Jacksonville Car Accident Lawyer
Have you been in a car accident in Jacksonville, FL? Our Jacksonville car accident lawyers at Coker Law have been trying car crash cases for over 45 years and have the resources to help you get the compensation you deserve. Contact us for legal help at (904) 356-6071.
You can count on us for winning results. Our personal injury law firm has been fighting for accident victims for 49 years. We bring decades of combined experience to the table and have recovered tens of millions of dollars for our clients in over 1400 verdicts. If you hire our experienced Jacksonville car accident lawyers, we’re fully prepared to take your case to trial if that’s what it takes for a fair outcome.
Contact our Jacksonville, FL, law office today to arrange a free consultation with a car accident attorney in Jacksonville. This meeting allows you to get initial legal advice with zero obligations. Let us show you how we can help make a real difference in your case.
How Coker Law Trial Attorneys Can Help You After a Car Accident in Jacksonville, FL
Insurance companies often get involved right after your collision. As businesses seeking a profit, they don’t have your best interests in mind and may try to pay you as little as possible. Don’t let them succeed in that effort.Â
Instead, call Coker Law Trial Attorneys for support. Our award-winning Jacksonville personal injury lawyers aren’t afraid to stand up to insurance adjusters, and we’re willing to go to trial if we have to. We understand the law as well as anyone and will work hard from the start to secure maximum compensation for you and your family.Â
We can help you by:
- Investigating your crash: We’ll collect evidence, from police reports to witness accounts, to figure out exactly what happened.
- Calculating your damages: Medical bills, lost income, and the pain you’ve endured all factor into what your case is worth.
- Working with experts: Sometimes, reconstruction specialists or medical professionals can strengthen your claim.
- Identifying responsible parties: More than one person or company could be liable for your injuries, and we’ll pursue them all.
- Filing the paperwork: We’ll handle the insurance claims and legal documents so you can focus on getting better.
- Negotiating a settlement: If the insurer won’t be fair, we’ll push for a better deal—or go to trial if that’s what it takes.
Get in touch with us today in Jacksonville, FL. We offer a free consultation so you can discuss your case at no charge. Our legal team will fight to get you every dollar you need and deserve.
Why Should I Hire a Car Accident Lawyer in Jacksonville?
It can be tempting to deal with the aftermath of a crash on your own, especially if you assume the insurer will “do the right thing.” However, Florida’s auto accident landscape and no-fault car insurance rules can be tricky. This is especially true if the other driver disputes fault or if you need to take advantage of multiple insurance policies.Â
Hiring a car accident lawyer can bring several key benefits:
- Level the playing field: Insurance companies have teams of adjusters, lawyers, and investigators. If you don’t have a lawyer, it can be you against an entire corporation.
- Proper evidence collection: Attorneys know how to gather relevant proof—from surveillance footage to expert testimony—that can support your case.
- Prevent costly mistakes: A single wrong statement or missed deadline could undermine your entire claim. A lawyer helps you avoid pitfalls and keeps your claim on track.
- Accurate claim valuation: You may not realize the full extent of your damages. An attorney can value both current and future losses.
- Less stress: You can focus on healing while a professional handles the legal legwork.
Even after you pay attorney’s fees, you’ll likely receive more compensation than if you face the insurance company alone. It’s at least worth scheduling a free consultation with a lawyer to see where you stand.
How Much Money Can I Get From a Car Accident Case in Jacksonville, FL
Car accident settlements and court awards in Florida can vary greatly—from a few thousand dollars up to millions.Â
The exact amount depends on factors like:
- Injury severity: Serious injuries often involve higher medical bills and greater pain and suffering.
- Liability: If the other driver is clearly at fault, it can strengthen your case. However, if there’s a dispute over who caused the accident, the insurer might offer less.
- Long-term effects: If you can’t return to your job or you need ongoing medical care, your claim’s value will likely go up.
- Insurance policy limits: The at-fault party’s coverage might cap how much money is available, as can whether you’re eligible to file a lawsuit against them.
Our attorneys typically review items such as your medical records, wage statements, and expert opinions to determine a fair compensation range. This assessment is crucial if you want to negotiate from a position of strength.
How Long Do I Have To File a Car Accident Claim in Florida?
In Florida, most personal injury claims, including car accidents, have a two-year statute of limitations. This means you have two years from the date of your accident to file a lawsuit in court. Missing this deadline might mean losing your right to recover any money.
Some exceptions exist, but they’re quite limited. If a government entity is involved—such as a municipal bus or official vehicle—you may face even shorter timeframes or special requirements. If you’re unsure how much time is left, talk to a car accident lawyer in Jacksonville as soon as possible. Acting promptly also helps preserve evidence, which can fade quickly as witnesses forget details and damage is repaired.
What Types of Damages Are Available After a Car Accident?
If another party is responsible for your injuries and you aren’t limited to your personal injury protection (PIP) insurance coverage, Florida law lets you pursue various forms of compensation. Generally, these fall into two categories:
Economic damages are the financial costs tied directly to your crash. They might include:
- Medical bills: Hospital stays, surgeries, medication, physical therapy, and more.
- Lost income: Earnings you missed if you couldn’t work during recovery, plus diminished earning capacity if you can’t return to your old job.
- Property damage: Costs to fix or replace your car and anything else damaged in the collision.
- Out-of-pocket expenses: Travel for medical visits, hiring household help if you’re unable to manage daily tasks, and other costs.
Non-economic damages address the harm that doesn’t show up on a bill, such as:
- Pain and suffering: Physical discomfort and emotional distress.
- Disfigurement or scarring: Lasting marks on your body.
- Loss of enjoyment of life: Missed hobbies, relationships, or general life pleasures.
- Emotional distress: Anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress resulting from the accident.
In some rare cases, you might also be eligible for punitive damages. These punish the at-fault party for particularly bad behavior, like driving under the influence at extremely high speeds.
How Much Does It Cost To Hire a Car Accident Attorney in Jacksonville, Florida?
Most Florida car accident attorneys operate on a contingency fee basis.Â
That typically means:
- No upfront payment: You won’t pay any fees when you first hire the lawyer.
- Payment only if you win: The attorney’s fee is a percentage of the settlement or judgment they secure for you.
- Risk-free for you: If they don’t recover compensation, you generally owe nothing in attorney’s fees.
By using this system, injured victims can afford top-notch legal representation without worrying about costs until after the case is resolved. It also motivates the lawyer to aim for the highest possible settlement or verdict on your behalf.
Can I Get Money if I Was Partly at Fault for My Car Accident?
Florida is still considered a “no-fault” state for car accidents. This means you can initially file a claim against your own Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance to cover medical bills and part of your lost wages, regardless of who caused the wreck. However, that might not cover all of your losses—especially for severe injuries.
When your case goes beyond PIP and into a standard lawsuit against the at-fault driver, you’ll face Florida’s modified comparative negligence rule.Â
Under this rule:
- If you’re 51% or more at fault, you can’t collect anything from the other party.
- If you’re less than 51% at fault, your damages can be reduced according to your percentage of blame. For instance, being 20% at fault means you only receive 80% of your total award.
Insurance companies often try to push blame onto you to reduce their payouts, so having legal help can make all the difference in challenging those claims.
Will My Jacksonville Car Accident Case Go To Trial?
There’s no guarantee that your car accident case will end up in a courtroom. In fact, many claims settle out of court once the insurance company and your lawyer agree on an amount. However, if the insurer offers less than what you need for medical bills and other costs, filing a lawsuit may be the next step.
Coker Law Trial Attorneys has successfully taken over 1400 cases to trial. Insurance companies know we’re not afraid of court, which often pushes them to offer better settlements. If negotiations don’t yield a fair deal, we’ll go to trial and present your case before a judge or jury.
What Should I Do After a Car Accident in Jacksonville?
Right after a crash, you might feel shaken or in pain.Â
However, certain steps can protect both your health and your potential legal claim:
- Call 911: Let the police know an accident happened. They’ll create a report that could be useful later.
- Exchange information: Get names, phone numbers, and insurance details from all drivers involved.
- Document the scene: If it’s safe, take photos or videos of the damage, your injuries, and the surroundings.
- Avoid admitting fault: Even a simple apology might be twisted into you admitting blame.
- Seek medical treatment: A quick check can reveal injuries that might not show symptoms right away. Plus, medical records can act as key evidence for your claim.
- Consult a lawyer: An attorney can guide you on how to proceed, including dealing with insurance adjusters on your behalf.
Following these steps can help ensure you have what you need for an insurance claim or a lawsuit. Missing evidence or failing to see a doctor can weaken your case in the long run.
We Handle All Kinds of Car Accident Claims in Jacksonville
With many decades of combined experience, our Jacksonville car accident lawyers are qualified to help you with any type of case. These include, but are not limited to, the following.
Distracted Driving Accidents
Drivers who text, eat, or focus on something else while behind the wheel can cause serious collisions. Our firm can gather proof of a driver’s distracted behavior—such as phone records or eyewitness testimony—and use that evidence to strengthen your claim.
Drunk Driving Accidents
When someone drives under the influence of alcohol or drugs, they pose a grave risk to everyone on the road. If you were injured by a drunk or drug-impaired driver, you might qualify for additional damages. We’ll pursue every avenue to hold them accountable.
Speeding Accidents
Speeding is not only illegal; it significantly increases the chances of a devastating crash. A speeding driver might face negligence per se claims, making it easier to show liability. Our attorneys know how to highlight that violation to help maximize your compensation.
Rideshare Accidents
Crashes involving Uber or Lyft vehicles can be complex because of multiple insurance policies and driver status questions. We can navigate those complexities, ensuring you don’t settle for less than you deserve from rideshare companies or their insurers.
Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcyclists face greater physical risks if they’re involved in a collision. This often leads to catastrophic injuries. Our lawyers are well-versed in the specific challenges motorcycle accident victims face when filing injury claims.
Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrians struck by a vehicle can suffer life-changing harm. These cases may require special care in gathering evidence and proving the driver’s fault. Our team is prepared to secure the compensation you need and deserve after a pedestrian accident, from medical bills to long-term rehabilitation costs.
Who Could Be Liable for My Injuries Resulting From a Jacksonville Car Accident?
In Florida, almost any person or entity that played a role in causing your accident can be held responsible.Â
Some possibilities include:
- Another driver: If they were reckless, distracted, or intoxicated, you can file a claim against them.
- Car manufacturer: Defective brakes or steering might make the manufacturer liable.
- Government entity: Poorly maintained roads or defective signals could point fault to a city or county.
- Employer: If the crash involved a commercial vehicle, the driver’s employer might share the blame.
Your lawyer can investigate and figure out who’s at fault. Holding every liable party responsible can help maximize your compensation.
Common Types of Car Accident Injuries
Auto accidents can lead to a variety of injuries, some of which may be permanent or life-threatening.Â
Common examples of injuries that car accident victims can sustain include:
- Back injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Broken bones
- Amputations
- Whiplash
- Catastrophic injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Road rash
- Internal bleeding
- Knee injuries
- Crushing injuries
- Paralysis
- Concussions
- Wrongful death of a loved one
No matter how minor or severe your injuries appear, it’s wise to see a doctor right away. Many injuries worsen if you don’t seek prompt treatment.
Most Common Causes of Car Accidents in Jacksonville
Many crashes are traced back to driver behavior, road conditions, or vehicle malfunctions.Â
The most common causes often include:
- Distracted driving: Texting, eating, or adjusting the radio.
- Speeding: Exceeding posted limits or going too fast for weather conditions.
- Driving under the influence: Alcohol, drugs, or prescription medication can all impair judgment.
- Drowsy driving: Lack of sleep can slow reaction times as much as alcohol.
- Bad weather: Heavy rain or fog can lead to slippery roads or reduced visibility.
Identifying the cause is an essential part of building a strong case, as it shows who should be held accountable.
Jacksonville Car Accident Statistics
Jacksonville is one of Florida’s most populous cities and sees its fair share of traffic.Â
Recent data from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) shows the following:
- There were 22,876 crashes in Duval County in 2024
- These accidents caused 15,369 injuries and 144 fatalities
Staying informed about these figures can remind drivers to stay cautious, but accidents can still occur even when you follow the rules.
Call Our Jacksonville Car Accident Attorneys Today for Help
A car crash in Jacksonville can disrupt your life in many ways. Medical bills, rehab, and lost wages might cause you to worry about your family’s future. Coker Law Trial Attorneys has decades of combined experience representing auto accident victims and has secured tens of millions of dollars for them. We have over 1400 verdicts, meaning we’re well-prepared to take any case to trial if that’s what’s needed.
Don’t let the insurance companies push you around or force you into a lowball offer. Reach out to us for a free consultation. We’ll talk about what happened, outline your legal options, and guide you toward the best steps for recovery.Â
If we agree to work together, we’ll fight aggressively for the compensation you need—and won’t hesitate to go to court on your behalf. Contact our Jacksonville car accident attorneys today and learn how we can support you every step of the way.