When Should You Contact A Truck Accident Attorney?
Truck accidents are quite common in the United States of America. The National Safety Council estimates that in 2020, 107,000 trucks were involved in accidents that resulted in injuries. Usually, truck accidents result in more severe injuries than accidents between passenger vehicles because of the size and weight of trucks. And, unfortunately, many truck accident injuries have long-lasting effects.
After suffering severe injuries in a truck accident in Florida, you may have the right to file an accident claim and recover compensation for your injuries and damages. In Florida, you can even file your claim alone without the help of an attorney. However, while you are not legally obligated to hire an attorney for a Florida truck accident case, it is highly advisable that you hire one. There are also some circumstances where you will almost certainly need an attorney.
So, when should you contact a truck accident attorney? If you were injured in a Florida truck accident, you should contact a lawyer as soon as possible. And when it comes to the circumstances where you will almost certainly need to get a truck accident attorney, the following are some of these situations;
#1: When Multiple Parties Are Involved
Truck accident cases are not like other cases. Usually, in truck accident cases, several parties are involved, and multiple parties could be to blame for the accident. It might seem like the truck driver is to blame for your truck accident, but the trucking company might also be to blame. Other potentially liable parties in a Florida truck accident case include;
- Truck manufacturers
- Mechanic
- Truck parts manufacturers
- Cargo Companies
For example, the cargo loader may have wrongly secured the cargo, or the truck manufacturer may have installed a defective part. A skilled truck accident attorney can help you identify all liable parties and ensure all are held accountable.
#2: When Your Damages Are Extensive
As already mentioned, truck accidents usually result in more severe injuries. If you were in a truck accident, chances are good that you are facing extensive damages. If this is the case, then you almost certainly need to hire a truck accident attorney. A truck accident attorney understands the full range of potential damages for injured truck accident victims and can help you determine the value of your case. An experienced lawyer will help you fight for the compensation you deserve.
You can recover the following damages in a Florida truck accident case;
- Economic Damages: Measurable losses with an exact value, such as medical expenses, lost wages, costs of repair or replacement, and loss of future earnings.
- Non-economic Damages: Non-monetary losses such as pain, suffering, emotional distress, and inconvenience.
- Punitive Damages: Damages awarded to punish the liable party and prevent others from engaging in similar behavior. These are only awarded in cases involving gross negligence.
#3: If Liability Is Disputed
If the responsible party or parties are disputing liability, you need to contact an attorney who can help you prove liability. A skilled truck accident lawyer can interview witnesses and gather other pieces of evidence that can help you prove liability, such as;
- video footage
- repair, maintenance, or inspection record
- black box data
- electronic logging device data
- cell phone records
#4: If the Insurance Company Offers You Less Than You Deserve
It is common for insurance companies to reach out to truck accident victims soon after the accident and make them a low offer. If the insurance company has contacted you and offered you less than you deserve, you should contact an attorney ASAP. A qualified truck accident attorney can effectively negotiate with the insurance company to secure the compensation you deserve. And if the insurance company refuses to pay you what you deserve, an experienced truck accident lawyer can litigate your case in court to ensure you receive the maximum possible compensation.
#5: If You Are Partially at Fault
If there is a chance you may also be to blame for your truck accident, contact an attorney immediately. Under Florida’s comparative negligence rule, you can recover compensation for your injuries even if you are 99% to blame for your truck accident. However, it might be hard to recover compensation without the help of an attorney.
#6: If Litigation Is Necessary
Lastly, you need to contact a truck accident attorney if settling your case out-of-court has proven impossible. If you and the negligent party or parties cannot reach an agreement, the only option left might be proceeding to court. You don’t want to risk going to court without legal representation. Court proceedings can be complex and daunting. A qualified truck accident attorney understands how to present your case in court in the best light without being intimidated by the defense side.
Contact a Naples Truck Accident Attorney
Our Naples truck accident attorneys at The Law Offices of Marc L. Shapiro can help you with your truck accident case as you focus on recovering. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
Source:
injuryfacts.nsc.org/motor-vehicle/road-users/large-trucks/
