Auto Accidents

Jacksonville Beach Auto Accident Lawyers Represent People Hurt in Car Crashes

Proven Florida advocate also handles truck, motorcycle and bicycle claims

Auto, motorcycle, and trucking accidents frequently result in injuries as well as the ensuing stress, emotional trauma, and financial burdens that accompany them. It is for this reason that contacting an experienced auto accident attorney is imperative to your recovery process. Victims of auto, motorcycle, and trucking accidents in Florida often question whether they are entitled to compensation or can even afford the costs of hiring an attorney. At my Jacksonville Beach firm, Bruce A. Gartner, P.A., my door is always open to auto accident victims. I know car crashes are traumatic events, and my mission is to guide you through the legal process so you obtain the compensation you need for the harm you’ve suffered. I also offer a free consultation to answer your questions and concerns so you can proceed with confidence in my ability to help.


Trustworthy attorney pursues fair compensation for crash victims

Approximately 400,000 auto accidents occur annually in Florida. Many of these cases don’t result in physical injury, but those that do can trigger excessive harm. With two decades of experience litigating personal injury and wrongful death cases, I can handle all types of vehicle accident litigation, such as cases involving:


  • In truck accident matters, my firm investigates potential violations of regulations governing large commercial vehicles and their operators.
  • Motorcycles—Without the protection offered by a car or truck, motorcycle riders can face catastrophic injury when a driver doesn’t comply with the rules of the road.
  • SUVs—The high center of gravity of a sport-utility vehicle can make it prone to rollover accidents. After an SUV accident, I’ll take on negligent manufacturers as well as careless motorists.
  • Pedestrians—Drivers distracted by smartphones and other tech devices pose a danger to people walking on streets or sidewalks.


Starting with a free initial consultation, my firm will make every legal effort to secure the reimbursement you’re entitled to for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, property damage, and emotional trauma.


A knowledgeable counselor advises on auto insurance issues

Dealing with an insurance company is often frustrating, especially when you’re relying on a fair resolution to meet your urgent financial needs. Though legislators are seeking to change the law, Florida has a no-fault system for auto insurance. Individuals who are hurt in car accidents usually must seek payment for medical expenses and lost wages from their own insurance company. However, in specially designated situations where the harm is severe, you might be able to bring an action against the motorist who caused the crash. Regardless of whether it is your carrier or the other driver’s insurance company, I will work diligently to maximize your settlement. When the other motorist lacks car insurance, I’ll outline your options under uninsured motorist coverage and help you decide if a lawsuit against the at-fault driver is worthwhile.


Important steps to take following a vehicular accident

If you are the victim of an accident, there are a few critical steps you can take following the incident that can greatly increase your likelihood of collecting proper compensation. In addition to contacting a skilled lawyer in Jacksonville who specializes in car accidents, you should take the following steps:


  • Call the police following the accident to ensure adequate reports and documentation of the event.
  • Seek medical help.
  • Refrain from discussing the accident with the other parties involved, particularly those who are at fault for it. Your attorney will handle these details for you.
  • Obtain information from the other driver(s), including full name, address, license number, and insurance carrier.
  • Document the scene using a camera, cellphone, or notepad sketch. If you can, include notes on the important details of the accident that you may forget later.


Whether your case stems from a rear-end collision, an SUV rollover, speeding, a distracted driver, or a motorist who’s impaired by alcohol, I have the legal and practical knowledge to construct the most effective legal argument possible on your behalf.

Frequently Asked Questions About Florida Auto Accident Litigation

Experienced Jacksonville Beach lawyer outlines key aspects of vehicle crash claims

You and your loved ones will encounter numerous challenges after sustaining injuries in a vehicle accident. Even if you believe that you have a potential personal injury claim to recover payment for your medical costs, lost wages, property damage, and other compensable losses, it can be difficult to know how to get started. At my Jacksonville Beach firm, Bruce A. Gartner, P.A., I draw on 20 years of legal experience to assist victims of auto accidents and other types of harmful incidents. From the moment you’ve been in a car, truck, motorcycle, or bicycle collision, my firm will deliver knowledgeable guidance, providing in-depth answers to questions such as these:

  • What should I do if I’m involved in an auto accident?

    If you’ve been involved in an auto accident, you should always seek help immediately so that anyone who’s hurt can get necessary medical attention as quickly as possible. Once you’ve called the police, you can take important steps that will bolster your eventual legal claim. Take pictures at the accident scene, and record your observations regarding the weather, road conditions and any other relevant information. Get the other driver’s contact information, license, and insurance. No matter what occurred, don’t discuss who’s to blame. You won’t win your case at the scene and could make a harmful admission inadvertently.

  • How is fault determined in a car, truck, motorcycle or bicycle collision?

    Each vehicle collision is unique, and the determination of fault for a particular auto accident is often based on a range of factors. At the scene, a police officer might make an evaluation based on the available information. While this information might be persuasive to an insurance adjuster or a jury member, key facts are often missed or omitted. The best way to prevent an unfair assessment from prejudicing your case is to hire an accomplished personal injury attorney as quickly as possible.

  • If my car is rear-ended, can I be found liable?

    Under Florida law, there is a presumption that the driver of the trailing car is responsible for a rear-end collision. This is why it’s important to maintain a safe distance behind a vehicle that’s driving ahead of you. However, if an unusual circumstance exists, this legal presumption can be overturned, so it’s important to obtain assistance from a qualified attorney no matter what side you’re on in a rear-end collision case.

  • What happens if more than one party was at fault for the accident?

    Florida follows a pure comparative negligence standard, which means that even if someone bears some responsibility for the accident, they can seek damages from others who are also partly at fault. The plaintiff's percentage of fault reduces the amount of the recovery. For example, if a collision results in $100,000 worth of damages and the jury determines that the plaintiff was 20 percent responsible for the crash because they were slightly distracted, the recovery would be $80,000.

  • Is a car making a left turn always held legally responsible for an accident?

    Legally, a driver making a left turn is required to yield to vehicles that are in his or her path. This means that the operator of the car or truck that is turning typically is considered at fault when that driver collides with an oncoming vehicle. However, each case is unique, and a thorough investigation may determine that the nonturning driver bears at least some liability.

  • What is the Florida no-fault law?

    Under Florida’s no-fault auto insurance law, most injured drivers seek reimbursement for accident costs from their carrier, regardless of who caused the collision. This makes it important to have a skillful advocate to represent you in negotiations with your insurer should a dispute arise. In cases involving certain serious injuries, plaintiffs are permitted to seek compensation from the at-fault driver and the liable driver’s insurer. Legislative efforts have been launched to change this rule, so you should consult a dedicated auto accident attorney to ensure that you have the up-to-date information that you need.

  • What is bodily injury coverage?

    Bodily injury liability is an additional type of auto insurance coverage that is optional for most Florida drivers; it provides financial protection for medical costs associated with injuries that stem from vehicle accidents. It covers the medical costs associated with injuries that stem from vehicle accidents. Florida requires drivers to carry a minimum of $10,000 in Personal Injury Projection coverage, so it’s easy to understand why additional protection might be needed to cover medical costs, even if the injury is not catastrophic. Motorists who are convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs can be forced to purchase bodily injury liability coverage due to the risk they present to other drivers and passengers.

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Auto Accidents