The process for filing a trucking accident lawsuit in Fort Lauderdale involves several steps, including collecting evidence, filing an insurance claim, and attempting to negotiate a settlement with the liable party’s insurance company.
You can learn more about your legal options by consulting a Fort Lauderdale truck accident lawyer. They can walk you through the process and file a lawsuit on your behalf if the negligent party and their insurer won’t offer a fair settlement that adequately covers your damages.
What Steps Should You Take After a Truck Accident in Fort Lauderdale?
For the best possible outcome in your case, you should take the following steps after suffering truck accident injuries:
- Seek immediate medical treatment: Even if you don’t think you’re seriously hurt, you should see a doctor as soon as possible. Medical professionals can diagnose and treat your injuries. Some symptoms of severe injuries, such as internal bleeding and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), could take time to present. Your doctor can also document your injuries in your medical records, which will later bolster your personal injury claim.
- Collect evidence: Evidence is key to proving negligence and liability. Take photographs of the accident scene and gather contact information from witnesses, if possible.
- Hire a truck accident attorney: A lawyer can explain your legal options and guide you through the steps of filing a claim and/or lawsuit. Your Fort Lauderdale trucking accident lawyer will investigate the accident, handle communication with the insurer, protect your rights, and fight for a fair settlement to cover your damages. They can also help you collect additional evidence, such as the police report and traffic camera footage. Don’t delay in contacting a lawyer, as evidence can disappear and witness memory fades over time.
- File an insurance claim: You should first notify your insurance provider, as your personal injury protection (PIP) insurance should cover some of your medical expenses and lost wages, regardless of who is at fault in the accident. If you suffered catastrophic injuries, you can also file a claim with the negligent party’s insurance carrier. Your truck accident lawyer can walk you through this process.
- Negotiate with the insurer: Your personal injury attorney will send a demand letter to the liable party’s insurance company explaining the compensation you deserve to recover and attempt to negotiate a fair settlement on your behalf.
- File a truck accident lawsuit: If the negligent party and their insurer do not offer a settlement that adequately covers your losses, you have the right to file a personal injury lawsuit to recover compensation through the legal process.
- Go to court: Most truck accident claims settle out of court, but if necessary, your lawyer will represent you in trial and present your case to a jury.
Taking these steps can improve the likelihood of a positive outcome in your case.
What Damages Can You Recover in a Trucking Accident Lawsuit?
In general, truck accident victims can claim three types of damages in Fort Lauderdale.
Economic Damages
Economic damages are financial damages that you can verify a monetary value for, including:
- Medical expenses
- Lost income and benefits
- Home modifications (ramps, railings, stair lifts, etc.)
- Household services (such as home and lawn maintenance)
- Transportation
- Child care
- Rehabilitation
- Counseling
- Repair or replacement of damaged property
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages are non-financial damages that don’t have a verifiable monetary value, including:
- Pain and suffering
- Disfigurement
- Lost companionship
- Physical and intellectual disabilities
- Mental anguish
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Emotional distress
Wrongful Death Damages
If you lost someone you love in a trucking accident, you can claim wrongful death damages, such as:
- Funeral expenses
- Lost income
- Medical bills
- Mental pain and suffering
A Fort Lauderdale wrongful death lawyer can help you protect your family and handle your case to get justice so you can take time to grieve.
The Deadline to File a Trucking Accident Lawsuit in Fort Lauderdale
Personal injury claims can take time to build, but you only have two years to file a lawsuit, according to Florida Statutes § 95.11. Failing to take legal action before the deadline expires will likely result in the court denying your lawsuit.
Your legal team will work to meet the statute of limitations in your case so maintain the right to file a lawsuit and take the negligent party to court to recover the compensation you deserve if necessary.
How Can a Fort Lauderdale Trucking Accident Lawyer from Our Firm Help You?
At the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine, serving your needs is our top priority. A Fort Lauderdale trucking accident attorney from our firm will provide responsive legal help. You can expect us to:
- Come to your location
- Help you access medical care
- Arrange for your transportation needs
- Schedule case-related appointments for you
- Help you repair or replace your vehicle
- Give you your lawyer’s cell phone number
- Send you regular case updates
- Return your phone calls and emails promptly
- Work on contingency so you pay no attorney fees unless we win
- Guide you through the legal and insurance processes
- Be available 24/7 to respond to your questions or concerns
Our Fort Lauderdale personal injury lawyers have been fighting for personal injury victims like you since 2005. We can help you take back control of your life and carry the burden of your case so you don’t have to.
We genuinely empathize with our clients because they are human beings, and we put people first. You can review our client testimonials for first-hand experiences with our firm. You are not alone. When you are ready to talk to us about your case, we will listen.
Learn More About the Process for Filing A Lawsuit After a Trucking Accident in Fort Lauderdale Today
The process of filing a lawsuit after a trucking accident in Fort Lauderdale can seem tedious, but these steps can help you maximize your compensation. Seeking medical treatment, gathering evidence, hiring an attorney, and filing an insurance claim are all key parts of the process.
Our legal team will work to secure a fair settlement for you and prepare your case for trial if taking the negligent party and the insurer to court becomes necessary. To learn more about filing a lawsuit after a trucking accident in Fort Lauderdale, please contact the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine today for a free initial consultation.
