Driving next to a semi-truck creates risks because of the size difference and reduced road visibility. If the driver, truck company, or mechanic makes one mistake with the semi-truck, their negligence may alter your life with catastrophic injuries. After an accident, your main priority should be healing from the physical and emotional trauma. Consider enlisting the services of a Tallahassee truck accident lawyer from the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine to help you receive the needed compensation to recover.
Semi-Truck Accidents and Their Causes
Part of our job as truck accident lawyers is to determine whose negligence caused your semi-truck accident. Most of the time, it may be any of the following:
- Poorly loaded/secured cargo
- The driver was exhausted or inattentive
- The driver was operating a vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Mechanical issues
- Tailgating
- Speeding
- Illegal overtaking
- Bad weather
- Poorly maintained roads
- Manufacturing defects
- Distracted driving
Not only will our attorneys help you prove the party’s negligence, but they will fight for the payments you deserve.
Determining Semi-Truck Compensation
The possible settlement for semi-trucks generally depends on several factors. The settlement amount differs since it is difficult for multiple accidents to have similar characteristics. At the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine, we collaborate with accident reconstruction experts, medics, and therapists to develop a fair settlement in such cases.
If you are a semi-truck accident victim, it is only fair to receive the needed reimbursements. In theory, the more inconvenience the accident gave you, the more money you should receive. We typically estimate your payment values working on specific economic and non-economic factors.
Economic damages include:
- Lost wages
- Inability to continue working
- Current and future medical bills
- Property damage
- Funeral and burial costs
Non-economic damages:
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of quality of life
- Physical disfigurement
- Physical impairment
- Mental anguish
- Loss of consortium
The Florida Statute of Limitations
Florida Statute § 95.11 dictates semi-truck accident claims at four years (counting from the day the accident happened). You have even less time if you are pursuing a wrongful death case for a loved one. Nevertheless, we advise victims to enlist the services of a lawyer as soon as possible after the accident. This way, it is easier for us to gather the necessary evidence before all is lost. It is almost impossible to reopen a case after the statute of limitations deadline passes.
Liability in Semi-Truck Accident Injuries
Unlike many car accidents, the driver at the wheel of the at-fault vehicle is not always the one held liable for your injuries. The semi-truck usually takes a whole team to be roadworthy and loaded with cargo. Sometimes, the negligent party can be one of the people on the said team. Such examples include:
The Truck Manufacturer
Sometimes, truck manufacturers sell vehicles with defective parts. If an accident occurs due to their mistake, we can hold them liable to compensate you.
The Mechanic
The mechanic services the truck and identifies any defective parts. If the mechanic makes a mistake resulting in an accident, the law holds them responsible.
The Trucking Company
The trucking company must follow all FMCSA rules and regulations, including ensuring their drivers have certification and their trucks have proper maintenance. Other FMCSA rules require that:
- Drivers keep a detailed logbook
- Drivers document their breaks and drive within set hours
If the accident was caused by the trucking company not doing its job, then we can hold them liable to compensate you. However, the accident could be no one but the driver’s fault. In such cases, we will require the trucking company’s insurance to reimburse you.
Personal Injury Lawyers Will Stand Up to Insurance Companies
Your lawyer from the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine represents you in finding the details of the liable insurance company and filing a compensation claim on your behalf. We then engage in negotiations until we reach an acceptable settlement on your behalf. If we do not agree on a settlement amount, the parties can take the case to court and proceed from there.
Often, as soon as the insurance company learns of the accident, they will send an investigator to gather evidence. Such evidence helps them come up with an initial settlement offer. In many cases, the offer they come up with and what the attorney determines differs by a colossal margin. We can review the offer and see if it is enough for all of your losses.
How Our Attorneys Can Come to Your Rescue
We strive to offer responsive legal care and do so in various ways. Besides giving you legal advice whenever you need it, we can:
- Gather all the necessary evidence
- Determine a settlement amount based on the accident details
- Determine the responsible party
- Schedule your briefing appointments
The Cost for Your Legal Care
Every law firm serving Tallahassee has its unique charges and pricing method. Some charge their clients an hourly rate; others charge a flat rate. We understand how hard recovering from a semi-truck accident can be from a financial point of view, so we take care to make the cost as affordable as possible.
The Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine charges clients on a contingency basis. You will not have to pay any money out of pocket. We will only collect payment if we win or settle your case.
The Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine Is Ready to Take on Your Case
At the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine, we give frequent updates and go the extra mile to manage your claims case. Our attorneys have answers to all your questions, and we will respond to your calls and emails and