Although training and technology have improved over the years, thousands of accidents involving steel truck accidents are happening every year, according to the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV). Due to the massive size and weight of steel trucks, these accidents tend to be more devastating. Steel truck accidents in Hialeah result in severe injuries, widespread property damage, and fatality.
If you or your loved one has been injured in a steel truck accident in Hialeah, you may have many questions about proceeding with your case. A Hialeah steel truck accident lawyer from our firm can help if you wish to explore your legal options in the aftermath of such an accident.
Possible Damages Associated With Steel Truck Accidents
Depending on the severity of the steel truck accident, there are various damages you can recover. These damages are usually categorized into economic and non-economic damages as explained below:
Economic Damages
Some of the economic damages that your lawyer can help you recover include:
- Lost income
- Medical expenses
- Future medical expenses
- Transportation costs
- Out-of-pocket expenses
- Rehabilitation costs
- Repair to your vehicle
- Living adjustments
Non-economic Damages
A Hialeah truck accident lawyer can help you recover the following non-economic damages:
- Physical pain and suffering
- Disability
- Loss of consortium
- Permanent disfigurement
- Emotional anguish
- Impaired quality of life
- Loss of a limb or limbs
The Role of a Hialeah Steel Truck Accident Lawyer
After you get involved in a steel truck accident due to another person’s negligence, you might have a case against them. A Hialeah steel truck accident lawyer will determine who is liable for the accident and help you obtain total compensation for all the injuries and damages sustained. This compensation will help you pay your medical bills and rehabilitation costs.
The role of a lawyer when it comes to filing a compensation claim includes:
- Keeping you up to date with any developments and proceedings regarding your case
- Gathering the relevant evidence needed for your case
- Filing a claim on your behalf on time
- Determining who is liable for the accident
- Calculating all the damages and losses you’ve incurred
- Negotiating a settlement agreement with the insurance company on your behalf
- Filing a lawsuit on your behalf if a settlement isn’t reached
- Representing you in a trial if necessary
Common Factors That Lead to Steel Truck Accidents
Unlike other smaller vehicles, steel trucks have various determining factors that increase the risk of accidents. Negligent truck drivers are not the only potentially liable parties, either. Some factors include:
- Speeding
- Overloading cargo
- Distracted driving
- Dangerous road conditions
- Poorly maintained trucks
- Improperly balanced loads
- Driving under the influence (DUI)
- Fatigued driving
- Mechanical problems
Determining Liability in a Hialeah Steel Truck Accident Case
You must prove that someone else was at fault for the steel truck accident to receive fair compensation for your injuries and damages incurred. However, following a steel truck accident, the trauma of the impact may have left a blur in your memory. Therefore, the events surrounding the accident may be unclear to you.
Fortunately, a lawyer can investigate the incident’s events and identify the liable party. Your lawyer will use this evidence to build a watertight case against the responsible party and get you the compensation you deserve.
The following are some evidentiary materials your lawyer may use to determine liability in your steel truck accident case:
- Eyewitness statements
- Video footage of the accident
- Expert witness statements, including accident reconstruction experts, medical professionals, trucking experts, and forensic experts
- Accident reports
- Truck logs
- Truck maintenance records
- Post-crash drug testing results
- Electronic data
- Points of impact on both vehicles
- The steel truck driver’s employment records
Determining Your Steel Truck Accident Claim’s Worth
Without a lawyer investigating and attaching value to all damages and losses incurred, there is no sure way to determine how much your steel truck accident claim is worth. However, accidents involving steel trucks and other huge vehicles usually have higher payouts than those involving smaller vehicles. This is attributed to the fact that the majority of the accidents involving steel trucks result in more severe injuries and property damage.
A Hialeah steel truck accident lawyer must thoroughly review your case and collect the relevant evidence to prove damages incurred and liability. Once they’ve done that, they can then assess the overall value of your claim, giving you a better idea of how much to ask as a settlement from the at-fault party. When calculating all the damages resulting from the accident, victims often overlook other damages that could quickly increase their payout.
On top of considering lost wages, medical expenses, and out-of-pocket expenses, your lawyer will also consider future medical fees, transportation costs, costs related to being unable to return to work, and other losses associated with the accident.
Determining Liability in a Steel Truck Accident
In a typical car accident, the at-fault driver is usually liable for all the injuries and damages incurred. However, this isn’t always the case with a steel truck accident claim. When a steel truck accident happens in Hialeah, the damage is usually so widespread that it can be pretty challenging to determine who is at fault.
The following are some parties that may be liable in your steel truck accident:
- Steel truck driver
- Steel truck manufacturer
- The transport or distribution company
- Vehicle parts manufacturer
- Steel truck inspector
- Steel truck designer
- Roadcrew
Statute of Limitation for a Steel Truck Accident Claim
Under Florida Statutes § 95.11(3)(a), you have four years from the date of the steel truck accident to file a personal injury claim. Therefore, you want to ensure that you move quickly with your case to obtain compensation from the liable party.
Your lawyer will discuss the specific deadlines associated with your case to protect your claim. Your lawyer will also provide you with other services to help you get justice before the statute of limitation expires.
Contact the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine for a Free Case Review
If you’ve recently sustained injuries in a steel truck accident in Hialeah, it would be best to hire a lawyer to handle the case on your behalf as you focus on recovering. Reach out to the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine for legal help with your claim. Call us for a free case review and more information on getting started with your claim.
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