Call Us Today The unexpected loss of a loved one can be emotionally and financially devastating. A Fort Myers truck accident lawyer can help you pursue justice.
Fatal truck accidents are often caused by negligence. If you lost a family member in a crash, a Fort Myers truck accident wrongful death lawyer from Viles & Beckman can help you file a claim and hold those who are at fault accountable.
What Does a Fort Myers Truck Accident Wrongful Death Attorney Do?
Truck accident wrongful death cases are complex. A truck accident wrongful death lawyer in Fort Myers can assist with your case by:
- Investigating the crash: A lawyer can gather black box data, driver logs, maintenance records, and accident reconstruction evidence.
- Calculating damages: A lawyer can work with experts to determine the true financial and emotional impact of the loss.
- Dealing with insurers: A lawyer can protect your family from deceptive tactics and push for a fair payout.
- Pursuing litigation: A lawyer can take your case to court if a fair settlement is not offered.
Expect More, Receive More: Legal Support That Feels Like Family
Damages Available in a Truck Accident Wrongful Death Case
No amount of money can replace a loved one. However, compensation can help your family remain financially stable. Damages in a wrongful death claim may include:
- Medical expenses related to emergency care and treatment provided before death
- Funeral and burial costs
- Lost income and employment benefits the deceased would have provided
- Loss of companionship and support
- Loss of parental guidance, instruction, and care
- Mental pain and suffering
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How Long Do You Have to File a Wrongful Death Claim in Florida?
In most cases, families in Florida have two years from the date of death to file a truck accident wrongful death claim. Missing this deadline can permanently bar recovery, regardless of the strength of your case.
Since truck accident cases require extensive investigation, waiting too long can result in lost evidence and reduced leverage. A Fort Myers personal injury lawyer can step in and help you file your claim in a timely manner.
Click To ContactWhy Trucking Companies Fight Wrongful Death Claims
Wrongful death cases subject trucking companies to significant financial exposure, which leads to aggressive defense strategies. Common tactics they use include:
- Blaming the deceased driver
- Claiming unavoidable road conditions
- Minimizing the value of the family’s losses
- Delaying the claims process
- Destroying or withholding evidence
A truck accident wrongful death attorney in Fort Myers can take care of all communications with insurers and help ensure fair treatment.
What Constitutes Wrongful Death in Florida?
Not every fatal accident qualifies as a wrongful death. Under Florida law, a wrongful death occurs when a person’s death is caused by another party’s negligence, recklessness, or wrongful act. Key elements typically include:
- A death occurred: The victim passed away due to injuries from the truck accident.
- Negligence or wrongdoing: Another party failed to act responsibly or violated safety laws.
- Causation: The negligent conduct directly caused the fatal injuries.
- Surviving beneficiaries: Eligible family members suffered losses as a result of the death.
What Causes Fatal Truck Accidents in Fort Myers?
Fatal truck accidents often have preventable causes. Common ones include:
- Driver fatigue: Long hours, skipped rest breaks, and pressure to meet delivery deadlines can lead to deadly mistakes.
- Distracted driving: The use of a phone, GPS, or onboard system can take a driver’s attention away from the road.
- Speeding or aggressive driving: Large trucks traveling too fast cannot stop in time during emergencies.
- Improper truck maintenance: Worn brakes, tire blowouts, and mechanical failures can often be traced back to neglected inspections.
- Overloaded or unsecured cargo: Shifting or overweight loads can cause rollovers and jackknife accidents.
- Impaired driving: Alcohol, drugs, or prescription medications can impair drivers’ reaction time and judgment.
- Inadequate driver training: Inexperienced or poorly trained drivers may not know how to handle emergency situations.
Steps to Take After a Fatal Truck Accident
The aftermath of a fatal truck accident is overwhelming. Still, it’s important to:
- Obtain the official crash report.
- Preserve any photos, videos, or witness information.
- Avoid speaking with trucking company insurers alone.
- Keep records of all expenses and losses related to the crash.
- Talk to a lawyer before signing any settlement documents.
Consult a Truck Accident Wrongful Death Lawyer in Fort Myers
Truck accident wrongful death cases are among the most challenging and emotionally charged legal matters a family can face. An experienced Fort Myers truck accident wrongful death attorney from Viles & Beckman can handle every part of your case and fight for fair compensation so you can focus on being with your family.
These claims often involve powerful companies and aggressive insurance adjusters. Without legal help, you may not receive adequate compensation. Schedule a free consultation to connect with a lawyer, discuss your legal options, and find out how you can get justice for your loved one.
