Being involved in a truck accident can be a harrowing experience, often leading to serious injuries or even fatal outcomes. In Florida, where the roadways are constantly bustling with commercial trucks and personal vehicles, understanding how compensation is determined in a truck accident case is crucial.
After a trucking accident, you may be confused and in pain. The injuries you may sustain can change your life forever. We are here to help you get the compensation you deserve. Here, you can learn more about how compensation is determined after a Florida truck accident. If you have more questions or need legal assistance, contact our experienced truck accident lawyer at Fetterman Law. We will advocate to help you receive fair commercial truck accident settlements.
Understanding Florida’s Laws in Truck Accident Cases
Florida law dictates that trucking companies adhere to stringent safety regulations to safeguard everyone on the road. Understanding these laws is essential when filing truck accident claims. As experienced truck accident attorneys, we are here to help with your case; however, learning more about what factors are considered when determining compensation can help you understand the average truck accident settlement in Florida.
In the event of an accident, one of the first things to do is to consult with our law firm. We can help guide you through the intricate path of filing a truck accident claim. This initial consultation is free and will help you gauge the strength of your case.
Delving Into the Insurance Aspects of Truck Accidents
In Florida, the no-fault rule applies in the context of motor vehicle and truck accidents. Under this rule, individuals first turn to their own insurance company to cover medical bills and lost wages, no matter who is at fault.
Yet, when severe injuries surpass the boundaries of personal injury protection insurance, you can file a personal injury claim against the negligent truck driver or the trucking company involved to recover a more substantial amount. Engaging a skilled truck accident attorney will be essential in navigating through insurance claims with the insurance company involved.
After a trucking accident, evidence can be lost or hidden quickly. Our team will investigate your trucking accident claim when you call us. We will take time to gather evidence that can help us secure fair semi-truck accident settlements for our clients. We use the evidence as leverage to negotiate with the insurance company. This puts us in a position to help you get the full compensation you deserve to cover all accident-related costs, such as medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
How to Determine Fault in a Boca Raton Truck Accident Case
Before seeking compensation, it is essential to determine who is at fault. While this is not necessary for minor accidents, since PIP insurance will likely cover the costs, it is necessary for more serious truck accidents. To determine fault, our truck accident attorney will do the following:
Gathering Evidence at the Accident Scene
Determining fault in a Boca Raton truck accident case requires our team to gather evidence at the accident scene. However, it is also beneficial if you try to gather evidence right after the incident occurs. While serious injuries may prevent this, if someone is nearby, it is beneficial to ask them for help with this task.
Examples of evidence to gather at the scene of the commercial truck accident include the following:
- Take photos of the vehicles, skid marks, signage, etc.
- Request an accident report
- Collect contact information from witnesses
Your truck accident attorney in Boca Raton can play a pivotal role in this phase, helping you secure evidence that accurately portrays the incident. We can use the evidence related to your commercial truck accident to negotiate with the at-fault party’s insurance company.
Potential At-Fault Parties in Semi-Truck Accidents
Several parties may be considered at fault for trucking accidents. These parties include the following:
Identifying the Trucking Company
The trucking company can often be a significant at-fault party in semi-truck accidents. Factors like improper vehicle maintenance or failure to comply with safety norms pinpoint them as responsible.
Analyzing the Truck Driver’s Actions
In many semi-truck accidents, the truck driver’s actions are scrutinized. It involves assessing if the driver violated traffic rules or was under the influence, which could position them as the at-fault party.
Considering Third Parties
Sometimes, third parties like manufacturers of commercial trucks or other drivers involved could hold a part of the responsibility in semi-truck accident settlements. An experienced truck accident attorney can help identify all potential at-fault parties to ensure a fair settlement.
Leveraging the Expertise of Truck Accident Lawyers
Truck accident lawyers with experience in Boca Raton can leverage their expertise to scrutinize every detail that could indicate the fault. From revisiting the accident spot to analyzing the accident report, their insights can be indispensable in a truck accident claim.
Determining the Compensation in a Truck Accident Settlement
When it comes to determining compensation, a variety of factors come into play. You may experience losses in tangible and intangible ways. You may also receive compensation if the actions of the truck driver or other at-fault party were especially egregious.
Economic Damages
Medical expenses for treating injuries sustained in the accident play a substantial role in shaping the settlement amount. These costs can encompass hospital bills, therapy fees, and even future medical treatment that may be required. It is essential to keep all medical records and documents you receive. We will use this to prove the tangible costs of treatment you have incurred due to a semi-truck accident.
Other considerations include lost wages due to the inability to work and the pain and suffering from the accident. Property damage is another pivotal factor, which covers repairs or replacement of your vehicle and other properties involved in the accident.
In some severe cases involving wrongful death or catastrophic injuries, families can seek compensation for their loss through a wrongful death claim. When determining such compensations, courts often evaluate the emotional trauma and financial hardships endured by the family members. When you hire a truck accident attorney from our firm, you can feel confident we will work to ensure the at-fault party’s insurance company is held liable for the injuries and damages that were caused.
Non-Economic Damages
In a truck accident case, victims can claim non-economic damages, which cater to the intangible losses suffered post-accident. This includes compensation for pain and suffering, mental anguish, and loss of life enjoyment.
Securing a fair settlement for these abstract losses often requires the skilled representation of a seasoned truck accident attorney who can effectively articulate the depth of your suffering to the court, assisting in getting the justice you deserve. It’s essential to consult with our attorneys to ensure your rights are protected.
Punitive Damages
In Boca Raton and other parts of Florida, truck accident victims can pursue punitive damages and seek compensation for their medical costs and other losses. Punitive damages are awarded to punish the at-fault party and deter similar reckless behaviors in the future. However, pursuing such damages requires an attorney who fully understands Florida’s legal landscape. We will help you file a truck accident claim and recover all damages you are entitled to.
Remember, punitive damages are only given when the at-fault driver’s actions were especially egregious or negligent. Our truck accident attorney can review the facts of your case to determine if these damages are an option.
The Role of Truck Accident Lawyers
Hiring our experienced truck accident lawyers is key to protecting your rights. With a truck accident lawyer from our firm by your side, you can feel confident you have someone well-versed in Florida truck accident cases protecting your rights.
We can handle negotiations with insurance providers, helping to secure a favorable settlement for you. Moreover, they can facilitate a smooth legal process by efficiently gathering necessary evidence from the accident scene and crafting a solid argument in your favor.
In some cases, you might find yourself navigating issues beyond insurance claims, including seeking reparations from responsible parties such as the trucking industry, commercial truck manufacturing companies, or even government entities. Experienced attorneys bring to the table the requisite knowledge to identify and target the right avenues for compensation.
Let Our Truck Accident Lawyer Help You Recover the Full Compensation You Deserve
Navigating a truck accident case in Florida can be complex, involving myriad laws and regulations. Whether you are grappling with medical costs, insurance claims, or seeking rightful compensation for your pain and suffering, remember that you do not have to do it alone.
Seek the expertise of a Florida truck accident attorney who can offer you legal representation and a shoulder to lean on during these trying times. At Fetterman Law, we take pride in holding truck drivers, trucking companies, and insurance companies liable for these accidents.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation to discuss your truck accident case. We are here to help and protect your rights.
