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If you or a loved one suffered an injury in a truck accident in Florida, you might be wondering about the nature and amount of your settlement. Accidents involving large trucks like 18-wheelers are among the most devastating vehicle accidents and can result in lifelong, life-altering injuries.
Who May Contribute to a Truck Accident Settlement?
Unlike a car accident, a truck accident usually involves both the driver and some commercial entity who owns the truck, employs the driver, or both. Some factors lead to liability for the driver, such as driving under the influence, falling asleep, or distracted driving. Under these facts, the driver’s lack of care in operating the vehicle will contribute to the driver’s liability.
Importantly, in most cases, trucking companies are vicariously liable for the negligence of truck drivers working for them.
On the other hand, there are some situations in which a trucking company is directly liable for an accident. For example, the company may have failed to train the driver or may have overworked them. The company is also responsible for maintenance and inspection of the vehicle, and failing to perform these could result in liability. Likewise, any company that assisted in loading the truck will be responsible if improper loading or overloading contributed to the accident. Finally, if there is a defect in the vehicle, the manufacturer may bear some liability for your injuries.
What Factors Are Important in Determining My Truck Accident Settlement?
There are a lot of issues that factor into the value of your truck accident injury settlement.
The severity of Your Injuries – People in cars hit by large commercial trucks suffer some of the most devastating injuries. Victims often incur injuries to the back, head, neck, and spinal cord. Traumatic brain injuries often feature in truck accidents as well. All of these can lead to lifelong disabilities and loss of motor and cognitive function.
Current and Future Medical Costs – Given the severe injuries sustained in large truck accidents, your current medical expenses are most likely only the beginning of your lifelong medical liabilities. Rehab, surgeries, assistive equipment, caregivers are only some of the potential medical expenses facing truck accident victims.
Impact of Commercial Insurance Policies
As discussed above, the driver is not the only potentially liable party in a commercial truck accident. The owner of the truck and the company the driver works for are also potentially responsible. Because of the number of potential defendants and the severity of the injuries, settlements in truck accidents can be significant. But, one of the most important factors in the size of these settlements is the much more substantial sums of insurance money available to the plaintiff for recovery of damages. Further, because truck drivers are specially qualified with a “higher” level of license, juries tend to award greater damages when their driving is at issue in the case.
Call Us Today to Speak with a Florida Personal Injury Attorney
These complexities in truck accident cases speak for themselves in urging you to consult with an experienced and knowledgeable personal injury lawyer before considering any settlement offer in your case. The decision you make today can affect the comfort and security of the rest of your life.
FAQs
How much do I need to put down to get a lawyer?
There are no up-front costs associated with retaining a personal injury lawyer at our firm. In addition, we will only collect legal fees if we win your case.
How much is my case worth?
If you have a claim, its value will be determined by a number of factors, including the severity of your injuries and whether you suffered other losses.
How do I know if I have a claim?
One of our experienced lawyers can review the facts of your case and let you know whether you have a claim.