Jacksonville Auto Accident Attorney
An auto accident can change your life. While many crashes are minor fender benders, many are serious enough to cause catastrophic injuries and even death. If you survive a car accident, you could end up with a wide range of injuries, from head trauma to broken bones to whiplash to back and neck injuries. You may be out of work for many weeks or months as you recover from your injuries. Your medical bills could total tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars. That’s why you need to seek legal help right away. Jacksonville auto accident attorney Charles J. Gillette can help you get the compensation you deserve for your damages.
Common Types of Car Accidents
An auto accident can happen in many ways. Here are some common types of crashes.
- Rear-end accidents. These are the most common crashes. These occur when a vehicle hits another vehicle from behind. This is often caused by tailgating. The vehicle in front may have to stop suddenly and the vehicle behind it may not be able to stop in time because it is following too closely. Distracted driving is one of the biggest causes of rear-end accidents.
- Head-on accidents. Head-on crashes occur when two vehicles going in opposite directions hit each, with the fronts of one vehicle hitting the front of the other vehicle. These accidents often happen at high speeds and are usually fatal. Wrong-way driving is the most common cause of head-on crashes.
- Side-impact accidents. These occur when one vehicle crashes into the side of another vehicle. These may happen at intersections when a driver runs a red light. These accidents can cause serious injuries, since there is not a lot of padding on the sides of the vehicles to protect passengers.
What Kind of Damages Can I Get in a Car Accident?
If you have been involved in an auto accident, you can claim a variety of damages, both present and expected future damages. Some of them include the following:
- Property damage
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Disability
Economic damages are damages that can be calculated, such as property damage, medical bills, and lost wages. Damages that are unique to each person and cannot be accurately calculated are non-economic damages. These are primarily damages that are emotional in nature.
There are also punitive damages to consider. These damages are not always available, but they are in place to punish the liable party for their reckless or deliberate behavior. For example, punitive damages may be available in drunk driving cases.
What should I do immediately after a car accident in Jacksonville?
After a car accident, your safety is the top priority. Seek medical attention if needed and call 911 to report the accident. Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver, and take photos of the scene, vehicle damage, and any visible injuries. If there are witnesses, get their contact details. Avoid admitting fault and contact a Jacksonville auto accident attorney as soon as possible to protect your legal rights.
How long do I have to file a car accident claim in Florida?
In Florida, the statute of limitations for filing a car accident claim is typically two years from the date of the crash. However, certain factors could affect this deadline. It’s important to act quickly, as waiting too long may prevent you from recovering compensation. A Jacksonville auto accident lawyer can help ensure your claim is filed on time.
Will my case go to trial, or can it be settled out of court?
Most car accident cases are settled outside of court through negotiations with insurance companies. However, if a fair settlement cannot be reached, your attorney may recommend taking the case to trial. Jacksonville auto accident attorney Charles J. Gillette will work to secure the best possible outcome, whether through settlement or litigation.
Contact a Jacksonville Auto Accident Attorney Today
A car accident can occur any time you’re in a vehicle, whether you’re a driver or passenger. You could suffer a variety of damages, including medical bills, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, and more.
Jacksonville auto accident attorney Charles J. Gillette can help you with your car accident case. Recovery is our goal. To schedule a free consultation with Gillette Law, P.A., fill out the online form or call 904-600-4758.
