Pensacola Car Accident Lawyers
Fighting for Victims of Motor Vehicle Collisions in Florida
If you were recently involved in an auto accident in Pensacola and are now dealing with debilitating pain or other injuries, you could be entitled to financial compensation.
Turn to the Law Office of J.J. Talbott for help. Founded in 2007, our law firm has always been dedicated to helping the injured and the wronged fight for the justice they deserve.
Our Pensacola car accident attorneys handle cases involving:
- Rear-end or head-on collisions
- Distracted driving accidents
- Drunk driving accidents
- Rideshare accidents (e.g., Uber and Lyft)
- Accidents involving commercial trucks
- Accidents involving motorcycles
- Accidents involving pedestrians
- Fatal car accidents
- And more
No matter how complicated or severe your situation may be, you can rely on the Law Office of J.J. Talbott to be there when you need us most. We care deeply about the people and communities we serve, which is why we strive to always go above and beyond for our clients.
Are you ready to get started on your case? Call us today at (850) 695-8331 or contact us online to request a free consultation with one of our car accident attorneys in Pensacola.
Why Hire a Car Accident Lawyer?
Trying to analyze the laws and procedures that apply to your particular motor vehicle accident case can be incredibly challenging without personal injury expertise. The burden is on you to pursue your claim and prove the other driver’s fault for your injuries and damages.
The insurance companies, meanwhile, will do their best to deny your claim or refuse to pay. A Pensacola auto accident attorney from our firm can help you fight back.
It is particularly important to consult a lawyer if any of the following apply to your case:
- Serious injuries: If you or anyone else involved in the accident has sustained severe injuries requiring medical treatment, hospitalization, surgery, or long-term care, an attorney can help ensure you receive appropriate compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and potential future damages.
- Disputed liability: If there is a dispute over who was at fault for the accident, an attorney can investigate the circumstances, gather evidence, and build a strong case to prove liability. This is particularly important if the other party's insurance company is denying or minimizing their responsibility.
- Complex legal issues: If the accident involves complex legal issues, such as multiple parties being at fault, commercial vehicles, government entities, or uninsured or underinsured drivers, an attorney's expertise can be invaluable in navigating the legal complexities and maximizing your compensation.
- Insurance company challenges: Dealing with insurance companies can be challenging, as they often prioritize their own profits over your best interests. Having an attorney on your side can level the playing field, as they can negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf and protect your rights.
- Denied or inadequate settlement offers: If the insurance company offers a settlement that does not adequately cover your damages or denies your claim altogether, an attorney can assess the situation, determine the true value of your claim, and pursue a fair resolution through negotiation or litigation.
Ultimately, consulting with an auto accident lawyer can help you understand your legal rights, evaluate your options, and make an informed decision about how to proceed.
Choose a Car Accident Law Firm with 25+ Years of Experience
At the Law Office of J.J. Talbott, our car accident attorneys have in-depth knowledge of Florida’s auto accident laws. In fact, our team has over 25 years of experience litigating auto accident claims across Pensacola and the Florida panhandle, as well as southern Alabama.
We have also recovered more than $100 million for our clients.
We can evaluate your car accident claim and advise you on the steps to take. We will be there to guide you every step of the way, providing reliable communication and remaining accessible to you throughout the process.
Injured in a serious car accident? Call (850) 695-8331 or complete our online form for a free consultation with an experienced car wreck attorney in Pensacola.
Is Florida a No-Fault Car Insurance State?
Florida is one of several states to follow a no-fault car insurance system. Under this system, all motorists must obtain at least the minimum amount of personal injury protection (PIP) coverage. After an accident, an injured victim can file a PIP claim and recover compensation for certain covered losses.
In Florida, PIP covers the following accident-related damages:
- Up to 80% of your reasonable and necessary medical expenses
- Up to 60% of your lost wages and/or income
- $5,000 in death benefits
Note that PIP does not cover the full cost of your damages, nor does it offer any coverage for noneconomic losses, such as physical and mental pain and suffering. To obtain full compensation, you will have to step outside the no-fault system and bring a claim directly against the liable party.
How to Go Outside the No-Fault System
You can only go outside Florida’s no-fault system if you can prove that your accident-related injuries meet the state’s “serious injury threshold.”
To be considered “serious” in Florida, an injury must lead to one of the following:
- Permanent injury
- Significant/permanent scarring
- Significant/permanent disfigurement
- Significant/permanent loss of use of a bodily function, system, organ, or member
- Death
Victims whose injuries meet these requirements can file third-party personal injury or wrongful death lawsuits against liable parties. This allows them to seek full compensation for both their economic and noneconomic damages resulting from the accident.
What Is the 14-Day Rule?
To be eligible to file a PIP claim in Florida, you must seek initial medical attention within 14 days of the accident. If you do not follow the 14-day rule, meaning you wait more than 14 days after the accident to see a doctor or medical professional, you will likely be unable to recover PIP benefits.
It is essential that you act quickly after an accident. You should always see a medical provider right away, even if you do not believe that you are injured or that your injuries will heal on their own. The shock of being involved in an accident can mask the true severity of your injuries, and if you wait too long to see a doctor, you could lose your right to compensation.
Car Accidents with Uninsured Motorists in FL
Being involved in an auto accident is a frightening experience, no matter how major or minor the crash. However, there are certain things you can—and should—do after the accident to protect yourself, your rights, and your future recovery.
If you are involved in a car accident, try to do the following:
- Contact law enforcement: Make sure you get an accident report and have law enforcement investigate the accident.
- Seek medical attention immediately: You may not feel hurt, but some injuries can take days to present themselves. Ensure you undergo a full medical examination by a medical professional.
- Take pictures of the accident scene: Photographic evidence could be helpful to any future personal injury claim after your car accident.
- Get the contact details and insurance information of anyone involved: Law enforcement can help you collect contact and insurance details from other drivers involved in your accident.
- Follow your doctor’s advice: Make sure you follow all of your doctor’s orders and advice, including taking all prescribed medications and attending follow-up appointments.
- Contact an auto accident attorney: It is in your best interests to work with a lawyer who can help you seek the full amount you are owed from the insurance company or liable party.
Insurance companies often try to underpay or even deny claims. A Pensacola car accident lawyer from the Law Office of J.J. Talbott can help you protect your right to a fair recovery. We won’t let the insurance company push you around.
Car Accident Statute of Limitations in Florida
In Florida, you generally have four years from the date of the accident to file a car accident claim. It's crucial to consult with a Pensacola car accident attorney as soon as possible to ensure your rights are protected.
Common Injuries from Car Accidents
Car accidents can result in a wide array of injuries, some of which can have long-term effects on your health and quality of life. As Pensacola car wreck attorneys, we often see a variety of common injuries that victims sustain:
- Whiplash: Caused by the sudden back-and-forth motion of the neck during a collision. This type of injury can lead to chronic pain and limited mobility if not properly treated.
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): These injuries can range from mild concussions to severe brain damage, potentially resulting in cognitive deficits, emotional changes, and physical impairments.
- Fractures and Broken Bones: Due to the intense force involved in car accidents, these injuries can require extensive medical treatment, including surgeries and rehabilitation.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: These serious injuries can lead to partial or complete paralysis depending on the severity and location of the injury, often necessitating lifelong care.
- Internal Injuries: Damage to organs, internal bleeding, and punctured lungs are less visible but equally dangerous and require immediate medical attention.
- Soft Tissue Injuries: Damage to muscles, ligaments, and tendons are common and can result in significant pain and prolonged recovery periods.
As car accident lawyers in Pensacola, we understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll these injuries can take on victims and their families. It's essential to seek prompt medical attention after any car accident and to consult with an experienced attorney who can help you navigate the complexities of your claim. If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, contact us to discuss your case and explore your options for seeking compensation.
Common Causes of Car Accidents in Florida
According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, there were more than 400,000 motor vehicle crashes statewide in 2021, leading to hundreds of thousands of injuries and nearly 4,000 deaths. Generally speaking, the most common cause of car accidents is negligence.
This negligence takes many forms, including but not limited to:
- Speeding
- Distracted driving
- Drunk or drugged driving
- Fatigued driving
- Texting while driving
- Running red lights or stop signs
- Making dangerous or illegal turns
- Failing to yield the right of way
- Failing to check vehicle blind spots
- Passing unsafely
These and other negligent driving behaviors can lead to serious and even deadly accidents, causing immense and irrevocable harm to individuals, families, and entire communities. At the Law Office of J.J. Talbott, we believe that those responsible for causing auto accidents should be held accountable. Our car accident lawyers in Pensacola have what it takes to aggressively advocate for you and your family. We are ready to fight for every penny you are owed so that you can get back on your feet.
Get Legal Assistance for Your Car Accident Claim Today
We provide our personal injury legal services on a contingency fee basis. This means that you do not pay anything upfront or out-of-pocket when you hire our firm. Instead, we only collect attorney fees and litigation-related expenses if/when we secure a settlement or verdict for you. To date, the Law Office of J.J. Talbott has secured over $100 million in compensation for our clients. We are ready to fight for you and the recovery you are owed.
Call (850) 695-8331 or contact us online to get started with a free review.
Our Clients Say It Best
"Has always done it correctly and thoroughly. You can give complete trust to J.J. and the whole Talbott staff."
- Brian C.
Car Accidents
Frequently Asked Questions-
The Insurance Company Offered Me Some Money Right After the Accident-Should I Accept It?
If the insurance company tries to offer you money immediately after the accident, they are NOT making this offer out of the kindness of their heart, but in an attempt to settle the claim quickly and to limit their exposure for full damages. The Pensacola accident lawyers at the Law Office of J.J. Talbott do not believe that you should accept an initial settlement offer without legal counsel — such an offer is likely to be well below the amount to which you are actually entitled and is likely not in your best interest.
Moreover, your medical condition could get worse. If you settle your case immediately after the accident, then you could be responsible for all future medical care and medical bills, and you may not be compensated for all of your damages. Be sure to talk to an attorney before you sign any documents or settle your case.
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Another driver ran a stop sign and hit me. Can I still recover compensation from the negligent driver who hit me, even if I was
The answer to your questions depends on whether you are considered to have been negligent in your own driving and, if so, the laws of the state you live in. Florida follows the rule of pure comparative negligence, which means you can recover against the other driver, but your recovery is reduced by the percentage of blame assigned to you. Even if you are considered to have been more than 50% at fault in causing the accident, you could still recover. Alabama, on the other hand, follows the rule of pure contributory negligence, where the slightest blame on your part could keep you from recovering a single penny.
When representing injured clients in either state, our attorneys fight hard to make sure you are not unfairly saddled with any of the fault for an accident you did not cause.
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What should I do immediately after a car accident?
The very first thing you should do in the event of a car accident is to contact law enforcement. Regardless of how you feel, or what the other parties suggest, we firmly believe that it is helpful to get an accident report and to have law enforcement investigate the accident.
Second, seek medical attention immediately. Often you may not feel hurt, as your adrenaline may be preventing you from feeling the full extent of your injuries. Additionally, some injuries can take days to present themselves. As such, we believe that it is important to have a full medical examination by a medical professional.
If you are able, take pictures of the accident scene, as this may be helpful later. You should never admit fault, even if you think that the accident was your fault. Quite simply, you may not be in a position to know all of the details of the accident at that time.
Finally, get the contact details and insurance information of anyone involved in the accident (law enforcement can help facilitate this). Then, contact a lawyer who can evaluate your claim and immediately devise a plan to protect your rights.
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Do I need to hire a personal injury lawyer after a car accident?
Short answer – yes! Longer answer – It is always a good idea to work with an attorney if you were injured in an accident. Generally, plaintiffs who hire personal injury lawyers to represent them have a higher likelihood of settlement, receive higher amounts, and are more satisfied (on average) than plaintiffs who attempt to negotiate or recover damages on their own. When you are injured, it is difficult to focus on healing and deal with insurance companies and medical bills at the same time.
The experienced car accident attorneys at the Law Office of J.J. Talbott can assist you in getting the medical care you need, help compile your medical records, compute your damages, and work to settle your case, all while you work on getting better.
