Jacksonville Car Accident FAQ

Answers to Common Questions About Car Accident Claims in Florida

As a firm that’s been trusted by countless accident victims across the Jacksonville area, our team at Edwards & Ragatz, P.A. knows how important it is to get off on the right foot when it comes to protecting one’s rights and positioning oneself for a successful personal injury claim. Unfortunately, the aftermath of a car accident can be chaotic, not to mention filled with unfamiliar laws, legal processes, and insurance issues. 

If you or someone you love were hurt in a crash, the best way to demystify the injury claim process or get answers to your questions is to speak personally with a lawyer – that’s why our team is available 24/7. Still, it’s also wise to take time and educate yourself about important laws or steps you can take to protect your right to compensation.

To empower accident victims with the information they need, we’ve put together an FAQ all about car accidents and victims’ rights.  

• What Should I Do After a Car Accident in Jacksonville?
• How Long Do I Have to File a Car Accident Claim in Florida?
• Do I Need to Use My PIP Insurance After an Auto Accident?
• Can I Sue the At-Fault Driver?
• What Compensation Can Jacksonville Car Accident Victims Recover?
• What If I Was Partially At-Fault for the Car Accident?
• How Can a Lawyer Help With My Car Accident Case?
• How Do I Prove the Other Driver Was at Fault?
• What Happens if the At-Fault Driver is Uninsured?
• How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Jacksonville Car Accident Lawyer?

What Should I Do After a Car Accident in Jacksonville?

After a car accident, your safety and health should be your top priorities. Here’s what to do:

1. Call 911 – Report the accident to law enforcement and request medical assistance if needed.
2. Seek medical attention – Even if you feel fine, some injuries may take hours or days to appear.
3. Exchange information – Get the other driver’s name, contact details, insurance information, and license plate number.
4. Document the scene – Take photos and videos of the vehicles, skid marks, road conditions, and any visible injuries.
5. Get witness statements – If possible, collect the names and contact information of bystanders who saw the accident.
6. Avoid admitting fault – Do not apologize or discuss fault with the other driver or their insurance company.
7. Report the accident to your insurance – Notify your insurer, but do not provide a recorded statement without speaking to a lawyer.
8. Contact a Jacksonville car accident lawyer – An attorney can protect your rights and help you pursue maximum compensation.

If you have been injured, taking action as soon as possible can help protect your legal options.

How Long Do I Have to File a Car Accident Claim in Florida?

In Florida, the statute of limitations for filing a car accident lawsuit is:

• Two years for personal injury claims
• Two years for wrongful death claims
• Four years for property damage claims

Missing these deadlines could prevent you from recovering compensation. It is best to speak with an attorney as soon as possible to protect your claim.

Do I Need to Use My PIP Insurance After an Auto Accident?

Yes. Florida is a no-fault insurance state, which means all drivers must carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage. Here’s how it works:

• PIP covers up to $10,000 in medical expenses and lost wages, regardless of who was at fault
• PIP pays 80% of medical bills and 60% of lost wages, up to policy limits
• You must seek medical treatment within 14 days to qualify for PIP benefits

Can I Sue the At-Fault Driver?

You can step outside of the no-fault system and sue the at-fault driver if:

• You suffered a serious injury, such as permanent disfigurement, significant scarring, or a traumatic brain injury
• Your medical expenses exceed your PIP coverage limits
• The accident resulted in wrongful death

An attorney can help determine if you qualify to file a lawsuit for full compensation.

What Compensation Can Jacksonville Car Accident Victims Recover?

Car accident victims may be entitled to several types of compensation, including:

• Medical expenses – Emergency room visits, surgeries, rehabilitation, prescription medications, and long-term care
• Lost wages – Income lost due to missed work and reduced earning capacity if you cannot return to your job
• Pain and suffering – Compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and trauma caused by the accident
• Property damage – Repair or replacement costs for your vehicle and other damaged personal property
• Loss of enjoyment of life – If injuries prevent you from engaging in activities you once enjoyed
• Wrongful death damages – Funeral costs, lost financial support, and emotional suffering for surviving family members

Every case is different. The value of your claim depends on the severity of your injuries, medical expenses, and the long-term impact of the accident.

What If I Was Partially At-Fault for the Car Accident?

Florida follows a modified comparative negligence system:

• If you are less than 50% at fault, you can still recover compensation, but your award will be reduced by your percentage of fault
• If you are 50% or more at fault, you cannot recover compensation

For example, if you are found 20% at fault and your damages total $100,000, your compensation would be reduced to $80,000.

Insurance companies often try to shift blame to reduce payouts. A skilled attorney can help protect your rights.

How Can a Lawyer Help With My Car Accident Case?

A car accident lawyer can handle all aspects of your claim while you focus on recovery. At Edwards & Ragatz, P.A., we:

• Investigate your accident – Collect evidence, review police reports, and consult accident reconstruction experts
• Handle insurance negotiations – Insurers often try to minimize payouts; we fight for full compensation
• Prove fault and damages – Gather medical records, witness statements, and expert testimony to build a strong case
• Represent you in court if needed – If a fair settlement is not offered, we are prepared to go to trial

Insurance companies have legal teams working against you. Having an experienced car accident lawyer levels the playing field.

How Do I Prove the Other Driver Was at Fault?

Proving liability in a car accident case requires strong evidence, such as:

• Police reports – Official documentation of the crash
• Eyewitness statements – Testimony from those who saw what happened
• Traffic and dashcam footage – Video evidence showing the moments before impact
• Accident reconstruction – Expert analysis of crash scene data
• Cell phone records – Evidence of texting or distracted driving
• Toxicology reports – Proof of DUI or drug use if applicable

An attorney can help gather and analyze this evidence to strengthen your case.

What Happens if the At-Fault Driver is Uninsured?

Florida has a high rate of uninsured drivers. If the at-fault driver does not have insurance, you may still have options:

• Uninsured Motorist (UM) Coverage – If you have UM coverage, your own insurance will pay for medical expenses and damages
• Personal Injury Protection (PIP) – Your PIP benefits will cover some medical costs
• Filing a Lawsuit – If the uninsured driver has personal assets, you may be able to sue them directly

An attorney can review your insurance policy and explore the best path forward.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Jacksonville Car Accident Lawyer?

At Edwards & Ragatz, P.A. we work on a contingency fee basis, meaning:

• You pay nothing upfront
• You owe no legal fees unless we win your case
• Our fee is a percentage of the settlement or verdict, not out-of-pocket costs

This ensures you can afford experienced legal representation without financial risk.

Call For a FREE Consultation: (904) 295-1050

If you have been injured in a car accident in Jacksonville or anywhere in Duval County, do not wait to seek legal help. Edwards & Ragatz, P.A. has recovered millions of dollars for injury victims, and we are ready to fight for you.

If you need personalized legal advice, Edwards & Ragatz, P.A. is here to help. Call (904) 295-1050 for a free consultation.