Jacksonville Auto Accident Lawyer

Car accidents are Florida’s number one cause of death for young adults.

Automobile accidents and trucking accidents frequently cause serious personal injury and wrongful death to thousands of people on our nation’s roadways every year. They are, in fact, the number one cause of death for those under the age of thirty-four.

According to statistics released by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, there were 235,461 auto accidents in Florida in 2010. Those accidents caused 195,104 injuries and 2,444 deaths. Read the full FLHSMV report.

Too often, auto accidents, truck accidents, truck rollovers, tractor-trailer accidents, and motorcycle collisions on local freeways result in severe catastrophic injuries or tragic fatalities.

Don’t let the repercussions of your auto accident, such as mounting medical bills, expensive car repairs, and an unconcerned insurance company get you down.

Who Caused the Accident?

If you have been hurt in a car accident, you need an experienced Jacksonville auto accident attorney who understands the aggravations that result from being involved in an auto accident, and who will work to minimize your frustrations while maximizing your chances for a favorable settlement. 

A person who carelessly operates a vehicle may be required to pay for resulting damages to persons or property. People who operate automobiles must exercise “reasonable care.” Failure to use reasonable care is the basis of most lawsuits pursued by a car accident attorney. 

Here are some common examples of negligence:

  • Driving while under the influence of alcohol, drugs, and/or prescription medication
  • Drowsy driving, which often comes into play if a commercial truck driver causes an accident
  • Distracted driving, such as texting, talking on the phone, eating, or drinking
  • Reckless driving, such as excessive speeding or driving the wrong way on the highway

Likewise, an owner of a vehicle may also be liable for the damages to persons or property that the person who they entrusted their vehicle with causes. 

To learn more about the importance of auto insurance and UM coverage, please watch our video, Auto Insurance and Accidents.

Wayne Hogan shares an alarming statistic about uninsured drivers and how to protect yourself.

What To Do After an Automobile Accident

In the immediate aftermath of an automobile accident, your attention should turn to your injuries, health, and long-term well-being. 

Here are the basic steps you should take:

  • Move to safety: If possible, move your vehicle to a safe place, such as the shoulder of the road or a nearby parking lot. Don’t get out of the vehicle unless you’re 100 percent sure that it’s safe to do so. 
  • Assess your injuries: Depending on the severity of the accident, you could be faced with injuries such as broken bones, burns, abrasions, and head trauma. 
  • Call 911: Do this as soon as you can, as it ensures that police and an ambulance quickly respond to the scene. 
  • Accept medical treatment: In addition to treatment from paramedics at the scene, accept transportation to a local hospital. Remember, some injuries don’t present immediate symptoms. 
  • Learn more about the accident: As your injuries and time allow, learn more about the accident, such as by reviewing the police report.
  • File an insurance claim: This is the first step in obtaining compensation from the negligent party. It’s best to consult with an attorney before communicating with any insurance company representative. 

What Happens If the Other Party Is Not Insured?

Should the liable party not have sufficient insurance to cover these damages, a claim can be made against your Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (“UM”) coverage under your own motor vehicle insurance if you have UM coverage. UM coverage is important.

Seek Immediate Medical Attention 

Many victims and their loved ones are faced with devastating medical expenses or lost income, the recovery of which can only be obtained through a personal injury lawsuit with the assistance of a qualified automobile accident lawyer

If you have been injured, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible. If treatment is delayed, the defendant may argue that it was not his negligent conduct that caused your injury, but rather something that occurred between the time of the accident and your visit to the doctor. 

If you have been seriously injured in an automobile accident it may be important to contact an auto accident attorney who can help you protect your legal rights. 

Terrell Hogan Jacksonville automobile accident attorneys will evaluate your case free of charge. 

In addition, you will not pay any fees or costs unless your attorney recovers money for you by judgment or settlement. 

To aid you if you are involved in an auto collision, we have created a checklist for you to print and keep with you in your glove box, the Auto Accident Brochure.

Contact us online or via phone at (904) 722-2228. Either way, we’re here to answer your questions, protect your legal rights, and ensure that you receive all the compensation you deserve. 

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