It’s difficult for anybody to fully contemplate the devastation an 18-wheeler truck can cause in the case of an accident. But, in reality, 18-wheeler truck accidents do happen, and the results are usually catastrophic.
Their size and weight make these trucks deadly when involved in accidents. If you were involved in such an accident, our Cape Coral truck accident lawyers can handle your case.
What to Do After an 18-Wheeler Truck Accident
Truck accidents involving 18-wheelers are rarely minor. Because of the truck’s size, an accident will likely cause extensive damage to your car and other surrounding vehicles. The accident could be fatal if the truck carries flammable material or other dangerous chemicals.
Even though you can never be well-prepared for an accident of that magnitude, it helps to know the best legal options if you or your loved ones become victims. Here are the steps to take if you’re the victim of an 18-wheeler truck accident.
Seek Medical Attention
The sheer magnitude of an 18-wheeler truck accident implies that you must seek emergency medical care immediately as a victim. Such an accident is likely to cause extensive damage to your car and result in severe injuries.
If you sustain only minor injuries, it’s still critical that you seek medical attention. Some injuries, like brain injury and internal bleeding, can be life-threatening, even when not apparent.
Talk to the Authorities
If you were taken into emergency care immediately following the accident, you might not have discussed the accident with the police. Remember that it’s still important to report the accident, give a statement, and review the police report.
Record Your Damages
While it’s difficult to assess the extent of your injuries and damages while still in recovery, it’s critical to begin recording your medical bills, car and property damage, and other expenses related to the accident. This information will be important when filing your personal injury claim.
Consider Working With an 18-Wheeler Truck Accident Lawyer
As a victim of an 18-wheeler truck accident, you’re likely not aware of what a personal injury claim entails. While you rest, we can take care of the legal legwork.
What Damages Can I Collect After an 18-Wheeler Truck Accident?
The damages for any accident usually depend on two main factors. First, the extent of your injuries as the victim, and the second is the degree of the at-fault driver’s liability. Damages after an 18-wheeler truck accident are similar to those in common accidents. Still, the extent of the property damage and injuries is likely greater than that of a regular car accident. For this reason, damages in such accidents are usually more serious.
Basic damages after an 18-wheeler truck accident include:
- Medical bills and other medical expenses like therapy and rehabilitation
- Lost wages
- Lost future earning capability in case of disability
- Property damage for the car and other personal property
- Non-economic damages for the stress, and pain and suffering due to the accident
How does an 18-Wheeler Truck Accident Lawyer Calculate Pain and Suffering?
Pain and suffering can’t be measured in weight or calculated in numbers. If your lawyer seeks compensation for pain and suffering, you may be wondering how that reflects in your documentation. Typically, your lawyer will determine the fair compensation amount for pain and suffering depending on some of the factors below:
- The nature and severity of your injuries
- Whether you’ve ongoing symptoms that may require long-term medical care like therapy or rehabilitation
- How your injuries have affected your everyday life and that of your family
- Whether the injuries result in death
Even with the above factors, pain and suffering can seem challenging to calculate. Remember that your lawyer has experience in this field and can objectively assess these factors to calculate a fair compensation amount.
How an 18-Wheeler Truck Accident Lawyer Can Help
As a victim of an 18-wheeler truck accident, you may weigh the risks versus the reward of working with a lawyer. The most important consideration is your experience and capability compared to a lawyer’s. After careful evaluation, you will realize that a lawyer is your best chance at receiving fair compensation for your damages.
Other factors that the lawyer best handles include:
Determining Liability
Remember that in an 18-wheeler truck accident, there may be several liable parties, including the driver, trucking, or maintenance company. It often takes a lawyer’s experience to determine each party’s negligence and to what extent.
Analyzing the Company’s Policies and Regulations
If the truck company is liable for the accident, a lawyer can present the necessary evidence indicating the role in the accident.
Calculating Damages
A personal injury lawyer is more experienced in calculating a fair compensation package and negotiating with insurance companies.
How Soon Do I Have to File a Lawsuit After an 18-Wheeler Truck Accident?
In Cape Coral, Florida, you have up to four years to file a personal injury lawsuit after an 18-wheeler truck accident. This may feel like ample time to recover and pursue the case. But, it’s essential to remember that legal processes can be lengthy and unpredictable.
An accident involving several victims requires negotiations with multiple insurance companies. Delaying could be detrimental to your case.
Let the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine Help
At the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine, we want you to succeed. If you, your relative, or your friend are victims of an 8-wheeler truck accident, call us at 1-800-747-3733 to immediately start working on your personal injury claim. We will take care of all matters regarding your case so you can focus on your recovery.
We Can Help.
