What You Need To Know Regarding Trucking Related Accidents
Brian O Sutter
Accident Lawyers
Sadly, the sheer number of people driving on Florida roads means that every day, accidents occur throughout the state. Luckily, the majority of these accidents are relatively minor. However, there are major accidents that occur regularly as well, and one of the most dangerous types of accidents is one involving semi-trucks. Understanding more about the subject and what steps you can take afterwards is important for anyone, and could help you if you find yourself involved in one of these accidents.
The Increased Danger
The big thing to understand about trucking accidents themselves is simple – there is a tremendous amount of increased danger to everyone involved when a truck is involved in the accident. The larger size and heavier weight of these trucks, plus the potential weight and size of the cargo they carry, means that injuries are more likely to occur when a truck is involved. These injuries could include:- Traumatic brain injury
- Spinal cord injury
- Broken bones
- Paralysis
- Coma
- Death
Seeking Compensation
If you or a loved one is involved in a trucking accident, it’s important that you heal properly. And a major part of doing so could be healing financially so you can then focus on your mental and physical health. That’s why contacting an auto accident lawyer with experience in trucking cases is a key step you’ll want to consider. Think of the major expenses and financial burdens an accident of this nature can place on you:- Medical expenses, immediate and over the course of recovery
- Lost wages due to time away from work
- Replacement of your personal vehicle
- If wrongful death occurred, funerary expenses for the deceased
The Big Differences To Consider
While seeking compensation in a trucking accident is similar to seeking compensation in an accident involving personal vehicles, there are a few big differences that are worth understanding. These can highlight the importance to find a good attorney with experience to help you.- For starters, understand that there is more standing in your way. Trucking companies will employ teams of attorneys and so will their insurance companies. Without your own legal professional, you’ll be in a situation that is already stacked against you.
- Those legal teams will often use tactics like lowball settlement offers or constantly delaying your case in the court system for months. This adds to your frustration and makes it harder to overcome your financial hardships.
- One of the key reasons that they take this path is money, but another is something that many don’t realize – the driver of the truck involved in your accident isn’t the only entity that can be held responsible. The trucking company itself could be held to blame as well, especially if it’s found that they didn’t maintain proper driving laws or keep their vehicles in top shape.