Car Crashes / Accident in Jacksonville
The majority of our firm’s cases involve car and trucking accident cases. Our team has a combined 75 years of experience focusing on car and truck accident cases.
In Florida and Jacksonville, a car accident injury lawyer with experience and expertise makes a world of difference in recovering injury-related costs. If the other driver was negligent, you can file a personal injury lawsuit and get compensated for your medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering. Automobile accident lawyer Brett Hastings puts an entire team of experts, including an accident reconstructionist, to work for you, ensuring the evidence your case needs is uncovered and presented in court.
Winning a car accident injury case requires more than just proving the other driver was at fault. You must prove that the driver was acting negligently when the accident occurred. That means the driver wasn’t being as careful as a normally reasonable person would be – or that they were driving recklessly. You also need to prove that the driver’s negligent actions or lack of care resulted in your injury. Proving these can be tricky and is best handled by an experienced legal team. If you’ve been in an accident in the area of Jacksonville, car accident injury lawyer Brett Hastings has the team and resources needed to make your case successful.
How to Know When Another Driver May be Liable for Your Car Accident Injuries
- Was the other driver as careful & vigilant as a reasonably prudent person would be in the same circumstances?
- Was the other driver paying attention to the roadway and watching out for other vehicles and pedestrians on the road?
- Did the other driver make a reasonable effort to avoid the accident?
- Was the other driver’s vehicle in safe working condition and properly equipped for driving according to Florida law?
- Was the other driver driving under the speed limit or otherwise driving safely?
- If there was bad weather, unfavorable road conditions, or other situations in which there were obstructions to vision, did the other driver take additional precautions to avoid an accident?
If the answer to any of these questions is “No”, it is likely that the other driver was negligent in his or her actions and is liable for your injuries. You probably have a strong case.
In Jacksonville, Car Accident Injury Lawyer Consultation is Free from Brett Hastings
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to use my own insurance after a car accident in Florida?
Yes, at first. Florida is a no-fault state, so your own Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage pays your initial medical bills and a portion of lost wages, up to $10,000, regardless of who caused the crash. To protect that benefit, it helps to see a doctor within 14 days of the accident. PIP is only the starting point, and it often does not cover the full cost of a serious injury.
When can I sue the at-fault driver for pain and suffering?
You can step outside Florida’s no-fault system and pursue the at-fault driver for pain and suffering when your injury meets the state’s serious-injury threshold. That generally means a permanent injury, significant and permanent scarring or disfigurement, or significant loss of an important bodily function. Whether your injuries qualify is a fact-specific question, and we are glad to review your situation during a free consultation.
How long do I have to file a car accident lawsuit in Florida?
For most car accident injury claims, Florida now gives you two years from the date of the crash to file a lawsuit. This deadline was shortened from four years to two years under a 2023 law change, so older information online may be wrong. If a loved one died in the crash, a wrongful death claim also generally carries a two-year deadline. Missing the deadline can permanently bar your claim, so it is wise to act early.
What if I was partly at fault for the crash?
Florida uses a modified comparative negligence rule. Your compensation can be reduced by your share of fault, and under the current law a person found more than 50% at fault for the crash generally cannot recover damages at all. Insurance companies often try to shift blame onto you to lower or deny a payout. Having a lawyer review the facts can help make sure fault is assigned fairly and your side of the story is heard.
How much does it cost to hire a Jacksonville car accident lawyer?
We handle car accident cases on a contingency fee basis, which means there is no fee unless we win your case. You pay nothing up front, and the initial consultation is always free and confidential. This lets you get answers about your rights and options without financial pressure during an already stressful time. Every case is different, and the result depends on the specific facts involved.
What should I do right after a car accident in Jacksonville?
If you can, call 911, report the crash, and get medical attention even if you feel okay, since some injuries appear later. Photograph the vehicles, the scene, and any visible injuries, and get the other driver’s insurance information and contact details for any witnesses. Be careful about giving recorded statements to the other driver’s insurer before speaking with a lawyer. The sooner evidence is preserved, the stronger your claim tends to be.
Why choose Hastings Injury Law for a Jacksonville car accident claim?
Attorney Brett Hastings has more than 25 years of trial experience and is a member of The Florida Bar. Our firm focuses on personal injury for clients across Jacksonville and Northeast Florida, with offices in Jacksonville Beach, Downtown Jacksonville, Fernandina, and St. Augustine. We offer a free, confidential consultation and work on a no-fee-unless-we-win basis. Results depend on the facts of each case, and we are happy to discuss yours.
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