Large commercial vehicles such as cargo trucks rule major highways across the U.S. According to the American Trucking Associations (ATA), in 2017, there were 892,078 registered trucking companies in the country. These companies own or lease several trucks, which play a crucial role in the economy. Unfortunately, these trucks are also involved in several devastating accidents.
When an accident occurs due to negligence, the victims may have a right to claim compensation from the negligent party. If you’re a victim of an accident, our Clearwater truck accident lawyer can handle your case.
What to Do After a Cargo Truck Accident
If you want to pursue compensation after a cargo truck accident, you should know what to do to protect your claim. Though the negligent party or parties may be responsible for the damages, what you do after the accident can affect your claim and ruin your chances of getting fair compensation.
Take the following steps to protect your claim:
- Call the police. You must report any cargo truck accident to the police. If possible, the first call you should make from the crash scene is to the police. Unless you’re in more danger, don’t move your vehicle or leave the scene before the police arrive. The police collect information and details about the accident that can help determine fault and help your claim. Remember the name of the police officer at the scene.
- Take pictures. If you can move after the crash, you should take pictures of the scene, damages to the vehicle, and pictures of your injuries. Your lawyer will use these images when investigating your case. If your injuries are severe, you can rely on the police report for such critical evidence.
- Collect driver and trucking company information. Get the driver and the name of the trucking company. Also, collect their insurance information and details about the truck, such as the registration number.
- Get witness information. Witnesses also play a major role in such claims. Therefore, if any witnesses are at the scene, get their contact information. Your lawyer will reach out to them for a statement and use it to build your case.
- Seek medical attention. When it comes to truck accidents, no injury is minor. If you aren’t transferred to the hospital with an ambulance, report to the nearest hospital immediately after the accident and get proper medical attention. Some injuries stay hidden and only manifest later. With a good medical checkup, the doctor may notice these injuries on time and save your life. Additionally, it will be impossible to claim accident injuries without medical records.
- Consider working with a lawyer: Handling personal injury claims such as cargo accidents can be challenging. These claims involve a lot of paperwork, and you must adhere to some state laws and regulations to ensure your claim is valid. Additionally, you must meet up and negotiate your settlement with insurance companies. A lawyer can offer legal assistance as you concentrate on recovery.
- Call your car insurer. Several motor vehicle insurance policies demand that the vehicle owner reports an accident, whether or not they’re at fault. To avoid paying penalties and also have your insurer repair or replace your vehicle as per the policy, report the accident to your vehicle insurance company as soon as possible.
It would help if you also remembered to record your recovery journey and keep receipts for all out-of-pocket expenses related to your injuries or damages to your property.
How a Lawyer Could Help Your Case
Our lawyer can investigate your case, determine negligence, and file your claim as per the law. They’ll fight to ensure you get the full extent of compensation.
You have limited time to file a lawsuit against the at-fault party. In Clearwater, Florida, you only have four years from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit. If the accident was fatal, you have to file a wrongful death suit within two years from the date of the death. If you fail to claim before the deadline, you’ll lose your chance to get any compensation.
Since our cargo truck accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, you don’t have to worry about any upfront costs. Your lawyer can use their resources to fully investigate the case, hire experts to help gather evidence, and build a strong case. They can consider all your damages and value your claim to fight for fair compensation. If your lawyer can’t settle the case, they can file a lawsuit and continue fighting for you in court.
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Possible Damages in Cargo Truck Accident Claims
Cargo trucks are huge and can cause severe injuries, damage to property, and fatalities. These injuries can be pretty costly to treat and manage. You can claim additional economic and non-economic damages against the liable party to get compensation for all your losses.
Your lawyer will seek compensation to cover all your damages and expenses, including:
- Current and future medical costs
- Pain and suffering
- Lost income
- Diminished earning capacity
- Emotional trauma
- Damaged and lost property
- Disability and modifications to your home or vehicle
- Disfigurement and scarring
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Suppose the accident was fatal. In that case, the victim’s immediate family member can file a wrongful death claim and seek compensation for medical bills, loss of current and future income, and funeral and burial expenses. What you claim will depend on the role of the victim in the family. Victims or deceased family members can recover different or additional depending on the case.
Work With Our Clearwater Cargo Truck Accident Lawyer Today
After a cargo truck accident in Clearwater, seek the right legal assistance and team to navigate your claim and fight for fair compensation. Contact the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine and learn more about your rights and how to protect your claim. We’re ready to review your case and handle your claim.
