The Complete Guide to Personal Injury Claims After a Car Accident in St. Augustine

When a car accident happens, your life can change in an instant. Beyond the shock and property damage, you may be facing painful injuries, medical bills, lost income, and uncertainty about the future. In Florida, many car accident cases also qualify as personal injury claims — and knowing how to protect your rights from day one can make the difference between a minimal settlement and full compensation.

At St. Johns Law Group, our St. Augustine personal injury lawyers help car accident victims throughout Northeast Florida secure justice and financial recovery. This guide explains how personal injury claims work after a crash, the steps you should take, and how an experienced attorney can strengthen your case.

When a Car Accident Becomes a Personal Injury Case

A car accident becomes a personal injury claim when another party’s negligence causes you harm. Negligence can include:

Distracted driving (texting or phone use)
Speeding or reckless driving
Driving under the influence
Failing to yield or obey traffic signals
Unsafe lane changes or following too closely

If these actions — or similar careless behavior — led to your injuries, you have the right to pursue compensation through a personal injury claim.

➡ Learn more about how we handle personal injury claims in St. Augustine.

Florida’s Personal Injury Laws for Car Accidents

Statute of Limitations

Under Florida law, most personal injury cases — including car accidents — must be filed within two years of the incident. Waiting too long can permanently bar you from seeking compensation.

Comparative Negligence

Florida follows a modified comparative negligence rule. This means that if you are found partially at fault for the accident, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

No-Fault Insurance

Florida’s no-fault insurance (PIP coverage) requires your own insurance to cover some medical expenses and lost wages, regardless of fault. However, serious injuries often exceed PIP limits, allowing you to seek damages from the at-fault driver.

Common Injuries After a Car Accident

Injuries from car accidents vary widely in severity, but some of the most common include:

Whiplash & soft tissue damage – Often caused by sudden impact.
Fractures & broken bones – May require surgery and long recovery times.
Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) – Can cause lasting cognitive and physical effects.
Spinal cord injuries – Potentially life-changing and costly to treat.
Internal injuries – Dangerous and sometimes not immediately obvious.

➡ Visit our Car Accident Lawyer St. Augustine page to see how we handle complex crash cases.

Steps to Take After a Car Accident in St. Augustine

Seek medical attention immediately – Even if you feel fine, injuries may appear later.
Report the accident – Call law enforcement and obtain a police report.
Document the scene – Take photos, gather witness names, and keep all accident-related documents.
Notify your insurance company – But avoid giving a recorded statement without legal advice.
Contact a personal injury lawyer – The sooner you involve an attorney, the better your chances of preserving critical evidence and protecting your rights.

Free Download for Northeast Florida Drivers

Whether you’re a local resident or a visitor, our Personal Injury Car Accident Handout is available free of charge. It’s designed to be printed, saved on your phone, or shared with friends and family so you’re always prepared.

📄 Download the Handout Here

How a Personal Injury Attorney Can Help

Hiring an experienced attorney after a car accident can:

Preserve evidence – Accident scene photos, dashcam footage, and witness statements.
Coordinate medical care – Connect you with specialists and document injuries.
Negotiate with insurance companies – To push for full and fair compensation.
Take your case to court – If the insurer refuses to offer a reasonable settlement.

Our St. Augustine personal injury attorneys combine aggressive advocacy with local insight to get results for our clients.

Why Choose St. Johns Law Group

Largest law firm in St. Augustine with resources to take on big insurers.
Over 265 years of combined legal experience.
No fee unless we win — you pay nothing unless we recover compensation.

Serving All of Northeast Florida

Our car accident and personal injury lawyers represent clients across St. Augustine, St. Johns County, Ponte Vedra Beach, Palm Coast, Nocatee, Anastasia Island, Jacksonville, and surrounding areas.

Contact Us Today for a Free Consultation

If you’ve been injured in a car accident in St. Augustine, don’t wait — evidence disappears quickly, and the clock is ticking on your claim. Let us fight for your rights.

📞 Call: 904-495-0400
🌐 Visit: www.sjlawgroup.com
📍 Office: St. Augustine, FL

St. Johns Law Group — Protecting the Injured. Fighting for Justice.