Call Us Today Have you been involved in a truck accident? Large truck accidents are particularly destructive and have the potential to cause catastrophic injury. If you have injuries from a collision with a commercial vehicle, a truck accident lawyer in Punta Gorda from Viles & Beckman can offer assistance.
Our team has extensive experience with truck accident claims and can fight to protect your rights and interests. Negligent drivers and trucking companies should be held accountable when they cause harm, and we can help you pursue justice and find closure.
We have recovered over $100 million for deserving clients and always fight for the maximum compensation. Contact our offices today to see what a Punta Gorda personal injury lawyer can do for you.
Why You Should Hire a Punta Gorda Truck Accident Lawyer for Your Claim
The prospect of dealing with insurance companies and lawsuits after a truck accident is daunting. Insurance companies are notorious for fighting claims, and most people won’t know how to navigate the civil restitution process effectively.
An attorney on your side can level the playing field and push back against insurer disputes. They can handle the entire claims process, from initial filings to final settlement negotiations. Your lawyer can also represent you in formal litigation if necessary to recover your losses.
A personal injury attorney will also know how to preserve evidence for a truck accident claim. Evidence destruction is a prevalent issue in truck accident cases because trucking companies can erase physical evidence during fleet maintenance. Your attorney can send a letter of spoliation to preserve evidence necessary to prove fault.
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What Kinds of Injuries Do Truck Accidents Cause?
Trucks are significantly larger and heavier than passenger cars, so collisions have a high injury and fatality rate. Even minor truck collisions can cause lasting injuries, such as:
- Whiplash and neck injuries
- Bruising and soft-tissue injuries
- Abrasions, cuts, and lacerations
- Joint sprains and muscle/ligament strains
- Fractures and broken bones
- Concussion and traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Broken ribs and torso injuries
- Thermal and chemical burns
- Crushing injuries and amputations
- Vision and hearing loss
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and emotional distress
Regardless of the severity of your injuries, you should get prompt medical attention after an accident. Delays in medical treatment can be grounds for insurance claim denials, so you should get a formal diagnosis and medical documentation as soon as possible.
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Who Can Be Liable for Truck Accidents?
Liability for truck accidents can fall on several parties, depending on the cause of the collision. Most truck accidents result from operator negligence, such as distracted driving, fatigued driving, or substance use. In these cases, the driver would be liable for any injuries they cause.
Additionally, the trucking company can be held liable for a truck accident if its conduct was a contributing factor. For instance, a trucking company that hires a driver with a history of DUIs could be liable for negligent hiring practices if the driver causes injury while drunk.
Lastly, truck manufacturers could be liable if the accident happened due to defective auto parts, like brakes or tires. An experienced truck accident attorney in Punta Gorda from Viles & Beckman can investigate your case from every angle to identify all liable entities and potential sources of compensation.
Click To ContactFederal Trucking Regulations That Could Affect Your Case
The federal government heavily regulates interstate trucking activity, and these regulations can drastically impact your claim. Trucking companies that violate federal laws can be liable for injuries and property damage their employees cause.
Relevant regulations to know include:
- Hours of service. Truck drivers can drive for no more than 11 consecutive hours and must be off duty for at least ten hours afterward.
- Maintenance logs. Drivers must keep detailed logs of vehicle issues and maintenance work performed.
- Driver qualification. All commercial drivers must have a valid CDL and meet other federal requirements for training and certification.
- ELD requirements. All commercial trucks must be equipped with an electronic logging device (ELD) that records vehicle activity.
A core aspect of trucking accident claims is looking for violations that could impute negligence or wrongdoing. We have a thorough understanding of federal trucking regulations and can go over your case with a fine-toothed comb to identify misconduct that warrants legal action.
Compensation You Can Recover After a Truck Accident in Punta Gorda
Through a truck accident claim, you can recover financial compensation for any economic and non-economic losses you suffered, which might include:
- Medical bills and continuing medical expenses
- Lost work income, including hourly pay/salary, bonuses, commissions, tips, etc.
- Differences between pre- and post-injury lifetime expected earning capacity
- Out-of-pocket injury expenses, such as childcare or transportation
- Pain, suffering, and mental anguish
- Diminished capacity to enjoy life
How Long Do I Have to File a Truck Accident Lawsuit in Florida?
Florida Statutes 95.11 gives you two years to file a truck accident lawsuit. Typically, the two-year counter starts from the injury date or, in the case of hidden injuries, when you discover your condition.
Once those two years are up, you will lose any chance to recover financial compensation, so it’s important to act quickly. A personal injury attorney can promptly initiate the claim process to reduce the chances of payment delays and complications.
Contact a Punta Gorda Truck Accident Lawyer from Viles & Beckman Today
A single truck accident can change your life in an instant, but help is available, and you are not alone. For over 30 years, Viles & Beckman has been a champion for the rights of the injured in Florida, and we want to help you next. We can fight to balance the scales of justice and help you find financial stability for healing and reclaiming your life.
Feel free to reach out online or by phone to talk to a Punta Gorda truck accident lawyer today. Our phone lines are open 24/7, so someone will always be available to take your call.
