Truck accidents can be devastating, often causing severe injuries and even death. Since these incidents usually involve commercial vehicles owned and operated by large companies with their own legal teams and insurance providers, victims might face an uphill battle to access fair compensation.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a collision, don’t face large corporations without legal representation. At SKG, we understand the complexity of these cases and the unique challenges they present. Our truck accident attorneys will protect your rights throughout the legal process. Contact us to discuss your legal options.
Common Causes for Truck Accidents in Florida
While driving through Florida, you’re bound to share the road with commercial trucks. These vehicles can be massive and, in an accident, may inflict devastating damages and injuries. Truck drivers and operators have a duty to exercise reasonable care and expect other drivers on the road to be equally responsible during their commute.
Reckless driving is the most common reason a driver will be held liable for the injuries caused in an accident. Our experienced attorneys at SKG have extensive knowledge and experience representing the injured in trucking accidents.
The leading causes of truck accidents in Florida include:
- Driver error: This is the most common cause of collisions and includes speeding, distracted driving, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and failing to obey traffic laws.
- Equipment failure: Trucks are complex vehicles with many moving parts that need regular maintenance. When equipment such as brakes, tires, or steering systems fail, they can cause crashes.
- Overloading: When trucks are loaded beyond their capacity, it can cause instability and make them difficult to control, leading to accidents.
- Poor road conditions: Poor road design or maintenance, including potholes, uneven surfaces, or inadequate signage, can contribute to collisions.
- Weather conditions: Severe weather, such as heavy rain, high winds, or fog, can make it difficult for drivers to see and control their vehicles.
Determining the cause of a truck crash requires a thorough investigation of the accident scene, witness statements, police reports, and other evidence. If you have been involved in a collision in Florida, a lawyer will help determine the cause and identify the responsible parties.
Recoverable Damages in a Truck Accident Case
Truck accident victims in Florida may be entitled to recover various types of compensation, including compensatory damages. These help restore the plaintiff’s financial position before the crash occurred. There are two main types of compensatory damages, economic and non-economic. However, you might qualify for further financial support.
Determining the full extent of your losses in a truck accident case is complex and may require the assistance of experts (such as medical professionals or economists) to evaluate the long-term effects of injuries. We can work with these specialists to accurately calculate the accident’s financial impact on your life.
Economic Damages
These address your tangible losses after the truck accident. To prove non-economic damages, collect any bills and receipts documenting accident-related expenses. Hand these over to your attorney to consolidate your claim. Economic damages include:
- Medical bills
- Future medical expenses
- Property damage
- Out-of-pocket expenses
- Lost wages and loss of future earnings
Non-Economic Damages
This category aims to compensate the victim for intangible losses from the truck accident. Since these target the emotional and psychological impact of a traumatic event, non-economic damages can be difficult to monetize. You may access compensation for:
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of consortium
- Loss of companionship
- Mental anguish
- Emotional distress
Punitive Damages
These damages are intended to punish the defendant for their egregious behavior and deter similar conduct. To be eligible for punitive damages in Florida, you must prove that the defendant’s conduct was intentional or grossly negligent and it harmed you directly.
Wrongful Death Damages
If you lost a family member in a fatal truck accident, you could be eligible to recover wrongful death damages. These are intended to compensate the plaintiff for losses associated with a loved one’s death. Damages may include:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Medical expenses incurred before death
- Loss of income and financial support
- Loss of companionship
The amount of wrongful death damages awarded depends on various factors, including the victim’s age, income, and family situation. An experienced truck accident lawyer will help you accurately calculate the full extent of your losses and pursue maximum compensation on your behalf.
Florida’s Statute of Limitations for a Truck Accident Lawsuit
The statute of limitations is a time limit set by law within which a person must file a lawsuit. According to the state of Florida, the deadline for truck accidents is two years from the accident date.
If you have been involved in a truck accident in Florida, an experienced lawyer will ensure that your rights are protected and that you do not miss any important deadlines.
Our Truck Accident Attorneys Will Help With Your Case
If you or a loved one were injured in an accident involving a commercial vehicle, SKG can offer you professional legal representation. We understand how difficult it is to deal with the chaos and extensive medical attention required after such an incident, so let our experienced legal team help you.
We are committed to getting you the best possible outcome for your case. Contact our Florida truck accident lawyers to schedule a free initial consultation.