Trucks can cause some of the worst accidents. Unfortunately, these accidents are prevalent in the U.S. According to the National Safety Council (NSC), the majority of the victims in these accidents are occupants of other vehicles, truck occupants, and other road users.
If you or a loved one was recently in a truck accident in Yulee, you can file a claim or lawsuit against the at-fault party and pursue compensation. Our Yulee truck accident lawyers can handle your case from start to finish.
The Role of a Yulee Truck Accident Lawyer
Trucks are large and heavy, and their accidents can cause severe injuries and damage. Also, these accidents can include multiple parties, making truck accident claims challenging to pursue. After a truck accident, consider calling a truck accident lawyer as soon as possible. Since you must establish negligence to claim compensation, a Yulee personal injury lawyer can help you understand truck accident laws because of their experience with such cases.
Note that trucking companies and drivers must comply with various state and federal laws that govern:
- Hours of service
- Licensing and driver qualifications
- Maintenance and inspection procedures
- Proper loading and tie-down requirements
- Controlled substance and alcohol use
A lawyer familiar with such regulations can determine if the accident was due to a violation and identify the liable parties.
Causes of Truck Accidents in Yulee
Trucks cause some of the most catastrophic accidents in Florida. Sadly, most of these accidents are fatal.
According to Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), several factors cause truck accidents, including:
- Driving Under the Influence of an intoxicating substance (DUI)
- Distraction
- Fatigue driving
- Mechanical failure and defective components
- Speeding
- Inadequate truck maintenance and repair
- Poor visibility
- Inadequate road signs
These and several other causes also determine the liable party. This can be the driver, truck owner, trucking company, a government entity, or truck manufacturer. Knowing the exact cause of the accident is vital because the liable party is responsible for your financial losses, suffering, injuries, and any other damage.
Liability for Truck Accidents
Liability in truck accidents can involve one or more parties. Given the severity of these accidents, it’s best to determine all liable parties.
After a crash, the following parties can be liable:
- Truck driver
- Trucking company
- Truck owner
- Truck manufacturer
- Repair and maintenance shop
- Other road users, such as bicyclists, drivers, and pedestrians
- Government agencies responsible for road maintenance and design
In case of multiple or shared liabilities, your lawyer will file a different claim with each party, according to their percentage of fault. While investigating the accident, your lawyer will look into the driver’s actions at the time of the accident, their history, and violations of federal regulations.
What If the Victim Is Also at Fault?
A victim may also be partially liable for the truck accident in some cases. Florida works under a pure comparative fault system. According to this law, you can claim compensation as long as someone else is also at fault. However, your settlement or award will be less your percentage of fault. For example, if the damages are worth $100,000 and you are 15% at fault, you will only get $85,000.
Your truck accident lawyer will determine your degree of fault to ensure you get the compensation you deserve. If you fail to work with a lawyer, you may admit to any allegation of guilt and can lose a lot of money. Allow a lawyer to work with you, stand up for you, and use evidence to try to lessen your degree of fault.
Damages in Truck Accident Cases
Every truck accident is different. The valuation and damages you can claim will depend on the severity of your injuries, the effects of the accident on your life, your degree of physical and emotional damages. Some of the damages you can claim after the accident are:
- Current medical bills and future medical expenses
- Lost income and the loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Disability, disfigurement, loss of limbs, and scarring
- Rehabilitation and therapy
- Loss of enjoyment of life or loss of consortium
Suppose the accident was fatal. In that case, a victim’s immediate family member can file a wrongful death claim or lawsuit against the liable party and claim funeral and burial expenses. Lawyers and insurance companies use various methods to value the claim and negotiate a fair settlement. The main goal of your lawyer is to help you get the best compensation possible.
If the settlement offer from the liable party is too low and you cannot come to an agreement, your lawyer will file a lawsuit, and the judge or jury will decide on an award. Sometimes the court can also award punitive damages to victims or family members. This will depend on the accident and its surrounding factors.
Gathering Evidence for Your Case
Our legal team can help investigate the accident, establish negligence, and negotiate a fair settlement. We may use:
- police records
- Witness statements
- Medical records
- Pictures of the scene and injuries
- Video footage
- Testimonies from accident reconstruction experts
Contact the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine for Legal Guidance
If you are a victim of a truck accident in Yulee or you’ve lost a loved one in such circumstances, you have a right to seek compensation from the at-fault party. Our truck accident lawyers can handle your case while you rest and recover.
At the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine, we offer a free case review and inform you of your legal options. Call us today for legal help and more information.
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