Gainesville Car Accident Lawyers

Experienced Gainesville car accident attorneys who know the local courts, the local roads, and how to win.

Gainesville Office

A car accident can change your life in an instant. What you do in the days and weeks that follow can significantly impact your ability to recover the compensation you deserve. Insurance companies move fast after an accident, and without experienced legal representation on your side, they will try to minimize what they pay you.

At Avera & Smith, our Gainesville car accident lawyers have been fighting for injured car accident victims across Alachua County and North Central Florida for over 70 years. We know the roads, the courts, and the insurance company tactics — and we’re ready to fight for you.

Call Avera & Smith today at 352-372-9999 for a free consultation. No upfront costs and no fee unless we win.

When you hire Avera & Smith, you’re not just hiring an attorney; you’re hiring a powerhouse firm backed by decades of experience, proven results, and a reputation for taking on insurance companies and winning. Property owners and their insurers know our reputation, and that reputation changes how your case is handled from day one. 

Since Bill Avera opened his practice in Gainesville more than 70 years ago, our firm has been fighting for injured drivers across Alachua County and North Central Florida. We know Gainesville’s roads, courts, and community. This local knowledge gives our clients a strategic advantage.

Partners Mark Avera and Jennifer Cates Lester hold board certification in civil trial law from the Florida Bar, a distinction earned by fewer than 5% of Florida’s licensed attorneys. When insurance companies see individuals represented by board certified trial attorneys, they take the case more seriously from the very first conversation.

Our attorneys are members of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, a distinction reserved for lawyers who have secured settlements and verdicts exceeding $1 million. We know what maximum compensation looks like and we know how to pursue it.

If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Gainesville, the answer is almost always yes — and the sooner the better. Here’s why:

Insurance companies are not on your side. The adjuster assigned to your claim works for the insurance company and their job is to settle your claim for as little as possible. They may contact you quickly after the accident, hoping to get a recorded statement or offer a quick settlement before you fully understand the extent of your injuries. Accepting that offer or giving recorded statements without an attorney can permanently limit your ability to recover full compensation.

Gainesville’s roads present specific hazards that experienced local attorneys understand well. High traffic corridors like Archer Road, Newberry Road, University Avenue, and the intersections surrounding the University of Florida campus see a disproportionate number of serious accidents. Our attorneys know these roads and how accidents on them are investigated and litigated in Alachua County courts.

Even if you’re not sure whether you have a strong case, a free consultation with a Gainesville car accident lawyer costs you nothing and could make a big difference in your outcome.

In addition to recovering for the property damage to your vehicle, a successful car accident claim in Gainesville can provide compensation for medical expenses, including emergency care, surgery, physical therapy, and future treatment needs; lost wages and loss of future earning capacity if your injuries affect your ability to work; pain and suffering, and wrongful death damages if a loved one was lost in the accident. Florida’s insurance laws and comparative fault rules affect how compensation is calculated. Therefore, it is highly advisable to contact our Gainesville accident lawyers to understand these rules and ensure you receive full and fair compensation.

View helpful articles and videos to educate and guide you after an accident.