Florida Truck Accident Attorney
When tractor-trailers collide with passenger vehicles in traffic, the aftermath is almost always devastating. The resulting property damage alone can amount to thousands of dollars, which is enough to threaten anyone’s financial security. Upon taking into account the costs associated with treating any debilitating injuries-which can add up to hundreds of thousands of dollars-it quickly becomes clear why those involved should pursue compensation from the liable party.
The Florida truck accident attorneys at Halpern Santos & Pinkert can help you navigate every stage of the personal injury claims process so you can avoid costly mistakes and lengthy delays. With our strategic guidance, you may be able to recover compensation for some or all of your damages within a reasonable period of time so you can continue providing for your family.
Our truck accident lawyers have more than 60 years of combined experience helping injured parties put their lives back in order. Because of our unwavering commitment to providing effective representation and protecting the best interests of each and every client, we have recovered more than $200 million in successful settlements and verdicts. Call 305-445-1111 to schedule a free case evaluation with a truck accident attorney in Florida.
How Soon Should I Hire a Florida Truck Accident Attorney?
If you were hurt in a collision with an 18-wheeler, you only have a limited amount of time in which to file a lawsuit against the commercial driver, motor carrier, or other liable party. If you miss this deadline, your case will most likely be dismissed.
Since Florida has no-fault auto insurance laws, you will likely try to pursue compensation from your own insurance provider first. Depending on the policy in question, you may only have a matter of weeks to file the claim. Some insurance providers give claimants just 14 days to notify them of an incident.
Thus, it is essential that you call a truck accident attorney as soon as possible following a wreck. Your first priority after a crash should be your health, and your second should be securing legal representation for the negotiations to come.
Calling a lawyer within days of the incident will also contribute to the strength of your claim. Your attorney will have the chance to obtain valuable, time-sensitive evidence such as security footage of the scene, driver’s logs, and black box data, which may become unavailable soon after your wreck.
Types of Cases Our Florida Truck Accident Attorneys Handle
Every large truck crash has a critical reason and a critical event, and it is up to claimants to prove how the liable party was responsible for both. The critical event is the action or scenario that made the collision inevitable, and the critical reason is the cause of the critical event. The personal injury lawyers at Halpern Santos & Pinkert have successfully handled claims involving all kinds of critical reasons and events, including wrecks that were the result of:
- Drunk, drowsy, or distracted drivers;
- Tire blowouts;
- Uneven cargo loads;
- Poor road conditions;
- Foul weather;
- Speeding; and
- Brake failure.
Who Might Be Liable for Damages in Florida Truck Accident Cases?
There are various parties who might be liable for damages resulting from a traffic crash involving a big rig. Depending on the critical reason and critical event that ultimately led to the truck accident, you might have grounds for a claim against:
- The commercial driver;
- The motor carrier that employed the commercial driver;
- The municipality responsible for maintaining the roads where the wreck occurred;
- The vehicle or parts manufacturer;
- The company responsible for maintaining the trucks;
- The cargo loading company; and/or
- Other motorists who were in traffic around you.
Our Truck Accident Attorneys Will Help You Prove Liability & Damages
Our lawyers know how to gather the types of evidence needed to prove negligence, liability, and damages in the wake of a truck crash. To ensure you have the greatest chance of recovering compensation for medical bills, lost income, and emotional distress, we will investigate the collision thoroughly prior to negotiating for a settlement. Our legal staff will use every possible resource to uncover valuable evidence, which might include:
- Toll booth receipts;
- Driver’s logs;
- Cell phone records;
- Black box data;
- Eyewitness testimony;
- Surveillance footage;
- Dash cam footage;
- Truck maintenance records;
- Weigh station records;
- Photographs of the scene; and
- Statements from accident reconstructions experts.
How Much Is My Case Worth?
The value of any given truck accident claim depends on a variety of factors, including the total property damage your vehicle incurred and the full extent of any bodily injuries you sustained. Although no firm can promise to recover a specific amount for clients because legal proceedings are unpredictable, our lawyers know what it takes to help injured parties fight for the maximum payout.
We will consider both economic and non-economic costs when calculating a fair settlement amount. Potentially recoverable damages that can increase the value of your claim and, subsequently, the total compensation include:
- Vehicle repairs;
- Past medical bills and future healthcare expenses;
- Lost wages and benefits while recovering;
- Loss of earning capacity upon reaching maximum medical improvement;
- Home modifications and homecare expenses;
- Emotional distress;
- Pain and suffering;
- Loss of consortium;
- Loss of enjoyment; and
- Scarring or physical disfigurement.
In addition to the compensatory damages listed above, claimants may be able to recover exemplary damages in certain circumstances. Often called punitive damages, they apply when the liable party’s actions were grossly negligent, fraudulent, or malicious.
Call 305-445-1111 for a Free Consultation with a Florida Truck Accident Attorney
The Florida truck accident attorneys at Halpern Santos & Pinkert are here to answer your questions, address your concerns, and help you fight for the compensation you deserve. Our law firm will protect your family’s best interests during every stage of the proceedings.
We are proud to provide the personalized representation of a small practice yet we have the resources to take on even the largest motor carriers and insurance companies. To discuss your case in a free initial consultation, call 305-445-1111 or use our Contact Form to reach us online.
