Trucks play a crucial role in the American economy and, as a result, are often present on Florida’s roads, streets, and highways. Although these vehicles perform a vital function, they are not without their drawbacks. The massive size and weight of trucks can make them difficult to control in an accident. They can cause immense property damage and catastrophic injuries to the people in other vehicles. If you were injured in a truck accident, a Clearwater truck accident lawyer could help you collect the compensation you need to be whole again. Skilled personal injury lawyers could do this by taking the lead in settlement negotiations and potentially taking your case to court to fight for your right to recovery.
Rules on Proper Driving
Truck drivers have a legal obligation to follow the same rules of the road as all other motorists. This obligation includes the duty to protect all other people that they may encounter while behind the wheel.
This duty is the basis of the legal concept of negligence. Negligence occurs when a person fails in their duty to protect the injured plaintiff. In a truck accident case, if a truck driver and their parent company are deemed negligent, they will be responsible for compensating an injured plaintiff for their losses.
In a truck injury case, the person bringing the claim is responsible for proving the defendant’s negligence in court. Negligence can be established by introducing evidence that a trucker was speeding, failed to yield, texting while driving, or otherwise breaking a traffic law.
Commercial trucks and other large vehicles are additionally governed by federal laws concerning weight and drive times. These specialized regulations generally apply only to tractor trailers, but if any trucker is violating federal trucking laws, this may be used as evidence of their negligence and liability in a truck accident case. A Clearwater truck accident lawyer could help claimants gather key evidence to help build their case against commercial truck driver negligence.
Damages in Truck Crash Cases
Truck accidents frequently result in severe injuries. Occupants of smaller vehicles may require a trip to the emergency room and months of rehabilitation. They may also sustain fatal injuries or face permanent disability.
In a successful case, an at-fault trucker, their insurance company, and even their employer will pay for the costs of any necessary medical treatment for a victim’s injuries. Furthermore, a comprehensive truck accident case will examine the full impact of the incident on the victim’s life.
Damages that a lawyer could demand in a truck collision may include payments for:
- Lost wages from significant time off work
- Temporary or permanent loss of ability to work
- Mental trauma
- Loss of quality of life
- Costs of rehabilitation
Regardless of the severity of the accident or the extent of the losses, all truck accident cases are subject to the statute of limitations. This is a law that controls when a Florida court will hear a personal injury case. Under Florida Statute §95.11, plaintiffs have four years from the date of injury to file a case. Failing to file by the deadline will result in a person’s forfeit of their right to compensation.
Consulting a Clearwater Truck Accident Attorney for Advice
Truck accidents can have a devastating impact upon the physical health, emotional well-being, and finances of others on the road. As a result, state laws allow injured individuals to pursue compensation for accidents caused by another party.
A Clearwater truck accident lawyer could help you meet the legal requirements of a negligence case to collect compensation for your losses. This includes gathering vital evidence, demonstrating that the defendant is at fault, and calculating your losses. Contact an attorney today to let them get to work for you.
