General information, not legal advice. Reading this page does not create an attorney-client relationship.
Hurt in a crash? Text the Libra first.
I’m Shannon Schott. I’m a Florida trial attorney, born and raised in Jacksonville, and I handle car crash cases. That’s the job. That’s the firm. It’s called Libra Law because I’m a Libra and the scales are the whole point.
For ten years my friends have called me for everything except the one thing I actually do. So let me be clear: if you, your mom, your coworker, or the guy from your gym gets hit in Florida, text me before you talk to the insurance adjuster. I’ll tell you in five minutes whether you have something.
The adjuster is not your friend
Two days after a crash, someone very nice from the other driver’s insurance company will call. She’ll ask how you’re feeling. She’ll say they just need a quick recorded statement. She may even say they’re accepting liability and want to get you a check quickly.
Her job is to close your file for as little as possible before your neck starts hurting. “I’m okay” goes in the file. The recorded statement is a deposition without your lawyer. “Quickly” means before your MRI.
Three Florida rules the adjuster won’t mention
- The 14-day rule. If you don’t get medical treatment within 14 days of the crash, your own PIP benefits can be gone. Fla. Stat. § 627.736.
- The 51% cliff. Since 2023, if a jury finds you more than 50% at fault, you recover nothing. Every “you were going a little fast, right?” is a percentage point. Fla. Stat. § 768.81.
- Two years. The deadline to file a negligence case in Florida dropped from four years to two. Fla. Stat. § 95.11.
What to do right now
- Get seen by a doctor. Today if you can, within 14 days no matter what.
- Do not give the other driver’s insurer a recorded statement. You don’t owe them one.
- Say this and nothing else: “My attorney will reach out.”
- Text the Libra.
Already have a lawyer friend? Refer me the case.
Florida attorneys: I co-counsel and share fees on personal injury matters in accordance with Rule 4-1.5(f)(4)(D). Use the same form and note that you’re the referring attorney. I’ll call you the same day.
Shannon B. Schott, Esq. · Libra Law LLC · Jacksonville, Florida. Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Juvenile Law. Personal injury and criminal defense. This page is attorney advertising. General information only, not legal advice; no attorney-client relationship is formed until a written agreement is signed.
