Injuries from truck accidents can upend your life and finances. If you have injuries from a truck accident, you need to consult with a Saint James City personal injury lawyer from Viles & Beckman. We can file an insurance claim on your behalf to compensate you for medical bills, lost work income, and other injury-related losses.
Our team has recovered over $100 million for deserving clients and is passionate about protecting the rights of injury victims statewide. With over 40 years of combined experience, our attorneys can take on any injury case, no matter how big or small.
Contact us today to have a truck accident lawyer in Saint James City review your case!
Why You Should Hire a Saint James City Truck Accident Lawyer
Anyone who has made an insurance claim can tell you it can be an exercise in frustration. Insurance companies are notorious for disputes, and it can feel like the deck is stacked against you. Truck accidents, in particular, are difficult because of the severe injury toll and complex federal trucking regulations.
You need a truck accident attorney to maximize the odds of a successful outcome. An attorney can handle all the legal and administrative parts of filing a truck accident claim and ensure you meet all filing deadlines. Your attorney can also represent you during insurance negotiations and push back against tactics insurers use to avoid paying.
If negotiations fall through, a lawyer can pursue formal litigation. Our attorneys are relentless in our approach and won’t rest until we have exhausted every path to a satisfactory resolution.
Expect More, Receive More: Legal Support That Feels Like Family
Injuries From Truck Accidents
All vehicle collisions are serious, but truck accidents are particularly destructive. The typical commercial truck weighs tens of thousands of pounds, so crashes cause immense damage. Common injuries from truck accidents include:
- Neck injuries and whiplash
- Bruises and soft-tissue injuries
- Fractures and broken bones
- Cuts, lacerations, and abrasions
- Concussion and traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Torso and leg injuries
- Spinal cord compression
- Thermal and chemical burns
- Face, mouth, and eye injuries
- Amputations
The catastrophic injuries from truck accidents can result in significant medical bills and may leave you unable to earn a living.
How Do Truck Accident Claims Work in Florida?
There are two primary paths to recovering compensation after a truck accident in Florida:
No-Fault Coverage
Florida is a “no-fault” state for auto accidents, so all drivers must carry personal injury protection (PIP) coverage on their auto policies. PIP coverage will pay for your injuries up to the policy limit after an accident, regardless of who caused the accident.
PIP coverage will be your first source of compensation after an auto accident and will cover the following losses:
- 80% of medical bills up to policy limit
- 60% of lost regular income up to policy limit
- $5,000 in funeral and burial costs
At-Fault Claim
PIP coverage limits are relatively low, so it is often not enough to pay for the substantial injuries associated with truck accidents. If you exhaust your PIP coverage or your accident meets a legal threshold of severity, a truck accident lawyer in Saint James City can file an at-fault claim against the liable party.
Through an at-fault claim, you can recover a wider range of compensation than PIP coverage allows. Recoverable losses may include:
- Medical bills and continuing medical expenses
- Lost employment compensation
- Diminished lifetime earning capacity
- Out-of-pocket injury expenses
Through an at-fault claim, you can also recover damages for pain and suffering. These are non-economic damages that compensate you for the mental anguish and distress you suffered due to your injuries.
Who Can Be Liable for Truck Accidents in Saint James City?
It can be difficult to determine liability for truck accidents due to their sheer destructive magnitude and the complexity of federal trucking regulations. Several parties could be liable for a truck accident, depending on the circumstances:
- Truck drivers. Truck drivers can be liable for accidents due to negligent operation, such as distracted driving, substance use, or violating federal hours of service regulations.
- Trucking companies. Trucking companies may be liable for misconduct that contributes to accidents, like negligent hiring or neglecting fleet maintenance.
- Loading crews. Loading crews and contractors can be liable if unsecured or loose cargo causes an accident.
- Truck manufacturers. If the accident happened because of defective truck parts (e.g., tires, brakes), you could sue the manufacturer under Florida’s product liability laws.
Time Limit for Filing a Truck Accident Lawsuit in Florida
Florida’s personal injury statute of limitations places a two-year time limit on all negligence-based lawsuits, including truck accidents. If you try to file a lawsuit after two years have elapsed, the court will summarily reject it.
The two-year time limit is strict and admits few exceptions, so you should get started with an attorney right away. Time is of the essence, and waiting too long could hamper your recovery efforts. A Saint James City truck accident lawyer can expedite the truck accident claim process, reducing the chances of delays and complications.
Viles & Beckman: Trusted Truck Accident Lawyers in Saint James City
Since 1995, Viles & Beckman has stood as a stalwart defender of the rights of the injured in Florida. We understand how difficult life can be after a serious injury and are here to offer our assistance however we can. A truck accident can throw your life into chaos, but you are not alone, and there are options for relief.
Feel free to reach out online or by phone today to schedule a free case consultation with a truck accident lawyer in Saint James City. No case is too small for our firm, so don’t hesitate to get in touch.