your injuries, you have the right to seek the maximum compensation that our laws allow.

Compensation You May Be Entitled To

One of the first questions many car accident victims ask is “How much is my case worth?” No lawyer can guarantee that you will receive a specific amount of compensation, and you should be very wary of an attorney who claims they can. However, an experienced auto accident attorney in Jacksonville can give you a general idea of what you may be able to expect based on the facts of your case and how local courts have treated similar cases.

Some of the most common types of damages awarded in Jacksonville car accident cases include:

• Medical Costs: In addition to the medical bills you’ve accumulated in the immediate aftermath of your accident, you may also be entitled to compensation for the cost of medical care that is expected to be necessary in the future.
• Loss of Income: You may be entitled to recover wages and salary you have lost as a direct result of your accident injuries, as well as income you would have been able to make in the future if you had not been injured due to the negligence or carelessness of someone else.
• Loss of Property: Compensation may be recoverable to repairs to or replacement of property, such as your vehicle or other belongings, that was damaged in the accident.
• Pain and Suffering: Non-economic damages may be recoverable, including loss of enjoyment of life, emotional distress, or mental anguish.

We Handle the Hard Work, So You Can Focus on Recovery

At Harrell & Harrell, we take the responsibility of proving that each of your losses is the result of the collision off your shoulders by gathering the necessary evidence, consulting expert witnesses, and building a compelling case on your behalf. Our experienced legal team will work tirelessly to ensure you receive the full compensation you deserve.

You never have to face big insurance companies alone: Our car crash lawyers will be at your side every step of the way. Keep in mind that we represent our clients on a contingency fee basis, which means that if we don’t win your case, you do not owe fees or costs. If the case is won, we are paid for representing you with a portion of the settlement or award we obtain on your behalf.

Harrell & Harrell Jacksonville Car Accident Verdicts and Settlements

What to Do After a Car Accident

When you’ve been in a car accident in Florida, you have certain legal obligations. You should also know that your actions — and those you fail to take — immediately after the crash can affect both your health and your access to compensation for your injuries. Here’s what you need to know about protecting yourself after a motor vehicle accident.

After a Car Accident With Holt Harrell

Your Legal Obligations after a Florida Car Crash

In Florida, drivers must contact local law enforcement and report accidents immediately that result in injury, death, or over $500 in property damage. If you’re unsure about the damage, it’s safest to report the crash. Be sure to exchange insurance details with other drivers involved. Call 911 if anyone appears injured.

Protecting Your Health after an Accident

If you’re injured, stay still and wait for help if you suspect serious injuries. Even minor injuries should be evaluated by a doctor, as adrenaline may mask pain. Follow up with any prescribed treatments to avoid worsening injuries.

Protecting Your Claim after a Car Accident

If you’re safely able to do so, there are opportunities to protect your car accident claim immediately after the collision. These include: 

• Taking photographs and/or video of the scene and the vehicles involved
• Collecting contact information from any witnesses
• Asking any bystanders who may have taken pictures or video to preserve them
• Looking around for any fixed cameras that might have caught the event and making a note of where they are
• Writing down everything you remember about the accident as soon as possible

Remember, though, that you should never take chances with your health. If you are not confident that you are well enough to move around safely, you should not put yourself at risk to gather evidence.

After the accident:

• You should refrain from talking too much about the accident or posting in social media, as isolated statements taken out of context or minor discrepancies in the story you tell could be used against you later. 
• Seek medical care as soon as possible. Your initial examination after the crash creates a record tying your injuries to the collision, making it harder for the insurance company to deny causation.
• Follow your doctor’s instructions, the insurance carrier may argue that you are partly responsible for your own losses since you might have recovered more quickly or completely if you had followed medical advice.

Car Accidents Are a Leading Cause of Personal Injury Claims

On average, there are more than 1,000 car crashes per day in Florida. The results of those crashes may be devastating.

• In Florida, 3,375 people died and more than 250,000 were injured in traffic accidents in the most recent year reported.
• Of the total traffic accidents in Florida, nearly 24,000 occurred in Duval County, resulting in 165 deaths and over 15,000 injuries.

Liability in Florida Car Accident Cases

Negligence in Florida Car Accidents

Florida drivers must operate their vehicles safely to prevent harm to others. When a driver fails in that responsibility, they are considered negligent—and a negligent driver is typically liable for damages. 

How Do You Prove Negligence?

To prove negligence, a car accident lawyer must show that the responsible driver failed to exercise reasonable care. In some cases, this requires expert testimony. Other times, Florida’s negligence per se doctrine makes it easier—violating certain safety laws, like DUI, automatically establishes negligence.

What If Multiple People Are at Fault?

However, proving negligence doesn’t always mean the driver is fully responsible. Multiple parties can share fault, including the injured person.

Florida’s 50% Rule: Can You Still Get Compensation?

Under Florida law, if an injured party is more than 50% at fault, they cannot recover compensation. Otherwise, their damages are reduced by their percentage of fault.

👉 Example: If they are 25% responsible, they can only recover 75% of their damages.

Common Injuries from Car Accidents

Car accidents cause many different types of injuries, from minor scrapes and bruises to serious, life-altering injuries. Some common types of injuries we see in car accident cases include: 

• Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• Operating a vehicle without a driver’s license
• Failure to yield the right of way
• Speeding
• Reckless endangerment
• Road rage or aggressive driving
• Failure to maintain a safe operating condition
• Defective equipment or parts
• Poorly maintained roadways
• Whiplash
• Distracted driving 

The burden is on you and your car accident lawyer to establish that the crash caused your injuries. Seeking medical attention promptly will create a record that can help tie your injuries to the accident. 

Consult a Car Accident Lawyer in Jacksonville Before Talking to Insurance Companies

After seeking immediate medical care and following up with your doctors, you may be quickly contacted by representatives of insurance companies. Remember that insurance companies are in business to make money—your well-being is not their priority. If you’re receiving a barrage of calls or letters, delay responding until you have had the opportunity to consult a qualified car crash lawyer. 

After an accident, you may be undecided about hiring a car accident attorney, particularly if you believe your injuries are not severe. However, anyone who has sustained any type of injury in any type of accident should consult with an expert personal injury lawyer before accepting any settlement offered by insurance companies. At Harrell & Harrell, P.A., we have decades of experience dealing with insurance companies that represent negligent parties and we are well-versed in the tactics they may use to minimize claim settlements or to settle claims as quickly as possible.

Importance of Legal Guidance for Hidden or Long-Term Injuries

After a car accident caused by someone else’s negligence, speaking with a Jacksonville car accident attorney right away can protect your rights and strengthen your case. Insurance companies often push for quick settlements, but accepting an offer too soon can overlook important factors like future medical costs and lost income. In some cases, multiple parties—such as an equipment manufacturer—may also be liable.

Even if your injuries seem minor, it’s worth scheduling a free consultation with Harrell & Harrell, P.A. Some injuries, like soft-tissue damage or head trauma, may not show symptoms immediately. Consulting an attorney before settling ensures you account for all potential long-term effects and don’t settle for less than you deserve.

How Harrell & Harrell’s Expert Car Accident Attorneys Build a Strong Case

At Harrell & Harrell, P.A., our team of skilled lawyers and accident experts will act quickly to guide you through the complex claims process. With access to advanced technology and a team that includes licensed accident investigators, we’re equipped to build a strong case on your behalf.

We thoroughly investigate your accident, gather critical evidence, file your claim promptly, and ensure that the full extent of your losses is proven. From negotiating a fair settlement to taking your case to court, we handle every detail, including all necessary paperwork and deadlines. The sooner you consult with a lawyer, the sooner we can preserve evidence and take the right steps to build a strong case.

The Legal Process for Car Accident Claims

Once we take on your case, we will typically begin by filing your claim with the responsible party’s insurance company. While you can file the claim yourself, it’s best to let us handle all communication with the insurer to avoid complications. We’ll gather the necessary evidence and send a demand letter outlining your claims, backed by supporting documentation.

From here, the process can unfold in different ways. Most cases are settled through negotiation, but if a fair settlement isn’t reached, we may file a lawsuit and move toward trial. If your case progresses to trial, we will request information from the other party, conduct depositions, and prepare for court. While settlement is often the goal, we’re ready to go to trial if needed to secure the compensation you deserve.

Car Accidents with Julie Harrell

Get a Free Consultation Today

Many car accident lawyers in Jacksonville, including Harrell & Harrell, offer free consultations to victims of motor vehicle accidents. Your free consultation is your opportunity to learn more about your rights, get some additional information about the legal process, get insight into the strengths and weaknesses of your claim, and find out how other cases similar to yours have been resolved.

The free consultation is also your opportunity to learn more about the law firm and the attorney so you know you’re making the right choice. We serve clients throughout the North Florida area, including:

• Jacksonville
• Orange Park
• Fernandina Beach
• St. Augustine
• Palatka

Why Choose Our Jacksonville Car Accident Lawyers?

The core of our legal practice is fighting for people who have been injured or lost loved ones to someone else’s negligence. That’s been true since our founder started Reinman & Harrell in 1974, and has remained true as we transitioned to Harrell & Harrell and continued to work for injured Floridians.

• Truck accident attorneys
• Motorcycle accident attorneys
• Wrongful death attorneys
• Pedestrian accident attorneys
• Bicycle accident attorneys
• Watercraft accident attorneys
• Boating accident attorneys

We understand that our legal skills and knowledge are just one facet of providing effective legal representation. We combine technology, staff experienced in different aspects of successfully serving legal clients, investigators to help build our cases, attention to detail and a deep understanding of the challenges and emotional turmoil a serious car accident can trigger.

You don’t have to take our word for it. Check out what our past clients have to say about our car accident lawyers and the service they’ve provided. Then, schedule your free consultation so you can experience the difference for yourself. Just call (904) 251-1111 right now, or fill out our contact form.

Jacksonville Car Accident Lawyer FAQs

Q: Do I need a lawyer after I’ve been injured in a car accident?

If you’ve been injured in an accident, you should keep in mind that insurance companies will not be on your side—in fact, they will be looking to pay out as little as possible. No matter what type of accident caused your injuries, an experienced car accident lawyer can help you obtain fair treatment. If you’d like to know more about what a Jacksonville auto accident attorney can do for you, we offer absolutely free consultations.

Q: What should I do right after a car accident?

After calling 911 and moving vehicles out of the way of traffic if it’s possible, there are several steps to take that can help build a solid foundation for an accident case:
Obtain names, contact information and insurance information from other parties involved.
Obtain names and contact information for any witnesses.
Get a copy of the police report, your case number and the responding officer’s name and badge number.
Take photos of all injuries and vehicles and the surrounding area.
Call your insurance company to report the accident, but do not make any statements to your own insurance company or the other party’s insurance company before speaking with a car accident attorney. Do not sign any releases.
Call Harrell & Harrell, P.A. at 904-251-1111 or 800-251-1111 to speak with us any time of day or night.

Q: How much should I settle for after a car accident?

There isn’t a simple formula for calculating a fair settlement amount, because there are a number of factors that must be considered and every case is unique. In general, however, the more serious an accident victim’s injuries are, the larger the amount of compensation. There may also be non-economic losses to consider, but a victim must have sustained a permanent injury in order to bring a claim for such losses.
A responsible and ethical car accident attorney will not calculate a final value before you have reached what is known as maximum medical improvement, or the point at which your medical team believes you will have no further improvement in your injuries.
At Harrell & Harrell, P.A., our car accident attorneys offer a free, no-obligation consultation to help determine the strength of your case. When you become our client, our experienced personal injury team will investigate every aspect of your case and carefully calculate a compensation amount that takes all of your losses into account.

Q: Who pays my medical bills if I’m injured in a car accident?

The primary payer of your medical expenses is your own auto insurance company. This is because Florida is a “no-fault” insurance state, which means your required Personal Injury Protection (PIP) covers your own injuries. PIP benefits are not standard for all policies but in general, 80 percent of medical expenses up to $10,000 are covered by PIP.

Q: How much does a car accident lawyer charge?

Nearly all car accident lawyers in the state of Florida represent their clients on a contingency fee basis, so there is no charge for an initial consultation on your case and there will be no fees or costs owed to the attorney if a successful settlement or verdict is not reached. If the case is won on your behalf, the contingency fee is a set percentage of the settlement or verdict. At Harrell & Harrell, P.A., we will review our agreement with you before signing and make sure you understand the contingency fee.

Q: How long do I have to file an accident injury claim?

According to Florida law, the standard time limit for filing a personal injury civil lawsuit is typically four years from the date of the accident or incident. There are some exceptions to this, however, so it’s important to consult with a car accident attorney as soon as you possibly can. At Harrell & Harrell, P.A., we know accidents happen at all hours of the day, that’s why our Jacksonville law office available 24/7 to take your call.

Q: How long does it take to settle a car accident claim?

Many car accident cases can be resolved in six to 18 months, but the length of time needed to settle your particular case may differ. Keep in mind that at Harrell & Harrell, P.A., we work with you on a contingency basis, which means we do not get paid until you get paid. We will work to resolve your case as quickly as possible.

Q: How can I choose the best car accident attorney for my case?

We strongly recommend that you look for a Jacksonville law firm that focuses on personal injury law. Some firms practice personal injury law in addition to many other practice areas, but the more experience and expertise in managing accident cases that your future attorney has, the better your chances for receiving a fair settlement.

DON’T SETTLE FOR LESS THAN YOU DESERVE.^®

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