Jacksonville Truck Accident Attorney | Rights After a Commercial Truck Accident
If you or a loved one have been involved in a truck accident, it’s essential to seek the expertise of an experienced Jacksonville truck accident attorney from Paul | Knopf | Bigger. The complexities surrounding truck accident cases demand skilled legal guidance to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. Navigating Florida highways with massive commercial trucks can be intimidating, as the size difference between your car and a truck is striking. Jacksonville truck accidents are on the rise. Accidents involving these vehicles often result in severe injuries, property damage, and sometimes even death.
Why Hire a Jacksonville Truck Accident Attorney?
Large commercial truck accidents are far more complicated than regular car accidents. The stakes are higher, involving multiple parties and strict insurance regulations. As Jacksonville continues to grow in population and tourism, truck accidents have also increased. Commercial truck drivers are required to carry significant insurance policies, but even with this coverage, getting fair compensation for your injuries and losses is not easy. An experienced Jacksonville truck accident attorney at Paul |Knopf | Bigger can assist by:
- Helping you understand your legal rights.
- Managing the insurance claim process.
- Negotiating with insurance companies.
- Gathering critical evidence.
- Advocating for the total compensation you deserve.
Contact us now at (800) 434-4327.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Jacksonville
Truck accidents occur for various reasons, often tied to negligence by the driver or trucking company. Some of the most common causes include:
- Driver Fatigue: Long hours on the road can lead to drowsy driving, which is a common issue in the trucking industry.
- Distracted Driving: Like any other motorist, truck drivers can be distracted by phones, GPS, or other in-cab systems.
- Speeding: Trucks require longer stopping distances, making speeding highly dangerous.
- Poor Vehicle Maintenance: Mechanical issues such as brake failures or tire blowouts can cause catastrophic accidents.
- Improperly Loaded Cargo: Overloaded or poorly secured cargo can cause a truck to lose balance, leading to accidents like rollovers or jackknife incidents.
Determining Liability in a Jacksonville Truck Accident
Establishing liability in a truck accident is not always straightforward. Several parties could be held accountable, including:
- The Truck Driver: If the driver was negligent, for example, by driving under the influence or violating hours of service regulations.
- The Trucking Company: Companies might be responsible for inadequate training, poor hiring practices, or failure to maintain their fleet.
- Cargo Loaders: Improperly loading or securing cargo can lead to severe accidents, putting liability on the loaders.
- Vehicle Manufacturers: In cases of mechanical failure, the manufacturer of the faulty part may be liable.
An experienced Jacksonville truck accident attorney will investigate all aspects of the accident to identify who is at fault and ensure they are held accountable.
Proving Fault in a Truck Accident Case
Proving fault in a truck accident requires comprehensive evidence. A Jacksonville truck accident attorney will thoroughly examine all available information, including:
- Police Reports: These can provide crucial details about the accident and initial fault determination.
- Truck Driver Logs: These records help determine if the driver adhered to regulations regarding service hours and rest breaks.
- Electronic Data: Many trucks have electronic logging devices (ELDs) that record critical data like speed and braking patterns.
- Witness Testimonies: Eyewitness accounts can be pivotal in reconstructing the accident.
- Accident Reconstruction Experts: In complex cases, experts may be consulted to recreate the accident and pinpoint the cause.
Florida operates under the legal doctrine of pure comparative fault, meaning even if you were partially at fault for the accident, you can still seek compensation. However, your compensation will be reduced by the percentage of your fault. For instance, if you are deemed 20% at fault, your compensation will be reduced by 20%. If you have questions, contact us at (800) 434-4327.
Types of Damages in a Jacksonville Truck Accident Case
Truck accidents often result in significant damages, which can be both economic and non-economic. An experienced attorney can help you seek compensation for the following:
Economic Damages:
- Medical Expenses: This includes current and future medical costs, such as hospital bills, surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing treatment.
- Lost Wages: If your injuries prevent you from working, you may be entitled to compensation for lost income and future earning potential.
- Property Damage: Compensation for repairs or replacement of your vehicle and any personal property damaged in the accident.
- Other Financial Losses: Costs related to hiring assistance for tasks you can no longer perform, like housekeeping or childcare.
Non-Economic Damages:
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the physical pain and emotional suffering caused by the accident.
- Emotional Distress: Anxiety, depression, PTSD, and other emotional issues may arise after a traumatic accident.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Compensation may be awarded if your injuries prevent you from enjoying hobbies or activities you once loved.
The Role of Punitive Damages
In some cases, punitive damages may be awarded in addition to compensatory damages. Punitive damages are meant to punish particularly reckless behavior, such as driving under the influence or intentionally violating safety regulations. While less common, punitive damages are reserved for cases of extreme negligence.
Your Truck Accident Claim with Legal Representation from Paul | Knopf | Bigger
Handling a truck accident claim on your own can be overwhelming, especially when recovering from injuries. Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts, offering lowball settlements or using aggressive tactics. An experienced Jacksonville truck accident attorney can help by:
- Handling all communication with the insurance companies.
- Negotiating a fair settlement on your behalf.
- Fighting for your rights in court if necessary.
With an attorney by your side, you can focus on your recovery while they handle the legal complexities of your case.
Get Legal Help from Jacksonville Truck Accident Attorneys at Paul | Knopf | Bigger
If you or a loved one have been injured in a truck accident, don’t wait to seek legal help. Contact a Jacksonville truck accident attorney at Paul | Knopf | Bigger as soon as possible to improve your chances of securing the compensation you deserve. Reach out today for a free consultation and take the first step toward justice and fair compensation. Contact us at (800) 434-4327.
Sources:
- https://ai.fmcsa.dot.gov/CrashStatistics?tab=Summary&type=&report_id=1&crash_type_id=4&datasource_id=1&time_period_id=2&report_date=0&vehicle_type=1&state=NAT&domicile=ALL&measure_id=1&operation_id=null
- https://injuryfacts.nsc.org/motor-vehicle/road-users/large-trucks/data-details/
- https://www.flhsmv.gov/resources/crash-citation-reports/
- http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0700-0799/0768/Sections/0768.81.html
- https://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2018/768.72