Should I Get a Lawyer After a Truck Accident in Florida?

Any type of car accident can result in significant mental trauma and major injuries. However, trauma and injuries are more common when the car accident involves a semi or another large commercial truck. Since commercial vehicles are larger and heavier than passenger cars, people riding in a car can often suffer fatal injuries. You may be wondering if you should get a lawyer after a truck accident in Florida and have other unanswered questions.

Why You Need a Lawyer After a Truck Accident

It’s absolutely essential that you retain a lawyer after a truck accident in Florida. Without a lawyer, insurance companies may take advantage of you. Their primary concern is their bottom line, and without having someone to protect your interest you may agree to a settlement that is lower than your injuries and other circumstances demand. A Tampa truck accident lawyer understands these tactics and knows how to combat them.

Your lawyer can investigate the accident and form an effective legal case that provides strong evidence of your injuries and expenses, as well as the liability of the other party. They can ensure you meet deadlines and file paperwork correctly.

Your chances of a successful and just personal injury or insurance claim significantly decrease without a lawyer by your side. You will likely have extensive medical bills and other expenses, and failing to hire an attorney could mean that you don’t receive what you deserve. In fact, it could even cost you money in the end. While you’ll need to pay legal fees to your attorney, your attorney will only receive compensation if you win in most accident or personally injury cases.

What Should You Do After a Truck Accident in Florida?

After an accident, the first few steps taken can impact the future success of a claim. It’s important to seek medical attention right away and preserve evidence. Evidence can be gathered by:

• Documenting the accident scene
• Taking any relevant photographs
• Gathering witness information (including contact information and insurance information)
• Getting a copy of the police report once it’s ready
• Notifying your insurance company

Understanding Florida’s New Statute of Limitations for Negligence Claims Arising from Auto Accidents

On March 24, 2023, Florida’s negligence claims statute of limitations changed to two years, including those arising from auto accidents.  This means negligence claims must be filed within two years of the incident.

This change attempts to speed up the legal process and emphasizes the importance of acting promptly when seeking legal recourse for injuries. An attorney can further explain and help ensure your case is not barred by the new statute of limitations.

Understanding the Primary Elements that Determine the Resulting Damages of a Truck/Car Accident Settlement

Just like all types of personal injury cases, there are several factors that determine a settlement amount for any resulting damages. Some of the primary elements that determine the resulting damages of a truck/car accident settlement include:

• Severity of injuries
• Insurance coverage (the available coverage under the at-fault party’s policy)
• Lost income
• Medical expenses
• Pain & Suffering
• Legal Expenses, including any attorney fees

Many factors can play a role in determining the total amount of compensation that may be awarded following a truck/car accident.

Understanding Liability in Truck Accident Claims

A preliminary step in filing a claim is determining the fault and liability of the involved parties. However, you may already know Florida is considered a no-fault state for car accidents, which means drivers have to file a claim with their own insurance provider before filing any claims for personal injury.

In Florida truck accidents, the injuries involved often exceed the damages covered under a driver’s own car insurance. Then, the injured driver can file a claim for personal injury against the party determined to be at fault.

Therefore, it’s important to first determine who is at fault and then who can be held responsible for the accident damages. There could be multiple parties at fault, which could include:

• The driver’s employer
• The owner of the truck cab or trailer
• The truck driver
• The manufacturer of a truck part
• A third-party loading company or business
• Other drivers on the road

If a party acts negligently and causes an accident, that party is considered at-fault and then legally and financially responsible for damages.

FAQs

Q: Should I Hire an Attorney After a Truck Accident in Tampa, Florida?

A: There are many benefits of hiring a Tampa truck accident injury lawyer to support you, including letting them:

• Handle all aspects of the case
• File paperwork
• Deal with the insurance company
• Handle settlement negotiations
• Gather evidence to prove damages and fault
• Can help you get a higher settlement

Hiring an attorney following a Florida truck accident allows you to rest and focus on healing.

Q: How Much Does an Attorney Cost in Tampa, Florida, for a Truck Accident Case?

A: The cost of an attorney in Tampa, Florida, can vary depending upon the attorney’s experience, the individual personal injury claims involved, and the nature of the case. Mostly, the more complex the injury case, the higher the legal fees could be. Also, more experienced lawyers sometimes charge higher fees, but remember that attorney experience is valuable in navigating a complex injury case.

Q: How Much Are Most Car Accident Settlements in Florida?

A: While no one expects to be in an accident, they still happen often. Many factors impact a settlement payout amount, including the specifics of your accident, injuries, and damages. Retaining a lawyer can increase a settlement through:

• Investigating
• Gathering and preserving evidence
• Investigating available insurance coverages
• Proving the full extent of injuries
• Calculating past and future losses
• Negotiating with insurance companies to maximize the value of your case

Q: How Long Does It Take to Settle a Car Accident Claim in Florida?

A: In Florida, many factors impact the amount of time it takes to settle a car accident claim. The exact time to settle a claim will depend on the type of case. For a straightforward case, an insurance company investigates the accident and then decides to settle or deny the claim.

However, complex litigation cases could take a year or longer. It’s important to be patient and trust your lawyer to get the job done.

Get the Legal Support You Need From a Tampa, FL, Truck Accident Lawyer

At Paul Figueroa Law, our team has worked for years to support clients in the Tampa community who need support after a personal injury. We know how overwhelming it is to experience a truck accident, and we help you as efficiently as possible.

Truck accident injuries can impact your life for a long time, and it is important to get reasonable and complete compensation for injuries and damages. We support your needs during negotiation, but we’re ready to fight for you in court if a fair settlement cannot be reached.

Contact Paul Figueroa Law today to learn how our personal injury team can support you and your loved ones.