Cargo trucks can create various hazards on the road. If you lost a loved one or suffered an injury after a cargo truck accident, you have a right to seek compensation from the negligent party. Our Palm Coast truck accident lawyers can protect your rights and pursue a fair settlement.
Damages in a Cargo Truck Accident
Cargo trucks are enormous and can cause life-threatening injuries and damages. If you were in an accident involving these vehicles, you can claim several economic and non-economic damages. Your lawyer will determine the damages you can claim, depending on the accident or your injuries.
The damages you can claim include:
- Current and future medical bills
- Disability and disfigurement
- Current and future lost income
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of consortium
- Wrongful death
- Funeral and burial costs
- Damages to property
- Emotional trauma
Your lawyer will fight to ensure you receive compensation for all your financial and emotional damages.
Palm Coast Cargo Truck Accident Lawyer
The process of claiming compensation from the at-fault party can be complex. To claim compensation after a truck accident, you first must establish negligence and liability, which involves several laws and processes.
Cargo truck accident lawyers are familiar with handling such cases and help you recover the justice and compensation you deserve after the crash. Our legal team can:
- Compile documents and evidence, such as medical records and police reports
- Investigate the cause of the accident
- Identify the liable parties
- Value your claim
- File a claim or lawsuit on your behalf
- Negotiate compensation
- Represent you in court if necessary
Our cargo truck accident lawyers are familiar with the state and federal laws that govern commercial trucks and have enough resources to investigate a case and file before the deadline. Since such lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, you will not have to worry about upfront payments. Our payment depends on winning your case, so you know we will work hard.
Cargo Truck Accidents Often Result From Negligence
Cargo accidents mainly occur because of negligence. This can include violating traffic laws, failing to obey state and federal trucking company regulations, and more.
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), these accidents occur due to:
- Driving Under the Influence (DUI): This can impair a driver’s cognitive abilities, causing them not to react well to potential hazards.
- Driver Fatigue: Working long hours leads to fatigue and can cause the driver to feel tired or sleepy behind the wheel.
- Distracted Driving: Using the phone, adjusting radio channels, or eating can cause a distraction and lead to an accident.
- Improperly Loaded Cargo: Overloading or failing to secure cargo properly can make the truck challenging to control. It’s vital to adhere to cargo loading best practices at all times.
- Speeding: Not maintaining the speed limit can make it challenging to stop promptly, especially if there’s an emergency. Additionally, speeding makes navigating corners challenging.
- Inadequate Truck Maintenance: Lack of sufficient truck maintenance can compromise its integrity and cause an accident.
- Mechanical and Equipment Failure: Brake and tire failure can cause a truck to crash while on the road.
To save time and money, some trucking companies and drivers fail to honor the hours of service regulations, leading to fatigue, a significant cause of cargo truck accidents. Regardless of the cause of the accident, a cargo truck accident lawyer can help claim compensation from the liable party.
Liability in Cargo Truck Accidents
Several parties can be liable for cargo truck accidents. The responsible parties may include the driver, trucking company, truck or parts manufacturer, truck owner, road maintenance contractor, or a government entity.
To establish liability, your lawyer will use evidence and information about the case and work with accident reconstruction experts to know the exact cause of the accident. Trucking companies are responsible for their driver’s conduct while on duty. If a driver is at-fault because of speeding, the company will be liable for the accident and compensate the victims.
If the accident was due to a faulty part or equipment failure, the truck manufacturer, repair shop, or truck owner may be liable for the damages.
Florida Cargo Truck Accidents Statute of Limitations
Every state has different laws that govern how and when a cargo truck accident victim should file a claim. In Palm Coast, Florida, you only have four years from the date of the accident or when you first record an injury to file a lawsuit, according to Florida Statutes § 95.11(3)(a). If you want to file a wrongful death suit, you only have two years.
This is why it’s vital to seek proper medical attention immediately after the accident and get legal advice. Since you have minimal time to take action, don’t risk losing your right to compensation. We can file your lawsuit in time. Keep in mind that we need to have enough time to investigate the case and gather enough evidence, too.
The sooner you begin, the better. Our lawyers can file the suit before the deadline and fight for the compensation that you deserve.
Contact the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine for a Free Case Review
If you have lost a loved one or are a victim of a cargo truck accident in Palm Coast, Florida, we want to help. We can handle your claim or lawsuit while you rest and recover.
At the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine, we offer free consultations so you can get clear on your options and begin your case as soon as possible.
We Can Help.
