Do I Need a Lawyer After a Car Accident in Jacksonville, Florida?

Florida is consistently ranked as one of the states with the highest number of car accidents each year. According to data from Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, there have already been nearly 400,000 car accidents in the state in 2022. Over 150,000 of those accidents resulted in injuries to at least one person. These statistics show that car accidents can happen to anyone, even if they are an extremely safe driver.

Duval County, where Jacksonville is located, is one of the larger counties in Florida. This means that it also tends to have higher car accident numbers each year. As of December 15th, 2022, there have been more than 23,000 accidents in Duval County. Almost half of those accidents—a little over 10,000—caused an injury to at least one person involved. If you or a loved one have been injured in a car accident in Jacksonville, the team at Spohrer Dodd is here to help.

Consequences of a Car Accident

Car accidents can have significant consequences for the individuals involved. The cost of vehicle repairs or replacements, medical costs, and legal fees can cause a financial strain following a Jacksonville car accident. The financial burden can be more difficult to handle if an injury causes someone to take time away from work, potentially losing income. Having to lose time with your loved ones due to an injury can create unexpected mental and emotional distress that is difficult to process.

One of the biggest impacts of a car accident is the physical effects. A significant number of car accidents result in some type of injury for the individuals involved. These injuries require time and resources for a full recovery, and not everyone is able to accommodate that. If you or a loved one has experienced a car accident, you may be entitled to compensation to help ease the recovery process. Working with an experienced car accident and personal injury attorney is the best way to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

How a Car Accident Attorney Can Help

A car accident attorney can be an extremely helpful resource for anyone filing a personal injury claim following a car accident. Some of the key reasons that working with a personal injury attorney for a car accident claim is recommended are:

• Experience: The right car accident attorney will have years of experience working with clients who have been injured as the result of a car accident. This means that they are familiar with the legal system and each necessary step in the process. They know what will help their clients receive the best settlement to ensure that they are able to recover fully.
• Guidance: Experienced personal injury attorneys will also be able to guide their clients through the entire claim process. Working within the legal system can be confusing and overwhelming, so having the guidance of an attorney will help make the process more manageable. Receiving guidance from a car accident attorney can offer comfort and peace of mind to the injured parties.
• Support: Dealing with the legal system while recovering from an injury can feel overwhelming and isolating at times. Working with a personal injury attorney will not only make the process easier to manage, but it can also provide some much-needed support. Knowing that there is someone on your side who understands what you are dealing with and is ready and willing to help you can provide a significant morale boost.

FAQs About Car Accident in Jacksonville, Florida

Do I need a lawyer after a car accident in Florida?

You are not required to work with an attorney following a car accident in Florida. If you choose to file a personal injury claim or pursue any type of legal action, it is possible to complete the process yourself with no legal help. Working with an experienced car accident attorney, however, can provide you with the resources, guidance, and support necessary to make the process much easier.

How much do attorneys charge for a car accident in Florida?

There is no set amount that a personal injury attorney will charge in Florida. Each attorney will charge depending on several factors, such as:

• Education
• Years of experience
• Areas of expertise
• The resources needed for your case

In certain circumstances, an attorney will not collect a fee at all unless you receive a settlement. In those cases, the amount that the attorney receives will be established in writing when the case begins.

How long do you have to get a lawyer after a car accident in Florida?

There is no time limit for hiring an attorney following a car accident in Florida. For insurance purposes, your claim must be filed within ten days of an accident, but there is a limit of four years on filing any sort of legal claim. If you or a loved one has been involved in a car accident, it is best to connect with an attorney prior to filing any claim so that they are able to guide you through the process.

When should you hire a personal injury lawyer after a car accident in Florida?

If you need to file a personal injury claim following a car accident in Florida, it is best to hire a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. They are familiar with the necessary processes for a personal injury case, so they can walk you through every necessary step. They can also provide insight and resources to ensure that all your information is gathered properly and can be submitted. The process of filing a personal injury claim can be confusing, so working with an experienced personal injury attorney can give you peace of mind.

Jacksonville Car Accident Attorneys

Navigating the legal system following a car accident can be difficult and confusing. While you are not required to work with an attorney to complete a car accident or personal injury claim, it is recommended. An experienced personal injury attorney can guide you through the claim process, provide you with resources to understand the process, and give you peace of mind. If you or a loved one have been injured in a car accident, the team at Spohrer Dodd is here to help.