A collision with a commercial truck can be devastating. The size, weight, and momentum of a semi truck or other large commercial vehicle tend to cause far more damage than a crash with a passenger vehicle. Cars and SUVs hit by commercial trucks are often totaled, and the risk of serious injury or death is increased.
The truck provides greater protection for its occupants, so most people killed in trucking accidents are occupants of other cars, motorcyclists, pedestrians and others outside the truck.
If you’ve been injured in an accident with a commercial vehicle, you may be entitled to compensation. But truck accident cases are complicated, so you’ll want to talk to an experienced local semi truck accident lawyer right away.
In some ways, truck accidents are like other motor vehicle crashes. But that doesn’t mean every car accident lawyer is prepared to litigate a commercial truck accident case. Some of the reasons a semi truck or other commercial vehicle accident case can be more challenging include:
These are just a few reasons it is important to work with a St. Augustine injury attorney who has specific experience with commercial trucking accident cases.
At Harrell & Harrell, we have the knowledge and experience you need after being injured or losing a loved one to a semi truck accident or other commercial motor vehicle accident. You can schedule a free consultation today by calling (904) 251-1111 or filling out our contact form.
In this video, Renee Harrell of Harrell & Harrell explains the key differences between truck accident investigations and car accident investigations—and why truck cases are often more complex.
Of course, a truck accident can happen anywhere. But some routes in St. Johns County present greater risks than others. Areas with high commercial truck traffic include:
After a truck accident injury, you’ll want to contact an experienced local semi truck accident attorney right away. In that moment, your accident claim may be the furthest thing from your mind. But valuable evidence can be lost when you delay. To build the strongest possible case, your truck accident lawyer may need to:
Your lawyer may need to use interstate legal procedures to obtain some of this evidence. As time passes, many of these opportunities can be lost–even if everyone is operating in good faith. For example, damaged vehicles may be repaired and totaled vehicles may be scrapped. Video footage may not be preserved. Acting quickly gives your accident lawyer the best opportunity to gather evidence.
In a typical motor vehicle crash, the driver who caused the accident is typically liable. In a commercial truck accident case, liability may be more complicated. The most common possible responsible parties include:
Others may also be partly liable in the same way they might in another type of motor vehicle accident. For example:
Of course, this isn’t a complete list of possible responsible parties, just some of the most common examples. The best way to make sure you don’t leave out anyone who may be liable for your injuries is to work with an experienced St. Augustine truck accident lawyer from the beginning.
The steps you take immediately after a truck accident can make all the difference–to your safety, your health, and your injury claim. Of course, safety always comes first. That means you should take the following steps if and only if you can do so safely, based on both your injuries and the environment.
The compensation available in a truck accident case will depend on both the damages you suffered and the insurance or other resources available to pay your claim. Some of the most common types of damages include:
Your St. Augustine semi truck accident lawyer can tell you more about the damages that may be available in your case.
In Florida, you typically have two years to file a truck accident injury claim. But that doesn’t mean you should wait. Getting a trusted advocate on your side right away can be the best way to protect your claim. And, there are exceptions to the two-year statute of limitations. For example, before March 24, 2023, the statute of limitations was four years. So, if you were injured before that date but less than four years ago, you may still have a claim.
You don’t have to sort out the complexities of a Florida truck accident on your own. Call (904) 251-1111 right now to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with one of our experienced truck accident attorneys.
Navigating a personal injury claim can be overwhelming. Our quick, easy-to-understand videos cover the most common questions we hear from clients — so you can feel informed and confident every step of the way.
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