We rely on large trucks and their drivers to transport goods across the United States. Unfortunately, when passenger vehicles are involved in collisions with 18-wheeler trucks, the results can be devastating.
According to the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), over 33,000 traffic accidents occurred in 2019 in Florida alone. If you suffered injuries or a loved one passed away in a crash with an 18-wheeler truck in Gainesville, a lawyer from the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine can help. Our attorneys can investigate your case, determine liability, and file an insurance claim or lawsuit on your behalf.
Common Causes of 18-Wheeler Truck Accidents in Gainesville
18-wheeler truck accidents can occur due to various factors. In fact, more than one liable party may be responsible for the accident and your subsequent injuries and losses.
Some of the most common causes of 18-wheeler truck accidents may include:
- Driving under the influence (drugs or alcohol)
- Overloaded cargo or improper loading
- Distracted driving
- Traffic law violations
- Drowsy driving
- Speeding
- Faulty road construction or design
- Improper truck repairs and inadequate maintenance
- Defective brakes or tires
Depending on the cause of the accident, you have a right to claim compensation. Your lawyer will investigate the claim and work with experts to establish negligence. Our team has the resources needed to help you receive fair compensation.
Liability in 18-Wheeler Truck Accidents in Gainesville
Trucking companies are typically responsible for their driver’s conduct while on duty. This means that they may be fully liable for an accident in some cases, even if the driver is at fault. Liability in truck accidents can involve several other parties. To determine liability, your lawyer will work with accident reconstruction experts to understand the cause of the accident and place a value on your damages.
The liable parties can include:
- The truck driver
- The trucking company
- The company leasing the truck
- Truck owner
- Truck manufacturer
- A repair shop or mechanic
- Truck loaders
- A government agency
In the case of shared liability, you can still claim damages from the parties involved, based on their percentage of fault. An 18-wheeler truck accident lawyer is familiar with such claims and knows how to value the claim correctly and negotiate a fair settlement with the liable party(ies).
Damages You May Receive in 18-Wheeler Truck Accidents
Large trucks can weigh up to 30 times more than passenger vehicles, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). A collision with an 18-wheeler truck you did not cause can leave you with mounting medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
The damages you can claim after an 18-wheeler truck accident will depend on the effects of the accident, the severity of the accident, injuries, and other circumstances.
You can claim both economic (out of pocket) and non-economic (physical or emotional) damages, including:
- Current and future medical bills (e.g., rehabilitation, assistive medical devices, prescription medications)
- Lost income and loss of future income
- Reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of consortium
- Disability, disfigurement, or scarring
- Loss of limb(s)
- Loss of consortium
If the accident was fatal, surviving family members could also claim funeral and burial expenses via a wrongful death lawsuit. Truck accident lawyers use evidence such as witness statements, medical reports, police reports, accident scene pictures, video footage, expert reports, and more to prove your claim and damages.
What Can Affect Your Claim?
Even though you have a right to claim full compensation from the at-fault party, several things can affect your claim’s validity and value. Florida recognizes comparative negligence. According to this law, two parties can be liable for an accident. Therefore, if you are also at fault, you will be responsible for your degree of fault.
The Injuries You Sustained
The type of injuries you sustain and their severity will also determine how much you can claim. For example, if you suffered:
- A traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Loss of a limb
- A permanent disability
- And any other injury requiring prolonged hospitalization, surgery, rehabilitation, future medical expenses, and a complete lifestyle change.
In these cases, you can claim more than a victim with minor injuries. Also, what you do after a truck accident can affect your claim. It’s critical you seek medical attention as soon as possible after the accident to diagnose and document your injuries.
Why Choose a Gainesville 18-Wheeler Truck Accident Lawyer?
A lawyer will help you protect your claim and ensure you get the settlement you deserve. Your lawyer will get all the accident reports and information needed to file your claim. Additionally, an attorney can accurately value all of your damages and negotiate a fair settlement with the liable parties.
We Can Go to Court for You
In case of a lawsuit, your lawyer will file the suit, represent you in court, and argue the case for a fair award. Note that dealing with insurance companies can be challenging, especially if you have no experience. If you choose to handle the claim without legal help, you may undervalue your damages and accept a low-ball offer.
In some cases, you may inadvertently admit partial liability and end up with an unfair settlement. A Gainesville 18-wheeler truck accident attorney can build a strong case that supports your side and fight for the compensation you need to move forward.
Call the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine for Help Today
18-wheeler trucks are heavier than passenger vehicles and can cause devastating results when they crash. Victims of such accidents incur huge financial losses and life-threatening injuries. If you or your loved one suffered injuries in an 18-wheeler truck accident in Gainesville, our legal team is standing by to assist you with your claim.
At the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine, we are ready to handle every aspect of your case while you focus on your recovery. Call 1-800-747-3733 today for a free case review and to find out about your legal options. The call is free, and there is no obligation.
We Can Help.
