Jacksonville Car Accident Attorneys
Board Certified Civil Trial Lawyers Fighting for Auto Accident Victims
After a serious car accident in Jacksonville, you're facing mounting medical bills, lost wages, and insurance companies trying to pay you as little as possible. Edwards & Ragatz, P.A. has recovered hundreds of millions for accident victims with 150+ years of combined experience fighting for justice in Florida courts.
Your path to healing from a car accident injury starts here. You owe us nothing unless we win.
Call (904) 295-1050 or contact us online today for your free consultation with our Jacksonville car accident lawyers!
If you haven't already, take these critical actions:
- Seek Medical Treatment Within 14 Days – This is mandatory under Florida law. If you don't see a doctor within 14 days of your accident, you forfeit ALL of your PIP insurance benefits—coverage you've been paying for.
- Document Everything – Take photos of the scene, vehicles, and any visible injuries. Keep all medical records, bills, and correspondence.
- Don't Talk to the Other Driver's Insurance Company – They're looking for ways to deny or minimize your claim. Let us handle all communications.
- Call Us Before You Settle – Insurance companies often pressure victims to accept quick, lowball settlements. Once you sign, you can't go back for more—even if your injuries worsen.
How We Handle Your Case
Investigation & Evidence Gathering
- Obtain police reports, medical records, and witness statements
- Work with accident reconstructionists to determine fault and impact forces
- Identify all liable parties (not just the driver—but potentially their employer, a manufacturer, or others)
- Document the full extent of your injuries and future medical needs
Dealing with Insurance Companies
- Handle all communications so you can focus on healing
- Counter their tactics to deny or minimize your claim
- Fight against unfair comparative fault arguments
- Ensure you receive every dollar you're entitled to under your PIP coverage
Calculating Your Full Compensation
Most people don’t realize the true value of their claim. We look at every aspect of your losses, including:
- Medical expenses (past, current, and future)
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Property damage and rental car costs
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Emotional trauma, anxiety, and PTSD
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
Settling too quickly is one of the biggest mistakes injury victims make. Once you accept a settlement, you can't go back for more money—even if your injuries worsen or new complications arise.
Our team works with medical experts, economists, and life-care planners to make sure your compensation reflects your long-term needs, not just the bills you’re facing today.
Negotiation & Trial
We prepare every case as if it's going to trial. Insurance companies know this, which is why they take our negotiations seriously. If they won't offer fair compensation, we won't hesitate to take your case before a jury.
Timeline: What to Expect
- Initial Consultation (Day 1) – Free case evaluation where we explain your rights and options
- Investigation Phase (Weeks 1-4) – We gather evidence, medical records, and build your case
- Treatment & Recovery (Ongoing) – You focus on healing while we handle the legal battle
- Demand & Negotiation (Months 3-6+) – We present your claim and negotiate with insurance companies
- Settlement or Trial – Most cases settle, but we're always prepared to go to court
Important Deadline: You have 2 years from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit in Florida.
Meet Our Founders
Certified Trial Experts on Your Side
When you are recovering from a serious car accident, the opponent you face is often a massive insurance company. To get the compensation you deserve, you need a true trial expert in your corner. Our firm is led by founders who are both Board Certified in Civil Trial Law, a distinction held by fewer than 1% of Florida lawyers.
This certification, administered by The Florida Bar, is earned after passing a rigorous exam, demonstrating substantial trial experience, and undergoing confidential peer review by judges and fellow attorneys. It is not just a title; it is objective proof of elite expertise and genuine courtroom skill.
Thomas S. Edwards, Jr. has been Board Certified in Civil Trial Law since 1991. His expertise has earned him recognition in Topverdict's “Top 50 Largest Car Accident Verdicts in Florida” and Forbes' “America’s Best-in-State Lawyers” for 2025.
Eric C. Ragatz is also a Board Certified Civil Trial Lawyer and has been honored repeatedly, including 10 consecutive years on the Florida Super Lawyers® list and the highest AV Preeminent rating by Martindale-Hubbell.
This certified expertise is our pledge to you. We don’t just process claims; we build unshakeable cases designed to win in court. That reputation is why insurance companies know they must take our clients’ car accident claims seriously.
Client Testimonials
Highly-Responsive Team
“A 5 Star Outfit!”
"Edwards & Ragatz is a top notch legal firm. They represented me with utmost professionalism and compassion. I was never misinformed and they were available 24/7. Everyone in the organization from top to bottom were laser focused on navigating me through the legal process. I can’t sing their praises enough. A 5 star outfit!"
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"Life presented me with a challenge and after speaking with several law firms, I chose Edwards & Ragatz. Best choice I could have made."Eric picked up the ball and never stopped! He was like a pit bull!Carol
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"Definitely 5 star rating! If I could give more stars, I would! Highly recommend!"I used Jennifer, and she made the process so smooth and explained everything in detail what she was doing, and what was the right move.Sarah V.
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"Mr Doug was on top of my lawsuit he explained every detail, step by steps on how the process works"
My lawyer was Mr Doug I had a wonderful first experience with the law firm and his assistant’s.
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"They were very helpful and patient in their handling of our case"They were very helpful and patient in their handling of our case.Candy
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"The team at Edwards & Ragatz were a wonderful team"The team at Edwards & Ragatz were a wonderful team with whom to work. From the moment we connected on the telephone, my husband and I were represented by them with compassion and professionalism.Charlene M.
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"I know the Value of Team work but also know when people Value there work"From Being in The Marines I know the Value of Team work but also know when people Value there work.Doug B.
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"I wish that I could give them more than a 5-star rating."From the time they first answered my call until the very end of my case, I was met with empathy, professionalism and compassion. Their communication throughout the process was absolutely amazing.Kelci P.
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"Tom Edwards and Eric Ragatz are professionals in every sense of the term."Tom and Eric understand what is at stake and use the law to provide fair and complete resolutions for their clients.Dave A.
Florida operates under a no-fault insurance system, which can be confusing for accident victims.
Your PIP Coverage (Personal Injury Protection)
- Covers up to $10,000 in medical expenses and lost wages
- Applies regardless of who caused the accident
- Critical: You must seek treatment within 14 days or lose this coverage entirely
When You Can Step Outside the No-Fault System
You can pursue compensation from the at-fault driver when:
- Your injuries meet Florida's "serious injury" threshold (permanent injury, significant scarring/disfigurement, loss of bodily function, or death)
- Your damages exceed your PIP coverage limits
- The other driver was clearly at fault and you've suffered substantial harm
Common Challenges We Navigate
- Comparative Fault Arguments – Insurance companies try to blame you for part of the accident to reduce their payout. Under Florida's modified comparative negligence rule, if you're 50% or more at fault, you recover nothing. We fight to minimize your fault percentage.
- Uninsured/Underinsured Motorists – Nearly 20% of Florida drivers lack insurance. We help you tap into your UM/UIM coverage or pursue other recovery options.
- Rideshare Complications – Uber and Lyft accidents involve multiple insurance policies. The driver's app status (on/off, passenger in car, etc.) determines which policy applies. We know how to navigate these complex claims.
- Hit-and-Run Cases – Hit-and-runs account for over 25% of Jacksonville accidents. We help identify the responsible party and maximize your uninsured motorist claim.
- Pre-Existing Conditions – Insurance companies love to blame your injuries on pre-existing conditions. We work with medical experts to prove the accident aggravated or worsened your condition.
Jacksonville-Specific Traffic Challenges We Navigate
As Jacksonville accident attorneys, we understand the unique dangers in our city. Jacksonville is the largest city in the continental United States by area, creating a sprawling network of highways and local streets that present unique hazards:
High-Risk Areas We Know Well:
- I-95 and I-10 Interchange – Heavy congestion and aggressive drivers
- J. Turner Butler Boulevard – High-speed collisions and merge accidents
- Construction Zones – Constantly changing conditions throughout the city's rapid expansion
- Beach Boulevard & Atlantic Boulevard – High pedestrian and bicycle accident rates
Our local knowledge gives us a critical advantage when investigating your accident. We understand how Jacksonville's specific traffic patterns contribute to collisions, and we know the tactics insurance companies use in Duval County.
Start Your Path to Recovery Today
When you suffer injuries in a Jacksonville car accident, healing can happen with our help. Our Board Certified trial lawyers and experienced team are ready to fight for the compensation you deserve while you focus on recovery.
Call (904) 295-1050 or contact us online to start discussing your legal options with some of Jacksonville's best car accident attorneys. Your consultation is free, and you owe us nothing unless we win.
Jacksonville Car Accident FAQ
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How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit After a Car Accident?
In Florida, you have two years from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit. Acting promptly helps preserve evidence, prevents insurance company tactics, and ensures you meet all legal deadlines.
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Can I Sue for Pain and Suffering After a Minor Accident?
In Florida's no-fault system, you can sue for pain and suffering if:
- You suffered a serious injury (permanent injury, significant scarring/disfigurement, loss of bodily function, or death)
- Your medical bills and damages exceed your PIP coverage
- The other driver was clearly at fault
Even "minor" accidents can result in serious injuries that appear days or weeks later.
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What If I Was Partially At-Fault for the Car Accident?
Florida follows modified comparative negligence:
- If you're less than 50% at fault, you can still recover compensation (reduced by your fault percentage)
- If you're 50% or more at fault, you cannot recover any compensation
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What if the Other Driver Doesn't Have Insurance?
Your uninsured motorist (UM) coverage can protect you, covering medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage. While UM coverage isn't mandatory in Florida, it's highly recommended.
If you don't have UM coverage, we may be able to pursue legal action directly against the uninsured driver to recover compensation.
Read about How to Handle an Uninsured Car Accident Claim.
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How Much Does It Cost to Hire Edwards & Ragatz, P.A.?
We work on a contingency fee basis—you pay nothing unless we win your case. This means:
- No upfront costs or retainer fees
- No hourly billing
- No out-of-pocket expenses
- We only get paid if you get paid
This allows anyone to access quality legal representation regardless of financial situation.
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What Counts as a Serious Injury After an Accident in Florida?
Florida law allows you to pursue a claim against the at-fault driver if your injuries meet the "serious injury" threshold:
- Permanent injury
- Significant/permanent scarring or disfigurement
- Loss of a bodily function
- Death
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What Happens If the Accident Involved an Uber or Lyft?
Rideshare accidents are more complex because multiple insurance policies may apply:
- App off – Driver's personal insurance applies
- App on, no passenger – Lyft/Uber provides limited liability coverage
- Passenger in car – Lyft/Uber provides $1 million in liability coverage
Determining which policy applies—and getting the insurance company to pay—requires legal expertise.
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Do I Need a Lawyer for a Minor Accident?
Even "minor" accidents can result in serious injuries that don't appear until days later. Common delayed symptoms include:
- Whiplash and neck pain
- Headaches and concussions
- Back injuries
- Internal injuries
Insurance companies often pressure victims to settle quickly with lowball offers before the full extent of injuries is known.
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Additional Information About Car Accidents in Florida
Common Motor Vehicle Accidents
Common Causes of Car Accidents
- Distracted Driving
- Speeding
- Driving Under the Influence
- Reckless Driving
- Weather Conditions
- Running Red Lights or Stop Signs
- Fatigued Driving
Common Car Accident Injuries
- Whiplash
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal cord injuries
- Broken bones
- Burn injuries
- Internal injuries
- Lacerations and scarring
For more information, download our free car accident and personal injury guides.
We Are Edwards & Ragatz
Explore What Sets Us Apart
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Innovative & Strategic Legal Strategies
At Edwards & Ragatz, P.A., we offer custom legal strategies tailored to your situation. Our approach ensures that we collect higher settlements than what an insurance adjuster might offer.
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Committed to Quality Legal CounselOur commitment to a compassionate legal process means we speak with you on-site at the accident location, offer flexible meeting times, manage paperwork on your behalf, and provide consistent updates.
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Proven Legal Experience & Advocacy
With more than 150+ years of combined legal experience, we have taken on multiple million-dollar corporations and received recoveries through the relentless pursuit of justice.