Call Us Today The loss of a loved one can be devastating, especially when you know it could’ve been prevented. If you lost someone in a truck accident, a Marco Island truck accident lawyer can help you pursue damages.
A wrongful death claim cannot undo your loss, but it can provide accountability. If you need to file this type of claim, a Marco Island truck accident wrongful death lawyer from Viles & Beckman can guide you through the process and fight for the compensation your family deserves.
How a Marco Island Truck Accident Wrongful Death Attorney Can Help
The trucking industry is aggressive, well-funded, and focused on limiting liability when it comes to fatal accidents. A truck accident wrongful death lawyer in Marco Island can level the playing field by:
- Investigating the crash and securing critical evidence
- Identifying all liable parties
- Calculating the value of your wrongful death claim
- Handling communication with trucking companies and insurers
- Negotiating a fair settlement (or, if necessary, taking your case to court)
Expect More, Receive More: Legal Support That Feels Like Family
Damages Available in a Truck Accident Wrongful Death Claim
A wrongful death claim can include a variety of damages, such as:
- Funeral and burial expenses: You can recover costs associated with laying your loved one to rest.
- Medical bills: You can seek payment for emergency treatment your loved one received before death.
- Lost income and benefits: You can recover the financial support your loved one would have provided.
- Loss of companionship: You can pursue compensation for the emotional impact of losing a spouse or parent.
- Loss of parental guidance: You can recover damages for the absence of care, instruction, and support your loved one would’ve provided.
- Pain and suffering: In certain cases, you can seek compensation for the emotional toll of the loss on surviving family members.
(239) 334-3933
Statute of Limitations for Wrongful Death Claims in Florida
Per Florida law, you typically have two years from the date of a loved one’s death to file a wrongful death claim. If you don’t file before this deadline, you will likely lose the ability to recover any compensation at all.
A Marco Island personal injury lawyer can help you file your claim as soon as possible.
Click To ContactWhat Makes Truck Accident Wrongful Death Cases Different?
Wrongful death claims involving commercial trucks are more complex than typical fatal car accident cases. Key differences include:
- Federal and state regulations: Trucking companies must follow strict safety rules that don’t apply to regular drivers.
- Corporate defense teams: Trucking companies often have lawyers and insurers who start building a defense immediately after a crash.
- Higher insurance limits: Commercial policies are larger, which means insurers fight harder to avoid paying the family members of fatal accident victims.
- Extensive evidence: Logbooks, black box data, maintenance records, and GPS data all matter in these cases.
Florida Wrongful Death Laws and Truck Accidents
Florida’s wrongful death laws dictate who can file a claim and what damages may be recovered. Important points include:
- The claim must be filed by the personal representative of the estate.
- Eligible survivors may include a spouse, children, parents, and other dependents.
- Damages are divided between the estate and surviving family members.
Why Truck Accidents Are More Likely to Be Fatal
Truck accidents are fundamentally different from standard car crashes. Common factors that increase fatality risk include:
- Extreme vehicle weight: A fully loaded commercial truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, leaving passenger vehicles with little protection.
- Longer stopping distances: Trucks require more time and space to stop, especially at highway speeds.
- High centers of gravity: This increases the risk of rollovers and multi-vehicle pileups.
- Limited visibility: Large blind spots make it easier for truck drivers to miss nearby vehicles.
How Long Does It Take to Settle a Truck Accident Wrongful Death Case?
There’s no one answer as to how long it takes to settle a truck accident wrongful death case. Some claims are resolved within a few months, while others take a year or longer. Factors that affect a case’s timeline include:
- The complexity of the crash: Multi-vehicle accidents or crashes involving disputed liability take longer to investigate.
- The number of liable parties: Cases involving more than one liable party require longer negotiations.
- The availability of evidence: Electronic logging data, black box records, and maintenance logs must be preserved and analyzed.
- Insurance company tactics: Commercial insurers often delay, deny, or undervalue claims in an effort to pressure families into accepting quick settlements.
- Whether the case goes to court: Claims that settle out of court usually move faster than those that require litigation.
A truck accident wrongful death attorney in Marco Island can help move your case along without settling for less than you deserve.
Talk to a Truck Accident Wrongful Death Lawyer in Marco Island
If you lost a loved one in a preventable truck accident, it’s time to get legal representation. A Marco Island truck accident wrongful death attorney from Viles & Beckman can provide the guidance and advocacy you need to secure a fair settlement for your loss.
Book a free consultation to take the first step toward justice.
