Those who live in Jacksonville, FL, know just how crazy and dangerous traffic can be around the city. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Interstate 95 is one of the deadliest highways in the United States. Along this interstate, Jacksonville has some of the most congested roads in all of Florida. This area also sees numerous automobile crashes resulting in serious injuries and fatal tragedies. If you need a Jacksonville car accident lawyer after a car accident on I-95 or elsewhere in northern Florida, Dolman Law Group is here for you.
Sadly, this is not the only area in Jacksonville where these horrific car accidents occur. Many automobile crashes take place every day here, leaving survivors to deal with severe trauma and skyrocketing medical expenses that could forever change their lives. However, if you have been injured in a Jacksonville motor vehicle collision, you do not have to go through this challenging situation alone.
You deserve a trusted Jacksonville car accident law firmon your side. That is why Dolman Law Group is here for you. Our attorneys have successfully handled many car accident cases in Jacksonville and throughout Florida. We’re ready to fight on your behalf and pursue the justice and financial compensation you deserve. We can file a Jacksonville auto insurance claim or civil lawsuit to help you recover the money you need to pay for your medical care, pain, lost income, and more.
Contact us right away to discuss your Jacksonville car accident claim at no cost.
Dolman Law Group—Because You Deserve an Award-Winning Jacksonville Car Accident Lawyer Fighting For You
At Dolman Law Group, our lawyers will meet with you one-on-one to discuss what happened during your accident and explain how we can help you. We are here to make sure your claim is handled properly and all your specific needs are met. We do this by acting quickly to figure out all potential sources of compensation and vigorously pursue the money you deserve.
As a result of this dedication and drive, we have recovered millions of dollars for our clients through settlement negotiations and jury verdicts, including the following recent awards:
- $5 million for a motor vehicle accident resulting in burn injuries
- $1,580,000 for a car crash resulting in two herniated discs impinging on the spinal cord
- $1 million for a motor vehicle collision
- $775,000 for a car collision that injured a father and son
- $750,000 for a car crash that caused subdural hematoma and a rotator cuff shoulder injury
- $750,000 for a motor vehicle accident that resulted in brain injuries
These results do not guarantee that your financial recovery will be similar—or that you will win compensation in your case at all. However, they do show that we have the ability to develop a strong case and recover payouts for our clients who suffered a wide range of injuries and other damages in collision cases.
If you are wondering how much your claim may be worth, we can explain. Whether you are within the Jacksonville city limits or in the general North Florida area, we’re here to help. When you need a Jacksonville car accident attorney, please do not hesitate to reach out to us for a free consultation.
Typical Car Crashes Our Jacksonville Car Accident Lawyers Handle
Car accidents can occur for many reasons. Almost any time a motorist violates a traffic law or acts carelessly or recklessly while driving, a crash is possible. However, when it comes to car accidents in Jacksonville, some causes are more common than others. For instance:
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of motor vehicle accidents in the country, with the threat growing stronger every year. Although most people associate distracted driving with texting on their phones, there are many other factors that can lead to distracted driving, such as eating, grooming, applying makeup, and even reading while driving.
Even conversations with passengers, children in the backseat, or unrestrained pets can cause distractions and lead to a collision. Drivers must keep their focus fully on the road and other vehicles around them.
Driving While Intoxicated
Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is dangerous not only to the driver but to other motorists on the road. When a person is under the influence, these substances can alter their senses and cognitive functions, making their reaction times slower and compromising their decision-making capabilities.
That is why nobody should ever get behind the wheel if they are under the influence of alcohol or drugs—or even prescription medications—especially if they are unsure how the medication can affect them. For example, prescription and over-the-counter medications that can make you drowsy could impair your ability to drive.
If an intoxicated driver hurt you in an auto accident, your car crash attorney will work to prove that their intoxication was the cause of the wreck, and therefore, they are legally liable for your damages.
Excessive Speeding
For many drivers, speeding is the norm, especially when they are running late and have to get to work, a meeting, or an event. However, speeding often does not help drivers get anywhere faster. Instead, it just increases the chance of a deadly accident. This is because the faster a motorist drives, the slower their reaction time will be. As a result, if these drivers need to avoid a crash while driving significantly faster than the posted speed limit, the chances are very high that the accident will not be preventable.
Driving too fast for conditions can also be a problem. For instance, it takes longer to stop when streets are wet. In addition, there is a higher chance of hazards in the road and unexpected stopped traffic when the weather is bad.
Dangerous Intersections
When drivers fly through red lights or stop signs at intersections, it can lead to devastating injuries and deadly crashes. These accidents often result from illegal maneuvers, internal distractions, misjudgment of other vehicles’ speeds, obstructed views, and inattention to what is going on.
In Jacksonville, some of the more dangerous intersections tend to include:
- McDuff Avenue and Roosevelt Boulevard
- Collins Road and Rampart Road
- Claire Lane and San Jose Boulevard
- McCormick Road and Monument Road
Tailgating
Tailgating occurs when a motorist follows another car too closely, almost riding on its “tail.” When a car remains this close to another vehicle, it decreases the amount of time the motorist has to react to a situation. For instance, if the car in front of them slams on its brakes, the rear driver will not be able to stop in time to avoid a collision and likely smash into the vehicle, causing a horrific accident.
A Jacksonville Car Accident Lawyer Can Help Recover Your Losses From These Common Injuries
Although Jacksonville car accidents can result in injuries to virtually any part of your body, some are more common than others. The injuries that occur and their severity can depend on many factors, including the type of crash, the speed of each vehicle, and more.
The most common Jacksonville car accident injuries often include:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Whiplash
- Back injuries
- Broken bones
- Deep lacerations
- Soft tissue injuries
- Spinal cord damage
- Disfiguring facial harm
- Internal injuries and bleeding
- Lost limbs
If you suffer collision injuries in Jacksonville, Florida, you should get medical care as soon as possible. If you have serious injuries, consider letting first responders transport you to the nearest trauma center or emergency department by ambulance. If you only have relatively minor symptoms such as pain and swelling, you may opt to have a friend or family member take you to the hospital, to your family doctor, or to an urgent care clinic.
Getting medical care quickly and following the doctor’s treatment plan is essential to recovering compensation for your injuries, either through your no-fault insurance policy or the at-fault driver’s coverage. Keep all medical bills and other documents you receive to give to your car accident attorney as evidence of your injuries and expenses.
The Time Limit to File a Lawsuit Following a Jacksonville Car Accident
The statute of limitations is a law that will dictate the amount of time you have to file a legal lawsuit following an alleged offense. If you do not file your legal suit within this amount of time, you can be barred from collecting compensation for your losses and injuries.
In Florida, the statute of limitations to file an injury claim following a car crash is two years from the accident date, per Florida Statutes § 95.11. However, there are various exceptions to this rule that can decrease or increase the time you have to file. An experienced car accident attorney can tell you if any of these exceptions apply to your claim.
For these reasons, it is best not to wait to get legal help following your car accident. Rather, you should contact a Jacksonville car accident attorney at Dolman Law Group as soon as you can. Our lawyers can promptly determine how much time you have to file your claim while helping ensure that all of your court documents are prepared accurately and filed before time runs out.
What Types of Compensation Can I Get from a Jacksonville Car Accident Claim?
If you’ve been involved in a car accident in Jacksonville, Florida, you may be entitled to various forms of compensation. Understanding the types of damages available can help you pursue a fair settlement for your injuries and losses. The main categories of compensation typically awarded in Jacksonville car accident claims include
Economic Damages
Economic damages refer to quantifiable financial losses resulting from the accident, such as:
- Medical Expenses: Current medical bills for emergency room visits, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, etc. Estimated future medical costs for ongoing treatment, rehabilitation, or therapy
- Lost Wages: Income lost due to time off work for recovery. Reduced earning capacity if injuries affect your ability to work in the future.
- Property Damage: Costs to repair or replace your vehicle. Compensation for personal property damaged in the accident.
- Out-of-pocket Expenses: Transportation costs to medical appointments. Costs for hiring help for household duties you can’t perform due to injuries.
Non-Economic Damages
These damages compensate for intangible losses that don’t have a specific dollar value:
- Pain and Suffering: Physical pain endured due to injuries. Emotional distress caused by the accident and recovery process.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Compensation for activities or hobbies you can no longer participate in due to injuries.
- Loss of Consortium: Damages awarded to your spouse for loss of companionship or intimacy.
- Disfigurement or Permanent Disability: Compensation for lasting physical changes or disabilities resulting from the accident.
Wrongful Death Damages
If a car accident results in a fatality, surviving family members may be entitled to wrongful death damages, including:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Loss of the deceased’s future income and benefits
- Loss of companionship and support
- Mental pain and suffering of surviving family members
Important Considerations Regarding Car Accident Claims in Florida
Along with Florida’s statute of limitations, you also need to consider the following factors that could impact your car accident claim.
Florida’s No-Fault Insurance System
Florida follows a no-fault insurance system, which means your own Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance covers initial medical expenses and lost wages, regardless of who caused the accident. To pursue a claim against the at-fault driver, your injuries must meet the state’s “serious injury” threshold.
Comparative Negligence
Florida uses a modified comparative negligence system. You may recover damages if you’re less than 50% at fault for causing the accident. However, if you’re found partially at fault for the accident, your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault. Our Jacksonville car accident attorneys will work diligently to place all due blame on the appropriate parties and minimize your percentage of fault for the crash.
Insurance Policy Limits
The amount of compensation you can recover may be limited by the at-fault driver’s insurance policy limits, unless you have additional coverage like underinsured motorist protection.
Navigating a car accident claim in Jacksonville can be complex. The types and amounts of compensation available depend on various factors, including the severity of injuries, impact on your life, and the specifics of the accident. To ensure you receive fair compensation for all your losses, it’s advisable to consult an experienced Jacksonville car accident attorney from Dolman Law Group who can evaluate your case and advocate for your rights.
What If the At-Fault Driver Didn’t Have Insurance?
If the other driver involved in your accident doesn’t have insurance, it can complicate the process of recovering damages. However, the Jacksonville auto accident lawyers at Dolman Law Group can explore other methods of getting compensation for you, including:
- Uninsured Motorist Coverage: If you have Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage as part of your auto insurance policy, you can file a claim with your own insurance company. This coverage is designed to protect you in situations where the at-fault driver is uninsured.
- Legal Action: You may be able to sue the uninsured driver directly by having your attorney file a personal injury lawsuit on your behalf. However, keep in mind that if they couldn’t afford insurance, they may not have the financial means to pay for your damages.
Keep in mind that driving without insurance is illegal in Florida. The uninsured driver may face penalties including license suspension, fines, and even criminal charges in some cases. Make sure to file a police report at the scene of the accident. This documentation will be crucial for any future legal or insurance claims. Contact a personal injury attorney at our law firm for help.
Steps You and Your Jacksonville Car Accident Lawyer Can Take After an Auto Accident
The scene following a motor vehicle collision is often scary, overwhelming, and stressful. However, you must realize that the actions you take after this traumatic ordeal can not only help keep you safe but can also protect your legal rights.
That is why following a Jacksonville car collision, you should:
Contact the Authorities as Soon as Possible
Following any motor vehicle collision, you need to contact 911 immediately. This is the quickest way to let emergency medical services know that you or someone at the scene needs medical help and to get your accident on record.
Additionally, once the authorities arrive, they can investigate your accident and document their findings in their police report. If you decide to pursue legal action against the wrongful party and need to prove fault, this report can provide you with valuable evidence.
Get Examined by a Doctor – Our Jacksonville Car Accident Lawyers Can Help You Find a Doctor if You Don’t Know Where to Look.
Although you may feel that your injuries do not warrant a medical evaluation following your automobile crash, a doctor should still examine you after the accident. Often, serious injuries such as head and brain trauma can take days, if not weeks, to manifest, Yet, the longer you wait to get medical help, the more deadly these injuries can become. For these reasons, it is best not to hold off seeking treatment.
Also, this medical treatment can prove necessary for your car accident claim. Insurance companies are always looking for ways to deny your claim. Not getting prompt medical treatment will allow the insurance company to argue that your injuries are not that serious or the harm you sustained is due to a subsequent incident.
When a medical professional examines you, these doctors can go over your injuries and note them in their medical reports. Ultimately, this provides you with a direct connection between the injuries you sustained and the automobile crash.
Gather Evidence from the Crash Scene, if Possible – Your Jacksonville Car Accident Lawyer Can Also Investigate for You.
If the area is safe and you do not require emergency medical treatment, you should collect as much documentation from the collision scene as possible. This should include pictures and videos of:
- The motor vehicles involved in the accident
- Their placement on the road following the collision
- Your visible injuries
- The weather conditions at the time of the incident
- Traffic signs near the scene
- Skid marks on the road
- Any other details that can help show what happened
If your injuries are too serious, and there is no one with you who can help, do not worry. Your medical care is your priority. Our team will gather the evidence we can to build a strong case, including any documentation from the scene.
Be Careful What You Say to Others
After the collision, you need to watch what you say to others at the scene. This means you do not want to make any definitive statements regarding the incident, accept blame for anything that happened, or apologize for anything that occurred. These types of comments can hurt you later and affect the amount of money you might receive.
Also, mind what you say on social media and in other public settings while your case is underway. You do not want to do or say anything that could reduce the potential settlement value of your case. The insurance adjuster will be looking at your online profiles while your case is pending.
Request the Other Driver’s Contact Details
Try to exchange information with the other motorists involved in the accident, including names, contact details, driver’s license numbers, and insurance information. Taking a picture of the front and back of their driver’s license and insurance card is a good idea. If your injuries are too severe, the police will get this information and include it in their report.
Try to Obtain Witness Statements – Your Auto Accident Attorney Can Help Here Too.
If there were people at the accident scene who saw what happened, make sure you get their names and their phone numbers. Witness statements can often provide you with valuable details regarding the accident and help back up your claims.
Yet, if the individuals are hesitant to give you their personal information, do not try to force them to do so. Once you retain a car accident lawyer at Dolman Law Group, our attorneys can work on gathering this testimony for you.
Do Not Speak to an Insurance Company Adjuster Unprepared – Let an Experienced Car Accident Attorney Speak for You.
Before you speak to the insurance company, you need to consider how this conversation can affect your injury claim in connection with your automobile collision. For these reasons, before you make any statements to the insurer, you need to first reach out to a motor vehicle accident attorney, like those at Dolman Law Group.
Our Jacksonville car accident lawyers can not only help prepare you for what you should and should not discuss with the company, but we can even take over these conversations for you and help ensure you do not say anything that can impact your case. This is just one way we will protect your right to seek compensation based on the damages you endured.
Jacksonville and Florida Car Accident Statistics
Jacksonville, as Florida’s most populous city, contributes significantly to the state’s overall traffic accident figures. To understand the scope of the issue, it’s important to examine both local and statewide data.
Jacksonville Statistics
According to recent data from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV):
- Annual accidents: Jacksonville experiences approximately 20,000-25,000 car crashes annually.
- Fatalities: On average, 150-200 people lose their lives in traffic accidents in Jacksonville each year.
- Injuries: Around 10,000-12,000 people sustain injuries in Jacksonville car crashes annually.
Florida Statewide Statistics
To put Jacksonville’s figures in context, here are some key statewide statistics:
- Total crashes: Florida experiences over 400,000 traffic accidents annually.
- Fatalities: Approximately 3,000 people die in Florida car crashes each year.
- Injuries: Around 250,000 people are injured in Florida traffic accidents annually.
- Economic impact: The annual economic cost of traffic crashes in Florida is estimated to be over $10 billion.
- Comparison to national averages: Florida’s traffic fatality rate is higher than the national average, with about 1.41 deaths per 100 million vehicle miles traveled compared to the national rate of 1.11.
- Vulnerable road users: Pedestrians and cyclists are at particularly high risk in Florida, with the state consistently ranking among the most dangerous for these groups.
- Time factors: The majority of fatal crashes in Florida occur between 6 PM and midnight, with weekends being more dangerous than weekdays.
These statistics show the prevalence of car accidents in our area and underscore the importance of seeking an experienced auto accident attorney if someone caused a car accident that injured you.
Following a Car Collision, Reach Out to a Jacksonville Car Accident Lawyer at Dolman Law Group
At the law firm of Dolman Law Group, we understand that no amount of compensation can take away the pain and distress you had to endure following a devastating Jacksonville car crash. However, we also know that we can help you get started on rebuilding your life after such a horrific ordeal by obtaining compensation for your injuries. That is why our car accident attorneys want to help you fight for the financial recovery you are entitled to after car accident injuries disrupt your life.
Once you retain our legal team, our attorneys can go to work quickly to develop your claim and pursue justice. We will:
- Review your car accident in detail, evaluate your claim, and discuss the legal options you can pursue
- Answer all of your questions and provide you with the legal support you need during this challenging time
- Investigate your Jacksonville car accident and secure the evidence required to prove fault and damages
- Bring in experts, such as economists, doctors, and accident reconstructionists to substantiate your claim
- Handle all the negotiations with the other side and pursue just compensation
- Take your case to trial if the other side is unwilling to negotiate, so we can request maximum damages from a jury
The sooner we get started on your claim, the stronger case we may be able to build. Evidence begins to disappear within hours of a crash, and the only way to preserve it is to identify and collect it quickly. In addition, while there is no way to ensure you get a speedy but fair settlement, we cannot recover compensation for you until we take certain steps. This often means that the sooner we go to work for you, the sooner you will be paid.
Contact a Jacksonville Car Accident Lawyer at Dolman Law Group for a Free Consultation Today
If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a car accident in Jacksonville, do not wait to get the legal assistance you need. Reach out to a dedicated and compassionate Jacksonville car accident lawyer at Dolman Law Group today for a free case review. Let our skilled Jacksonville personal injury lawyers show you how we can fight for your rights and the money you need.
With offices across both Florida coasts, you can easily reach Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA, at (904) 441-6903, or you can write to us using our online contact page.
Jacksonville Office
12574 Flagler Center Blvd.;
Suite 101
Jacksonville, FL 32258
Phone: (904) 441-6903