Any vehicle accident can quickly become dangerous, but cargo truck accidents are likely to cause intense damage. Often, the damage is one-sided. Due to their large size, cargo trucks can easily cause severe injuries if they collide with a passenger vehicle and/or a motorcycle.
A Jacksonville cargo truck accident lawyer from the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine may be able to help if you’ve been in a collision with a cargo truck. Our Jacksonville truck accident lawyers can help you explore your legal options, so you can fight to receive fair compensation for the damages you’ve suffered.
What Kind of Compensation Can I Get from My Jacksonville Cargo Truck Accident?
A collision with a cargo truck can result in traumatic damages that affect you physically, emotionally, and financially.
For example, some people who suffer cargo truck accidents may require ongoing medical care for the rest of their lives, while others may never be able to return to their jobs.
Our goal is to ensure that you get the compensation that you deserve for all damages suffered.
Some of these damages may include:
- Medical expenses
- Therapy and rehabilitation
- Ongoing care costs
- Vehicle or home modifications to accommodate a disability
- Pain and suffering
- Repair or replacement of your vehicle
- Current and future lost wages
- Other accident-related damages
You may also be entitled to further compensation from your cargo truck accident case if you lost a loved one as a result of the collision.
Who Is Responsible for a Cargo Truck Accident?
Assessing liability for a cargo truck accident is complex, as there may be more than one liable party.
Are Truck Drivers Liable for Damage?
Statistics from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) indicate that truck drivers can often be liable for accidents. Truck drivers may be liable for cargo truck accidents if they:
- Drove while intoxicated
- Exceeded the speed limit
- Fell asleep at the wheel
- Drove distractedly
- Drove recklessly
Vicarious Liability and Its Role in Your Cargo Truck Accident
With cargo truck accidents, it’s also possible that vicarious liability may come into play.
Vicarious liability is the legal doctrine that states employers are responsible for their employees’ actions if those employees are acting within the scope of their employment. In the case of your cargo truck accident in Jacksonville, this means the cargo truck company may be liable.
Negligent Actions Could Play a Role in a Cargo Truck Accident
Negligent actions result when someone fails to behave with the level of prudence that is considered ordinary in that circumstance. When evaluating your cargo truck accident, a lawyer can also help you determine if negligent actions played a role in your collision in Jacksonville.
For example, accidents can occur due to the negligent actions of the truck maintenance company, the truck manufacturer, the parts manufacturer, or the tire company.
Multiple People Could be Responsible for a Cargo Truck Accident
Vehicle collisions are often the result of many different actions. This means that multiple parties may be liable for your cargo truck accident.
It is also possible that you are partly responsible for the collision. In such a circumstance, you can still be eligible for collecting compensation, but the value of your claim may be reduced.
Your Deadline to File a Claim for a Cargo Truck Accident in Jacksonville Can Affect Your Case
There are many factors that affect your deadline for taking legal action to recover damages from your cargo truck accident in Jacksonville.
To file a personal injury suit, Florida Statutes § 95.11(3)(a) states that you typically have four years to do so from the date of your accident. To file a claim for damages to or loss of your vehicle, the deadline is the same.
If the collision resulted in the loss of a loved one, Florida Statutes § 95.11(4)(d) deems you must file a wrongful death claim within two years of the date of your family member’s passing.
How a Lawyer Can Help You with Your Cargo Truck Accident
By working with the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine in Jacksonville, you can receive help, guidance, and advice with your claim. Your lawyer can help you determine who is liable for the collision and then help you fight for the compensation you deserve.
A Lawyer Can Start Building Your Case
Once the law firm has determined who is liable, they’ll work on collecting evidence to build your case. This may involve:
- Investigating the scene of the accident
- Reviewing accident reports from the police
- Speaking with eyewitnesses
- Gathering expert testimony
- Collecting photos or videos from the scene of the accident
For your cargo truck accident case, a law firm can also research prior complaints against the liable party and then file a letter of spoliation to request the preservation of evidence.
A Lawyer Can Be an Advisor and a Guide
As a lawyer collects evidence to build your case, they can also act as an overall advisor and guide you throughout the legal process.
First, with evidence in hand, they can help you calculate your losses, encompassing all physical, emotional, and financial damages suffered, so you can be aware of what compensation you may be entitled to receive.
Then, as the case progresses, they can advise you on what legal actions you should or shouldn’t take. This kind of legal advice can help you understand complicated technical jargon, confusing laws, and ongoing negotiations with insurance companies.
A Lawyer Can Be an Advocate for You
In the case of a cargo truck accident, you may wish to take legal action against a large corporation that will undoubtedly have a robust team of lawyers at its defense. A Jacksonville cargo truck accident lawyer can advocate for you and fight for you to receive your fair compensation.
Call the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine Today
If you’ve been in a cargo truck accident in Jacksonville, reach out to the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine for a free consultation. We can answer your questions and begin evaluating your case.
We Can Help.
