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How Our Jacksonville Auto Accident Attorneys Can Help You and Your Family
For more than four decades, Farah & Farah has proudly called Jacksonville home. Boasting natural beauty, a low cost of living, ample employment opportunities, and a variety of entertainment options, it’s no surprise that the city is highly sought-after. However, with an increase in population comes an increase in traffic, and with it, an increase in the risk of deadly incidents on I-95 and accidents at some of the country’s most dangerous intersections.
The potential for a car accident to drastically alter your life in an instant is undeniable. Suddenly, you may find yourself missing work due to injuries, trying to make sense of lowball insurance offers, and wondering why your questions are met with radio silence. It can be a stressful and overwhelming situation to navigate.
At Farah & Farah, we understand how difficult this time can be. That’s why our experienced Jacksonville car accident lawyers are available 24/7 to provide you with a free, no-obligation case review. You don’t have to face this challenge alone – call us today at (904) 549-6434.
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What Should You Do Immediately After a Car Accident?
In the wake of a car accident, it can be difficult to know what to do next. To help, here are a few steps you can take immediately after an accident to ease the confusion and stress:
- Call 911 and, if possible, get your vehicle off the road and onto the right shoulder.
- If there are any injuries, remain stationary and wait for medical help to arrive.
- Document as much information as you can, such as photos and videos of the scene, vehicle damage, injuries, and both road and weather conditions.
- If you are able to, you should exchange information with the other party or give your information to a police officer but do not admit fault. If the police are not present and the other party is unable to exchange information, you are required to report the accident at a police station.
- Contact your insurance company, but avoid signing any paperwork before consulting with a Jacksonville car accident attorney.
- Get a free case review from a Jacksonville car accident lawyer to ensure your rights are protected.
Why Hire a Jacksonville Car Accident Attorney?
Many different entities are involved in a car accident case, including insurance agencies, negligent parties, equipment manufacturers, and more. Each of these entities may provide evidence for your claim. However, getting answers often requires filing mountains of paperwork. Hiring a Jacksonville car accident lawyer can help you find the best path forward.
We are passionate about protecting clients injured after an accident. Our attorneys can help you throughout the legal process, including:
- Finding a physician to help treat and document your injuries. We can also help negotiate medical bills.
- Helping you find a rental vehicle and find monetary solutions to compensate for sustained damage to your car or property.
- Telling your side of the story by gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and filing police reports to help you earn a rightful claim.
- Negotiating with insurance companies to make sure you don’t receive low-ball offers.
- Reviewing and filing all legal paperwork for your car accident claim.
- Fighting on your behalf during a possible trial to seek the monetary compensations needed to cover a full recovery.
When Should You Contact a Jacksonville Car Accident Lawyer?
It’s important to contact a car accident lawyer right away, even if the car accident or your injuries seem minor. Long-term physical damage can occur, and symptoms may not appear until later. To ensure you receive full compensation for your injuries, it’s essential to get a thorough medical inspection.
At Farah & Farah, our attorneys are committed to helping you secure full compensation for the long-term effects of your accident, such as ongoing medical expenses, lost wages, and vehicle damage. Time is of the essence in these cases, so don’t wait to take action.
What Is the Statute of Limitations for Your Car Accident Case?
According to Florida law, you have four years from the date of your car accident to file a lawsuit and seek compensation. While that may seem generous, it’s important to note that you’ll only have 14 days to seek medical attention and document your injuries before you lose access to compensation from PIP benefits. Those benefits can guarantee up to $10,000 towards your car accident recovery.
You’ll need to act quickly after a car accident to maximize your chances of receiving fair compensation. Contact an experienced car accident attorney right away to ensure that you don’t miss the statute of limitations, which sets a time limit on your ability to take legal action.
What Are the Most Common Car Accident Injuries?
A wide array of physical and psychological injuries are common in car accidents, from minor scrapes and bruises to more severe conditions like neck and back injuries, concussions, nerve damage, broken bones, and internal bleeding. Furthermore, the effects of a collision may not be evident until much later. Even minor crashes can generate enormous financial challenges, as medical bills can be costly.
It is crucial to contact a knowledgeable car accident attorney right away following an accident, as they can connect you to healthcare professionals who can document and manage your injuries while they seek the maximum possible compensation from the at-fault drivers.
Who Is Liable for Your Injuries in a Car Accident?
Determining liability is crucial when deciding whether a case should be settled or go to court. However, there is no hard and fast answer to who is liable in a car accident. There are a few factors that can help us determine who is liable in a car accident:
- Breach of duty of care. Everyone who operates a motor vehicle has a duty of care to everyone else on the road. Evidence of carelessness can help determine liability.
- Causation. Negligence must be the direct cause of the accident and losses.
- Florida’s Comparative Negligence Statute. This means that involved parties may share responsibility for the accident or damages. For example, if you weren’t wearing a seatbelt during the crash, your compensation may be reduced.
Who Pays Your Medical Bills After a Car Accident?
The process of determining liability and the subsequent settlement of damages can be lengthy due to state laws, the type of accident, and other circumstantial factors. As a consequence, the liable party may not be able to cover your medical expenses and other damages immediately, so your initial source of compensation for an accident will likely be your own insurance provider.
That said, it’s important to seek advice from a knowledgeable car accident lawyer, as they possess expertise in dealing with insurance companies and can provide guidance throughout the process while you pursue a claim against the responsible party.
What Happens if You Don’t Have Auto Insurance?
If you’ve been in a car accident and don’t have insurance, it can be difficult to know what to do next. Filing a claim can be confusing, and that’s before you factor in the possibility of facing penalties, out-of-pocket repairs, medical expenses, license revocation, and even jail time.
To ensure you have the best chance of a favorable outcome, it’s important to contact an experienced auto accident attorney as soon as possible to review your case and provide legal advice.
What if the At-Fault Party Doesn’t Have Auto Insurance?
Sometimes, the other party may be underinsured or not insured at all. These drivers will likely face penalties, including license suspension, fees, license plate confiscation, and criminal charges.
Luckily, all drivers are required to have a minimum coverage policy. Therefore, as an insured driver, you are still entitled to a few types of compensation, including:
- Personal Injury Protection (PIP), worth $10,000
- Property Damage Liability, worth $10,000
Your PIP will be enough to relieve any immediate costs, such as medical care or lost wages. If a loved one tragically passed away in the accident, PIP benefits can also cover up to $5,000 in funeral costs for you and your family. If you need more help understanding your insurance and compensation options, contact our Jacksonville car accident lawyers for a free, no-obligation case review.
What Is PIP Insurance?
In the state of Florida, drivers are legally required to have a minimum of $10,000 in personal injury protection coverage, also known as PIP insurance. This “no-fault” law ensures that all parties involved in a car accident, regardless of who is at fault, will have financial assistance meant to help cover immediate damages like medical bills, prescriptions, ambulance fees, and more.
If you’ve been in a car accident in Jacksonville, the car accident attorneys of Farah & Farah can help you understand the PIP insurance coverage you’re entitled to and secure compensation for your losses.
What Damages Can You Pursue After a Jacksonville Car Accident?
There are many economic and non-economic damages that you may be entitled to after an accident. While PIP insurance might help you with expenses in the meantime, there are many other types of compensation available to you in a car accident case.
A skilled Jacksonville car accident lawyer can help you access the full extent of your compensation, including:
- Economic damages - These damages seek to compensate for the financial losses incurred due to the accident, including medical expenses, property damage, and lost wages.
- Non-economic damages - Non-economic damages refer to intangible losses, such as mental anguish, permanent disability, and disfigurement, that may result from an accident.
- Punitive damages - If the driver who caused the accident acted with extreme negligence, you may be eligible for punitive damages.
What Is the Average Settlement for a Car Accident in Jacksonville?
No two car accidents are alike, which means that there is no way to estimate your average settlement until you get a free case review with a Jacksonville car accident lawyer. Some factors that affect your settlement include:
- The severity of your injuries
- The extent of property damage
- What caused the accident
- Who is liable for the accident
- The coverage limit set by your insurance agency
- Your Jacksonville car accident attorney’s skill level and dedication
How Long Will It Take To Settle Your Jacksonville Car Accident Case?
The duration of a car accident settlement can fluctuate drastically, based on elements such as the seriousness of injuries, the kinds of damages claimed, and a ruling of responsibility. Furthermore, insurance companies and other influential entities are often motivated to defend their interests, which can cause the process to take longer. In general, you should expect to wait around 10 months or more to receive your compensation.
To get a better understanding of how long your settlement process could take, book a complimentary case review with one of our Jacksonville car accident lawyers who will be able to collect all relevant evidence and build a strong case to fight on your behalf.
How Do You Get a Temporary Rental Car After an Accident?
The process of obtaining a rental car after an accident can vary depending on your car insurance policy as well as who was at fault. Your policy should provide all the necessary details, such as who is responsible for paying for the rental car and for how long, as well as the type of rental car you will receive. However, it’s important to keep in mind that your policy’s limits may have the final say in whether you can get a rental car after an accident. If you were not responsible for the accident, it’s typically much easier to reserve a rental car.
To ensure a smooth and speedy process, you may want to consider seeking the assistance of an attorney who can read your policy and help you find the best course of action.
What if You’re in an Accident in a Rental Car?
In the event of a rental car accident, there are certain steps you should take in addition to the usual steps of any car accident. These additional steps can help ensure you are properly taken care of:
- Contact the rental car company as soon as possible after the accident. Have the emergency contact number ready and let them know what has happened. Ask if there are any designated tow and repair companies that they would recommend for the best service.
- You should file a claim with your car insurance company as soon as possible. Additionally, it's important to contact the credit card company you used to rent the vehicle, as many offer extra insurance coverage for cardholders.
- You must file a formal report with the rental car company detailing the accident. As a part of that report, you should provide any necessary documentation, such as police reports.
It is highly recommended that you review your car insurance policy’s coverage amount related to rental cars. If you feel that coverage won’t be enough if an accident does occur, insurance companies typically offer additional insurance for an extra fee.
What Causes Most Car Accidents?
Car accidents can occur for a variety of reasons, such as distracted or intoxicated drivers, extreme weather, or hazardous road conditions. In Florida, the influx of tourists, who may not be familiar with the area, adds an additional layer of risk. No two accidents are alike, which underscores the importance of taking extra precautions when driving.
Our Jacksonville Car Accident Attorneys are Ready to Serve Your Case
Car accidents have many expenses, including medical bills, property damage, and more. To make sure we don’t add any additional financial or mental burdens, you won’t pay us a dime unless we win your case.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, contact Farah & Farah’s Jacksonville car accident attorneys. During your free consultation, we will listen to your struggles and talk about a game plan to fight on your behalf. Call us today at (904) 549-6434 for a free consultation – we want to help you in your time of need.
What Types of Car Accident Cases Does Farah & Farah Handle in Jacksonville?
Our Jacksonville car accident lawyers handle all types of car accident cases and can get you the justice you deserve. Check out our resources section to learn more about your legal options.
