Jacksonville Fatal Car Accident Attorney
Legal Help After A Deadly Crash
When a loved one is killed in a car crash, everything changes in an instant. You may be planning a funeral, trying to support other family members, and wondering whether anything can be done about what happened. In this moment, you may also be searching for a fatal car accident attorney who can guide you through the legal side of this loss.
At Edwards & Ragatz, P.A., we help families in this area after deadly collisions and related wrongful death claims. Our attorneys work to uncover what happened, protect your family’s rights, and pursue accountability from those who caused the crash. We take on the legal burden so you can focus on being with your family.
Our firm is based in Jacksonville and has been serving Duval County families since 2009. With more than 150 years of combined trial experience and a record of landmark results in catastrophic cases, we are prepared to handle complex and high-stakes claims when the outcome truly matters.
Contact us today at (904) 295-1050 to schedule a free consultation.
Common Causes of Fatal Car Accidents
Fatal car accidents in Jacksonville occur for many reasons, but the majority are caused by preventable and negligent behavior. Understanding the cause of the crash is a critical step in determining liability and building a strong wrongful death claim.
Some of the most common causes of fatal car accidents include:
- Distracted driving, such as texting, using GPS, or eating while driving
- Speeding, especially on highways like I-95, I-10, and I-295
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Reckless or aggressive driving, including tailgating and road rage
- Failure to yield at intersections or during lane changes
- Running red lights or stop signs
- Fatigued driving, particularly among commercial or long-haul drivers
- Defective vehicle parts, such as faulty brakes or airbags
When a fatal crash is caused by negligence, a Jacksonville fatal car accident lawyer can investigate the incident, gather evidence, and identify all liable parties.
Fatal Car Accidents & Wrongful Death Claims in FL
Under Florida law, fatal car accidents caused by negligence are typically addressed through a wrongful death claim. These claims are governed by the Florida Wrongful Death Act and are designed to compensate surviving family members for both economic and non-economic losses.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Florida?
In Florida, a wrongful death lawsuit must be filed by the personal representative of the deceased’s estate. The claim is brought on behalf of surviving family members, which may include:
- The surviving spouse
- Children of the deceased
- Parents of the deceased
- Other dependents or heirs, in certain situations
An experienced Jacksonville fatal car accident lawyer can help determine who is eligible for compensation and ensure the claim is filed correctly.
What Compensation May Be Available?
Wrongful death damages in fatal car accident cases may include:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Medical bills related to the final injury or illness
- Loss of the deceased’s income and future earning capacity
- Loss of companionship, guidance, and protection
- Mental pain and suffering of surviving family members
- Loss of services the deceased provided to the household
Every case is unique, and the value of a claim depends on factors such as the deceased’s age, income, and the circumstances of the crash.
Why Families Turn To Our Firm
When a fatal collision occurs, the stakes are incredibly high, both emotionally and financially. Families need a team that has handled life-changing cases in court and understands how to present loss in a way that juries and insurers cannot ignore. Our attorneys have tried serious injury and wrongful death matters for decades, and we bring that experience to every case we accept.
Our firm is led by attorney Thomas S. Edwards Jr., a Board Certified Civil Trial Lawyer, and managing partner Eric C. Ragatz, an AV rated attorney by Martindale-Hubbell. These credentials reflect years of courtroom work and peer recognition for legal skill and ethics. Our team has more than 150 years of combined trial experience, and we use that depth of knowledge when we prepare fatal car accident cases for negotiation or trial.
Results also matter when you choose a fatal car accident lawyer. Our attorneys have recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for clients, including one of the largest judgments in Florida history at 228 million dollars, and a 178 million dollar medical malpractice verdict that ranked among the largest in the United States that year. These outcomes show that we are willing to take on challenging, high-value cases and see them through.
Families do not come to us only because of numbers. They turn to us because we combine driven advocacy with genuine compassion. We know that behind every case file is a person whose life was cut short and a family that is still trying to understand what happened. We stay in close contact, provide frequent updates, and remain responsive to calls, texts, and emails so that our clients do not feel left in the dark.
To talk with our team about a potential case, call (904) 295-1050 today.
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$776 Thousand Auto Collision
Edwards & Ragatz obtained a $776 Thousand auto accident verdict.
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$308 Thousand Auto Collision
Edwards & Ragatz obtained a $308 Thousand auto accident verdict.
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$206 Thousand Auto Collision
Edwards & Ragatz obtained a $206 Thousand auto accident verdict.
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$192 Thousand Auto Collision
Edwards & Ragatz obtained a $192 Thousand auto accident verdict.
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$149 Thousand Auto Collision
Edwards & Ragatz obtained a $149 Thousand auto accident verdict.
Fatal Car Crash FAQs
How long do I have to file a wrongful death claim in Florida?
In most cases, Florida’s statute of limitations for wrongful death claims is two years from the date of death. Missing this deadline can result in losing your right to compensation, so it’s important to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible.
What if the at-fault driver was uninsured?
If the responsible driver lacked insurance, you may still have options. Claims may be pursued through uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, other liable parties, or additional insurance policies. A Jacksonville fatal car accident lawyer can review all available options.
Can multiple parties be held liable for a fatal crash?
Yes. Depending on the circumstances, liability may extend beyond the at-fault driver to employers, vehicle manufacturers, or government entities responsible for unsafe road conditions.
Do fatal car accident cases always go to court?
No. Many wrongful death claims are resolved through settlements. However, if insurance companies refuse to offer fair compensation, filing a lawsuit may be necessary to protect your family’s rights.
How much does it cost to hire a fatal car accident lawyer?
Most fatal car accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning there are no upfront costs. Legal fees are only collected if compensation is recovered.
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.