Howard Coker | November 19, 2025 | Personal Injury
If you’ve been injured in a car crash, slip and fall accident, workplace incident, or any other preventable accident in Florida, you may wonder: Should I talk to a Jacksonville injury lawyer?
Most reputable personal injury law firms offer free, no-obligation consultations. These consultations help you understand your rights, evaluate your case, and determine whether pursuing compensation is in your best interests.
This first meeting is an opportunity to get information, ask questions, and learn how the personal injury claims process works. It should help you feel confident and prepared to take whatever next steps are best for your situation. Here are nine important things you should know before your free consultation.
1. You Must Be Aware of the Statute of Limitations
Before filing any personal injury claim, timing is crucial. In Florida, the statute of limitations for most personal injury cases is typically two years from the date of the accident. If your claim involves a government agency, deadlines may be even shorter and require specific notice procedures.
Waiting too long can mean:
- Evidence fades or disappears
- Witnesses become harder to locate
- Insurance companies gain the advantage
- Your right to compensation may be lost entirely
Scheduling a consultation as soon as possible allows your attorney to begin investigating, protecting evidence, and advocating for you before key deadlines expire.
2. The Consultation Helps You Get to Know Your Attorney
This meeting is not only for the attorney to evaluate your case. It is also your opportunity to decide if you feel comfortable with them.
Ask yourself:
- Do they communicate clearly?
- Do they listen to you?
- Do they seem knowledgeable and confident?
- Do they treat you with respect?
Your lawyer will play a major role in your recovery, not just financially, but emotionally. You want to hire someone you trust.
3. You Should Bring Any Documents or Records You Have
Your attorney will be better able to evaluate your case if they can see all the facts for themselves.
Bring whatever relevant documents or records you have, such as:
- Photos of the accident scene or injuries
- Medical records or discharge paperwork
- Police or incident reports
- Insurance claim documents
- Witness contact information
- Statements from doctors or therapists
- Repair or damage estimates
If you don’t have all the documents yet, don’t worry. Your lawyer can help gather the rest later.
4. Your Own Notes and Personal Timeline Are Extremely Helpful
Your memory of the accident will be most accurate in the days immediately following it.
Consider writing down:
- How the accident happened
- What you felt physically and emotionally
- Where you were injured
- Pain levels and how your life has changed
- Missed work or lost income
- Activities you can no longer do
These notes help preserve details that may fade over time and provide critical information for your claim.
5. Be Prepared to Tell Your Story in Detail
During your consultation, expect to talk through:
- What led up to the accident
- What exactly occurred
- What happened afterward
Your attorney may ask clarifying questions. These questions are not designed to challenge you, but to help you understand how to build your case. This conversation also helps identify your strengths as a witness, should the case ever go to trial.
6. Come With Questions of Your Own
You deserve clarity and reassurance—some helpful questions to ask might include:
- How will the claims process work?
- How long could the case take?
- What evidence will matter most?
- What should I not do right now?
- What damages can I recover?
- How often will I receive updates?
There are no bad questions. Don’t be afraid to ask questions so you can have a full understanding of your claim and the process ahead of you.
7. Your Attorney Will Help You Understand the Strength of Your Case
Not every injury requires a lawsuit, but many do.
During your free consultation, your lawyer will:
- Identify whether negligence likely occurred
- Explain what kinds of damages you may be entitled to, including economic and non-economic damages
- Discuss whether a settlement, insurance claim, or lawsuit is most appropriate
If the case is not well-suited for litigation, a good lawyer should tell you clearly. Experienced attorneys will not encourage you to pursue a claim if recovery is unrealistic. On the other hand, if you have a legitimate claim, a skilled attorney will help you build a strong case.
8. Attorney’s Fees Will Be Explained Clearly
Most personal injury lawyers in Florida work on a contingency fee basis. This type of fee structure is designed to put injury victims on a level playing field against well-funded insurance companies or wealthy defendants.
This fee arrangement means you won’t be responsible for upfront fees, hourly bills, or retainers. You won’t have to make any payment unless your lawyer wins money for you, and your lawyer is paid only from the compensation they secure on your behalf.
This fee structure ensures that injured people can access legal help, regardless of their financial situation. Before proceeding with your case, you will review and sign a straightforward agreement that explains the fee arrangement.
9. You’ll Learn What Happens Next
Once you decide to hire a lawyer, they will start working on your case by:
- Notifying the insurance company that you have legal representation
- Gathering and preserving essential evidence, like surveillance footage, eyewitness statements, or police reports
- Coordinating medical record collection to substantiate your damages claim
- Investigating fraud and liability against all potentially responsible parties
- Preparing a settlement demand to make sure you don’t leave any money on the table during negotiations
Your role becomes more focused after hiring a lawyer. All you need to do at that point is follow your doctor’s advice, keep all important records, and speak with your lawyer frequently to ensure you are taking all appropriate steps. Your legal team will handle all the rest.
Contact Our Jacksonville Personal Injury Lawyers for a Free Consultation
You don’t have to navigate recovery, insurance adjusters, medical bills, and legal questions alone. A free consultation enables you to receive meaningful answers and gain a deeper understanding of your options. There is no pressure and no risk.
At Coker Law Personal Injury Lawyers, we have helped Florida accident victims secure fair and appropriate compensation for their injuries. We are committed to strong communication, dedicated support, and focused advocacy. Contact our Jacksonville personal injury lawyers today to schedule your free consultation.
We serve Duval County and its surrounding areas.
Coker Law Personal Injury Lawyers
136 E Bay St #5438
Jacksonville, FL 32202
(904) 356-6071
Find us with our Geo Coordinates: 30.32569719086265, -81.65515220132858
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Attorney Howard Coker is the founder of Coker Law Personal Injury Lawyers. A graduate of the University of Florida College of Law, he has dedicated his career to representing individuals in serious personal injury cases. With more than four decades of courtroom experience and over 350 jury trials, Howard is recognized as one of Florida’s top trial attorneys. His commitment to justice ensures every client receives the strong, personalized representation they deserve. Check our recent case results.
Location: Jacksonville, FL