Whether on worksites or on the road, construction truck accidents can leave behind devastating consequences. In Florida, workplace transportation incidents accounted for 40 percent of fatal work injuries in 2019, per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
If you were injured or a loved one was fatally injured in a construction truck accident in Gainesville, FL, you may be eligible for compensation for your injuries and other losses. A Gainesville construction truck accident attorney from the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine can help examine your case, determine liability, and file an insurance claim or lawsuit on your behalf.
How a Lawyer Who Handles Construction Truck Accidents Cases Can Help
Construction truck accidents can result in severe injuries that lead to costly medical bills and weeks or even months of rehabilitation. If you were injured or a family member was hurt in a construction truck accident you could be facing thousands of dollars in medical expenses, lost wages from being out of work, and pain and suffering.
A Gainesville construction truck accident attorney from our firm can handle every aspect of your case while you focus on your recovery. Our legal team will do the following:
- Handle all your case communications with the liable parties and their insurance companies
- Collect evidence that supports your case (e.g., the police report, your medical records, any photos or surveillance video from the accident scene, the construction company’s records if applicable, etc.)
- Investigate your case to strengthen your claim and substantiate its value
- File your claim with the liable party’s insurance company
- Negotiate for a fair settlement with the at-fault’s insurance company on your behalf
- Take your case to trial if the insurance company is unwilling to negotiate
File Your Case Before Time Runs Out
Your attorney will also ensure your personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit is filed on time in the proper court before the statute of limitations expires.
Personal Injury: You have four years to file from the date of the accident per Florida Statutes § 95.11(3)(a).
Wrongful Death: You have two years to file from the date of your loved one’s passing per Florida Statutes § 95.11(4)(d).
There may be exceptions in your particular case. Our team will discuss this with you during your free consultation.
Types of Construction Truck Accidents in Gainesville
Construction trucks and other heavy machinery are common on roads in Gainesville. Although the drivers and operators of these vehicles often take precautions to ensure their safety, accidents still happen.
Some of the most common types of construction truck accidents that occur on the roads include:
Rear-End Collisions
If a construction truck driver has to brake unexpectedly in traffic and is speeding or going too fast for road conditions, a rear-end collision can result. The sheer weight and size of large trucks make stopping short nearly impossible.
Underride Accidents
Underrides occur when a passenger car gets stuck underneath a semi-truck trailer, often resulting in severe injuries and fatalities. If you were involved in an accident that resulted in an underride, it might be due to negligent behavior on the part of the truck driver or construction company.
Jackknifing
When the semi-truck trailer swings out in different directions from the truck itself, it is called jackknifing. It usually occurs when a tractor-trailer attempts to stop suddenly at high speeds. The trailer behind it skids forward, causing it to swing around and endangering other vehicles on the road.
Rollover Accidents
These can occur when a truck overturns for various reasons, such as overloaded or improperly loaded cargo or making a sharp turn too fast. In this case, a cargo loading company may be held liable for your accident.
Poor Maintenance
Sudden tire failures can be caused by poor maintenance or worn-out tires. When this happens, the driver may lose control of the vehicle and cause a serious accident. The trucking company must service the vehicles before releasing them on duty.
Determining Liability in Construction Truck Accidents
Trucker drivers are not the only ones liable in truck accident cases. In many instances, it may be possible to pursue compensation from the truck driver’s employer.
A trucking company may be held responsible for their employee’s actions under certain circumstances, such as:
- The truck driver was on duty at the time of the crash
- The truck driver was driving within company guidelines
- The company did not maintain the vehicle properly
- The company failed to properly train the driver
When multiple parties are involved in an accident, all potentially liable parties must be named as defendants in any lawsuit filed after the crash. Your attorney can ensure all liable parties are held accountable in your Gainesville construction truck accident.
Damages in Construction Truck Accidents in Gainesville
Construction trucks are massive and powerful, so the damage and injuries can be catastrophic when they collide with passenger cars. If you were hurt due to another driver’s negligence, you could be eligible for compensation for your losses.
The damages you may recover include both economic (financial) and non-economic (physical and emotional) damages, including:
- Property damage
- Lost wages
- Current and future medical expenses
- Permanent disfigurement or disability
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of activities
- Loss of consortium
- Wrongful death
An attorney from our firm will calculate the value of your claim and make sure to seek the full value of your damages from the liable party.
Contact the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine for Legal Help
If you were injured in a Gainesville construction truck accident, the Law Offices of Anidjar and Levine can assist you in filing a claim for compensation.
Our attorneys work on contingency. So we do not get paid unless you do. Our payment comes out of the settlement or court award we win for you. Contact a team member today at 1-800-747-3733 for a free case review and legal help with your case.