Due to their vast size, most garbage truck accidents result in serious injuries or even death. It’s expected for the victims to take some time to recuperate rather than chase compensation.
That’s where the lawyers at the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine come in handy. Our St. Petersburg garbage truck accident lawyer will do everything they can to get you a fair settlement. We will start by negotiating with insurance companies on your behalf. If an adequate settlement is unattainable, we will take your case to court.
When Should I Get Legal Help?
You should get legal help soon after your truck accident. Immediately after an accident, you should seek medical help, even if you don’t feel like your injuries are severe. This way, you have a paper trail to help you prove the injuries you sustained resulted from the garbage truck accident.
If you need medical assistance at the scene, call the police. EMS will also respond. Next, give our law firm a call. We’ll help you protect your rights by giving you relevant legal counsel and collecting evidence at the accident scene. Mind you, the statute of limitations in Florida for personal injury lawsuits is generally four years, according to Florida Statutes § 95.11(3)(a).
For this reason, contacting us as soon as the accident happens gives us ample time to investigate, analyze, and fight for fair compensation.
How Will One of Your Garbage Truck Accident Lawyers Help Me?
Garbage truck accidents can be complicated because they require us to review more evidence when compared to normal motor accidents. Your St. Petersburg garbage truck accident lawyer will do their best to alleviate your concerns by:
- Collecting all the essential evidence from the crime scene, hospital, police, eyewitnesses, etc.
- Identifying the liable party
- Filing a claim against the liable party’s insurer
- Working with experts to assess the value of your claim
- Negotiating your claim with the insurer
- Updating you on the case proceedings
- Representing you in a trial if we don’t reach a settlement agreement with insurers
Involving Experts in Your Pinellas County Truck Accident Case
We may work with experts when analyzing your case. For example, if the accident resulted in a fatality, we would enlist a forensic pathologist to help us determine the cause of death and its timing.
We’ll also commission an accident reconstructionist to study the accident and determine the cause. We may also work with medical experts who can determine how your injuries will affect you long-term.
Who Is Liable in a Garbage Truck Accident?
One of the first things we’ll do when you bring your case to us is establish the cause of the accident to find the liable party. Possible liable parties in a truck accident include:
The Truck’s Mechanic
If the accident was caused by the truck mechanic being negligent or overlooking a prominent issue, the mechanical company would compensate you.
Government Entity
A garbage truck accident could happen due to poorly maintained roads, unmarked lanes, wrong or lack of road signs, etc. If the accident was due to any of the above reasons, the government entity responsible for maintaining the road would be liable.
Truck Manufacturer
The garbage truck manufacturer must make sure that every part of the truck is working as it should be and the truck isn’t a hazard to its driver or other road users. So, if the accident was a result of a defective part in the truck, the manufacturer should compensate you.
Truck Driver
Garbage truck accidents can result from irresponsible driving, such as driving under the influence, illegal lane changing, etc. If such is the case, the driver can be found responsible, and the insurance company covering the truck ought to pay you for the damages.
Waste Management Company
Under Florida laws, the company that owns the garbage truck should ensure that it’s well-maintained and kept up to speed with service appointments. Also, they should make sure that their drivers are well-trained for the job and don’t drive while tired or engage in other negligent behaviors. A trucking company is typically liable if their driver caused an accident as they are responsible for their actions and inaction.
What Happens If the At-fault Party Has Limited or No Insurance?
Florida laws state that all garbage trucks need insurance. If you get into an accident with one, you may assume all your damages will be covered. However, you may find yourself in a situation where the garbage truck company took out coverage with a minimal payout limit for victims.
If we can prove that the driver was the cause of your injuries, we can negotiate with the company owner to pay you from their company’s assets. That’s if the truck company assets are enough to pay you the remainder of the settlement amount we are asking for.
We can always file a lawsuit against the liable party if your damages won’t be completely covered through an insurance settlement or company assets.
How Much does It Cost to Hire a Lawyer from Your Firm?
At the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine, we work on a contingency basis. We will not charge you anything unless and until we settle or win your case. We’ll deduct the legal fees from your final payout when we do.
If we are not successful, you owe us nothing. We only get paid if you do.
Call the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine After a St. Petersburg Garbage Truck Accident
Garbage truck accidents tend to be catastrophic whenever they happen. If you’ve been in a garbage truck accident, contact our firm. Once we take on your case, we’ll give you the number of your attorney, who’ll answer any questions you might have. They will also keep you updated with your case and schedule any appointments you’ll need.
With our help, you only have to worry about getting better. We’ll take care of everything else. Call 1-800-747-3733 for a free case evaluation with a team member.
We Can Help.
