You can recover semi-truck accident damages to pay for medical treatment, lost wages, and more. However, the losses you are eligible to demand as part of your insurance claim or lawsuit depend on your circumstances. A semi-truck accident attorney will help you list and categorize your damages, so you can pursue compensation for every personal, financial, and physical loss you’ve experienced.
Recoverable Semi-Truck Accident Damages
After a car accident in Florida, injured parties must first turn to their personal injury protection (PIP) insurance to pay for medical bills and a portion of their lost income. However, according to Florida Statutes § 627.737, if you have severe injuries or medical expenses exceeding your PIP, you can pursue awards from the party that caused your crash.
In general, semi-truck accident compensation may include:
- Medical treatment. You can recover current and future medical expenses, including the cost of emergency transportation and services, doctor and hospital fees, surgeries, prescription drugs, mobility aids and medical devices, physical therapy, cognitive rehabilitation, and long-term nursing care.
- Lost wages. You can seek back pay, benefits, and earnings lost due to your injury and recovery. If your injury prevents you from returning to your previous job, requires you to reduce your workload, or you must leave the workforce, you can pursue compensation for the loss of your earning potential.
- Vehicle damages. You can pursue vehicle repair costs or receive compensation for your vehicle’s fair market value if it is a total loss.
- Pain and suffering. You may qualify for monetary awards for severe and chronic physical pain, loss of mobility or cognitive functioning, scarring, disfigurement, mental and emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
- Wrongful deat=h. If your loved one died from a fatal semi-truck accident injury, we can help their personal representative pursue wrongful death damages on behalf of their estate and surviving beneficiaries. Awards may include medical expenses, the loved one’s lost income, and funeral and burial costs. Survivors can also pursue compensation for their mental pain and suffering and the loss of their loved one’s guidance, protection, and companionship.
How Much Is Your Case Worth?
Every personal injury case is different. Your compensation will depend on factors unique to you, such as the severity of your injury, the length of your recovery, and the extent of your pain and suffering. An attorney with our firm can help you identify and calculate your losses to seek an appropriate settlement or verdict for you.
We can establish your right to financial recovery using bills, receipts, and proof of out-of-pocket expenses. We can also work with doctors, economists, vocational specialists, and other experts to better understand your injuries, their effect on your daily life and ability to work, and your expected future medical costs. Doing this ensures you do not leave money on the table that you need and deserve.
Who Is Financially Liable For Your Semi-Truck Accident?
Liability for a semi-truck accident will depend on who or what caused the crash. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), common causes of commercial vehicle collisions include:
- Driver inexperience
- Road and weather conditions
- Speeding
- Driver intoxication
- Driver fatigue
- Mechanical problems, such as blown tires and faulty brakes
- Shifting cargo
- Following too closely
- Driver distraction
We can investigate your accident and collect evidence proving another party’s reckless, wrongful, or negligent actions led to your injuries and damages. Potentially liable parties may include:
- A commercial vehicle driver
- A driver’s employer/a trucking company
- A third-party motorist
- A truck’s owner or the entity in charge of maintenance
- A negligent mechanic or garage
- A private or government roadway owner
- The owner/loader of the truck’s cargo
How Long Do You Have To Seek Compensation In Florida?
You must take action within Florida’s statute of limitations. According to Florida Statutes § 95.11, you have four years from your accident to file a personal injury lawsuit or two years to file a wrongful death case.
Failure to adhere to these deadlines will likely lead to the court refusing your case. An expired statute will also reduce your insurance bargaining power and may result in a denied claim or lowered settlement. We can tell you more and help you get started before it is too late.
Do You Need A Semi-Truck Accident Attorney?
No law states that an attorney must file your insurance claim or represent you during a lawsuit. However, semi-truck accident cases can quickly become complex, and the trucking company and its insurers may engage legal help to protect their bottom line.
A lawyer with our firm can stand up for you and fight for a fair financial recovery. We can also take the stress of your case off your plate. We can:
- Collect evidence
- Draft and file your claim or lawsuit
- Track and manage deadlines
- Communicate with insurance agents, opposing counsel, and other involved parties
- Aggressively negotiate on your behalf
- Provide you with frequent and timely case updates and 24/7 support
- Represent you at trial if necessary
The Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine
To learn more about damages you can recover from a semi-truck accident, contact the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine today. A team member can tell you more about working with our Florida lawyers and get you started with a free consultation.
