A truck accident is a terrifying experience. What makes this kind of accident even worse is that it could often have been prevented. But truck drivers, trucking companies, and other parties often commit negligence. When they do, the consequences can be horrible.
The Lakeland truck accident lawyers with Osborne & Francis are standing by if you’ve suffered severe injuries due to another’s negligence. We’ll provide aggressive representation and do everything we can to maximize your compensation. Contact us online or call (561) 264-6238 for a free evaluation of your case.
Video Transcript
So you've been in a car accident. What happens next? There are many things that you should do but here are the three most important:
Number One: See a doctor immediately.
A broken bone is easy to see, but some injuries are not. The most common injuries from car accidents happen in the neck, back, or head. The only way to diagnose and treat them is by seeing a doctor. A doctor can help ease the pain, provide medication, reassure you of how your injury may impact your daily life, and tell you what not to do to make it worse.
A visit to the doctor can also give you legally protected time off to recover and rest your body after an accident, and it documents and provides the evidence you may need for your case. Even a five-mile-per-hour car accident can cause a serious injury. So whether you've had a severe accident or a minor collision, see a doctor. And if you don't have medical insurance, let us know and we'll make sure that you receive the proper care.
Number Two: Write everything down.
Even if it seems small, during times of stress or injury it is common to forget the little details. Make sure you keep note of the pain that you're in. With neck, back, and head injuries, sometimes simple activities such as walking up the stairs or picking up a toddler may cause severe pain.
You may not be sleeping well at night. Documenting how much you sleep and how often you wake up due to pain is also very important. And lastly, if you have any cuts or bruises, take daily photos as you heal. This will provide visual evidence of the injuries that you've suffered.
Number Three: Do not speak to an insurance company until you've spoken to a lawyer.
Please understand that the insurance adjuster works for a billion-dollar corporation and not for you. Their interests are solely for their insurance company, and their goal is to provide you with the least amount of financial settlement as quickly as possible. When you do speak with them, remember they will record the conversation. Why do they do this? Because they've been trained to ask questions that may confuse you. So talk to us before you talk to them.
So remember: See a doctor, document everything, and call us before calling the insurance company for your free private consultation. We are here for you. Real tough lawyers fighting real tough issues.
Common Causes of Lakeland Truck Accidents
Truck accidents can happen for a variety of reasons, including driver error, equipment failure, weather conditions, or road hazards. However, some of the most common causes of Lakeland truck accidents include:
Driver fatigue
Truck drivers often have demanding schedules and may drive long hours without sufficient rest, leading to driver fatigue and impaired driving.
Distracted driving
Drivers distracted by their phones, GPS, or other devices may fail to see hazards on the road, leading to accidents.
Speeding
Truck drivers who exceed the speed limit or drive too fast for the conditions may be unable to stop in time to avoid a collision.
Improper maintenance
Trucking companies are responsible for maintaining their vehicles properly, including regular inspections and repairs. Failure to do so can lead to equipment failure and accidents.
Overloading
Overloaded trucks can be unstable and difficult to control, increasing the risk of accidents.
Trucking Regulations that Keep Motor Vehicle Drivers Safe
Trucking companies and drivers must follow strict federal regulations designed to keep motorists safe. These regulations include:
Hours of Service (HOS) regulations:HOS regulations limit drivers' work hours per day and week, including mandatory rest periods.
Vehicle maintenance and inspection requirements: Trucks must undergo regular inspections and maintenance to ensure they operate safely.
Weight restrictions: Trucks must adhere to weight limits set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to prevent overloading.
Driver qualifications: Drivers must meet specific qualifications and undergo training to obtain a commercial driver's license (CDL).
What Happens if Someone Breaks a Regulation?
If a trucking company or driver violates a federal regulation, they can be held liable for any resulting accidents and injuries. This can include fines, penalties, and legal action.
Determining Truck Accident Liability
Determining liability in a truck accident can be complex and often requires a thorough investigation. Liability may rest with one or more parties, including the driver, trucking company, truck manufacturer, or parts manufacturer.
Third-Party Liability
Sometimes, a third party may be liable for a truck accident. For example, the manufacturer may be held responsible if a defective part caused an accident. Similarly, if poor road conditions caused the accident, the entity responsible for maintaining the road may be liable.
Multi-Party Liability
In many cases, liability for a truck accident may be shared by multiple parties. For example, the driver may be partially at fault for speeding, but the trucking company may be at fault for failing to maintain the vehicle properly. An experienced truck accident lawyer can help determine who is liable and seek compensation from all responsible parties.
How Much is My Case Worth?
The value of a truck accident case depends on various factors, including the severity of the injuries, the cost of medical treatment, the extent of property damage, and the impact on the victim's life. An experienced Lakeland truck accident lawyer can evaluate your case and determine a fair settlement amount.
What Types of Damages Can I Recover?
If you are the victim of a truck accident in Lakeland, Florida, you could be able to recover your accident-related losses, known as damages. Examples include the following:
Medical expenses
These include all past and future medical expenses related to your injuries, including hospital bills, surgeries, medication, and rehabilitation.
Lost wages
If you are unable to work due to your injuries, you may be entitled to compensation for lost wages.
Pain and suffering
This includes compensation for physical and emotional pain and suffering, as well as loss of enjoyment of life.
Property damage
If your vehicle or other property was damaged in the accident, you may be entitled to compensation for the cost of repairs or replacement.
Wrongful death
If a loved one was killed in a truck accident, you may be entitled to compensation for funeral and burial expenses and loss of income and companionship.
Do I Need to Hire a Truck Accident Lawyer?
While it is not required to hire a truck accident lawyer, it is highly recommended. Truck accident cases can be complex, and insurance companies and trucking companies will have their lawyers working to minimize liability. An experienced Lakeland truck accident lawyer can help protect your rights and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
A truck accident lawyer can provide a range of services, including:
Conducting a thorough investigation: A lawyer can investigate the accident to determine liability and gather evidence to support your case.
Negotiating with insurance companies: Your attorney can negotiate with the insurance company to ensure you receive a fair settlement.
Representing you in court: If your case goes to court, a lawyer can represent you and advocate for your rights.
Providing legal advice: A lawyer can provide legal advice throughout the process, helping you make informed decisions about your case.
Alfred
Quick and fair resolution to a unique case. On advice of my own attorney, I engaged Joseph Osborne of Osborne & Francis of Boca Raton, FL. Mr. Osborne had considerable experience in cases such as mine and the results showed that. Mr. Osborne and his staff were very helpful, kept me up to date, and listened to my input. The settlement was very fair as far as I am concerned.
Erica F.
"Best personal injury attorney around, I could not be happier! I was seriously injured in a car accident and Osborne and Francis helped me through the entire process. I was blown away by how knowledgeable the staff and attorneys are at this incredible law firm. I would not hesitate to recommend this law firm to friends and family!"
T. Andrews
“Attorneys Greg Francis and Ryan Fletcher at Osborne & Francis Law Firm represented me in my personal injury case.The defendant drew a line in the sand and was adamant on a settlement amount I was almost willing to accept. After the dust settled and the smoke cleared, we settled for 3 times that amount!!! When they say ‘Real Tough Lawyers,’ they mean it.”
E. Holland
Dennis and the other Osborne & Francis staff were amazing! Our case was HUGE and required tender loving care. Everyone on our case did their part by putting all the puzzle pieces together. We were given step by step updates and put at ease when our nerves got the best of us. For every inquiry we made we received a timely response...You are appreciated!
J. Davis
“I couldn’t have asked for a better lawyer/ firm — everything was done professionally exactly how I wanted. Due to COVID my personal attorney Mr. Garcia was still able to make things work in a timely manner and he never made me feel like he wasn’t working. Overall I’m happy with how my case turned out and I would recommend him and this law firm to anyone. 100% satisfied.”
C. Smith
“I am so thankful for EVERYONE, the entire staff at Osborne & Francis Law, for mentoring me through the mediation process with my hip replacement failures. I didn't realize how MUCH pressure they relieved me of by helping me deal with the reality of this traumatic time in my life, as it was OVER so quickly with a positive result. My family is grateful to have their mom HAPPY & FOCUSED on the future, rather than worrying over what happened in the past! FAST FORWARD, we are LIVING LIFE to the fullest once again!”
If you or someone close to you has suffered a severe injury in a truck accident in Lakeland, it's essential to understand your rights and options. Seeking the help of experienced Lakeland truck accident lawyers can make a difference in the outcome of your case.
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