Car Accident Attorney in St. Augustine

Every case is different. But in all personal injury claims, there are a few elements that we look at to see if you might have a case. We check to see if:

• There were damages: Personal injury lawsuits are filed to recover “damages.” These include medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. To qualify for a lawsuit, an injury must have significant associated costs, which vary by state.
• Someone else was at fault: To get compensation from someone else’s insurance company in St. Augustine, FL, they must have acted negligently in a way that caused or contributed to your injuries.
• There is enough insurance coverage: Personal injury lawsuits are usually filed against insurance companies, not individuals. Those responsible must have enough insurance coverage to cover the injured person’s medical expenses or to fully compensate them for their injuries.

If you are unsure if you have a case, contact us. We're here to help residents of St. Augustine, FL.

Immediately after a car accident in St. Augustine, FL, your primary focus should be safety, well-being, and securing the necessary help.

First, assess yourself and any passengers for injuries. If anyone is hurt, call 911 immediately to get medical assistance. If possible, move your vehicle to a safe location out of traffic. If the car cannot be moved, turn on your hazard lights to warn other drivers.

Next, call the police. Even if the accident seems minor, it's crucial to have a police report. The responding officer will document the scene, which can be vital for your insurance claim or any legal action.

Collect information from the other driver, including their name, contact details, driver’s license number, license plate number, and insurance information. Be polite, but avoid discussing fault or making statements that could be used against you later.

Take photos or videos of the accident scene in St. Augustine, including vehicle damage, skid marks, traffic signs, and any other relevant details. These can serve as critical evidence. If there are any witnesses, get their contact information and ask if they would be willing to provide a statement.

Even if you feel fine, getting checked out by a medical professional is wise. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent but can become serious if untreated. A medical visit also creates evidence that you took your accident seriously.

Next, report the accident to your insurance provider as soon as possible. Stick to the facts and avoid admitting fault.

Finally, contact a car accident lawyer at Morgan & Morgan in St. Augustine, FL—especially if you’ve sustained injuries or the damage is significant. One of our auto injury lawyers can help protect your rights and guide you through the claims process.

The time frame within which you must file a car accident injury claim is dictated by the statute of limitations, which varies by state. Generally, the statute of limitations ranges from one to four years from the date of the accident. This means you have that amount of time from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. You may lose your right to seek compensation if you miss this deadline.

In some cases, injuries or damages may not be immediately apparent. The discovery rule allows the statute of limitations to begin when the injury is discovered or reasonably should have been discovered. This is particularly relevant in cases where internal injuries or long-term health issues arise after the accident.

It's especially important to visit a medical professional as soon as possible after the accident. Even if you don't feel hurt, a complete workup will document the state of your health and potentially discover injuries you may not feel yet. In some states, medical paperwork filed shortly after the incident is a requirement for obtaining certain benefits.

Filing a claim sooner rather than later is key to building a strong case. Evidence can deteriorate, memories can fade, and witnesses may become harder to locate over time. By acting promptly, you improve your chances of securing vital evidence.

Given the complexities of statutes of limitations and the potential for exceptions, it’s wise to consult a car accident lawyer in St. Augustine, FL, as soon as possible after your accident. A lawyer can help ensure that your claim is filed within the appropriate time frame and advise you on the best course of action.

The time it takes to resolve a car accident lawsuit can vary widely depending on several factors, including the complexity of the case, the severity of injuries, and the willingness of the parties to settle.

After the accident, your lawyer in St. Augustine will investigate the case, gather evidence, and calculate damages. Once this is complete, they will file a claim with the insurance company or a lawsuit in court. Depending on the complexity of the case, this initial phase can take a few weeks to several months.

Many car accident cases are resolved through settlement negotiations without going to court. Settlement discussions can begin soon after the claim is filed and may take several months to resolve. The timeline depends on the willingness of both parties to reach an agreement and the complexity of the damages involved.

Choosing the right legal team in St. Augustine can make all the difference in the outcome of your case. With over 35 years of experience handling car accident cases, our attorneys are well-versed in state and federal traffic laws and insurance regulations. We know what it takes to build a strong case and secure the compensation you deserve.

When you choose Morgan & Morgan in St. Augustine, you’re not just hiring a lawyer; you’re gaining access to an entire army of legal professionals dedicated to your case. This includes paralegals, investigators, and medical experts who work together to build the strongest possible case on your behalf.

The best part is that you don’t pay a dime unless we win your case. We understand that after a car accident, the last thing you need is additional financial stress. That’s why we operate on a contingency fee basis. That’s right—the Fee is Free™. You only pay a share of your compensation if we win.

As the nation’s largest personal injury law firm with a strong presence in St. Augustine, FL, when you work with Morgan & Morgan, you send a clear message that you mean business. Morgan & Morgan has recovered over $23 billion for clients, and our reputation for winning is known across the country.

You don’t have to face this challenging time alone. At Morgan & Morgan, we are committed to helping car accident victims in St. Augustine navigate the complexities of their claims and achieve the justice and compensation they deserve. Remember, our services are free unless we win your case, and we’re here to fight for you every step of the way.

If you’ve been injured in a car accident in St. Augustine, don’t delay. Fill out our free case evaluation form today to find out how Morgan & Morgan can help you take the first step toward recovery and justice.

A "no win, no fee" agreement, also known as a contingency fee agreement, is a payment arrangement that allows clients in St. Augustine, FL, to hire a lawyer without paying upfront fees.

When you hire a lawyer under a “no win, no fee” agreement in St. Augustine, you are not required to pay any money upfront. This makes legal representation accessible to anyone, regardless of their financial situation.

You only pay your lawyer if they win your case, either through a settlement or a court judgment. If your lawyer is unsuccessful, you owe nothing for their services.

If your lawyer wins the case, their fee is typically a percentage of the compensation you receive. The specific percentage may vary depending on the complexity of the case and the amount of work involved.

The “no win, no fee” arrangement aligns the lawyer's interests with yours, as they only get paid if you win. This strongly incentivizes your lawyer to work diligently on your behalf and seek the maximum possible compensation for your case.

At Morgan & Morgan, we believe justice should be accessible to all, so we operate on this same contingency fee system and have made it our motto that the Fee Is Free™—you only pay if we get you compensated.

If you’ve been injured in a car accident in St. Augustine, you may be entitled to various types of compensation, depending on the specifics of your case.

• Medical Expenses: This includes compensation for all past, present, and future medical costs related to your injury. It covers hospital bills, doctor’s visits, surgeries, medication, physical therapy, and any necessary medical equipment. If your injury requires ongoing treatment, your compensation should also account for these future expenses.
• Lost Wages: If your injury has caused you to miss work, you can seek compensation for lost wages. This includes the income you’ve already lost and any future income you may lose if your injury affects your ability to work. In cases of permanent disability, this may include compensation for loss of earning capacity.
• Pain and Suffering: Car accident injuries can cause significant physical pain and emotional distress. Compensation for pain and suffering is intended to address the non-economic impact of your injuries, such as chronic pain, anxiety, depression, and the overall decrease in your quality of life.
• Emotional Distress: Severe accidents can lead to emotional trauma, including PTSD, anxiety, and depression. Compensation for emotional distress aims to provide financial relief for the psychological impact of the accident.
• Disability and Disfigurement: If the accident resulted in a permanent disability or disfigurement, such as a loss of limb or scarring, you could receive additional compensation to address the lifelong impact of these injuries.
• Loss of Consortium:  If your injuries have affected your relationship with your spouse or family, you may be entitled to compensation for loss of consortium. This can cover the loss of companionship, affection, and support resulting from your injury.
• Punitive Damages: In some cases, where the at-fault party’s conduct was particularly reckless or malicious, you may be awarded punitive damages. These are intended to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior in the future.
• Property Damage: You can also seek compensation for any damage to your vehicle or other personal property. This includes repair or replacement costs and any rental car expenses while your vehicle is being repaired.

Each car accident case in St. Augustine is unique, and the types of compensation you can receive will depend on the details of your injury, the impact on your life, and the circumstances surrounding the accident. A Morgan & Morgan lawyer in St. Augustine, FL, can help you determine the full extent of your damages and fight for the compensation you deserve.

While hiring a lawyer for a minor car accident in St. Augustine may seem unnecessary, doing so can be crucial to ensuring that your rights are protected and that you receive fair compensation.

Even in minor accidents, insurance companies may try to minimize payouts. They might offer a quick settlement that doesn’t fully cover your expenses or losses. A lawyer in St. Augustine, FL, can help you evaluate the offer and negotiate for a fair settlement that includes all of your damages, even those that may not be immediately apparent.

Also, not all injuries are immediately noticeable after an accident. Some, like whiplash, concussions, or soft tissue injuries, may take days or weeks to manifest. Without legal representation, you might settle too early before the full extent of your injuries is known. A lawyer can ensure that all potential future medical costs are considered.

At Morgan & Morgan in St. Augustine, FL, our reputation and team of trial-ready lawyers can clearly communicate to the other side that low-ball settlements will not work and that we intend to fight for the maximum compensation you deserve.

While you might think you can handle a minor accident on your own, having an auto accident lawyer in St. Augustine on your side can help you avoid potential pitfalls and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

No. Consultations at Morgan & Morgan are completely free. We believe everyone deserves access to legal advice, regardless of their financial situation. Hiring one of our car crash lawyers in St. Augustine is easy, and you can get started in minutes with a free case evaluation on our site or by phone.

When you hire Morgan & Morgan in St. Augustine, FL, you don’t just hire a lawyer; you hire the largest personal injury law firm in the country with an army of over 1,000 lawyers and offices in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Your case will be handled by a dedicated team of professionals, including personal injury lawyers, paralegals, and support staff. You will be assigned a care team that includes a primary attorney overseeing your case and ensuring you receive personalized attention throughout the process.

After your initial consultation in St. Augustine, your care team will schedule regular meetings to discuss your case, provide updates, and prepare you for any upcoming proceedings. We are committed to maintaining open lines of communication and keeping you informed every step of the way. Depending on your case’s requirements and your ability to do so, these meetings can be conducted in person, virtually, or by phone.

The average settlement for a car accident claim can vary widely depending on several factors, including the severity of injuries, the extent of property damage, and the circumstances surrounding the accident.

The severity of your injuries is the most significant factor in determining a settlement amount. Cases involving minor injuries, such as whiplash or bruising, may result in smaller settlements, while severe injuries, such as spinal cord damage, traumatic brain injuries, or multiple fractures, can lead to much more substantial settlements.

Your medical bills play a crucial role in calculating your settlement. This includes costs for emergency room visits, surgeries, hospital stays, physical therapy, and any ongoing or future medical care. The higher your medical expenses, the larger your settlement is likely to be.

Proving fault in a car accident case can help you secure compensation for your injuries and damages. The process involves gathering and presenting evidence that demonstrates the other party’s negligence or wrongdoing.

After an accident, a police officer will typically investigate the scene and file a report. This report often includes the officer’s observations, statements from the drivers and witnesses, and sometimes the officer’s opinion on who was at fault. While not definitive, a police report can be strong evidence to establish fault.

Witnesses who saw the accident can provide valuable accounts that support your version of events. Their testimonies can help corroborate your claims and strengthen your case.

Photographic evidence from the accident scene can be crucial. Pictures of vehicle damage, skid marks, traffic signs, road conditions, and other relevant details can help recreate the sequence of events and demonstrate how the accident occurred.

If the other driver violated traffic laws, such as running a red light, speeding, or failing to yield, this can clearly indicate fault. Traffic citations issued to the other driver at the scene can also serve as evidence.

In more complex cases, Morgan & Morgan’s accident reconstruction experts in St. Augustine, FL, may be called upon to analyze the evidence and provide an opinion on how the accident occurred and who was at fault. Their expertise can help clarify the events leading up to the collision.

If the other driver admits fault at the scene or afterward, their admission can be used as evidence. However, it’s important to be cautious with your own statements, as anything you say could also be used against you.

Your account of the accident, including details about what you saw, heard, and felt, is also important. Consistent and clear testimony can help establish the facts of the case.

Proving fault requires a comprehensive approach to gathering and presenting evidence. A Morgan & Morgan lawyer in St. Augustine can assist you in building a strong case, ensuring that all relevant evidence is collected and effectively used to demonstrate the other party’s liability.

Most states, including Florida, allow you to recover compensation even if you were partially at fault for a car accident. This is possible due to the comparative negligence rule, which reduces your compensation by your percentage of fault.

In a car accident lawsuit, the court or insurance company determines the percentage of fault assigned to each party. If you are found partially at fault, your compensation will be reduced by that percentage. For example, if you are awarded $100,000 in damages but found 20% at fault, your compensation would be reduced by 20%, leaving you with $80,000.

Florida uses a modified comparative negligence rule, which means you can recover compensation as long as your share of fault does not exceed 50%. However, you will not be eligible for compensation if you are determined to be 51% or more at fault.

Insurance companies often try to reduce payouts by arguing that you were partially or primarily at fault. Having an experienced attorney in St. Augustine, FL, can help you contest these claims and secure a fair settlement.

To strengthen your case, gather solid evidence, such as police reports, witness statements, photos of the accident scene, and any available video footage. An attorney at Morgan & Morgan in St. Augustine can help collect and present this evidence effectively.

Acting quickly and consulting with a St. Augustine attorney is important if you were partially at fault. An experienced car accident attorney will ensure your fault is accurately assessed and that you receive the compensation you deserve, even if you bear some responsibility for the accident.

If you’re involved in a car accident in St. Augustine with an uninsured or underinsured driver, it can complicate the process of recovering compensation for your damages. However, there are several avenues you can pursue to ensure that you are not left bearing the financial burden.

If you have uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage as part of your auto insurance policy in Florida, this coverage can cover your damages when the at-fault driver lacks sufficient insurance. UM coverage pays for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages you would have otherwise sought from the other driver’s insurance. UIM coverage applies when the at-fault driver’s insurance is insufficient to cover the full extent of your losses.

Handling a claim involving an uninsured or underinsured driver can be challenging. A Morgan & Morgan car accident attorney in St. Augustine, FL, can assist you in exploring all your options, negotiating with your insurance provider, and developing the best approach to secure the compensation you deserve.

Car accidents involving rideshare (such as Uber or Lyft) or delivery drivers (such as those working for DoorDash or Amazon) present unique legal challenges.

As with any car accident, your first priority should be your safety and health. Check for injuries and call 911 if necessary. If you are injured, seek medical attention immediately.

Collect as much information as possible at the scene, including the driver’s name, contact information, and details about their vehicle. If they were working for a rideshare or delivery service at the time, get the name of the company and any relevant details about their employment status. Also, gather contact information from any witnesses.

Take photos or videos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and any visible injuries. This evidence can be crucial when filing a claim with the appropriate St. Augustine, FL, insurance company.

Notify the rideshare or delivery company about the accident. Both Uber and Lyft, for example, have protocols for handling accidents involving their drivers. The company may have its own insurance policy covering the driver while on the job.

File a police report, as this will be an important document for your insurance claim or lawsuit. Be sure to mention if the driver was working for a rideshare or delivery service at the time of the accident.

Inform your insurance company about the accident. Depending on the situation, your insurance may be involved in covering some of the damages.

Accidents involving rideshare or delivery drivers in St. Augustine, FL, often involve multiple insurance policies, including the driver’s personal coverage, the company’s insurance, and possibly your own policy. A skilled attorney at Morgan & Morgan in St. Augustine can guide you through this intricate process, identify the applicable policies, and work to secure the compensation you’re entitled to.

Rideshare and delivery companies often have large insurance policies to cover accidents involving their drivers, but getting the compensation you’re entitled to can be challenging. An attorney in St. Augustine, FL, can advocate on your behalf, negotiate with the insurance companies, and, if necessary, take your case to court to protect your rights.

Being involved in a hit-and-run accident in St. Augustine can be a terrifying experience. If the other driver leaves the scene, staying calm and taking specific steps to protect your rights and improve your chances of recovering compensation is important.

First, check yourself and any passengers for injuries. If anyone is injured, call 911 immediately for medical assistance. Your safety and health should always be the top priority.

If possible, try to remember and document as much information about the fleeing vehicle as possible, such as the make, model, color, and license plate number. Also, note the direction in which the car fled.

Look for witnesses who might have observed the accident, as their accounts can play a vital role in identifying the hit-and-run driver and strengthening your claim. Be sure to collect their contact information, as they may provide statements to the police or your attorney.

Report the hit-and-run to the police in St. Augustine as soon as possible. Share all the details you have gathered, as a police report is critical for your insurance claim and any future legal action.

Even if you don’t feel injured, seeing a doctor as soon as possible is important. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent but could have long-term effects. Medical documentation will also be vital for your claim.

Next, report the accident to your insurance company promptly. Depending on your policy, you may have coverage options such as uninsured motorist coverage, which can help pay for your damages when the at-fault driver is unknown.

Hit-and-run cases present unique challenges, particularly when the at-fault driver is unknown. A skilled car accident attorney at Morgan & Morgan in St. Augustine, FL, can guide you through the legal process, collaborate with your insurance provider, and pursue every available option to secure the compensation you deserve.

Even if the hit-and-run driver is never found, you may still be entitled to compensation through your own insurance policy or other means. An attorney in St. Augustine can evaluate your case, explain your options, and help you recover the damages you deserve.

Every time we hit the road, we embark on a journey that demands caution, responsibility, and awareness. Despite advancements in vehicle safety, car crashes remain an unfortunate reality, often resulting from various factors. At Morgan & Morgan, we believe knowledge is an important tool for prevention.

• Distracted Driving: In an era of technology, distracted driving has become a pervasive issue. Whether texting, talking on the phone, or engaging with in-car entertainment systems, diverted attention can have devastating consequences.
• Speeding: Exceeding speed limits poses a significant risk on the road. Speeding reduces reaction time and increases the severity of accidents, making it a leading contributor to collisions.
• Impaired Driving: Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs remains a major cause of accidents. Impaired judgment and coordination significantly elevate the likelihood of crashes with severe outcomes.
• Reckless Driving: Aggressive and reckless driving behaviors, such as tailgating, weaving between lanes, and disregarding traffic signals, create hazardous conditions and contribute to many accidents.
• Weather Conditions: Adverse weather, from rain and snow to fog and ice, amplifies driving challenges. Reduced visibility and slippery roads make accidents more probable during inclement weather.
• Running Red Lights and Stop Signs: Failure to obey traffic signals and signs jeopardizes the safety of everyone on the road. Drivers who disregard these crucial directives often cause intersection-related collisions.
• Driver Fatigue: Tired and drowsy driving impairs cognitive functions and reaction times. Fatigue-related accidents are more prevalent than one might think, especially during long-distance travel and late-night driving.

Sometimes, however, other negligent drivers can introduce more risks on the road, regardless of how carefully you drive. If you're involved in a car wreck in St. Augustine, FL, that wasn’t your fault; Morgan & Morgan's dedicated team is here to help you fight for the justice and compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation case evaluation.

A Morgan & Morgan car accident lawyer in St. Augustine, FL, can provide priceless help after a car accident, offering legal guidance to navigate the complexities of your case and ensuring that you receive the compensation you deserve.

Car accident laws vary by state and can be complex to navigate. As the nation’s largest personal injury law firm with a strong presence in St. Augustine, Morgan & Morgan’s attorneys have in-depth knowledge of local laws and regulations related to car accidents. Your attorney will clarify your rights, present your legal options, and guide you through the potential outcomes of your case.