Jacksonville Car Accident Lawyer

You’re cruising down 295, not a care in the world, when another car comes out of nowhere and rams right into you. Just like that, your day—and even your life—can change in an instant. What’s next? If you sustained injuries or property damage in a Jacksonville car accident caused by the negligent or reckless actions of another driver, contact a Steinger, Greene & Feiner lawyer to take on your case. Our team of personal injury attorneys is committed to pursuing justice and securing fair compensation on your behalf. When you let us handle your case, you can count on us to get the results you want.

Keep reading to learn more about the benefits of hiring a skilled Jacksonville car accident attorney to represent you in the aftermath of a car crash.

What to Do After a Car Accident in Jacksonville

Not knowing how to respond when you get in a car accident isn’t only stressful but can cause you to miss some important steps that would benefit you down the road. But honestly, even if you know what steps to take ahead of time, the abruptness of a car accident can leave you rattled and prevent you from thinking clearly.

That’s why we’re here to help. As Jacksonville’s leading car accident lawyers, we know about motor vehicle accidents—including what to do after you get in one. Take a few minutes to read our step-by-step guide on what actions to take after finding yourself in an auto accident in Jacksonville. Trust us, this information is essential. You never know when it could come in handy.

1. Ensure Safety: Check yourself for injuries, then check on others involved in the accident.
2. Call Emergency Services: Dial 9-1-1 if immediate medical attention is needed.
3. Notify the Police: Report the accident to the police. If they don’t respond, file an accident report through the local DMV.
4. Relocate Your Vehicle: Move your car to a safe spot, like the shoulder of the highway or a nearby parking lot, to avoid obstructing traffic.
5. Exchange Information: Share names, phone numbers, vehicle details, and insurance information with other drivers involved.
6. Seek Medical Care: Even without visible injuries, get checked by a doctor for potential internal injuries. Save medical records for evidence.
7. Notify Your Insurance Company: Report the accident to your insurer, even if you’re not at fault, as part of the claims process.
8. Speak With an Adjuster: Cooperate with the insurance adjuster, answering questions honestly but without admitting fault or oversharing details.
9. Seek Legal Expertise: Consult a skilled personal injury attorney to protect your rights and guide you through the claims process for fair compensation. An experienced Jacksonville car accident attorney will help you navigate the complexities of your case and get the justice you deserve.

Jacksonville Car Accident Statistics

Car accidents in Jacksonville are a daily reality, affecting countless lives each year. From injuries to fatalities, these incidents leave victims and their families grappling with physical, emotional, and financial burdens. Below, we provide a detailed analysis of accident statistics from 2018 through early 2023, based on data from the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, to help you understand the scope of the issue and the importance of seeking legal support if you’ve been involved in a crash.

Year	Total Accidents	Fatalities	Injuries
2018	24,212	143	13,858
2019	23,473	158	13,454
2020	21,211	187	12,024
2021	21,956	174	12,184
2022	24,344	153	15,988
2023	959	6	584

Between 2018 and early 2023, Jacksonville saw over 115,000 car accidents, leading to thousands of injuries and tragic fatalities. Many of these incidents stem from preventable causes, underscoring the importance of understanding common accident factors to protect yourself and your loved ones.

Common Causes of Car Accidents in Jacksonville

Jacksonville’s busy roads and high-traffic areas contribute to the city’s 24,344 reported crashes in 2022, as per the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles report. The leading causes of these accidents reflect a mix of human error, mechanical failure, and infrastructure challenges:

• Distracted Driving: A major contributor, often involving phone use, eating, or adjusting in-car systems. Distracted drivers pose a serious risk, especially on congested highways like I-295 and I-95.
• Driving Under the Influence: Alcohol and drugs impair judgment and reaction times, leading to preventable accidents and fatalities. DUI-related crashes are a persistent issue across Duval County.
• Unlicensed or Inexperienced Drivers: Operating without a valid driver’s license or adequate experience increases the likelihood of mistakes, especially in complex traffic conditions.
• Failure to Yield: Common at Jacksonville’s dangerous intersections, such as Blanding Boulevard and Youngerman Circle, failure to yield leads to high-impact collisions.
• Speeding and Reckless Driving: High-speed crashes on highways and aggressive maneuvers on urban roads result in devastating injuries.
• Road Rage or Aggressive Driving: Escalating conflicts on the road often end in collisions.
• Mechanical Failures: Poorly maintained vehicles with defective brakes, tires, or other critical components frequently contribute to accidents.
• Hazardous Road Conditions: Defective infrastructure or poorly maintained roadways, particularly in areas like Atlantic Boulevard, create additional dangers for drivers.

These causes highlight the importance of identifying negligence in accident claims. Proving that another party’s behavior—whether distracted driving, reckless actions or poor vehicle maintenance—directly caused the crash is essential in establishing fault and seeking compensation.

Common Car Accident Types in Jacksonville

Car accidents in Jacksonville come in many forms, each presenting unique legal and financial challenges:

• Rear-End Collisions: Common in congested areas like I-295 and Blanding Boulevard, often caused by distracted or aggressive drivers. These crashes frequently lead to disputes over fault.
• Intersection Accidents: Frequently occur at busy junctions such as Atlantic Boulevard and Southside Boulevard, often involving failure to yield or running red lights, resulting in severe side-impact collisions.
• Multi-Vehicle Pileups: Occur on highways like I-10 and I-95, especially during rush hour or in adverse weather. Determining fault in these accidents is complex due to multiple parties.
• Commercial Vehicle Accidents: Include crashes with delivery trucks or rideshare vehicles like Uber and Lyft. These cases may involve employer liability and require navigating unique insurance policies.
• Hit-and-Run Incidents: Remain a significant issue, leaving victims to rely on uninsured motorist coverage or other legal options to seek compensation.

At Steinger, Greene & Feiner, we have extensive experience handling all types of auto accident cases. Whether your crash involved a single distracted driver or multiple parties, our team is equipped to fight for your rights and secure the compensation you deserve.

Compensation You Can Recover After an Auto Accident in Jacksonville

If you’ve been injured in an accident in Jacksonville, you have right to receive compensation to cover a variety of damages stemming from the crash.

Economic Damages: Covering Your Financial Losses

Compensation starts with covering your tangible expenses. Under Florida’s no-fault insurance system, Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage provides up to $10,000 for medical bills and lost wages, regardless of fault. However, this is often insufficient for more serious accidents. If your injuries meet the serious injury threshold, you can pursue additional economic damages from the at-fault driver. These include vehicle repair or replacement costs, current and future medical expenses, and lost income from time away from work or permanent inability to perform your job.

Non-Economic Damages: Addressing Pain and Emotional Impact

In cases where negligence or recklessness is involved, victims in Jacksonville can also seek non-economic damages. These damages account for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. Specific circumstances—such as accidents caused by road rage, impaired driving, or defective vehicle parts—may even allow for claims against third parties like manufacturers or employers. While non-economic damages are harder to quantify, they are critical in reflecting the full impact of the accident on your quality of life.

To maximize your compensation, it’s essential to gather evidence, including police reports, photos of the accident scene, repair estimates, and receipts for out-of-pocket costs. Preserving this documentation strengthens your personal injury case and ensures accuracy when calculating damages. Consulting an experienced car accident attorney in Jacksonville ensures that you navigate Florida’s legal system effectively, enabling you to secure a settlement or judgment that fully addresses your losses.

Car Accident Laws and Legislation in Jacksonville

Florida’s No-Fault Insurance System

Florida operates under a no-fault insurance system, meaning your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage provides up to $10,000 for medical expenses and lost wages, regardless of fault. While this system ensures quick access to funds, it does not cover non-economic damages like pain and suffering, which are only recoverable under specific conditions.

When You Can Sue the At-Fault Driver

Victims can step outside the no-fault system and sue the at-fault driver if their injuries meet Florida’s serious injury threshold, which includes:

• Permanent loss of significant bodily function.
• Permanent injury.
• Significant and permanent scarring or disfigurement.
• Death.

This threshold is crucial for recovering non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, beyond PIP’s limits.

Statute of Limitations

As of March 24, 2023, Florida’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims is two years for accidents occurring after that date. Claims related to wrongful death must also be filed within two years. Missing this deadline typically forfeits your right to seek compensation.
Modified Comparative Negligence Rule
Florida adopted a modified comparative negligence rule in 2023. This law bars recovery if you are more than 50% at fault for the accident. If you are partially at fault but less than 50%, your compensation is reduced in proportion to your percentage of fault.

Reporting Requirements

Under Florida law, accidents involving injury, death, or property damage exceeding $500 must be reported to law enforcement immediately. Police may create a report, but for minor accidents, victims may file their own report with the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.
These laws form the backbone of car accident claims in Jacksonville, emphasizing the importance of timely action, accurate documentation, and adherence to legal requirements.

Why You Need a Car Accident Lawyer in Jacksonville

Car accidents can derail your life in an instant, leaving you with injuries, mounting expenses, and endless questions. Navigating the aftermath of a crash often involves determining fault, calculating damages, and dealing with multiple parties—all of whom may have competing interests. Unfortunately, many insurance companies seize this opportunity to shift blame or minimize payouts, leaving victims feeling overwhelmed and shortchanged.

That’s where an experienced car crash lawyer steps in. At Steinger, Greene & Feiner, we specialize in cutting through the red tape and fighting for the compensation you deserve. Whether it’s gathering evidence, negotiating with insurers, or representing you in court, our Jacksonville personal injury lawyers handle every aspect of your case, allowing you to focus on recovery.

How We Simplify the Complex Process

Our skilled legal team assists with:

• Filing and managing your claim
• Communicating with insurance adjusters and other legal counsel
• Determining fault and gathering evidence to strengthen your case
• Handling paperwork, legal deadlines, and the settlement process
• Representing you in court if necessary

When to Call a Lawyer

Certain situations make hiring an auto accident attorney essential, such as:

• Disputes over fault, especially if you’ve been accused of causing the accident
• High repair costs exceeding $1,000
• Denied or undervalued claims from insurers
• Requests for access to your medical history by insurers
• Accidents involving company vehicles, multiple parties, or other complexities
• Rideshare Accidents: If your accident involves a rideshare vehicle like Uber or Lyft, the legal landscape can become even more complex.

Compensation We Fight For

You shouldn’t have to bear the financial burden of someone else’s negligence. We work tirelessly to secure compensation for:

• Medical bills
• Car repairs
• Lost wages
• Future care costs
• Pain and suffering

At Steinger, Greene & Feiner, our priority is ensuring you understand your legal options and have the support you need to move forward. Let us simplify the complexities of your case, stand up to insurance companies, and help you regain control of your life. Call today for a free consultation and discover how much we can recover on your behalf.

Our Expertise in Handling Car Accident Cases

As Jacksonville’s trusted car accident lawyers, we know motor vehicle accident cases like the back of our hand. We know what steps to take and what pitfalls to help you avoid along the way. Thanks to decades of combined experience, we also know what strategies help clients win both in and out of court. No matter how severe your accident is, we have the expertise it takes to win.

Take a look at how much we’ve won for our clients in recent years.

• We won $1.5 million for a client who was in an accident with a car that illegally entered oncoming traffic
• We won $800,000 for a client who was rear-ended by an 18-wheeler while driving on the highway
• We won $1 million for a client who was a passenger in a rideshare vehicle that was struck by another car
• We won $1 million for a client who was hit by a driver who ran a red light
• We won $1.2 million for a client who suffered from a traumatic brain injury due to another person’s negligent driving

Visit our website to see more case results like these.

We Fight for Your Rights

Steinger, Greene & Feiner is the personal injury law firm you can trust to get your life back on track. Our team will hold the at-fault party responsible for their actions and secure the compensation you deserve. Don’t worry about the cost of hiring an attorney to take on your case. Our no-fee guarantee ensures that you don’t pay a penny until we win.

Get started today with a free, no-obligation case evaluation. It’s a quick, easy, and confidential way to discuss the details of your case with one of our car accident lawyers.

FAQ on Car Accident in Jacksonville