Howard Coker | March 19, 2025 | Car Accidents
Broadly speaking, a minor car accident in Jacksonville is a crash that does not cause much property damage or any injuries. You and the other driver in this scenario might decide it is not worth waiting for the police to report a minor car accident. You exchange information and leave.
However, what happens if you realize your injuries or losses are more severe than you thought? Do you need to hire a lawyer after a minor car accident? If you’re asking yourself these types of questions, you can likely benefit from legal advice from an experienced car accident lawyer. At the least, it’s most likely in your best interest to contact an attorney for a free consultation.
Things You Need To Know About Minor Car Accidents in Florida
Keeping these essential things in mind can help you navigate a car accident claim for minor car crashes without giving up your rights or hurting your chances of receiving a fair settlement:
Always Report Car Accidents to the Police
Drivers are required to report car crashes that cause $500 or more in property damage or result in bodily injury to someone. You are required to report the accident as soon as possible, which usually means calling 911 from the accident scene. Even if it isn’t required by law, however, you’ll want an official record of the accident if the damages are more severe or if you later discover you have sustained bodily injuries.
Report Your Accident to Your Insurance Company
Always report a car accident to your insurance company. Many insurance policies require policyholders to promptly report accidents and other incidents. Failing to report a car accident could invalidate your insurance policy. However, be careful about what you say and how much information you provide (more on this below).
See Your Doctor Even if Do Not Have Visible Signs of Injuries
Medical records are crucial pieces of evidence in a car accident claim. You must prove the car crash caused your injuries to recover damages. Delays in medical care could raise questions about whether you sustained injuries in a car accident.
Be Careful What You Say to an Insurance Adjuster
Insurance adjusters are highly trained and skilled professionals. They investigate car accidents to determine who caused the accident. Whenever possible, the insurance company undervalues damages and denies claims. Therefore, anything you say to an insurance adjuster could be used to unfairly accuse you of contributing to the accident or falsifying the severity of your injuries.
Seek Legal Advice Before Accepting a Settlement Offer
When you accept a car accident settlement, you sign a settlement agreement. The language in the agreement includes a clause that waives your right to file additional claims or lawsuits. Your case could be worth more than the insurance company offered. Therefore, talk with a lawyer before you accept a settlement to ensure the offer is fair.
Reasons To Hire a Car Accident Attorney in Jacksonville, FL
The role of a car accident attorney in helping clients with accident claims includes:
Investigating and Gathering Evidence
Lawyers have the skills and resources to investigate accidents and gather evidence. They can hire expert witnesses when necessary to assist with the case. Without sufficient evidence, you cannot prove liability for your claim.
Legal Knowledge
Attorneys understand Florida tort laws. They know what accident victims must prove to win a case, including causation, fault, and damages. This knowledge is crucial when battling an insurance company that wants to avoid paying your claim.
Understanding Damages
Accident claims include economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages include your expenses and financial losses, including medical bills and lost wages. However, they also include diminished earning capacity and future expenses for permanent disabilities. Non-economic damages include pain and suffering, impairments, emotional distress, and diminished quality of life.
An attorney knows the damages that accident victims are entitled to receive. They also understand how to value damages correctly to maximize the value of your claim.
Defending Against Comparative Fault
Florida contributory fault laws bar accident victims who are 51% or more to blame for causing an accident. They also reduce the value of damages by their percentage of fault if they are less than 50% at fault.
Insurance companies often blame the victims in an accident. Experienced lawyers understand this tactic and prepare to defend clients against allegations of comparative negligence.
Negotiation Skills
Car accident attorneys are skilled negotiators. They prepare compelling arguments based on facts, evidence, and the law. They aggressively advocate for their clients by negotiating a fair settlement. Their knowledge and experience give them an edge during negotiations.
Litigation Experience
Insurance companies know which law firms always settle cases versus law firms that do not hesitate to take cases to trial. An accident attorney with litigation experience is prepared to go to trial if the insurance company does not act in good faith.
Signs You Need a Car Accident Lawyer for a Minor Crash in Florida
Numerous factors indicate you may need to hire a lawyer for your car accident claim. Those factors include, but are not limited to:
- You sustained catastrophic injuries and/or permanent impairments
- Multiple parties are involved in your case
- Your child was injured in a car accident
- A government entity is involved in the case
- You have a pre-existing condition
- You are being accused of contributing to the cause of the accident
- The other parties dispute liability for the accident
- You are unsure what your damages are worth
- Your losses exceed your personal injury protection (PIP) insurance policy limits
- The insurance company denied your claim
If you are unsure whether you need to hire a car accident attorney, it is best to talk with a lawyer now. An attorney can advise whether you need legal representation or if your car accident case could be settled directly with the insurance company.
Schedule a Free Consultation With a Car Accident Attorney
At Coker Law, we understand that all car accidents are traumatic events for accident victims. We fight to obtain the best possible results for our clients. Call us to schedule a free case evaluation with an experienced car accident lawyer.
Contact Coker Law Personal Injury Lawyers to Schedule a Free Consultation
For more information, please contact the Jacksonville personal injury law firm of Coker Law Personal Injury Lawyers and schedule a free consultation today or call us at (904) 356-6071 to receive more information.