There are a multitude of vehicles that we see on the roads every day, but none are quite as large or as dangerous as trucks. Truck accidents happen far too often, and they can be absolutely devastating. If you’ve been involved in a truck accident, you need to seek out experienced legal help immediately. A Truck accident lawyer in Hollywood, FL can investigate what happened and work to get you the compensation you deserve.
Truck accidents are different than other types of traffic accidents for a number of reasons. First, trucks are much larger than passenger vehicles, so the damage they cause is usually much more severe. Second, because trucks are so large and carry such heavy loads, it’s often very difficult for them to stop quickly or swerve out of the way to avoid an accident. This means that many truck accidents are the result of driver error or company negligence.
If you’ve been involved in a truck accident, the first thing you need to do is seek medical attention for any injuries you may have sustained but also make sure that you keep records of all of your medical bills and expenses. This will be important later when you file a personal injury claim.
Then, you need to contact an experienced truck accident lawyer as soon as possible. Your lawyer will work with investigators and experts to try to determine what caused the accident and who may be at fault. Your lawyer will work to get you compensated for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and any other damages you may have incurred.
How an Experienced Truck Accident Lawyer will Assist You
- Attorneys will study your case in detail and determine what occurred. Truck accidents are often severe, due to the size and weight of the vehicles involved. More often than not, those affected by the accident are left confused and unsure about what caused it. Your accident lawyer will look into the accident, gather all of the evidence needed, and work to develop a compelling case for you.
- Truck accident investigations usually entail a variety of materials, including electronic sensor records, trucking company maintenance logs, driver work logs, and other vital information. Commercial trucks are equipped with data-collecting technology that many accident victims don’t know about. It may assist investigators in determining what caused the accident and how the driver responded.
- They will also review truck maintenance records and driver activity logs. The government requires trucking firms to maintain their vehicles and keep them safe on the road. Similarly, truckers are required by law to get rest and ensure that they can safely operate their vehicles. If they break the rules, disastrous consequences like accidents, injuries, and death could occur.
- All avenues for your recovery will be pursued by the attorneys. Truck accidents are more difficult to investigate than automobile collisions since they might involve a professional driver, a trucking firm, a freight loading company, equipment makers, and other stakeholders. Given that trucks are so powerful, even a small mistake can cause major problems. The lawyers will confidentially speak with you about your accident, investigate who was at fault, and work to get the compensation you deserve from them.
- They will work with you and doctors to identify your injuries and how they have changed your life while you are preparing your claim. After an accident, it can be difficult to assess how much compensation you may be entitled to. An experienced Personal injury lawyer can help you navigate the legal process and fight for the maximum amount of compensation possible.
- These experts will settle disagreements for you with insurance and trucking companies, among others who may be held responsible. The at-fault party’s insurance company will want to settle for as little money as possible.
- In many circumstances, your lawyer may reach an agreement during negotiations, but the parties who caused the incident may refuse to settle. If you feel like you’re not receiving the right amount of compensation, they can take your case to court and fight tirelessly on your behalf. Attorneys can draft any legal papers, fashion courtroom tactics, and fight vigorously for you in court.
- After a truck accident, get the representation you need from experienced and talented lawyers. Most represent clients all around the state and handle both personal injury and wrongful death claims on a contingency basis. Some charge no legal fees unless they win.
Who may be at fault and can seek out compensation from?
- The transport company
First and foremost, the trucking company may be at fault and can be held liable for damages. If the truck was not properly maintained or if the driver was not properly trained, the company may be held responsible. In some cases, the company may also be held liable if it did not follow proper hiring procedures.
- The owner(s) of the tractor and the trailer
Next, the owner(s) of the tractor and the trailer can also be held liable. If the tractor and/or trailer was not properly maintained, this could lead to an accident. Additionally, if the owner(s) did not follow proper safety procedures when loading or unloading the trailer, they may be held responsible.
- The shipper of the cargo
If the shipper of the cargo did not properly secure the load, they could be held liable for damages. Additionally, if the cargo was not properly labeled or was dangerous, the shipper may be held at fault. When cargo shifts during transport, it can cause the truck to tip over or jackknife, leading to an accident.
- The owner of the cargo
The cargo’s owner may also be held at fault if the cargo was not properly secured or was dangerous. Additionally, if the cargo was not properly labeled, the owner may be held liable. This is normally pursued if the cargo itself caused the accident or it’s spillage impacts the accident.
- The company that was responsible for the truck’s maintenance
It is vital that trucks are regularly maintained to ensure their safety on the road. If a company is negligible in it’s practices for truck safety and maintenance, they could be held at fault if an accident occurs.
- The municipality where the accident occurred
If the municipality where the accident occurred did not properly maintain the roads, they could be held at fault. Poorly maintained roads can lead to accidents, and if it is proven that the municipality did not take proper care of the roads, they may be held liable.
- The maker of a defective part in the truck
Once the investigation reveals that a defective part in the truck led to the accident, the maker of that part could be held liable. In some cases, multiple parties may be at fault for an accident. An experienced attorney can help you determine who may be liable and what compensation you may be entitled to.
- The truck driver
Lastly, the truck driver may be held at fault. If the driver was fatigued, under the influence of drugs or alcohol, not properly trained, or driving recklessly, they may be held liable. Additionally, if the driver was not following proper safety procedures, they could be held at fault.
What can you seek compensation for?
Medical expenses
If you were injured in a truck accident, you may be able to seek compensation for your medical expenses. This includes any ambulance fees, hospital bills, surgery costs, and rehabilitation costs. You may also be able to seek compensation for future medical expenses if your injuries are expected to require ongoing treatment.
Lost wages
If you missed time from work due to your injuries, you may be able to seek compensation for your lost wages. This includes any wages you have already lost as well as any future lost wages if you are unable to return to work or can only return to work in a limited capacity.
Pain and suffering
In addition to medical expenses and lost wages, you may also be able to seek compensation for your pain and suffering. This includes any physical pain, emotional distress, and mental anguish you have experienced as a result of the accident.
Loss of consortium
If your spouse or partner was killed in a truck accident, you may be able to seek compensation for the loss of their companionship. Additionally, if your relationship with your spouse or partner has been negatively impacted by their injuries, you may be able to seek compensation for the loss of consortium.
Punitive damages
In some cases, you may also be able to seek punitive damages. These are designed to punish the at-fault party and deter future negligence. punitive damages are not available in every case, and an experienced attorney can help you determine if they may be available in your case.
We hope that you never get into an accident with a truck, but if you do, it is important to know that there are experienced attorneys who can help you. If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, you have a right to seek compensation. An experienced attorney can help you understand your rights and options and fight for justice and what you deserve.
