Why Hiring a Commercial Truck Accident Attorney Can Make All The Difference
You have likely heard people mention that hiring a commercial truck accident attorney can influence the outcome of your claim. However, how can hiring an attorney actually make a difference? Commercial truck accidents often result in severe injuries, extensive property damage, and even fatalities. A commercial truck accident attorney can offer specific legal knowledge and experience acquired from previously successful cases.
At the Law Offices of Marc L. Shapiro, P.A., we are aware of the unique legal considerations for truck accident cases and can confidently handle your claim. But what exactly makes a truck accident attorney so crucial in these cases? Read on to discover more.
Handling the Complexities of Commercial Truck Accidents
Unlike standard car accidents, commercial truck accident cases involve complicated legal and regulatory issues. Trucks operate under federal and state regulations, including:
- Hours-of-service rules
- Maintenance standards
- Licensing requirements
- Cargo securement rules
- Hazardous materials compliance
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is tasked with enforcing Federal regulations. However, state laws also play a role in determining liability, filing deadlines, and compensation eligibility. Balancing these overlapping jurisdictions can be overwhelming for victims without legal guidance. An attorney understands how to manage both federal and state laws to develop a winning case.
In addition, commercial truck accident cases often involve several parties, each with their own legal teams. Potentially liable entities include:
- Commercial truck drivers for negligent behavior, such as distracted or drunk driving
- Trucking companies for hiring unqualified drivers or failing to maintain their fleet
- Manufacturers of defective vehicle components
- Cargo loaders for improperly secured loads that cause accidents
In such challenging cases, a truck accident attorney has the ability to gather evidence to assign liability to the correct parties.
Lawyers Have Resources to Build a Winning Case
One of the greatest benefits of engaging a commercial truck accident attorney in your case is their access to extensive resources. In cases where the events leading to the crash are not clear, your lawyer can seek the opinion of accident reconstruction experts to better understand the events. If needed, they can also gather and analyze black box data, driver logs, and witness statements to put together a compelling narrative to support your claim.
Importantly, the statute of limitations is key when pursuing a commercial truck accident claim in Florida. Even a minor delay in taking essential actions can throw a wrench in your chances of achieving success. Note that trucking companies often have legal teams ready to act quickly after an accident, making it essential for victims to have equally professional representation.
Usually, insurers want to minimize payouts to protect their bottom line, especially in high-stakes truck accident cases where damages can reach millions. A commercial truck accident attorney is well-versed in negotiating with insurers and ensuring that you receive the compensation you deserve.
Lawyers will be ready to assess the manner and extent to which the crash affected your life to ensure the value of the claim reflects your total suffering. If insurers do not seem to offer a fair settlement, your attorney can revert to a lawsuit to advocate for your rights in court.
Call a Commercial Truck Accident Attorney to Advocate for Your Justice
When dealing with a commercial truck accident case in Florida, you do not want to handle the process alone. This is because these crashes are not your ordinary car accident collisions and may involve very high stakes. The mounting medical bills, lost income, and emotional trauma can wreak havoc, but a lawyer can make all the difference.
A commercial truck accident lawyer from our firm will use every available resource to help you secure the compensation you need to move forward with your life. Call us at 239-356-6662 for a free initial consultation.
