Semi-trucks and 18-wheelers often cause a significant impact during a collision. If you suffered injuries in an 18-wheeler accident, we can help you pursue compensation from the at-fault party.
A Palm Bay truck accident lawyer will study your case, determine liability, and file a claim against an insurer.
Damages You Can Claim After a Palm Bay 18-Wheeler Truck Accident
You can claim various damages after a truck accident based on the severity of your injuries and their effects. One aspect you may seek compensation for is pain and suffering. This damage will include other elements causing distress and emotional strain. These may include:
- Physical pain
- Loss of life enjoyment
- Loss of consortium
Another damage you may seek after a Palm Bay 18-wheeler truck accident is lost income or wages. Your lawyer will determine the amount you lost during the recovery period based on your earning capacity. They will also confirm if you missed out on lucrative career opportunities then assign a monetary value.
More damages a Palm Bay personal injury lawyer will help you pursue are:
- Cost of repairing a damaged car
- Vehicle replacement costs
- Medical costs
- Personal items destroyed during the crash
We can also help if you lost a loved one in a truck crash.
How a Palm Bay 18-Wheeler Truck Accident Lawyer Will Assist You
A Palm Bay truck accident lawyer from our firm can help you in various ways. For example, we will identify the evidence needed for your case and collect it. If we cannot access items like video surveillance footage, we can obtain a court order. After that, we will present the document to property managers in buildings adjacent to the scene to acquire crucial evidence.
Another way we can help is by providing legal advice. This measure will prevent mistakes that may affect the case. More ways a Palm Bay attorney will assist are:
- Ensuring your vehicle gets the needed repairs
- Booking doctors’ appointments
- Representing you during negotiations
- Communicating with insurance companies and the police
- Obtaining a copy of the accident report
Florida law provides a limited time to file an 18-wheeler truck accident case. Your attorney will identify the deadlines applicable to your matter and ensure we meet them. We can also recommend other precautions you should take to protect your claim rights.
Parties that May Be Liable for a Palm Bay 18-Wheeler Truck Accident
Various parties may be responsible for an 18-wheeler truck accident, depending on how it occurred. For instance, if the collision resulted from speeding or tailgating, the negligent driver will be liable. The trucking company can also be responsible through vicarious liability laws.
Manufacturers must sell safe 18-wheeler truck parts. If an accident happens due to a defective part, you can seek compensation from the production or assembly company.
Other parties that may be liable for a Palm Bay 18-wheeler truck accident are:
- Vehicle inspectors
- Cargo loading companies
- Supervisors
- Truck repair companies or mechanics
Proving Liability After an 18-Wheeler Truck Accident
When claiming compensation against another party, you must prove liability for the crash. A Palm Bay truck accident lawyer from our firm will help you identify the issues leading to the collision. After that, we will identify the party that failed to exercise their duty of care.
Once we have identified the liable party(s), we will gather enough evidence to prove your claim. For example, we can use a police report to indicate that the truck driver was behaving negligently at the time of the collision. We may also interview witnesses and get video surveillance footage.
Another method we may use to prove liability is working with an accident reconstructionist. These specialists will analyze the incident to identify the cause. Some evidence a reconstructionist may use includes:
- Skid marks
- Images of vehicle damage
- Pictures of sustained physical harm
Once your lawyer has enough evidence showing another party was liable for a Palm Bay 18-wheeler truck accident, our team will present it to any involved insurance companies.
Causes of Palm Bay 18-Wheeler Accidents
Driver negligence is a prevalent cause of trucking accidents in Palm Bay. When motorists do not observe road rules, they risk the safety of other road users. They may also influence various actions that lead to accidents, such as sudden braking or swerving.
A Palm Bay 18-wheeler truck accident lawyer will help you identify negligence. First, they will determine if another driver failed to observe various precautions leading to the crash. Some signs they can look for are:
- Failing to yield
- Failing to signal a turn
- Changing lanes without indicating
- Overtaking carelessly
- Tailgating
- Driving while fatigued
- Driving while intoxicated
- Inexperienced driving
Some 18-wheeler truck accidents may occur due to mechanical failure, e.g., faulty brakes will make it challenging for the driver to stop after noticing an obstacle, engine failure will cause the vehicle to stop suddenly, leading to a rear-end collision.
Another significant cause of 18-wheeler truck accidents is poorly secured cargo. If drivers do not secure cargo correctly, it may fall during transport. Unbalanced items can affect vehicle control and lead to rollover accidents.
Consult a Palm Bay 18-Wheeler Truck Accident Lawyer
A Palm Bay 18-wheeler truck accident lawyer can help you prove all claim elements and fight for rightful compensation. At the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine, we will allow you to focus on recovery by handling all the legal work of claiming damages.
Our attorneys will also ensure you receive medical care and provide regular updates regarding your case. To consult an 18-wheeler truck accident lawyer, call our team now.