We see fuel trucks all over our roadways and don’t give them a second thought. We trust the drivers behind the wheel of these vehicles will drive safely. But unfortunately, some drivers may violate trucking regulations, traffic laws, and other rules, putting others at risk for a serious accident.
If you were a victim of an accident involving a fuel truck, you could qualify to recover compensation for your losses. A Tallahassee truck accident lawyer at the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine can help you file your claims, talk to insurers and other attorneys, build your case, and negotiate a settlement.
Anidjar & Levine Represents Victims of Fuel Truck Accidents
Our truck accident lawyers provide responsive legal care to all clients. We represent you from beginning to end, managing your case so you can focus on recovering from your injuries.
Here are some of the ways we help our clients following serious accidents:
- We take over communication with insurers, other lawyers, and the truck company.
- Your lawyer will retrieve and review evidence to build your case.
- Our legal team files paperwork and makes sure you meet important deadlines.
- We give you frequent case updates, return your calls and emails, and even give you your lawyer’s phone number.
- We can help you schedule your appointments and get your car fixed.
Let us take on the legal case so you can focus on healing from injuries and being with your family. Review our client testimonials to learn more about how we help clients during this difficult period in their lives.
Getting Compensation After a Fuel Truck Accident
If you or a loved one is a victim of a fuel truck accident, you can seek compensation for your injuries and losses. Our fuel truck accident attorneys know how to identify your losses and fight for a fair settlement or judgment.
Do not accept a settlement offer without first speaking with a lawyer. Some insurers will make lowball offers that address only immediate losses. Any settlement should account for short- and long-term losses related to your injuries. But if you sign a settlement offer before evaluating your long-term losses, you may be unable to reopen the claim later.
Some recoverable damages in truck accident cases include:
- Medical bills, including emergency care, treatment, and long-term costs associated with your injuries.
- Lost wages, including lost wages during your recovery as well as reduced earning capacity if your injuries affect your ability to work.
- Pain and suffering, including the physical and emotional anguish related to your injuries.
If your loved one was killed in a fuel tanker accident, you can pursue compensation for funeral and burial costs, loss of the deceased’s wages, medical expenses, and more.
File Your Lawsuit Before the Deadline
You have four years to file a lawsuit for personal injury in Florida. If you fail to file your lawsuit by this deadline, you could be unable to recover compensation for losses. Our Tallahassee fuel truck accident attorneys can help you meet this and other deadlines that apply to your case.
Fuel Truck Insurance Coverage & Liability
Fuel trucks carry higher levels of liability insurance than typical passenger vehicles. Further, more than one party could be liable for the accident, including the truck driver and their employer, the truck carrier. A truck manufacturer could be liable in some cases too.
Things can get very complicated if you’ve been in an accident with a fuel truck. At the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine, we take care of investigating the truck accident and identifying who is responsible for your injuries and losses.
Causes of Fuel Truck Accidents
Your lawyer will retrieve evidence and build a case to identify what caused the accident. Here are some causes of truck accidents:
- Driver fatigue: This can happen with long-distance haulers. Regulators require drivers to get sufficient rest. Unfortunately, some truckers may violate these rules, putting others at risk of an accident.
- Shifting cargo: When liquid cargo sloshes about, it can cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle. This is more prone to happen when the trailer is not fully loaded. The shifting of cargo, for instance, when the driver is taking a curve in the road too fast or unsafely changing lanes, can cause the driver to lose control.
- Reckless driving: Speeding, unsafe lane changes, following too closely, and other aggressive driving behaviors can cause serious accidents.
Other causes of fuel truck accidents include:
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Distracted driving, including texting
- Inexperienced driver
- Mechanical failure such as brakes
- Tire blowout
Common Types of Fuel Truck Accidents
Any accident involving a fuel truck carries great risk given the nature of the cargo. Some types of accidents include:
- Sideswipes
- Rear-end crashes
- Head-on crashes
- T-bone crashes
- Truck overturns
- Spilled cargo
Injuries from Fuel Truck Accident
An accident involving a truck carrying fuel can cause extensive and serious injuries, which may include:
- Severe burns and scarring
- Cuts, contusions, and lacerations
- Broken bones
- Soft tissue injuries
- Neck and spine injuries
- Amputations
- Head and brain trauma
Many people involved in serious truck accidents experience psychological trauma as well, including depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Contact a Tallahassee Fuel Truck Accident Lawyer
Being in an accident with a fuel truck is a traumatic event, and managing a claim or lawsuit after a truck accident can be complex. Let us take your case through the legal process while you heal. Call our office now for your free consultation.