If you are the victim of a hit and run, a semi-truck accident lawyer can help you explore your options for pursuing compensation. Financial recovery may be available through your own insurer, or you may be able to take action against a liable third party. An attorney with our firm can also assist with locating the truck driver who fled the scene and holding them responsible.
How Can A Semi-Truck Accident Lawyer Recover Hit and Run Damages?
If you suffered injuries in a hit-and-run accident involving a semi-truck, you may have expensive medical bills, significant vehicle damages, and other losses. Fortunately, you have options for recovering compensation, even if the at-fault driver left the scene. A truck accident lawyer with our firm can:
File Claims With Your Own Insurance Provider
Florida is a no-fault insurance state, which means drivers must carry personal injury protection (PIP) coverage to pay for medical treatment and partial lost wages resulting from an accident, regardless of who caused the collision. A semi-truck accident lawyer can help you file a PIP claim and pursue the maximum possible compensation available under your policy.
Drivers can also opt to carry collision coverage or uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) protection. These policies may provide compensation after a hit-and-run. We can review your insurance agreements and help you seek a settlement under any applicable policies you hold.
Seek Compensation From A Liable Third Party
A semi-truck accident lawyer can investigate your crash to determine if there are parties (other than the at-fault driver who fled) that may be financially responsible for your crash. Liable third parties in a commercial vehicle accident may include:
- A vehicle or auto parts manufacturer
- A mechanic or maintenance garage
- A government or private roadway owner
- Another motorist (other than you and the truck driver)
- A bicyclist or pedestrian
If there are liable third parties that we can identify and locate, we can work to build a case proving their negligent actions contributed to your crash. We can then pursue compensation with an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit.
Attempt To Locate The At-Fault Driver
Law enforcement officers may look for the hit-and-run driver who caused your crash, but police often have full caseloads and limited resources. A semi-truck accident lawyer can focus on your case and may be able to conduct a complete investigation that could lead to identifying the party who hurt you. We can locate and interview eyewitnesses, track down available cell phone, surveillance, or dashcam footage, review police reports, and more in an attempt to find the driver.
If we can identify the semi-truck driver, we can pursue a case against them. In addition, we may be able to hold the trucking company the driver works for financially responsible for its employee’s actions under a legal principle known as vicarious liability.
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What Compensation Can You Pursue After A Semi-Truck Accident?
According to Florida Statutes § 627.736, PIP insurance pays for 80 percent of your reasonable accident-related medical care (as long as you seek treatment within 14 days of the crash). Covered expenses include hospitalizations, surgeries, mobility aids, rehabilitation, nursing services, and more. PIP will also provide payment for a portion of your lost wages and lost earning capacity, household services, and death benefits of $5,000 per deceased.
If we can identify and locate a liable party, we can seek additional compensation with an insurance claim or lawsuit. Personal injury damages may include:
Medical expenses that exceed (or are not covered by) your PIP
- The total value of your lost wages, benefits, and earnings
- The total value of your lost earning capacity
- Vehicle and personal property damages
- Physical pain
- Mental and emotional suffering
- Scarring
- Disfigurement
- Lost quality of life
- Loss of a loved one’s care, support, services, and protection
- Loss of a loved one’s financial contributions
- Funeral and burial costs
How Long Do You Have To Take Action?
In general, it is a good idea to start on your case as soon as possible, especially if you need to try to locate a hit-and-run driver. Acting quickly allows you to preserve evidence and gives you time to attempt to identify the motorist who fled. It also ensures you have time to work through your insurance claims before your window to file a lawsuit closes.
As mentioned, you must file your PIP claim within two weeks of your collision, or your insurer may not cover your medical expenses. If you find the truck driver or there are other liable parties against which you can take action, you must pursue your case within the deadlines established by Florida Statutes § 95.11. The statute allows four years to file a personal injury lawsuit and two years to sue for wrongful death.
Contact The Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine Today
A semi-truck accident lawyer with the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine can help you if you or your loved one are the victim of a hit and run. Contact us today for a free consultation and learn more about our services. Our team is available 24/7 to take your call.
