A West Palm Beach tanker truck accident lawyer is ready to assist you if you’ve had to deal with a tanker truck accident. These accidents can be quite serious in nature, causing numerous injuries and even fatalities. Don’t wait for your bills to accumulate. You can begin the process of filing a claim to seek damages.
A West Palm Beach truck accident lawyer helps you navigate through the legal ins and outs of dealing with paperwork, filing a claim, and negotiating with third parties. You don’t need to fret over the details of dealing with this situation another moment. Let the lawyers who are equipped to manage these issues take control of it.
What Types of Work do Tanker Trucks Do?
Tanker trucks do a variety of work, transporting a variety of items. Tanker trucks transport dry goods and liquids. That would include items such as fuel, chemicals, beverages, and things like grain.
A tanker truck is classified as a class 8 truck. They have an average weight of 33 tons and an average length of 39 feet. They can be used for heavy haul purposes due to their classification.
Information Involving Heavy Truck Accidents
A heavy-duty truck, which starts at class 7 and also includes class 8, starts at 26,001 pounds. In this truck classification, many accidents occur. There are approximately 130,000 people who are injured in truck accidents a year. Additionally, 74% of all passenger vehicle fatalities involve a large truck, and 68% of all truck fatalities are passenger vehicle occupants.
There are plenty of reasons why truck accidents occur, but two of the top reasons for truck accidents are driver fatigue and lack of experience. Call the West Palm Beach personal injury lawyers at the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine for a free consultation.
Steps to Take After an Accident with a Tanker Truck
After an accident occurs with a tanker truck, you may not feel like doing much of anything, or you may be overwhelmed with what just happened. Take time to take the following steps so that things will go more smoothly during the legal process:
- Take Notes and Pictures: This may assist your West Palm Beach tanker truck accident lawyer with details you’ve forgotten.
- File a Police Report: There is always a police report filed. Be sure to give accurate information when filing.
- Notify Your Insurance: Let your insurance know what occurred right away, but don’t sign any settlements or paperwork. Also, do not admit to anything until consulting with an attorney.
- Seek Medical Attention: Some people want to skip this step because they feel they are ok. Typically, when it involves a large truck, you will want medical attention one way or another. Make sure you get checked out.
- Talk to an Attorney: Get in touch with a West Palm Beach tanker truck accident lawyer to see how you can proceed forward with your claim.
How Will My Attorney Assist Me?
When you work with a West Palm Beach tanker truck accident lawyer, they will manage all the legal details for you. This relieves the stress involved with trying to negotiate with insurance companies who don’t have your best interests at heart.
You can count on the lawyers to help you with the following:
- Manage your communications with third parties
- File paperwork in a timely manner
- Keep you updated on all issues relating to your case
- Negotiate a fair settlement
- Take the case to trial if necessary
What Damages Can I Claim?
When an accident occurs involving a tanker truck, you are sure to incur injuries. These injuries will lead to numerous costs that you may be paying for right now. In addition, you might not be able to work due to the injuries you’ve incurred. Your West Palm Beach tanker truck accident lawyer will assist you with filing a claim for the following damages:
- Medical costs both present and future
- Hospital stays
- Damaged property
- Lost wages and benefits
These won’t be the only damages you’ll have. Keep in mind that you can claim non-economic damages, too. These will include the recovery for things that have affected your quality of life and your mental well-being. Some of these include:
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment or pleasure in doing certain things
- Loss of consortium
Can I Get Punitive Damages?
You may have heard of punitive damages. But what are they, and how do they apply to you? Punitive damages are for when someone acts in gross negligence or in malice towards the other individual. This may include something like drunk driving or road rage. Punitive damages would be appropriate in this case. It serves to teach the person a lesson and to deter future actions.
In the state of Florida, there is a cap or limit on the amount for punitive damages. The limit is three times the amount of compensatory damages awarded to each claimant entitled or the sum of $500,000.
Your attorney will explain this to you, and make sure you understand how it applies to your particular case.
Seek an Attorney’s Help
If you are suffering because of a tanker truck accident, find help from the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine. A West Palm Beach tanker truck accident lawyer will advocate on your behalf and argue for you to receive a fair settlement.
Take the first step toward recovering damages from the injuries you incurred by getting your free, no-obligation case assessment from a West Palm Beach tanker truck accident lawyer at the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine. Call (561) 721-0080 for your appointment.
We Can Help.
