It takes a single mistake from a truck driver who is not keen on the road to cause a devastating accident. A truck accident could significantly affect the victim’s health and financial security. Truck accidents can be catastrophic because a fully loaded truck can weigh close to 40,000 pounds, while an average vehicle weighs 3,000 pounds, according to the Federal Highway Administration (FHA).
After a truck accident, the victims have a right to claim compensation for the injuries and damages they incur. Our Jacksonville Beach personal injury lawyers can help.
You May Recover Various Accident-Related Expenses
After a truck accident, you can recover money used for medical bills, lost income, and emotional pain and suffering. Our Jacksonville Beach truck accident lawyer can guide you through the claim filing process.
With a personal injury lawyer from our firm handling your case, you can rest and recover throughout the legal process. Your lawyer will investigate the truck accident, collect evidence to prove the at-fault party’s liability, and file a claim on your behalf. Your lawyer will also negotiate with the insurer and file a lawsuit if there is no agreement.
Here are the ways a truck accident lawyer can help during the claim process in more detail:
Collecting Evidence to Support Your Claim
An automobile claim is as strong as the evidence collected and presented during filing. It’s the responsibility of the truck accident lawyer to investigate the accident and collect adequate proof showing the liable party.
Evidence may include:
- Video footage from traffic cameras, witnesses, or nearby businesses
- Medical records showing the extent of injury, hospital expenses, cost of medication, and any future medical expenses in case of a lifelong medical condition resulting from the accident
- Accident reports from the police detailing the cause of the accident and the liable parties
- Eyewitness statements that the lawyer can get by interviewing the eyewitnesses and recording their statements
In more complicated cases, the services of an accident reconstruction expert can be used to assist in demonstrating how the accident occurred and who is liable. An expert can also determine if the truck had mechanical problems leading to the accident. A truck accident lawyer will ensure to collect sufficient evidence to strengthen the claim case and increase the odds of getting the maximum settlement from the insurance provider.
Determining Who Is at Fault
A successful lawsuit against the insurance provider depends on whether the victim can prove who is liable for the truck accident. Establishing the responsible party in a truck accident can be challenging since several individuals, such as truck manufacturers, truck loaders, or truck owners, could be at fault.
The lawyer must provide evidence to prove these four elements of negligence for a strong truck accident claim case:
- The person responsible for the accident owed the victim a duty of care
- The liable party breached their duty of care, resulting in the accident
- The victim sustained injuries and damages due to the breach of duty of care
- The violation of the duty of care resulted in the victim suffering monetary loss from medical bills or car repairs
Determining the Value of Your Claim
A lawyer will determine the value of your compensation claim based on the evidence collected. The value of compensation can change over time due to ongoing medical treatment. Therefore, you should consider all current and future expenses when calculating the claim value.
Your lawyer will strive to ensure that you receive compensation for:
- Medical bills
- Car repairs or replacement
- Lost income during recovery
- Physical therapy
- Emotional pain and suffering
Also, the lawyer can list all the expenses and damages from the truck accident with dollar amounts. The dollar amounts help quantify and verify the loss and show the claim value you’re pursuing.
Dealing with the Insurance Company
A victim handling the insurance company without legal representation can end up receiving a minimum compensation or rejection of the claim. An insurance adjuster’s objective is to profit the insurance company rather than offer a just compensation claim. A legal representative for the victim will level the playing field since the lawyer understands the insurance policy language and laws.
During negotiations with the insurance company, the lawyer handles all verbal and written statements and crafts them to the victim’s advantage.
Giving Legal advice
You can ask your lawyer questions and receive guidance every step of the way. For example, a lawyer from our firm can explain comparative liability and the statute of limitations on a personal injury lawsuit.
Filing a Court Case
If out-of-court negotiations don’t go as planned, your lawyer will help you seek justice in a court of law. A court case is often a long and expensive affair, and such pressure can make the victim let go of the claim. However, if you have a lawyer by your side, they’ll file to represent you in court while recovering from your injuries.
A lawyer from our firm can present the available evidence, argue the claim case, and cross-examine witnesses.
Contact The Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine for a Free Case Review
A truck accident can be a catastrophic experience, leading to a lifelong medical condition or impairment. If someone else was liable, you’re entitled to monetary compensation from the at-fault parties. A truck accident attorney will assist you in recovering as you continue to come to terms with the traumatic experience.
If you’re in Jacksonville Beach, Florida, and have been involved in a truck accident, contact a truck accident lawyer at the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine. Call us today for a free case review. We’re ready to assist you in your time of need.
We Can Help.
