Semi-truck drivers provide a valuable service and risk their health and safety to do it. Trucking can be a lucrative line of work that sometimes attracts greedy people who cut corners on safety. While most semi truckers stay safe, everyone makes mistakes, meaning accidents sometimes happen. A Jacksonville semi-truck lawyer with our firm can help you understand whether you may have a valid legal claim if you suffered from another driver’s negligence.
If you or someone in your family was involved in a semi-truck accident, we can help. The Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine represents people in and around Jacksonville who were involved in a semi-truck collision.
Reasons to Act Quickly After a Semi-Truck Accident
Semi-truck accidents can involve many parties. Important opportunities for evidence can be gained or lost in the time after an accident. The statute of limitations is generally four years in Florida for personal injuries after accidents like those involving semi-trucks (under Florida Statutes § 95.11(3)(a)Sec. 95.11 of the Florida Statutes).
Much of the evidence after an accident is short-lived on the road. Cars may be moved by emergency officials, for instance, closing a window of opportunity to photograph the aftermath of the crash. You may want to hire a Jacksonville semi-truck lawyer on our team because they can help you with:
- Evidentiary collection and discovery
- Deposing witnesses
- Advising you on how to present your story at trial (if applicable)
- Filing court papers
- Managing your full legal case
- Negotiating with insurance companies for disbursement of settlement funds
The many parties involved in these types of incidents often get involved in a chaotic scramble. However, the semi-truck black box and driver logbook are excellent places to start when collecting supplementary evidence. A Jacksonville truck accident lawyer from the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine can appreciate the trauma you are going through and will extend their help by seeking this kind of information out for you.
We Can Help You Based on Contingency
We offer all of our services to our truck accident clients on a contingency-fee basis. That means we don’t charge any hourly or upfront fees. Instead, your lawyer will get their payment from the settlement or court award they secure for you. If they can’t settle or win, you owe them nothing.
We Will Go the Extra Mile for You
Our Jacksonville Beach personal injury lawyers will provide you with responsive legal care throughout your case. You can also count on us to answer your questions promptly and provide you with updates as we build a case for you. We can even help you set up an appointment to have your car fixed. Allow us to handle all aspects of your claim while you use your energy to recover from your injuries.
If you were hurt in a semi-truck accident around the Jacksonville area, we can present you with your legal options – with no obligation to move forward. You can use this information to better learn about your circumstances. Call the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine today.
Compensation You Can Collect After a Jacksonville Semi-Truck Accident
Due to their size and weight, semi-trucks can be immensely dangerous on the road. These vehicles can cause a disproportionate amount of serious injury and fatalities. In cases of injury, courts may calculate legal awards based on:
- The amount of a victim’s medical expenses
- Lost wages and reduced income potential
- Therapy costs
- Property damage expenses
- Pain and suffering
- And more
Because truck accidents can be so serious, victims may lose their lives. If your loved one passed away due to such a crash, you can recoup compensation for:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Final medical costs
- Loss of consortium
- Loss of companionship
- Loss of household services
- Loss of inheritance or income
Your lawyer will assess your losses to ensure you are fairly compensated for each of them.
How a Driver Can Be Negligent While Operating a Semi-Truck
Drivers display negligence when they disobey the rules of the road. For example, semi-truck drivers often cause accidents if they speed, change lanes without looking, or turn too fast. Large trucks have multiple blind spots that drivers need to check frequently while driving.
Sometimes, drivers engage in other dangerous behaviors that lead to accidents, including:
Drunk Driving
Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol often leads to:
- Poor decision-making
- Slowed reaction times
- Impaired judgment
Distracted Driving
Some truck drivers allow themselves to become distracted while operating a vehicle. They may:
- Check their phones
- Change the radio
- Eat or drink
These behaviors take a driver’s mind off the road or even cause them to remove their hands from the wheel. Even a few seconds of distraction can result in a severe accident.
Fatigued Drivers
Trucking companies frequently expect truck drivers to put in long hours behind the wheel. These drivers often push through exhaustion to try to make deadlines. However, exhaustion can impact the mind like alcohol, often leading to poor decision-making.
Other Forms of Negligence in Truck Accident Cases in Jacksonville
Truck drivers often hold responsibility for 18-wheeler accidents in Jacksonville. However, they are not always at fault for these accidents. Sometimes, trucking companies are liable for a collision. These companies may be at-fault if they:
- Hire unqualified or improperly trained truck drivers
- Fail to perform proper maintenance on their trucks
- Require drivers to operate in reckless ways
Speak to Our Team After a Semi-Truck Accident in Jacksonville
If you or a loved one was involved in a semi-truck accident, give us a call today. The Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine is ready to walk you through this difficult time. We can valuate your damages and fight for your rights.
If your insurance company wrongly denies or undervalues your claim, reach out to our team. We can help you negotiate for fair compensation. A Jacksonville semi-truck lawyer on our team can also represent you at trial if you decide to pursue a lawsuit against the negligent party (or parties).