If you were injured in a truck accident, you can benefit from legal help.
Summary
- Truck accidents cause severe injuries and financial burdens.
- Truck accident law is complex due to regulations and multiple parties involved.
- Negotiating with well-funded trucking companies and insurers is difficult on your own.
- An attorney can handle evidence collection, fight for fair compensation, and give you peace of mind during recovery.
Truck accidents are more than just collisions; they’re life-altering events. The physical and emotional trauma can be immense, leaving you grappling with serious injuries, mounting medical bills, and an uncertain future. In these moments of vulnerability, you don’t have to face the legal fight alone. This is where a qualified truck accident attorney becomes your strongest advocate.
The truck accident lawyers at Werner, Hoffman, Greig & Garcia are here to help. We are dedicated to defending the rights of truck accident victims and fighting for fair compensation. Call us at (800) 320-HELP or contact us online to get started.
Truck Accident Basics
The huge size of a semi-truck compared to a regular passenger car means that accidents involving large trucks can cause enormous damage, with passengers of smaller vehicles especially at risk for serious injuries.
Common injuries sustained in truck accidents include:
- Spinal cord damage: The impact of a truck accident can cause severe damage to the spinal cord, leading to paralysis or permanent loss of function in the arms and legs.
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs): Truck accidents can cause a variety of TBIs, ranging from mild concussions to life-threatening injuries.
- Severe lacerations and broken bones: The impact of a collision with a truck can cause deep cuts and fractures, requiring extensive medical treatment.
- Internal organ damage: The devastating forces involved in a truck accident can cause internal bleeding and damage to organs.
- Amputations: The crushing force of a truck can lead to amputations of limbs, requiring extensive surgeries and rehabilitation.
Additionally, victims of truck accidents may suffer serious emotional trauma. Most face a variety of expenses like car repair or replacement.
Reasons You Should Hire a Truck Accident Attorney
You may be tempted to try and handle the fallout of your truck accident on your own. While you’re not required to hire a personal injury lawyer to help you pursue justice, there are many reasons why you should consider it.
1. Complexity of Truck Accident Law
Trucking is a vital component of the American economy. The size and importance of the industry come with a web of complex regulations. Truck drivers and companies must comply with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations, which are far more intricate than regular traffic laws. A truck accident attorney can interpret these regulations and determine if they were violated.
Truck accidents also will frequently involve multiple at-fault parties, like the driver, the trucking company, or even maintenance providers or cargo loaders. This can mean that victims of truck accidents have to navigate several overlapping insurance policies. A personal injury attorney can help you obtain fair compensation from all liable parties.
2. Dealing with Powerful Entities
Victims of truck accidents may find themselves facing well-resourced trucking companies and their insurers. These entities have teams dedicated to minimizing payouts. To avoid paying you what you deserve, they may use tactics like downplaying your injuries or offering lowball settlements. Negotiating with them on your own can be daunting.
An experienced semi-truck accident attorney levels the playing field. They have the knowledge and resources to counter these tactics and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Some states have what are called “shared fault” laws. These laws stipulate that the amount of compensation you receive may be reduced if you are found to be partially at fault for the truck accident.
A personal injury attorney can analyze the specific facts of your case and develop a strategy to minimize any potential fault attributed to you. This can significantly impact the overall value of your claim. They can also negotiate with the other party’s insurance company to ensure your compensation reflects the true degree of fault.
4. Proving Liability
Determining fault in a truck accident can be challenging. A personal injury attorney can investigate the cause of the accident and gather evidence to prove the truck driver or trucking company’s negligence.
Your truck accident attorney may utilize evidence like:
- Accident reconstruction: An attorney can use experts to reconstruct the accident and determine the cause.
- Driver logs and qualifications: Attorneys can obtain driver logs to check for violations of FMCSA regulations regarding driving hours and fatigue. They can also investigate the driver’s qualifications and training records.
- Truck maintenance records: Improper truck maintenance can contribute to accidents. An attorney can obtain and analyze maintenance records to identify any negligence.
- Witness testimony: An attorney can gather witness statements to corroborate your version of events.
- Black box data: Modern trucks often have data recorders that can provide valuable insights into the moments leading up to the accident.
5. Peace of Mind During a Difficult Time
The aftermath of a truck accident can be overwhelming. While you’re trying to recover from your injuries and heal from the trauma of the accident, there’s a mountain of legal actions that demand your attention.
Your truck accident attorney can help you get through this difficult time with minimal stress. They are responsible for taking care of things like evidence collection, negotiating with insurance companies, and even representing you in court if necessary.
Compensation for Truck Accident Victims
Truck accidents are often devastating impacts that leave victims with painful injuries and piling bills. Our experienced truck accident lawyers can help you recover compensation that addresses the true value of all damages you suffer, including:
- Medical expenses: Past, present, and future medical costs associated with your injuries
- Lost wages: Compensation for wages lost due to your injury and any future earning capacity you may have lost if your injuries prevent you from returning to work.
- Pain and suffering: Compensation for the physical and emotional pain caused by your injuries. This can include chronic pain, emotional distress, PTSD, and loss of enjoyment of life.
- Property damage: Compensation for repairs or replacement of your vehicle if it was damaged in the truck accident.
The compensation available may vary depending on the specifics of your case, like the type of truck accident and the severity of your injuries. Talk to our team at WHG for a personalized assessment of the compensation that you may be owed.
Contact the Truck Accident Lawyers at WHG Today
Don’t face the physical, emotional, and financial burdens of a truck accident alone. The WHG legal team is here to help you navigate the complexities of your case and fight for the maximum compensation you deserve. We also understand the long-term consequences of truck accidents, and we’re dedicated to helping you rebuild your life.
You can contact us online or call us at (800) 320-HELP to schedule a free consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What steps should I take after a truck accident?
After a truck accident, your first priority should be safety. Seek medical attention right away, call 911, collect contact information from any witnesses, and take pictures of the scene of the accident. You also want to contact a truck accident attorney right away to explore your legal options.
What if the truck accident is partially my fault?
Even if you were partially to blame for the truck accident, don’t give up. You can still recover compensation due to comparative fault laws. Working with an experienced personal injury attorney can help you advocate for yourself and minimize the fault attributed to you.
How much time do I have to file a claim after my truck accident?
The statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim in Florida is generally two years from the date of the accident. However, it’s important to consult with a truck accident lawyer as soon as possible to ensure you don’t miss any deadlines.
