Jacksonville Car Accident Lawyer

If you or someone you love has been injured in a car accident in Jacksonville, Florida, you need more than just a lawyer. You need a trial lawyer who has spent decades inside courtrooms holding insurance companies accountable. At Phillips, Hunt & Walker, our attorneys have recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for accident victims across Northeast Florida. Lead attorney John M. Phillips is one of fewer than 300 lawyers in the entire state who is Board Certified in Civil Trial Law by the Florida Bar, a distinction held by less than 1% of all Florida attorneys.

We handle car accident cases on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we win your case. We also never charge our clients for copies or add interest to case expenses, something that many firms quietly do. Call us today at (904) 444-4444 for a free, no-obligation consultation about your car accident claim.

Why Jacksonville Accident Victims Choose Phillips, Hunt & Walker

Not every personal injury firm is built the same. Here is what separates Phillips, Hunt & Walker from the firms you see on billboards and late-night television:

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.

Board Certified Civil Trial Lawyer

The Florida Bar's Board Certification program identifies attorneys who have demonstrated special knowledge, skill, and proficiency in their area of practice. John M. Phillips is Board Certified in Civil Trial Law. This means the Florida Bar itself has vetted his trial experience, peer reputation, and legal knowledge through a rigorous examination and review process. Less than 1% of Florida lawyers earn this designation. When an insurance company sees a Board Certified trial lawyer on the other side of a case, they know the claim will be tried if the offer is not fair.

A Track Record of Results That Speak for Themselves

Phillips, Hunt & Walker has handled some of the most significant cases in Florida and the nation. While we are known for our work on high-profile cases, the vast majority of our practice is dedicated to everyday people who were hurt through no fault of their own. Whether your case involves a rear-end collision on I-95 or a catastrophic multi-vehicle pileup on the Buckman Bridge, we bring the same preparation, resources, and intensity to every case.

We Never Charge Clients for Copies or Add Interest to Expenses

This may sound like a small thing, but it is not. Some personal injury firms charge their clients for every copy made during the case and then charge interest on those copy costs. Over the life of a complex injury case, this can add up to thousands of dollars deducted from the client's recovery. At Phillips, Hunt & Walker, we absorb those costs. Period. Your settlement or verdict goes to you, not to a copy machine.

Licensed in Multiple States

John Phillips is admitted to practice in Florida, Georgia, Alabama, New York, Texas, Illinois, Oklahoma, and the District of Columbia. This multi-state licensing allows us to handle cases that cross state lines, involve out-of-state trucking companies, or require coordination with federal courts.

Types of Car Accidents We Handle in Jacksonville

Jacksonville is one of the largest cities by area in the United States, with a road network that spans hundreds of miles across Duval County. Our attorneys handle every type of motor vehicle accident, including:

Rear-End Collisions

Rear-end accidents are the most common type of car crash in Jacksonville. They frequently occur on congested corridors like I-95, I-295, JTB (J. Turner Butler Boulevard), and along Beach Boulevard. While many people assume rear-end collisions cause only minor injuries, the truth is that these crashes often result in serious whiplash, herniated discs, and traumatic brain injuries, particularly when the at-fault driver was traveling at highway speeds or was distracted by a phone.

T-Bone and Intersection Crashes

Side-impact collisions, commonly called T-bone accidents, are among the most dangerous crashes on the road. They frequently occur at Jacksonville intersections where drivers run red lights or fail to yield. Common locations include the intersections along Blanding Boulevard, Atlantic Boulevard, and University Boulevard. The side of a vehicle offers far less structural protection than the front or rear, which is why T-bone crashes so often result in broken bones, internal organ damage, and fatalities.

Head-On Collisions

Head-on crashes carry the highest fatality rate of any accident type. In Jacksonville, they most commonly occur on two-lane roads when a driver crosses the center line due to distraction, impairment, or fatigue. Even at moderate speeds, the combined force of two vehicles colliding head-on can cause catastrophic, life-altering injuries.

Multi-Vehicle Pileups

Jacksonville's highways, particularly I-95 and I-295, are regular sites of multi-vehicle pileups. These accidents are complicated from both a medical and legal standpoint because multiple insurance companies are involved, fault is often disputed, and the severity of injuries can range dramatically among the involved drivers and passengers. Our firm has the resources and experience to investigate and litigate complex multi-party accident claims.

Hit-and-Run Accidents

Florida has one of the highest hit-and-run rates in the country. If you were injured by a driver who fled the scene, you may still have options for recovery through your own uninsured motorist (UM) coverage or through other legal avenues. Our team works with investigators and law enforcement to identify hit-and-run drivers and pursue every available source of compensation.

Rideshare Accidents (Uber and Lyft)

Rideshare accidents involve a unique set of insurance issues. Uber and Lyft provide different levels of coverage depending on whether the driver was logged into the app, waiting for a ride, or actively transporting a passenger. Our attorneys understand these coverage tiers and know how to navigate claims against rideshare companies and their insurers.

Truck and Commercial Vehicle Accidents

When a car accident involves a commercial truck, tractor-trailer, or delivery vehicle, the stakes increase significantly. These cases often involve federal motor carrier regulations, electronic logging devices, and corporate defendants with aggressive legal teams. Phillips, Hunt & Walker has the resources to take on trucking companies and their insurers. We routinely retain accident reconstructionists, biomechanical engineers, and industry experts to build the strongest possible case.

Common Injuries from Jacksonville Car Accidents

The injuries caused by car accidents range from soft tissue strains that resolve in weeks to catastrophic, permanent conditions that alter the course of a person's life. The most common injuries we see in our practice include:

• Whiplash and cervical spine injuries resulting from the rapid back-and-forth motion of the head during impact
• Herniated and bulging discs in the cervical and lumbar spine, often requiring injections, physical therapy, or surgery
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) including concussions, contusions, and diffuse axonal injuries, which may not be immediately apparent after a crash
• Broken bones and fractures including ribs, arms, legs, hips, and facial bones
• Internal organ damage and internal bleeding from blunt force trauma to the chest and abdomen
• Spinal cord injuries resulting in partial or complete paralysis
• Burns and scarring from vehicle fires, airbag deployment, or contact with hot surfaces
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and anxiety disorders that affect the victim's ability to drive, work, and function normally
• Wrongful death when a loved one is killed in a car accident

If you are experiencing any of these injuries following a car accident, it is critical that you seek medical attention immediately and consult with an attorney before speaking with any insurance company.

What to Do After a Car Accident in Jacksonville

The steps you take in the hours and days after a car accident can make or break your legal claim. Here is what we advise every client:

• Call 911 and report the accident. A police report is a critical piece of evidence. Florida law requires that you report any accident involving injury, death, or property damage exceeding $500.
• Seek medical attention immediately. Even if you feel fine at the scene, many serious injuries do not produce symptoms until hours or days later. Delaying medical care also gives insurance companies an argument that your injuries are not related to the crash.
• Document everything at the scene. If you are physically able, photograph the vehicles, the road conditions, traffic signals, skid marks, and your own injuries. Exchange insurance and contact information with the other driver.
• Do not give a recorded statement to the other driver's insurance company. Insurance adjusters are trained to ask questions designed to minimize your claim or shift blame to you. You are not legally required to give a recorded statement to the at-fault driver's insurer.
• Contact a car accident lawyer before signing anything. Insurance companies often pressure accident victims to accept lowball settlement offers or sign releases before the full extent of their injuries is known. Once you sign a release, your claim is over.

Florida Car Accident Laws You Need to Know

Florida's Modified Comparative Negligence Rule

In 2023, Florida's negligence law changed significantly. Under the current modified comparative negligence standard (Florida Statute §768.81), a car accident victim can recover damages as long as they are not more than 50% at fault for the accident. If you are found to be 51% or more at fault, you are barred from recovery entirely. If you are less than 51% at fault, your damages are reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are awarded $100,000 but found 20% at fault, you would recover $80,000. This makes it critical to have an attorney who can effectively argue liability and minimize any comparative fault attributed to you.

Florida's No-Fault Insurance System (PIP)

Florida is a no-fault state, which means your own Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance covers your initial medical bills and lost wages up to $10,000, regardless of who caused the accident. However, PIP coverage is limited and often insufficient for serious injuries. Under Florida Statute §627.736, you must seek medical treatment within 14 days of the accident for your PIP benefits to apply. If your injuries meet Florida's serious injury threshold (significant and permanent loss of a bodily function, permanent injury, scarring or disfigurement, or death), you may step outside the no-fault system and file a claim directly against the at-fault driver.

Statute of Limitations

Following the 2023 tort reform, the statute of limitations for most personal injury claims in Florida was reduced from four years to two years from the date of the accident (Florida Statute §95.11). If you do not file a lawsuit within this window, you will lose your right to pursue compensation permanently. Do not wait. Contact an attorney as soon as possible after your accident.

Florida's Texting and Driving Laws

Florida law prohibits texting while driving and designates school zones and work zones as hands-free areas. If the driver who hit you was texting at the time of the crash, this can be powerful evidence of negligence. Our attorneys know how to subpoena phone records and work with digital forensics experts to prove distracted driving.

What Compensation Can You Recover After a Jacksonville Car Accident?

Florida law allows car accident victims to recover both economic and non-economic damages. The specific compensation available depends on the facts of your case, but may include:

Economic Damages

• Current and future medical expenses, including surgery, hospitalization, rehabilitation, physical therapy, prescription medications, and medical devices
• Lost wages and lost earning capacity if your injuries prevent you from returning to work or require you to change careers
• Property damage to your vehicle and personal belongings
• Out-of-pocket expenses related to the accident, including transportation to medical appointments and home modifications for disability

Non-Economic Damages

• Pain and suffering, both physical and emotional
• Mental anguish, anxiety, depression, and PTSD
• Loss of enjoyment of life and inability to participate in activities you enjoyed before the accident
• Loss of consortium (the impact on your relationship with your spouse)
• Scarring, disfigurement, and permanent disability

Punitive Damages

In cases involving egregious conduct, such as drunk driving or extreme recklessness, Florida courts may award punitive damages to punish the at-fault party and deter similar behavior. Punitive damages are rare but can significantly increase the total recovery in qualifying cases.

How Our Jacksonville Car Accident Lawyers Build Your Case

• Free consultation and case evaluation. We review your accident, injuries, and insurance coverage at no cost to determine the strength of your claim and the best path forward.
• Thorough investigation. We gather police reports, witness statements, surveillance footage, medical records, and expert opinions. For complex cases, we bring in accident reconstructionists and biomechanical engineers.
• Medical documentation and treatment coordination. We work with your medical providers to ensure your injuries are fully documented and that your treatment plan supports the maximum recovery.
• Demand and negotiation. We prepare a comprehensive demand package to the insurance company. Our reputation as a Board Certified trial firm means insurers know we will take the case to trial if the offer is not fair.
• Litigation and trial. If the insurance company refuses to offer fair compensation, we file suit and prepare for trial. Unlike firms that settle every case, we have the courtroom experience and resources to try your case before a jury.

Dealing with Insurance Companies After a Jacksonville Car Accident

Insurance companies are not on your side. Their adjusters are trained to minimize payouts. Common tactics include offering a fast, low settlement before you understand the full extent of your injuries; requesting recorded statements to find inconsistencies; and arguing that your injuries were pre-existing or not caused by the accident. Do not speak with the at-fault driver's insurance company without consulting an attorney first. The statements you make in the days after an accident can be used against you later.

At Phillips, Hunt & Walker, we handle all communication with insurance companies on your behalf. We know their tactics because we have been fighting them for over two decades. Our job is to protect your rights and ensure that no insurance company takes advantage of you during the most vulnerable time of your life.

Frequently Asked Questions About Jacksonville Car Accidents

How much does it cost to hire a car accident lawyer in Jacksonville?

At Phillips, Hunt & Walker, we handle all car accident cases on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay no upfront costs, no hourly fees, and no out-of-pocket expenses. We only get paid if we recover compensation for you. We also never charge our clients for copy costs or add interest to litigation expenses, which is a practice that some other firms engage in.

How long do I have to file a car accident lawsuit in Florida?

Under Florida's current statute of limitations, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. This deadline was shortened from four years under the 2023 tort reform legislation. If you miss this deadline, you permanently lose your right to seek compensation. We strongly recommend contacting an attorney as soon as possible after your accident.

What if I was partially at fault for the car accident?

Florida follows a modified comparative negligence rule. You can still recover compensation as long as you are not more than 50% at fault. Your total damages will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are 30% at fault and your damages total $100,000, you would recover $70,000. Having an experienced attorney is critical to minimizing any comparative fault attributed to you.

Should I accept the insurance company's first settlement offer?

Almost never. First offers from insurance companies are almost always significantly below the true value of your claim. They are designed to close your file quickly and cheaply. Once you accept a settlement and sign a release, you cannot go back and ask for more money, even if your injuries turn out to be worse than expected. Let an attorney evaluate the offer before you respond.

What if the other driver does not have insurance?

Florida has a high rate of uninsured drivers. If the driver who hit you does not have insurance, you may still be able to recover compensation through your own uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage. This is why we always recommend that Florida drivers carry robust UM/UIM coverage. Our attorneys can review your policy and identify all available sources of recovery.

How long does a car accident case take to resolve?

The timeline depends on the complexity of the case, the severity of your injuries, and whether the case settles or goes to trial. Simple cases with clear liability and moderate injuries may resolve in a few months. Complex cases involving serious injuries, disputed liability, or multiple parties may take one to two years or longer. We never pressure clients to accept a premature settlement just to close a case quickly.

Do I need a lawyer for a minor car accident?

Even accidents that seem minor at first can result in significant injuries that do not manifest until days or weeks later. If you have any medical treatment beyond a simple check-up, or if the insurance company is disputing liability or the value of your claim, it is worth consulting with an attorney. The initial consultation at Phillips, Hunt & Walker is always free.

Serving Car Accident Victims Across Northeast Florida

Phillips, Hunt & Walker represents car accident victims throughout the Jacksonville metropolitan area and beyond, including clients in Downtown Jacksonville and the Northside, Jacksonville Beach, Neptune Beach, and Atlantic Beach, Southside, Mandarin, and San Marco, Orange Park and Clay County, St. Augustine and St. Johns County, Fernandina Beach and Nassau County, Middleburg, Green Cove Springs, and Fleming Island.

Our office is located at 660 Park Street, Jacksonville, FL 32204, conveniently accessible from I-95, I-10, and downtown Jacksonville.

Injured in a Jacksonville Car Accident? Call Us Today.

Every day you wait to contact an attorney is a day the insurance company uses to build its case against you. Evidence disappears. Witnesses forget. The statute of limitations clock is ticking. Call Phillips, Hunt & Walker at (904) 444-4444 for a free, confidential consultation. We will review your case, answer your questions, and explain your legal options at no cost and with no obligation.

You don't pay unless we win. No copy costs. No interest on expenses. Just experienced, Board Certified trial lawyers fighting for you.