Personal Injury Attorneys

These accidents are the leading causes of injury and death in the United States. According to the National Traffic Safety Administration, every 10 seconds someone in the U.S. is involved in a car accident. In 2013, approximately 5,687,000 traffic crashes were reported, over 32,719 people were killed, and over 2,300,000 injured. Amazingly, in 1999 alone, 38 percent of traffic fatalities involved alcohol. It is critical to retain a lawyer in Jacksonville, FL, who understands the arena of laws and medical issues to navigate the pre-suit and litigation process. Our personal injury lawyers in Jacksonville, FL, know the court system, the judges, and the claims process.

Trucking accidents are typically among the most serious accidents, because of the size and typical speed of large tractor trailers on our roadways. Trucking companies must adhere their equipment to Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations. Drivers are also regulated on the permissible number of hours they can operate the vehicles. The Florida Department of Transportation also regulates commercial carriers and drivers. Oversized loads, mechanical failure, speed, reckless driving, and improper driver training account for many of these accidents, but most truck crashes are caused by driver fatigue. It is important to quickly obtain the history of the driver and the service history of the truck involved before records are lost or destroyed.

Unfortunately, motorists do not always respect the rights of cyclists and pedestrians. It is not unusual for cyclists to get hit in the bicycle lane or pedestrians to be struck in crosswalks. As a result, there are thousands of accidents each year involving motor vehicles, bicyclists, and pedestrians.

Also, when pedestrians and bicycles are involved in accidents with motor vehicles, the insurance laws and coverages applicable can vary drastically. Personal injury protection benefits may still apply, although different carriers may provide such benefits. It is important to consult an attorney to determine these issues immediately and ensure that any medical bills are paid.

Because of the approximately one million registered boats and recreational vessels in Florida, we have the highest marine accident rate in the United States. Recreational marine activity involves many dangerous aspects, and serious accidents abound. There are collisions and falls and product liability issues with propellers, straps, etc. There are typically complicated legal and safety issues involved, and federal laws and shorter limitation periods may be implicated if the accident occurs on a navigable waterway. You should consult an attorney promptly if you or a loved one is involved in a boating or recreational vessel accident.

Slip and fall accidents can cause serious injury, although often are not taken seriously. A fall on another person's property due to unsafe conditions may be eligible for compensation due to personal injury. Property owners are responsible for keeping their premises safe and must warn visitors of potential non-obvious hazards. For example, if fluids are left on the floor of a store for an unreasonable amount of time, or there is no effort to clean the floor after notice of the condition, the owner may be legally liable for a slip and fall injury occurring in that location.

Most slip and falls happen in commercial settings, including grocery stores, drug stores, office buildings, construction sites, and even gas stations and malls. These accidents may also happen on private property. Either way, there exist duties on the part of the property owners to maintain the property responsibly and avoid the existence of dangerous conditions. If you have been injured on another's property, you may be eligible for compensation.

A variety of injuries can result from exposure to toxic chemicals like asbestos, benzene, vinyl chloride, and others. Exposure to these chemicals can have serious short and long-term effects, from burns to cancer to toxic shock and even death. Typically, these injuries occur from either working with toxic chemicals or living near a facility that manufactures or uses dangerous chemicals. There can also be exposure at playgrounds or in drinking water. You will need the expertise of an attorney and chemical engineers to determine toxicity and liability. If you think you or a loved one has been exposed to a toxic chemical, consult a physician immediately and follow up with an attorney to determine your rights.

Construction sites pose serious dangers to workers and invitees. There are work-related injuries while lifting, operating machinery and tools, and working in hazardous locations and heights. Safety training and precaution is crucial to a safe work environment, and most companies are required to abide by OSHA and other worksite regulations. Supervisors and Foremen are required to properly train employees on safety-related issues and proper use of equipment.

Passersby are also potentially subject to unsecured objects falling. These claims often involve worker’s compensation and product liability issues, and compensation may vary depending on the circumstances of the injury. We have the attorneys in Jacksonville, FL, that want to speak to you about your case.

Airline crashes typically result in the most traumatic injuries and death. These cases are extremely complex and may involve federal, State, or international laws and treaties. There may also be limitations on recoveries and caps on damages. Weather, maintenance, ground preparation of flights, pilot error, manufacturing defects, and controller error may all contribute to a crash.

Typically, the National Transportation and Safety Board (NTSB) conducts an investigation. Obtaining a copy of the NTSB report and having the evidence reviewed by an aviation expert is crucial to determining if there is a potential issue and responsibility.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a medical phrase used to describe the damage to the brain suffered by sudden impact or physical force to the head. Essentially, the human brain floats in a fluid substance called cerebrospinal fluid. TBI can result when an impact causes the momentum of the brain to come into contact with the skull. This type of injury, often the result of hitting your head on the windshield, pavement, or object, is frequently referred to as a "closed head injury." Whiplash can also cause TBI and is similar to "shaken baby syndrome." These closed head injuries can result in lasting physical and mental problems.

Because closed head injuries are often caused by accidents, there may be others responsible for the injuries and resulting damages. Some TBI patients require long-term rehabilitation and extensive medical care and may miss significant amounts of work. The financial impact of these injuries can be tremendous and finding a law firm that understands the medical and legal issues involved is crucial. Locating and retaining the right biomedical experts is important, and our firm has contacts with the best ones available in this field.

Wrongful death can result from the negligence of others from any of the accidents described here, or as a result of defective products or medical negligence. Losing a loved one is an extremely difficult situation, both financially and mentally. Florida has a specific statutory scheme called the "Florida Wrongful Death Act" which controls these cases, and there are specific timing and legal requirements to file claims under the Act. Typically, these cases must be filed within 2 years of the date of death, although it may be earlier or later depending on the nature of the claim. If you have lost a loved one due to the fault of another, you should consult with an attorney at our firm to help you receive compensation.