Call Us Today Commercial trucks are a frequent sight in Florida, particularly around the Captiva and greater Fort Myers metropolitan areas. Unfortunately, large trucks also pose a significant hazard to other motorists on the road. Even if you obey every traffic rule, a negligent truck driver can cause a devastating accident.
If you have injuries from a recent accident with a commercial truck, a Captiva personal injury lawyer from Viles & Beckman can be your advocate. Our attorneys have over 40 years of combined experience in personal injury law and dedicate ourselves to protecting the rights of the injured.
Injuries from a truck accident can upturn your life and leave you in dire financial straits. Depending on the circumstances, we can help you pursue compensation for medical bills, lost income, and other expenses. Contact us online or by phone to schedule a case consultation with our truck accident lawyers in Captiva today.
How Can a Captiva Truck Accident Lawyer Help Me?
You don’t legally need an attorney to file an injury claim, but having one on your side can only help. An attorney can handle all the legal and administrative aspects of making a claim, including collecting evidence, obtaining medical documents, and filing legal paperwork.
An attorney can also represent you during insurance negotiations and, if necessary, at trial. Big trucking companies will have deep pockets for defense lawyers, but an attorney on your side can level the playing field.
Expect More, Receive More: Legal Support That Feels Like Family
Common Types of Truck Accidents in Florida
Traffic accidents involving semi-haulers run the gamut from head-on collisions to rear-end truck accidents. But the large size and weight of commercial trucks also give rise to some unique types of accidents, such as:
- Underride accidents. Underride accidents occur when the hood of a passenger vehicle gets wedged underneath the bottom of the semi-trailer.
- Jackknife accidents. A jackknife accident is when a truck suddenly stops, and momentum causes the trailer to swing forward, striking and potentially dragging other vehicles down the road.
- Fishtail accidents. If the driver loses control of the truck, the trailer can swing back and forth and collide with vehicles in adjacent lanes.
- Unsecured cargo accidents. Unsecured cargo can also fall from the back of trucks, striking vehicles or causing them to swerve to avoid impact.
- Right-turn accidents. Trucks turning right have a wide turning radius and may swing into oncoming traffic lanes to avoid hitting the curb.
Types of Evidence in Truck Accident Cases
Trucking is a highly regulated industry, and trucking companies are legally required to keep meticulous records of their activity and operations. This is beneficial for injury claimants because there is a large pool of potential evidence to draw from.
Evidence a Captiva truck accident lawyer can gather includes:
- Hours of service logs: Hours of service logs can tell you if a driver drove for more consecutive hours than allowed or did not take mandatory breaks.
- Maintenance records: Maintenance records can determine whether the trucking company neglected critical maintenance on its fleet.
- Driver history/qualifications: Trucking companies can be guilty of negligent hiring if they hire drivers with poor driving histories or without proper qualifications.
- Electronic logging device data: All modern trucks contain electronic logging devices (ELDs) that record things like vehicle acceleration, braking, and steering wheel angle during impact.
By examining the evidence, your attorney can demonstrate that the truck driver or trucking company was negligent and therefore liable for your injuries.
Click To ContactFatal Truck Accidents and Wrongful Death Claims
Truck accidents have a significantly higher fatality rate than other types of traffic accidents, mostly due to trucks’ large dimensions. If your loved one has died in a truck accident near Captiva, an attorney from Viles & Beckman can help you file a wrongful death claim.
Nothing can fully make up for the loss of a loved one. But with a wrongful death claim, you can recover financial compensation for any loss of financial support and emotional suffering. Our team is here to be a source of guidance and moral support in your difficult circumstances, so don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Statute of Limitations on Truck Accident Lawsuits in Florida
Florida Statutes 95.11 places a two-year time limit on all legal action for personal injury, including truck accident lawsuits. After the two-year timer expires, you will lose your chance to sue the trucking company for your losses.
Generally, the two years start counting from the injury date. However, not all injuries are immediately apparent. For example, concussions may not produce symptoms for weeks. In cases of delayed injuries, the time limit starts counting from the date you first discovered your condition.
In either case, you should delay as little as possible. The longer you wait, the harder it will be to gather evidence and prove the extent of your injuries. A truck accident lawyer can start building your case immediately, maximizing your chances of a satisfactory outcome.
Contact Our Captiva Truck Accident Lawyers Today for a Free Case Consultation
Even a minor truck accident can be a serious matter and justify a legal response. If you have injuries due to negligent trucking companies and their employees, you deserve a chance to recover your losses. Viles & Beckman has recovered over $100 million for deserving clients, and we are here to be your advocate.
Still wondering what you need to know after a truck accident? Fill out our contact form or reach out by phone today to schedule a case evaluation with a truck accident lawyer in Captiva. Consultations are free, and our lines are open 24/7, so contact us whenever it is convenient for you.
