Semi-truck accident lawyers handle several types of cases, from rollover accidents to rear-end crashes. The type of crash is less relevant than the context of the crash. Typically, for a lawyer to successfully represent you, someone else must be responsible for your injuries.
Types Of Cases A Semi-Truck Accident Lawyer Can Handle
More specifically, Daytona Beach accident lawyers can handle the following types of cases:
- Semi-truck collision with another vehicle
- Semi-truck collision with a fixed object
- Semi-truck collision with a pedestrian
- Semi-truck rollover
- Semi-truck collision with a bicyclist
- Semi-truck collision with a parked car
According to the Federal Motor Carriers Safety Administration (FMCSA), these are the most common types of semi-truck crashes. Therefore, they provide a good starting point for detailing the types of cases a semi-truck accident can handle. However, semi-truck accident lawyers can handle several types of cases not noted here, too.
To determine if a semi-truck accident lawyer can handle your case, you’ll need to schedule a case evaluation with the firm of your choosing. During this initial meeting, you can discuss the following subjects with a potential law firm:
- What the law firm can do for you
- Whether or not they can handle your case
- Learn about your options and next steps
These case evaluations, which law firms universally offer, are useful tools. They allow you to determine if a particular firm would be a good fit for your needs.
Why Hire A Semi-Truck Accident Lawyer?
Anyone who’s been involved in a semi-truck accident can attest to this fact: the aftermath of semi-truck accidents can be messy. Between recovering from a serious injury and aggressive insurers, it may feel impossible to move forward.
This is where working with a semi-truck accident could prove beneficial. They can provide you with the following services:
- Manage every aspect of your case
- Deal with aggressive insurers
- Negotiate aggressively for your compensation
- File a lawsuit if needed
- Conduct an investigation to determine who’s responsible for your injuries
Damages A Semi-Truck Accident Lawyer Can Pursue
Depending on the specifics of your case, a semi-truck accident lawyer could pursue the following types of damages on your behalf:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning capacity
- Car repair costs
- Mental anguish
- Pain and suffering
- Wrongful death damages
The damages noted here don’t always apply to every semi-truck accident. Similarly, some damages not mentioned on this list could apply to your case. Speaking with a semi-truck accident lawyer could help you identify which damages you’re eligible for.
The Cost Of A Semi-Truck Accident Lawyer
Between medical bills and lost wages, recovering from a semi-truck accident is often expensive. For this reason, it’s not uncommon for semi-truck accident survivors to worry about the costs of hiring a lawyer.
However, many semi-truck accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. This means that:
- The law firm requires no upfront fees
- The law firm doesn’t get paid unless you receive compensation
- The law firm’s payment comes as a percentage of your final settlement offer
I Was Partially Responsible For My Semi-Truck Accident. Can I Still Receive Damages?
Florida adheres to a law known as comparative negligence. This law apportions damages based on fault. For example, if you were 40% responsible for your accident, you could receive 60% of your potential compensation. If you’re more than 50% responsible for an accident, you cannot pursue a lawsuit against the liable party.
This law has pros and cons. While it allows you to receive compensation even if you were partially responsible for your accident, insurers may try to use it to reduce the amount of compensation you receive.
The following types of roadway behaviors are considered negligent and could increase a driver’s degree of fault in a semi-truck accident:
- Speeding
- Drunk or intoxicated driving
- Ignoring roadway rules
- Drowsy driving
- Not using turn signals
Trucking Company Negligence
The previously mentioned examples apply to individual drivers. However, through Florida’s vicarious liability law, trucking companies can also be held liable for the actions of their employees.
The following behaviors could indicate a trucking company is responsible for your injuries:
- A trucking company not drug-testing their employees
- A trucking company loading carriers beyond a safe limit
- A trucking company not properly maintaining their vehicles
- A trucking company encouraging drivers to work without taking government-mandated breaks
Illuminating these types of negligence in a semi-truck accident case is important. The more negligence played a role in your semi-truck accident, the more compensation you could qualify for. However, you still must prove that these negligent behaviors led to your accident and ultimately caused your injuries.
If your semi-truck accident was caused by a trucker, you could seek compensation from your employer by:
- Filing a liability insurance claim against the trucking company
- Filing a lawsuit against the trucking company
Get Started On Your Semi-Truck Accident Case
At the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine, we work on a wide variety of semi-truck accident cases. We can take the fight to insurers, identify who’s responsible for your injuries, and protect your rights every step of the way. Over the years, our firm has secured millions of dollars in compensation for our clients.
You don’t need to manage the aftermath of a semi-truck accident alone. Contact our firm for a free case evaluation today.
We Can Help.
