HERO SECTION

Maximize Your Recovery. Proven Results. Free Consultation.

If you've been injured in an auto accident in Jacksonville, FL—whether it's a car collision, motorcycle crash, truck accident, or rideshare incident—our Board Certified attorney is ready to fight for your rights. With over 25 years of experience, John M. Phillips has secured over $49.5 million in verdicts and settlements, including the largest verdict in Duval County history.

KEY FACTS:

• Board Certified in Civil Trial Law—Top 1% of Florida Attorneys
• AV-Preeminent Rating (Martindale-Hubbell)
• Largest Verdict in Duval County History: $49.5 Million (2019)
• Free Consultation—No Upfront Costs
• Contingency Representation—You Pay Nothing Unless We Win
• Licensed in FL, GA, AL, NY, TX, IL, OK, DC

CALL NOW: (904) 444-4444 | Phillips, Hunt & Walker, PA

Types of Auto Accidents We Handle

Motor Vehicle Collisions / Car Accidents

The most common type of auto accident, vehicle collisions can range from minor fender-benders to catastrophic multi-vehicle pileups. Whether caused by distracted driving, speeding, traffic violations, or negligence, we investigate thoroughly to establish liability and maximize your compensation for medical bills, lost wages, vehicle damage, and pain and suffering.

Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle accidents often result in severe injuries due to lack of protection. Riders face higher risk from negligent drivers, road hazards, and vehicle defects. Our firm specializes in motorcycle accident claims and understands the unique challenges these injuries present. We hold at-fault drivers accountable and fight for full compensation.

Truck Accidents

Commercial truck accidents involve multiple liable parties (driver, trucking company, maintenance contractor, cargo loaders, manufacturer). These cases are complex but highly recoverable. We have the resources to investigate trucking companies, review driver logs, maintenance records, and hold all responsible parties accountable.

Rideshare Accidents (Uber, Lyft)

Rideshare accidents raise questions about liability: is the driver an independent contractor or employee? What insurance applies? Our firm navigates these complex questions and ensures you recover from all available insurance sources. Rideshare companies carry additional liability coverage for passenger injuries.

Uninsured & Underinsured Motorist Accidents

Hit by an uninsured or underinsured driver? Your own auto policy's UM/UIM coverage protects you. These claims require assertive negotiation with your own insurer. We fight to ensure you receive full benefits under your policy without unreasonable delays.

Hit-and-Run Accidents

Hit-and-run accidents are traumatic and frustrating. If the at-fault driver cannot be identified, your Uninsured Motorist coverage typically applies. We work with law enforcement and use available evidence (surveillance, witness statements) to identify the responsible party when possible.

Multi-Vehicle & Intersection Accidents

Complex accidents involving multiple vehicles and unclear liability require detailed investigation. We reconstruct accidents using expert analysis, traffic camera footage, and witness testimony to establish who is responsible and how much each party must pay.

Florida Auto Insurance & Personal Injury Protection Law

No-Fault Insurance System (PIP)

Florida operates under a No-Fault insurance system governed by Fla. Stat. § 627.736. This means your own auto insurance (Personal Injury Protection or PIP) covers your medical expenses and lost wages after any auto accident, regardless of who is at fault. PIP benefits are limited (typically 80% of medical costs up to policy limits), and you cannot sue the at-fault driver for pain and suffering unless you meet the 'injury threshold' (see below).

The 14-Day Rule

You must begin medical treatment within 14 days of the accident to preserve PIP benefits. Delaying treatment can result in denial of coverage. Additionally, PIP only pays for medical services related to injuries caused by the auto accident.

Injury Threshold & Right to Sue

Under Florida's No-Fault system, you can only sue the at-fault driver for pain and suffering if you meet the 'injury threshold,' which includes: (1) permanent injury, (2) significant and permanent loss of an important body function, or (3) disfigurement. Minor injuries that heal fully do not meet the threshold.

Comparative Negligence (51% Bar Rule)

Florida follows modified comparative negligence under Fla. Stat. § 768.81. You can recover damages as long as you are not more than 50% at fault. However, your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are 30% responsible and your damages total $100,000, you recover $70,000.

Statute of Limitations (2-Year Rule)

You have two (2) years from the date of the auto accident to file a lawsuit in Florida (Fla. Stat. § 95.11). This is a strict deadline; missing it bars your claim forever. Do not delay in contacting an attorney.

Uninsured Motorist (UM) & Underinsured Motorist (UIM) Coverage

If the at-fault driver is uninsured or their policy limits are insufficient, your own UM/UIM coverage steps in. In Florida, insurers often undervalue UM/UIM claims. We negotiate aggressively to ensure you receive full coverage without accepting lowball settlement offers.

Why Choose Phillips, Hunt & Walker for Your Auto Accident Claim?

• Board Certified in Civil Trial Law: John M. Phillips is Board Certified, placing him in the top 1% of Florida trial attorneys. Board Certification requires passing rigorous exams and proven trial experience.
• AV-Preeminent Rating: The highest rating for legal ability and ethical standards (Martindale-Hubbell).
• Proven Track Record: $49.5 million verdict—the largest in Duval County history—plus hundreds of successful settlements.
• No Upfront Costs: Contingency fee arrangement. We advance all case costs (investigation, medical records, expert reports) at no cost to you. You pay nothing unless we win.
• No Copy Costs: We pay for all document reproduction, transcripts, and discovery expenses—without interest.
• Direct Representation: Your case is handled directly by John M. Phillips, not delegated to junior associates.
• Deep Local Knowledge: 25+ years practicing in Jacksonville and Duval County. Familiarity with local judges, juries, and court procedures.
• Multi-State License: Authorized to practice in FL, GA, AL, NY, TX, IL, OK, and DC. If your case involves an accident in another state, we can help.

PHW charges no copy costs and no interest on litigation expenses. Most competing firms bill clients for every stamp, copy, and courier — and charge LIBOR + 8% (currently 12%+) interest on case costs while your case is pending. Some profit from delay. PHW does neither. Every dollar that comes in goes to the client, not back to the firm’s internal ledger.

How We Handle Your Auto Accident Claim

Step 1: Immediate Investigation

We immediately investigate your accident by gathering police reports, witness statements, surveillance footage, and accident scene photographs. Speed matters—evidence disappears, witnesses' memories fade, and scene conditions change.

In 2025, John Phillips was named one of the Top 200 Lawyers in America and one of the Top 20 Lawyers in Florida by the Forbes Editorial Board — editorial and peer-reviewed, not pay-to-play. He holds the third-most state bar licenses of any attorney in the country and has been called “the best lawyer in America” by famed attorney Robert Shapiro.

Step 2: Medical Documentation

We ensure you receive proper medical care and document all injuries thoroughly. This establishes the causal link between the accident and your injuries—critical for insurance negotiation and trial presentation.

Step 3: PIP & UM/UIM Claims Handling

We file and manage your PIP claim, ensuring you receive benefits without unnecessary delays. We also evaluate your UM/UIM coverage and prepare to use it if the at-fault driver's insurance is insufficient.

Step 4: Liability Establishment & Demand

Once liability is clear and your medical treatment is complete, we prepare a comprehensive demand package including medical records, expert analysis, and damages calculations. We present this to the at-fault driver's insurance company.

Step 5: Negotiation or Litigation

We negotiate aggressively but realistically. If the insurer refuses fair compensation, we are prepared to file suit and take your case to trial. Most cases settle, but our willingness to try cases gives us leverage in negotiations.

Frequently Asked Questions About Auto Accidents

1. What should I do immediately after an auto accident?

Ensure safety, call 911 if anyone is injured, exchange information with the other driver, document the scene with photos, get witness contact information, and report the accident to your insurance company. Do not admit fault. Seek medical attention within 14 days to preserve PIP benefits. Then contact an attorney immediately.

2. How much is my auto accident claim worth?

Claim value depends on: medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, permanent injury, and available insurance limits. Every case is unique. Our free consultation includes an estimate of your claim's value based on experience with similar cases.

3. Do I have to accept the insurance company's first settlement offer?

Absolutely not. Insurance companies routinely undervalue claims. Our job is to reject lowball offers and negotiate or litigate for fair compensation. Many clients recover 2-3x the initial offer with attorney representation.

4. What is Florida's No-Fault insurance system, and how does it affect my case?

Florida is a No-Fault state (Fla. Stat. § 627.736), meaning your own auto insurance (PIP) covers medical expenses and lost wages regardless of fault. However, you can still sue the at-fault driver for pain and suffering if you meet the 'injury threshold' (significant, permanent injury). We navigate this system expertly.

5. How long does an auto accident claim take to resolve?

Simple claims with clear liability can settle in 6-12 months. More complex cases take longer. Cases that proceed to trial typically take 1-2 years. We work diligently to resolve your case efficiently without compromising your recovery.

6. What if the other driver was uninsured or underinsured?

Your own Uninsured Motorist (UM) and Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage protects you. If you don't have adequate UM/UIM coverage, this is a critical gap. We can often recover under your policy limits and pursue other recovery avenues.

7. What is the 14-day rule, and why does it matter?

Under Florida law, you must begin medical treatment within 14 days of an auto accident to preserve PIP benefits. Missing this deadline can result in denial of PIP coverage. It's critical to see a doctor immediately after an accident.

Service Area

Phillips, Hunt & Walker serves auto accident victims throughout Jacksonville, Duval County (Northside, Southside, Arlington, Atlantic Beach, Neptune Beach), Nassau County, Clay County, and surrounding areas. We are also licensed in Georgia, Alabama, New York, Texas, Illinois, Oklahoma, and Washington, D.C., allowing us to handle accidents occurring in those states.

Contact Us Today for Your Free Auto Accident Consultation

Phillips, Hunt & Walker, PA

Address: 660 Park Street, Jacksonville, FL 32204

Phone: (904) 444-4444

Website: floridajustice.com

If you've been injured in an auto accident, time is critical. Insurance companies move fast, and so should you. Call immediately for a free, no-obligation consultation. We handle the legal complexity so you can focus on recovery.