If you were injured in an accident with a cargo truck in Hollywood, a Hollywood cargo truck accident lawyer can help you navigate through the personal injury laws in Florida and recover the compensation you deserve.
A Hollywood truck accident lawyer from the Offices of Anidjar & Levine can handle everything concerning your case while you focus on recovering from your injuries.
Pursuing a Claim for Damages After a Cargo Truck Accident
You have a legal right to claim damages after a cargo truck accident. But making a successful claim is dependent on various factors. The first is what you do immediately after the accident.
For instance, ensure that you seek medical attention immediately after the accident. Your medical report can be used as evidence that the accident caused bodily injury or property damage. Seeking medical attention not only helps you know the full extent of your injuries, but it also helps to calculate the full value of your medical expenses now and in the future.
After your accident, you should also call the police or ask someone at the scene to do so. A police report is often required by your insurance company, and it contains valuable information that can also be used as evidence when building your case.
Contacting a Hollywood cargo truck accident lawyer will also be beneficial after your accident. A lawyer will:
- Look for any witnesses and get their contact information
- Take pictures of the damage caused by the accident, and the vehicles involved
- Handle all communications with the liable party and their insurance company
Liable Parties in a Cargo Truck Accident
The liable party in any accident is the one whose negligence caused the event that led to injury or property damage. The at-fault party in a cargo truck accident may be the driver, but that doesn’t mean the driver’s insurance company is liable for damages. If the driver worked as an independent contractor, they may share in the liability. But if they were employed by a company, a claim may be filed with that company’s insurer.
The driver’s employer may also be liable in a cargo truck accident if their actions failed to take into account the safety of their drivers and other drivers. For instance, a driver’s employer is liable for a cargo truck accident if they:
- Force their drivers to work very long hours
- Do not properly train their drivers
- Do not properly vet their drivers and verify their ability to operate a vehicle
- Fail to maintain the vehicle
The loading or cargo company is liable if they failed to securely load the truck. An accident may occur if the cargo spilled onto the road causing an accident. Vehicle manufacturers can also be liable if the accident occurred due to faulty parts.
A Hollywood cargo truck accident lawyer can determine who is the liable party through an investigation. A lawyer can also work with accident reconstruction experts who can determine how the accident occurred.
You Have a Limited Amount of Time to File a Lawsuit
Once the truck accident lawyer identifies the liable party, they can begin working on building your case.
According to Florida Statutes § 95.11(3)(a), you have only four years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit against the liable party. That’s why it is imperative that the claims process begin as soon as possible. If you can’t reach a settlement with the insurance company within that timeframe, you may lose your opportunity to file a lawsuit.
What You Need to Know After a Cargo Truck Accident
The most pressing question any injured party deals with after an accident is how they can get compensated. This question’s answer mainly depends on the state the accident occurred. For instance, the easiest way to get compensated in Florida is by making a claim against your insurance company.
But the cost of injuries and property damage in a cargo truck accident are generally higher than what the insurer is willing to cover. You can file a Fort Lauderdale personal injury lawsuit against the liable party if their insurer refuses to offer you a fair settlement.
Benefits of Hiring a Lawyer
Although you don’t need a lawyer to file a claim, the process of getting compensated can be quite challenging, and insurance companies are not always easy to deal with.
A Hollywood cargo truck accident lawyer will ensure that the insurance company fulfills its responsibility to fully compensate you for your losses. A lawyer will also gather evidence to support your claim and protect your interests during the negotiation process.
If a settlement with the insurance company can’t be reached, your lawyer can then file a lawsuit and defend your rights in court.
What About Uninsured Motorist Coverage?
You can receive uninsured motorist coverage if the at-fault party flees the scene of the accident. You are also eligible to receive damages through uninsured motorist insurance if the liable party does not have insurance.
The state of Florida requires all motorists to carry auto insurance. The minimum limit for bodily injury cover is $10,000 for one person. Uninsured motorist coverage comes automatically with auto insurance coverage, unless you have refused it in writing.
Your lawyer can discuss this further with you, and answer any questions you might have about your legal rights after an accident with a cargo truck.
Call Anidjar & Levine Today
You can get legal representation from our firm comes with no upfront costs. We collect our fees from the insurance claim or court award you receive.
Our Hollywood cargo truck accident lawyers are ready to review your case and begin the legal process to recover damages for you. Call the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine today for your free consultation.
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