Winter Park Truck Accident Lawyers
Giving Injured Victims the Legal Support They Deserve
Florida has been among the fastest-growing states in the U.S. for years, and Orlando remains a top tourist destination that gets millions of visitors annually. Given this, it’s no wonder I-4 and other freeways near Winter Park are often considered dangerous. This is especially the case when passenger vehicles collide with semi-trucks, as such accidents have a high chance of causing catastrophic injury and even death.
Just know that if you were injured in a Central Florida truck accident, you don’t have to deal with the consequences alone. You can rely on the caring truck accident lawyers of Cullen & Hemphill, PLC to provide you with the legal guidance you need as you pursue compensation. Call our Winter Park law office to learn what to do as you start to recover from a serious truck accident.
What Are Common Causes of Semi-Truck Accidents?
When you file a truck accident claim to get compensation, part of the investigation will include finding out why the crash occurred. After all, you must gather evidence that shows who caused the accident to determine who owes you compensation. If you hire a Winter Park truck accident lawyer for your personal injury claim, they will handle this step for you so you can focus on healing from your injuries.
Some of the most common reasons for semi-truck accidents are:
- Driver fatigue
- Speeding
- Reckless driving
- Distracted driving
- Drunk driving
- Drugged driving
- Truck driver inexperience
- Improperly secured cargo
- Failure of truck safety equipment
- Defective truck parts
- Extreme weather
- Poor truck maintenance
It’s not always immediately clear who or what caused the accident. Furthermore, in some cases, more than one party shares the blame for the crash. For example, if an inexperienced truck driver crashed while operating a semi-truck in inclement weather, this may be partly the fault of the trucking company for failing to train their driver properly.
Similarly, if the truck driver was tired because they were expected to drive after very little sleep, the trucking company that employs them could be partly at fault for the accident. This means you could have a claim against both the driver and their employer.
Of course, sometimes the injured victim in the passenger vehicle is partly to blame. If this is the case for you, rest assured that you may still be able to seek compensation for the truck accident as long as you’re found to be less at-fault than other liable parties. This is because Florida’s comparative negligence law lets victims seek compensation if they are 50 percent or less at fault for the crash.
When this occurs, the compensation is reduced accordingly. So, if you’re 25 percent to blame for the truck accident, your settlement will likely be reduced by 25 percent. Your Winter Park truck accident lawyer will let you know who is at fault after the investigation ends so you know what to expect from your case.
What Injuries Are Common in Central Florida Truck Accidents?
If you were injured in a Florida truck accident, you should consider bringing a claim against any at-fault parties. This is because the injuries caused by semi-truck accidents tend to be more severe than crashes involving smaller vehicles, meaning your medical expenses could be much higher than average.
You shouldn’t have to worry about how you’ll afford to get the medical treatment you need, especially if your injuries are permanent and debilitating. Hiring a skilled personal injury lawyer to handle your claim should help you rest assured that you’ll be financially compensated for serious injuries that could include:
- Burns
- Open wounds
- Broken bones
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Organ damage
- Back and neck injuries
- Internal bleeding
- Limb amputation
- Paralysis
- Wrongful death
Such injuries typically require emergency medical treatment, followed by ongoing care that could last for years. If your truck accident injuries keep you from being able to work, either temporarily or permanently, you might find it impossible to pay for the medical treatment you need. Fortunately, the caring truck accident lawyers at our Winter Park law firm can fight to ensure the at-fault party’s insurance company fairly compensates you so you’re not left paying your medical bills on your own. Contact our law office today to discuss your legal options as a truck accident victim.
What Compensation Can You Expect After a Truck Accident?
You deserve to focus on fully recovering from your painful injuries rather than worrying about how to pay your bills. That’s why you should hire an Orlando truck accident lawyer to negotiate a fair settlement that covers all your losses.
At the start of your case, they will consider the circumstances of the crash to determine which economic and non-economic damages you should be compensated for. They will typically include:
- Medical bills
- Future medical expenses
- Property damage
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
So, if you needed to take an ambulance to the hospital for emergency surgery after the truck accident, your compensation should cover those medical costs. In addition, if you’re expected to need physical therapy, medication, medical equipment, or more surgeries in the future, your settlement should also pay for these costs. Your lawyer will collect the necessary documentation to prove the cost of your medical treatment, including medical records, bills, and good faith estimates for future medical care.
Of course, you’re also going to need car repairs or even a new car, depending on the damage caused by the semi-truck. The property damage portion of your settlement should be enough to pay for these costs so you are not without transportation after the crash. In addition, you will need to take time off work to heal. You might not even be able to return to work if your injuries are permanent or disabling. This is why a skilled truck accident lawyer will work hard to get you compensated for lost wages and reduced earning capacity.
Experienced truck accident lawyers also acknowledge that serious auto accidents can be mentally and emotionally painful, especially if you’re no longer able to work and have traumatic flashbacks of the crash. While financial compensation can’t eliminate these consequences, it can allow you to afford therapy and hobbies that let you take your mind off the trauma of the situation. This is why many settlements include money for pain and suffering. Your lawyer can let you know which specific damages to expect after your initial consultation, so contact Winter Park law firm to schedule your appointment.
Why Should You Hire Truck Accident Lawyers in Winter Park?
As an injured victim of a truck accident, you need the support of a legal professional willing to handle every detail of your case in order to get the best settlement possible. It’s essential to remember that the insurance company of the at-fault driver does not want to give you the compensation you deserve, as they would rather keep their money. On the other hand, a caring attorney’s goal is to maximize your compensation.
This is why you should talk to a truck accident attorney in Winter Park before you accept an offer from the insurance company. A skilled legal team has the resources and experience to thoroughly investigate the crash to determine which party caused it and how much compensation you’re entitled to.
They can then communicate and negotiate with the insurance company until they agree on a fair settlement for you. If you’re ready to discuss your truck accident case with compassionate truck accident lawyers in Winter Park, call 407-565-7386 today to schedule a free initial consultation.