If you were in a crash with a tanker truck in Palm Bay, you may be entitled to compensation. A Palm Bay truck accident lawyer can explain your legal rights, and help you seek the compensation you deserve for the injuries and losses you may have suffered.
About Tanker Trucks
Tanker trucks transport certain types of items, such as dry goods and liquids. Some of the items they transport include:
- Fuel
- Chemicals
- Beverages
- Grain
Heavy trucks make up a large bulk of the truck accident a year. With approximately 130,000 people injured in truck accidents a year, 74% of all passenger vehicle fatalities involve a large truck, and 68% of all truck fatalities are passenger vehicle occupants.
Reasons for Truck Accidents
Truck accidents can occur for a lot of the same reasons that other vehicle accidents occur.
Some of these reasons include:
- Driver fatigue
- Lack of experience
- Impaired driving
- Speeding
- Distracted driving
- Overcompensating
Regardless of what caused the truck accident in which you were involved in Palm Bay, your lawyer will use the evidence available to build a case against the negligent party.
Keep in mind that the truck driver may been at fault, but other parties may also be held liable for the crash. For example, if the driver was working for a trucking company, a claim may be filed with that company’s insurance. If the accident was caused by faulty parts, such as brakes that failed, the manufacturer of those parts could also be held liable.
That’s why it’s important to have an attorney on your side who is familiar with these types of cases, and can fight for the compensation you deserve.
What to Do After an Accident with a Tanker Truck
What should you do after an accident with a tanker truck? You can take some steps to make things easier for the legal process:
- Write down notes: You’ll have a much better recall of the situation right after the incident.
- File a Police Report: The police will take down your information and statement at the scene of the accident.
- Notify Your Insurance: You should contact your insurance agency to report the incident, but don’t admit to any wrongdoing. Also, don’t agree to any terms or settlements.
- Seek Medical Attention: Be sure to seek medical advice, whether you feel ok or not. You may have hidden injuries.
- Talk to an Attorney: Contact a Palm Bay tanker truck accident lawyer and begin the process of working on your claim.
How Will My Attorney Assist Me?
Your attorney will manage all the legal issues surrounding your case so you can focus on recovering from the injuries and trauma you may have suffered. They will also speak with insurance agents and other third-party agents, and negotiate on your behalf.
Here are some of the tasks your attorney will handle for you:
- Handle all incoming and outgoing email communication with third parties
- File claim in a timely manner
- Collect evidence
- Interview witnesses if needed
- Negotiate a fair settlement
- Take the case to trial if necessary
What Damages Can I Claim?
An accident with a tanker truck will do a lot of damages. Your injuries could be long-lasting or permanent. With the seriousness of the situation, you probably have bills coming in the mail already. This leads to numerous economic damages that must be attended to by your lawyer. Some of the damages a Palm Bay tanker truck accident lawyer will help you recover are as follows:
- Medical expenses, including any future needs or permanent medical assistance
- Hospital bills
- Damaged property
- Lost wages and benefits
You will also be able to file for other types of damages that may not have a “bill” attached to them but still affect your quality of life. These damages are non-economic and include:
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Loss of pleasure
- Loss of consortium
Your lawyer will calculate a value for all your losses, both economic and non-economic, to make sure you are compensated fairly.
Statute of Limitations
Florida Statutes § 95.11(3)(a) states that you have four years from the date of the accident to the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit.
While four years may seem like a long time, it takes time to gather evidence, prepare a case, file a claim with the insurance company, and negotiate a settlement. If you can’t reach a settlement with the insurance company, and you and your lawyer decide to file a lawsuit, you must do it within the deadline. If you miss the deadline, you may lose your right to compensation.
Call Today for Your Free Consultation
If you have been dealing with the stress of a tanker truck accident, seek help for your injuries now by contacting a Palm Bay tanker truck accident lawyer at Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine.
We will work on your case on a contingency basis, which means you have no up front costs. We collect our fees from the settlement or award you win.
We Can Help.
