Truck Accident Lawyer in Jacksonville

Truck accidents tend to involve forceful impacts due to the size and weight of commercial vehicles, often leading to more severe injuries and extensive property damage. A collision with a commercial truck can also mean dealing with a corporate insurer focused on protecting its bottom line.

Working with a truck accident lawyer in Jacksonville can help level the playing field and hold negligent parties accountable. At The Schiller Kessler Group, we’ve successfully helped secure compensation for over 30,000 Florida injury victims.

Our team includes an attorney with prior experience defending major insurance companies, giving us valuable insight into how these insurers operate. Our Jacksonville personal injury lawyer can help you seek compensation. Call us for a free consultation.

How Our Jacksonville Commercial Truck Accident Lawyers Demonstrate Negligence

Our Jacksonville truck accident attorneys have seen the devastating injuries, chronic physical pain, and financial losses that can result from a negligence-based collision.

It’s not just the size and speed of these commercial motor vehicles that contribute to these accidents; it’s the behavior of the drivers behind the wheel. Truck drivers may engage in negligent driving practices, such as:

• Speeding
• Tailgating
• Aggressive driving
• Violations of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations

Some truck drivers may drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol, further increasing the chances of an accident. Our personal injury attorneys can investigate your case and work to hold any liable parties accountable for your losses.

Our Case Results

$2,400,000

Motorist struck and killed by truck

$550,000

Motorist struck by truck

View All Results

Semi-Truck Accidents Can Lead to Substantial Compensation

Semi-truck accidents often involve substantial settlements due to the severity of the injuries victims suffer in collisions with these massive vehicles.

Victims can face a lifetime of medical expenses, along with expensive home modifications if they suffer permanent impairment, for example. Corporate insurance companies representing trucking companies may offer quick settlements before the full extent of your injuries is understood.

These early offers may not cover long-term medical needs, rehabilitation, or the financial toll of being unable to work. Semi-truck accident cases require a strong legal advocate who can push back against corporate insurers and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Our Jacksonville semi-truck accident lawyers negotiate for fair compensation that reflects the true cost of your injuries and losses. Our attorneys carefully evaluate your case, consulting with medical professionals to account for future expenses and any permanent impacts on your life.

18-Wheeler Accidents Often Cause Catastrophic Injuries

Collisions with 18-wheelers often result in catastrophic injuries due to the massive size and weight of these vehicles. These trucks can weigh up to 80,000 pounds when fully loaded, creating devastating impacts in accidents involving smaller vehicles.

Victims of 18-wheeler accidents frequently face extensive medical bills and long-term physical and emotional challenges.

Our Jacksonville 18-wheeler accident lawyers investigate every aspect of 18-wheeler accidents, including:

• Driver logs
• Black box data
• Truck maintenance records
• Cargo securement procedures
• Driver training logs
• Compliance with federal trucking regulations

Our truck accident attorneys offer the aggressive legal representation needed to take on large trucking companies with 18-wheelers in their fleets.

How Our Truck Collision Attorney Determines Liability

The question of who is responsible for truck accidents can be complex. Establishing negligence in a truck accident helps us determine liability. Drivers who fail to exercise reasonable care while operating a truck can be held accountable for any resulting accidents.

Liability isn’t always limited to the truck driver, as other parties may contribute to the accident.

Truck Drivers

Truck drivers are often held liable for accidents when they fail to operate their vehicles responsibly. For instance, a driver who ignores federal hours-of-service regulations may fall asleep behind the wheel due to driver fatigue, leading to a collision.

Trucking Companies

Trucking companies can also be at fault if they fail to enforce safety standards. For example, a company that pressures its drivers to meet unrealistic delivery deadlines might encourage speeding or skipping required rest breaks, increasing the likelihood of an accident.

Cargo Loaders

Improperly loaded cargo is another common factor in truck accidents. Imagine a situation where a loader fails to secure a shipment of heavy machinery, causing the cargo to shift during transit. This could destabilize the truck and lead to a rollover crash.

Maintenance Providers

Trucks require regular inspections and repairs to remain safe on the road. A maintenance crew that neglects to replace worn brake pads, for example, could contribute to a rear-end accident when the truck is unable to stop in time.

Manufacturers

Sometimes, defective truck parts play a role in accidents. For instance, if a truck’s steering system malfunctions due to a manufacturing defect, the manufacturer may be held accountable for the resulting crash.

Our Truck Accident Case Results

We have a history of achieving meaningful results for truck accident victims and their families. We understand the devastating impact these accidents can have and work tirelessly to secure the compensation our clients deserve.

$3 Million for a Head-On Collision With a Large Truck

A 45-year-old driver traveling southbound on US-1 was hit head-on by a large truck that swerved from the northbound lanes.

The collision left our client with multiple traumatic injuries, including a traumatic brain injury, tinnitus (persistent ringing in the ears), and injuries to her spine, hands, legs, and shoulders. These injuries caused both physical and cognitive impairments, leaving her unable to return to work.

After contacting our team, we successfully resolved her case, securing $3,000,000 to compensate her for her injuries, pain, and suffering.

$425,000 for a Collision With a Tractor-Trailer

When a driver lost control of their vehicle, our 56-year-old client was pushed into a tractor-trailer. She suffered significant injuries, including cervical herniation and a lumbar laminectomy with fusion. These injuries required extensive medical treatment and impacted her quality of life.

Our truck accident law firm took on her case and secured $425,000 to cover her injuries and other damages caused by the crash.

How Florida’s No-Fault Insurance Works and How It Affects a Personal Injury Claim

Florida’s no-fault insurance system requires all drivers to carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage to help cover immediate medical expenses and lost income after an accident, regardless of fault.

While this system is intended to simplify claims for minor accidents, it often falls short for those involved in serious truck accidents.

PIP coverage typically includes:

• 80% of medical costs up to policy limits.
• 60% of lost wages.
• A maximum of $10,000 in benefits for most injuries.

Given the severity of injuries in truck accidents, these benefits are rarely enough to cover long-term medical needs, rehabilitation, or significant financial losses.

Filing a Third-Party Liability Lawsuit for Severe Injuries

Florida law allows you to pursue additional compensation if your injuries meet the “serious injury” threshold outlined in Florida Statutes § 627.737. Qualifying injuries may include:

• Permanent injuries.
• Significant scarring or disfigurement.
• Loss of an important bodily function.
• Death.

When this threshold is reached, you can seek further compensation by filing a claim against the at-fault driver, the trucking company, or other liable parties.

Our team of attorneys seeks the compensation you deserve and determines if you can sue someone personally or if you should pursue funds from the trucking company.

What Steps Should You Take After a Truck Accident?

Knowing what to do afterward can make a significant difference in your recovery and your ability to pursue compensation. While the initial shock may make it difficult to think clearly, there are important steps to take once you’re no longer at the scene.

Seek Medical Attention

Even if you feel fine immediately after the accident, it’s important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Some injuries, such as whiplash, internal injuries, or concussions, may not show symptoms right away.

Delaying treatment can not only put your health at risk but also impact your ability to pursue compensation for your injuries. Keep all medical records, as they will be foundational for a claim.

File a Police Report

If law enforcement officers did not respond to the scene of the accident, you are required to file a police report. You can do so online through the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office website. This report serves as an official record of the accident and can help establish key details when pursuing a claim.

Document Evidence if Possible

If you are able, compile any evidence related to the accident. Take photographs of the damage to your vehicles and save all of your medical records and hospital bills. This documentation can go a long way in helping your attorney build your case file.

Notify Your Insurance Company

Inform your insurance provider about the accident, even if you believe the truck driver was at fault. Most policies require timely reporting, and failing to do so could jeopardize your coverage. Be cautious when speaking with insurance adjusters and avoid making statements that could be misinterpreted or used against you.

Consult a Truck Accident Lawyer

After addressing your immediate medical needs, consult with a Jacksonville truck accident lawyer as soon as possible. Truck accident claims can be complicated, often involving multiple parties such as trucking companies, drivers, and insurers.

An experienced attorney can help you sort through the details of your case to assess your legal options. Then, a lawyer can file any necessary claims, protecting your rights throughout the process.

Why Choose Our Jacksonville, FL, Truck Accident Lawyers?

When selecting a lawyer to handle your truck accident case, it’s important to find a firm with the experience, resources, and dedication needed to secure the compensation you deserve.

At The Schiller Kessler Group, we bring unique qualifications and extensive litigation experience to every personal injury case we take on.

Experience and Results

Our personal injury lawyers have over three decades of experience handling personal injury cases, including complex truck accident claims. Our attorneys have recovered more than $250 million for clients, helping them move forward after devastating accidents.

With a track record of success and a deep understanding of trucking laws, we are prepared to handle even the most challenging cases.

Aggressive Legal Representation With Integrity

Our attorneys are known for providing aggressive representation while maintaining the highest standards of excellence, compassion, and integrity.

From dealing with corporate insurance companies to analyzing compliance with federal trucking regulations, we fight tirelessly to pursue the compensation our clients deserve.

Thorough Investigations

Truck accident cases can be complex, often involving multiple parties and significant evidence. That’s why we perform in-depth investigations with a detailed approach, allowing us to build strong cases that hold all responsible parties accountable.

Accessible Legal Support

We understand the difficulties accident victims endure, both physically and financially, which is why we make the legal process as accessible and stress-free as possible. We offer:

• Free, no-obligation consultations.
• Contingency fee arrangements, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case.
• Home, office, and hospital consultations, so you can meet with us wherever it’s most convenient.

Unique Qualifications

Our team includes highly qualified attorneys with diverse credentials, including:

• A board-certified personal injury trial lawyer.
• A certified Florida Supreme Court Circuit Civil Mediator.
• A former insurance defense attorney provides valuable insight into how insurers operate.

These qualifications give us an advantage in both settlement negotiations and courtroom litigation, ensuring you have knowledgeable and skilled representation on your side.

Personalized Attention and Communication

We pride ourselves on providing personalized attention to every client. Our attorneys and staff will keep you informed at every stage of your case, so you always know where you stand. This dedication to clear and prompt communication is one of the reasons we’ve earned the trust of over 30,000 clients.

Our Truck Accident Attorneys Pursue Fair Compensation

If you’ve been injured in a truck accident, seeking compensation for your injuries can be complex. At our law firm, we understand your challenges and are here to help you navigate the legal complexities.

Our team of experienced truck accident lawyers can fight for your rights and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

You may receive funds to cover your:

Healthcare Expenses

You may qualify for compensation for any healthcare you require after a truck wreck. Our team may help you secure funds for emergency care, hospitalization, medication, and rehabilitation.

Truck accidents often result in serious injuries, like spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), broken bones, and internal injuries.

Lost Wages

Our team can focus on bringing you compensation to cover any pay you missed while off work recovering from a truck accident. We also focus on your lost earning potential if you have a disabling condition.

Property Damage

A legal claim may allow you to secure funds to cover vehicle repairs or the replacement of your vehicle if a truck accident totals your car.

Pain and Suffering

Finally, our team can help you secure funds to cover your pain, mental anguish, and emotional suffering after a collision.

We provide personalized guidance and support throughout the legal process. Our goal is to alleviate the stress and burden you may be experiencing, allowing you to focus on your health while we handle the legal legwork.

Wrongful Death Damages in Fatal Truck Collisions

Families who lose loved ones in fatal truck accidents are often left with significant financial burdens, such as medical bills incurred prior to their passing, funeral expenses, and the loss of income that the family relied on.

These losses, combined with the emotional toll, can make it difficult to move forward. A wrongful death claim allows surviving family members to seek compensation for these financial and emotional losses.

In Florida, the claim must be filed by the personal representative of the deceased’s estate, either named in a will or appointed by the court. This representative acts on behalf of the surviving family members, such as a spouse, children, or parents, who are eligible to recover damages.

Our Jacksonville wrongful death lawyers can determine who in your family can pursue civil action against a liable party and provide compassionate legal representation.

We Help You File a Truck Accident Lawsuit

You must file your truck accident lawsuit before the statute of limitations expires in Florida. Generally, under Florida Statutes § 95.11(5)(a), you have two years to move forward with a personal injury lawsuit.

We take charge of your case immediately to help you meet all deadlines; however, the sooner you call us, the sooner we can begin the process. If you wait too long to proceed with your case, the court may dismiss your lawsuit.

How Florida’s Modified Comparative Negligence Law Affects Truck Accident Claims

Florida now operates under a modified comparative negligence system, which affects truck accident cases by limiting recovery based on fault. Under this rule, you can only recover compensation if you are 50% or less at fault for the accident. If you are found more than 50% responsible, you cannot recover damages.

For example, if you are awarded $100,000 in damages but are found 20% at fault, your compensation would be reduced to $80,000. However, if you are 51% or more at fault, you lose your ability to recover any compensation.

Proving fault is particularly important under this system, especially in truck accident cases where insurance companies often try to shift blame to reduce payouts.

Our Lawyers Have Insights That Allow Us to Negotiate With Insurance Companies

We understand how this change may affect your truck accident case.  If the truck company’s provider tries to place undue blame on you to undervalue your insurance claim, we can counter their determination of fault using a carefully created evidence file.

One of our attorneys has prior experience defending major insurance companies, giving us an in-depth understanding of how insurers operate under personal injury law. This knowledge allows our personal injury lawyers to anticipate their strategies and build a strong case to protect you.

Let Our Truck Accident Lawyers Help

You can hire a truck accident lawyer from The Schiller Kessler Group to handle all your legal needs following a collision. We step in to address your legal concerns, answer your questions, and support you as you seek compensation after your truck accident or car accident.

Call us today for a free initial consultation to learn about your legal options.