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JACKSONVILLE Car Accident FAQ

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phillips, hunt & walker Car Accident FAQ

Car Accident FAQ

Looking for a Car Accident FAQ? Find answers to common questions about your rights, insurance, and legal deadlines in Florida.

1. What should I do immediately after a car accident in Florida?

    • Move to a safe location if possible.
    • Exchange information with other drivers (name, contact, insurance).
    • Take photos of the scene, vehicle damage, and any injuries.
    • Seek medical attention, even if you feel fine.
    • Contact a car accident attorney to protect your rights.

Source: Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV)

2. Do I have to report the accident to the police? Yes, Florida law requires reporting if there are injuries, fatalities, or property damage over $500. (Florida Statutes § 316.066)

Source: Florida Legislature – Traffic Crash Reports

3. How long do I have to file a car accident claim in Florida? You generally have two years from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit due to recent legal changes. For property damage claims, it’s four years. (Florida Statutes § 95.11)

Source: Florida Legislature – Statute of Limitations

4. Is Florida a no-fault state? Yes. Your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance covers up to $10,000 in medical expenses, regardless of fault. However, you may pursue additional compensation if you suffer serious injuries. (Florida Statutes § 627.736)

Source: Florida Office of Insurance Regulation

5. What if the other driver was uninsured? If you have Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage, it can help cover your expenses. Otherwise, you may need to sue the at-fault driver personally.

Source: National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC)

6. Can I still recover damages if I was partially at fault? Yes. Florida follows a modified comparative negligence rule. If you’re less than 50% at fault, you can still recover damages, but they’ll be reduced by your percentage of fault. (Florida Statutes § 768.81)

Source: Florida Legislature – Comparative Fault

7. What damages can I recover in a car accident lawsuit?

    • Medical expenses (current and future)
    • Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
    • Pain and suffering
    • Property damage
    • Emotional distress

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – Injury Costs

8. How much does it cost to hire a car accident lawyer? Most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay unless you win your case. (Florida Bar Rule 4-1.5)

Source: The Florida Bar – Attorney Fees

9. How long does a car accident case take to settle? It varies. Some cases settle in a few months, while more complex cases involving serious injuries or disputes may take a year or longer.

Source: Insurance Information Institute (III)

10. What if the insurance company offers me a quick settlement? Be cautious. Insurance companies often offer low initial settlements to save money. Consult a lawyer before accepting any offer to ensure you get full compensation.

Source: Federal Trade Commission (FTC) – Dealing with Insurance Companies

Related: Top 5 Mistakes Made After Car Accidents

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phillips & hunt Results

$495+ Million Verdict

Phillips obtained one of the largest verdicts in American history of over $495+ Million dollars in the shooting death of Kalil McCoy. Her killer was also convicted in the criminal courts.

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Jordan Davis: Wrongful Death

Represented the family of Jordan Davis and assisted with criminal prosecution of Jordan's killer, handled media relations of internationally reported case and obtained confidential maximum available civil settlement.

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Medical Malpractice

Confidential settlement of over 120 cases against a pediatric dentist who was also prosecuted. We also assisted with shutting his dental practice down. He no longer practices dentistry and was arrested.

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Automobile Accident

We received a record $2.6 Million Jury Verdict against Volusia County. It was one of the highest ever against Volusia County. Our trial was televised on Good Morning America and reported nationally.

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RSD / CRPS Verdict

Obtained jury verdict in Jacksonville, Florida of over $900,000 and added attorneys fees of over $250,000 on a case State Farm only offered approximately $30,000 for years.

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$1.1 Million Verdict Against Coca-Cola

We obtained an over $1 million jury verdict against Coca-Cola in moderate impact soft tissue damages case in Gainesville, Florida. Coca-Cola failed to even offer medical bills before trial.

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Brain Injury Medical Malpractice

Phillips obtained a confidential settlement against a chiropractor who provided prescription pain medication to a boxer in advance of an Olympic qualifying fight. She sustained a brain injury due to secondary impact syndrome.

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$1 Million Settlement

Client's child was tragically run over and killed by a motor vehicle in her driveway. Phillips and his team settled the case for over $1 Million without the need of filing a lawsuit.

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Over $1 Million Settlement

Cliente recibió más de $ 1 millón en accidente automovilístico. También ayudamos a clientes que hablan español. We handle cases in English, Spanish and Creole.

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Contact Us

We invite you to review our verdicts, our accolades and awards and what clients have to say about us and give us a call for a free consultation where our lawyers will sit down with you personally.  John represents clients in Florida, Georgia and Alabama with passion and compassion. He can be emailed at help@floridajustice.com or call us at (904) 444-4444.

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