After you’ve sustained injuries in a collision with a commercial truck, you might consider working with an attorney to take on a huge insurance company. You might need to hire a Boca Raton truck accident lawyer for these five reasons.
They can prove the at-fault party’s negligence, file your lawsuit on time, and deal with the insurance company so you do not have to. A lawyer can also assess your financial recovery and support your family after an accident-related loss.
A Truck Accident Lawyer Can Help You Establish the Elements of Negligence
Recovering damages for a truck accident requires proof of the at-fault party’s negligence. A lawyer can establish its legal elements for you:
- Duty of care: The at-fault party’s legal obligation to safeguard against negligent or reckless actions
- Breach of duty: The at-fault party’s negligent action (e.g., drowsy driving or improperly loading cargo)
- Causation: Proof that the at-fault party’s actions were the reason the crash occurred
- Damages: Evidence of your economic and noneconomic damages due to the accident
The evidence your lawyer collects can help identify the accident’s cause and accurately assign financial liability. Your evidence collection might include the police report, witness statements, and expert testimony. It could also include the driver’s logbook and relevant cargo and maintenance records.
Proving Negligence Can Identify the At-Fault Party or Parties
An oversized truck—commercial, semi, or 18-wheeler—is a massive machine with many parts and components. A trained, specially licensed driver is supposed to operate it at the direction of their company or owner. These factors can make identifying the at-fault party complicated.
Potentially liable parties in your accident can include the following:
- The truck driver
- Their employer
- Truck manufacturer
- Parts manufacturer
- Cargo loaders
- Truck maintenance facility
Your lawyer will identify the appropriate party or parties and take on one or more insurance companies in pursuit of fair and appropriate compensation.
A Lawyer Can Accurately Track Your Recoverable Truck Accident Damages
Getting favorable compensation from a truck accident claim means carefully assessing your recoverable losses, which could include the following:
- Medical, rehab, and therapy bills
- Current and future income loss
- Lost future earning potential
- Vehicle damage or diminishment
- Compensation for a total loss
- Disability and disfigurement
- Physical pain and suffering
- Mental and emotional anguish
A truck accident lawyer can help you maximize your compensation by documenting your expenses and losses, identifying potentially hidden damages, and negotiating on your behalf.
A Lawyer Fights for a Grieving Family So You Can Care for Each Other
A truck accident lawyer supports clients during this troubling time. They will be there when you need them, guiding you to the best outcome for your situation.
Moreover, if your family lost a loved one in a recent truck accident, they understand that while nothing can atone for your loss, a wrongful death claim can help your family avoid financial hardship.
A wrongful death lawyer will request compensation for your loved one’s final arrangements. Wrongful death damages also include the loss of financial and familial contributions and the loss of consortium, companionship, and guidance.
A Truck Accident Lawyer Can Deal With the Insurance Company on Your Behalf
The at-fault party’s insurance company will demand proof of its policyholder’s negligence before considering a settlement. The claims process that establishes their liability can be challenging to manage alone, especially as you simultaneously recover from significant injuries.
While you focus on getting better, the lawyer you hire can do all of the following:
- Handle all case-related communication with the insurer
- Respond to their requests for information and evidence
- Prove their client’s liability for your losses
- Compile documents and evidence that prove your case
- Canvass the accident scene for photos and video footage
- Complete and submit claim forms and other paperwork
It can be difficult to wait as each phase of your truck accident claim develops. However, your lawyer will provide ongoing updates on the progress of your case, so you are never left wondering about its outcome.
Your Lawyer Can Represent You During Settlement Negotiations With the Insurer
Resolving your injury claim with a settlement versus a lawsuit can become an involved process. To negotiate the best settlement for you, your lawyer will:
- Review each offer you receive
- Measure its pros and cons
- Make appropriate counteroffers
Your case might have to go to court for a final resolution. Your lawyer can also represent you there and keep fighting for the financial recovery you need and deserve.
Your Lawyer Can Protect You From Filing Your Truck Accident Lawsuit Too Late
You have a limited window to file your lawsuit after a truck accident. Florida Statutes § 95.11 generally gives you two years to file your personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit.
But what if the truck involved in your accident was government-owned or operated? Or maybe the accident resulted from an unrepaired pothole or a malfunctioning traffic signal? Then, the timeline differs. You generally have six months to indicate your intent to seek damages from a government or municipal agency, per Florida Statutes § 768.28(6)(a)(1).
A lawyer can identify any factors of your accident that might extend (toll) the filing deadline. They can also help you file your lawsuit within the allotted time and with the appropriate court.
Work With a Truck Accident Lawyer at No Upfront Cost
Truck accident lawyers typically accept cases like yours on contingency, meaning you can get legal support for your claim at no out-of-pocket cost. You pay them nothing unless they win your case. So, you can avoid a potentially costly filing delay and get help dealing with the insurance company immediately.
Learn More About Why You Should Hire a Truck Accident Lawyer
If you or a loved one suffered an injury in a truck accident, getting compensation could be a long and complex legal undertaking. It does not have to be one you navigate on your own. Find out how hiring a truck accident lawyer can aid your compensation request. Contact the consultation team at Ged Lawyers today to learn more.
