Getting into an accident with a steel truck can prove detrimental to your well-being. It can cause numerous injuries and wreck your vehicle. When this occurs, you have options to file for damages. Even if your insurance company is willing to pay for your car’s damages, take time to consult with a Palm Bay truck accident lawyer to be sure you are getting everything you deserve for the suffering you’ve endured. Don’t sign away your rights to fair compensation until talking to an attorney.
A Palm Bay steel truck accident lawyer will review the different types of damages you can recover from an accident and assist you in receiving the compensation that is deserved.
What Is a Steel Truck?
Most of the commercial trucks you see driving on the highway are constructed using steel parts. These steel trucks come in all sizes and shapes and serve different purposes. Some of the types of steel trucks you might see include:
- Semi-truck
- Grapple truck
- Refrigerator truck
- Tanker truck
- Flatbed truck
- Dump truck
- Garbage trucks
These trucks can range in weight from 35,000 to 80,000 pounds.
How Much Damage Can a Steel Truck Do?
Due to the weight, size, and construction of a steel truck, they can do tremendous amounts of damage when they collide with another vehicle. The fact that they have steel parts make them even more dangerous when in a wreck with them.
If they roll over unto another vehicle, they could potentially crush the car.
Injuries Caused By an Accident Involving a Steel Truck
Numerous injuries are possible from an accident involving a steel truck. They may be serious or minor and may include the following:
- Whiplash
- Traumatic brain injury
- Head injuries, such as a concussion
- Neck and shoulder injuries
- Broken bones
- Burns and cuts
How to Recover the Damages When in an Accident with a Steel Truck
After getting into an accident with a steel truck, you may think that your insurance company is the answer to help pay for all your damages, injuries, and losses. However, insurance companies are not quick to pay out for personal injury losses, especially not in the amount that is fair.
That’s why it’s helpful to have a Palm Bay steel truck accident lawyer on the case, negotiating on your behalf. They can make sure you can recover the money owed you.
Proving Negligence Is Crucial to Your Case
Florida is a comparative negligence state, which means the share of fault for an accident will be divided up between the parties. However, either party can file to recover damages as long as they aren’t 100 percent to blame.
A Palm Bay steel truck accident lawyer will work to prove you share minimal, if any, fault in the accident. This will influence the amount of compensation you receive.
An attorney must do the following to prove negligence:
Prove duty of care: The duty of care is owed by all drivers to others on the road. So, this point is already established and easily proven.
Prove there was a breach of duty: During this point, the attorney will need to bring evidence showing that the other party violated some law or was negligent. This shows that they were responsible for the accident.
Prove causation: During the last step, the lawyer will show that the injuries were indeed from the accident and not some other reason.
Statute of Limitations
It’s crucial that you begin the process of filing a claim as soon as possible after your accident. It takes time to gather evidence, interview witnesses, research who might be liable, and build a case for compensation.
If you can’t reach a settlement with the insurance company, and you decide to file a lawsuit, you must do so in a timely manner. According to Florida Statutes § 95.11(3)(a), you must file a lawsuit within four years of the date of the accident, or you may lose your right to compensation.
Types of Damages You Can Claim in a Steel Truck Accident
You can collect compensation for economic and non-economic damages when you are involved in a steel truck accident. Economic damage relief helps you pay for the bills to cover your injuries, medical expenses, hospital stays, physical rehab, and prescription costs. It can also help you get reimbursement for being out of work due to the accident.
You can also file a claim to collect compensation for pain and suffering. These will cover your mental anguish and reduced quality of life.
Some of the non-economic damages are:
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Reduced quality of life
- Loss of consortium
How Will an Attorney Help Me?
An attorney can handle all the legal aspects of your case while you focus on recovering from your injuries. You may be overwhelmed with doctor appointments, reduced mobility, and stress. A Palm Bay steel truck accident lawyer will assist with the following:
- Handle all communications like with third parties
- File your paperwork with the courts promptly
- Collect evidence
- Negotiate a fair settlement
- Take the case to trial if necessary
Call For Your Free Consultation Today
If you are suffering because of a steel truck accident, seek assistance from a Palm Bay steel truck accident lawyer at Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine. We work on a contingency fee basis, and collect no fees upfront. Our fees come from a percentage of the settlement or award you win.
We Can Help.