The unexpected loss of a family member can cause financial strain. If you lost someone in a preventable truck accident, a Bradenton truck accident lawyer can help you seek justice.
Wrongful death cases are often more complicated than they seem. A Bradenton truck accident wrongful death lawyer from Viles & Beckman can help you build a strong case and secure compensation for your loss.
The Role of a Bradenton Truck Accident Wrongful Death Attorney
After a fatal accident, a truck accident wrongful death lawyer in Bradenton can provide critical guidance and support. This representation often includes the following steps:
- Investigating the accident: A lawyer can gather all necessary evidence and determine who is at fault for the crash.
- Negotiating on your behalf: An attorney can negotiate with insurance companies and pursue damages for all of your family’s losses.
- Taking your case to court (if necessary): If a settlement can’t be reached, a lawyer can advocate for your family in court.
Expect More, Receive More: Legal Support That Feels Like Family
Types of Damages in Wrongful Death Claims
A wrongful death claim allows the surviving family members to seek compensation for their loss. Damages that you may be able to pursue include:
- Funeral and burial costs: These expenses can place a significant financial burden on a family, which is why you can recover compensation to cover them.
- Loss of income and benefits: The deceased’s future earnings, bonuses, and retirement benefits can be factored into your claim.
- Loss of companionship and emotional support: The emotional impact of the loss on surviving family members is recognized under Florida law.
- Medical expenses prior to death: Costs incurred for emergency care or hospitalization following the accident can be claimed.
- Pain and suffering endured before death: If the victim experienced significant pain, you can pursue additional damages.
A Bradenton personal injury lawyer can help calculate your family’s damages.
Wrongful Death Statute of Limitations in Florida
In Florida, wrongful death claims generally must be filed within two years of the date of the accident. Missing this deadline can result in losing the right to pursue compensation. A truck accident wrongful death attorney in Bradenton can help you file your claim in a timely manner.
Challenges in Truck Accident Wrongful Death Cases
Truck accident wrongful death cases involve unique legal challenges, such as:
- Multiple liable parties: Determining the responsible parties typically requires an intensive investigation.
- Insurance company tactics: Insurers may attempt to minimize your payout or delay the process.
- Technical evidence: Truck black box data, maintenance logs, and electronic records require expert analysis.
An attorney can handle your case and help you overcome these challenges.
Who Is Liable for a Fatal Truck Accident?
Liability in truck accidents is often complex. Multiple parties may share responsibility, including:
- The truck driver: Negligent behavior, such as speeding, fatigue, or distraction, can make the driver liable.
- The trucking company: Employers can be held accountable for hiring unqualified drivers, not enforcing safety regulations, or failing to perform proper vehicle maintenance.
- Vehicle manufacturers: Defective parts, such as brakes or tires, may contribute to an accident.
- Third parties: Other drivers, government agencies, or contractors responsible for road maintenance may share liability.
Causes of Fatal Truck Accidents in Bradenton
Truck accidents are rarely caused by a single factor. In Bradenton, common causes include:
- Driver fatigue: Truck drivers often work long hours, and fatigue can significantly impair their reaction time and judgment.
- Distracted driving: Cell phones, GPS devices, and other distractions can cause fatal collisions.
- Speeding or reckless driving: Commercial truckers traveling above safe speeds often lose control of their vehicles.
- Improper loading or overloading: Uneven or excessive cargo can affect a truck’s balance and braking ability.
- Mechanical failures: Brake malfunctions, tire blowouts, and engine issues can cause accidents.
- Poor road conditions: Potholes, construction zones, and slippery surfaces can contribute to truck crashes.
Types of Evidence That Can Impact Your Case
Gathering evidence is critical in a wrongful death claim. Strong evidence not only proves negligence but also increases your potential compensation. Key types of evidence in these cases include:
- Accident reports: Police and state reports document the circumstances of the crash and any citations issued.
- Witness statements: Eyewitness accounts can provide unbiased perspectives of the accident.
- Medical records: Documentation of injuries, treatment, and prognosis is essential to proving damages.
- Vehicle data: Electronic logging devices, GPS systems, and dashcam footage can reveal speed, location, and driver behavior.
- Maintenance records: Proof of regular truck inspections or lack thereof may indicate negligence on the part of the trucking company.
Get Help From a Truck Accident Wrongful Death Lawyer in Bradenton
When a fatal truck accident occurs, those who are responsible deserve to be held accountable. A Bradenton truck accident wrongful death attorney from Viles & Beckman can help you file a claim and recover fair compensation for the loss of your loved one.
Schedule a free consultation to start the legal process.
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