Truck Accident FAQ
An experienced Orlando lawyer ready to fight for your rights
An Orlando truck accident can be frightening and have a devastating impact on your life. You may have serious injuries that require extensive medical treatment. You may not be able to work and there is less money coming in just as your medical expenses are becoming overwhelming. The process of recovering compensation can be confusing and frustrating.
We know you have a lot of questions. Attorney Michael Cerasa of The Cerasa Law Firm LLC can help you get answers. He worked for big law firms in the area for many years and learned how to build strong cases and take on insurance companies. Now he is able to offer clients personal attention as he guides them through the legal process.
Some of the questions people have about truck accidents include:
- What should I do after a truck accident?
- Why are truck accidents so complicated?
- How common are truck accidents in Florida?
- Who can be held liable for a truck accident?
- How much money can I get from an 18-wheeler accident?
- How long does it take to resolve a semi-truck accident?
- Can I sue if I was hit by a tractor-trailer?
- Do I need a lawyer for a truck accident?
You have four years from the date of your truck accident to take legal action. But it can take time to build a strong case. And over time, evidence can be lost or destroyed and the memories of witnesses can fade. It’s important to get legal advice as soon as possible. If you’ve been hurt in Central Florida, contact us today schedule a free consultation.
What should I do after a truck accident?
There are several steps you can take, as you are able to, that can help protect your health and your legal rights. First, contact the police or have someone else call. Seek medical attention, even if you think you are OK. Get the names and contact information for the truck driver and any witnesses. Take photos of the accident scene. Report the accident to your insurance company. Then get legal advice from an experienced truck accident lawyer as soon as possible.
Why are truck accidents so complicated?
There are several reasons. One is that there can be several parties involved in the accident, and each party can have different lawyers and insurance companies. Another reason is that legal action needs to be taken to gain access to evidence controlled by the trucking company, such as the event data recorder, hours of service logs and maintenance records. Also, trucking companies and insurance companies often fight injury claims aggressively, because they know there is a lot of money at stake.
How common are truck accidents in Florida?
Truck accidents are more common in Florida than many other states. Florida records tens of thousands of accidents involving medium and heavy trucks per year and several hundred related deaths, according to national data.
Truck accidents happen with increased frequency in Florida for a variety of reasons. There are more unfamiliar drivers on the road – new residents, tourists and snowbirds don’t usually have the same grasp on how roads connect as locals. Also, to accommodate a skyrocketing population and reduce traffic congestion, Florida’s roadways were designed for speed. The faster vehicles are moving, the higher the risk for an accident.
Who can be held liable for a truck accident?
Any party or parties whose negligence caused the truck accident that left you injured can be held liable for damages. Negligent parties may include the truck driver, the trucking company, the company that owns the trailer, the company that owns the cargo, the company that loaded the cargo, the truck manufacturer or the manufacturer of any defective parts on the truck. An attorney can investigate the accident to determine which parties were negligent.
How much money can I get from an 18-wheeler accident?
There’s no simple answer to that question, because it depends on many factors. These include the severity of your injuries, whether you were left with a permanent disability, the type of truck accident, the negligent parties involved and insurance policy limits. A lawyer can determine the total amount of damages you suffered and give you a general idea of how much your case is worth.
How long does it take to resolve a semi-truck accident?
In general, the more complex your case, the longer it is likely to take to resolve. Insurance companies know there’s a lot of money at stake in these types of cases, so will aggressively fight against claims for compensation. It can take time to investigate what happened, build a strong case and navigate the legal process. If a truck accident was fairly straightforward, it may be possible to reach a settlement in a matter of months. But more complicated cases can take years to resolve.
Can I sue if I was hit by a tractor-trailer?
Yes, if there was negligence by one party or multiple parties. An experienced lawyer will have the resources to investigate the accident and determine which parties were at fault. In a lawsuit, you can generally sue for economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages include current and future medical expenses, lost wages, property damage and other losses with an assigned dollar value. Non-economic damages are losses that have no assigned dollar value, such as pain and suffering and emotional distress.
Do I need a lawyer for a truck accident?
There is no requirement that you have a lawyer. But getting legal representation gives you a much better chance of successfully recovering the compensation you deserve. An attorney can investigate your collision and take legal action to gather evidence controlled by the insurance company. An experienced attorney can then build a strong case and negotiate a settlement that meets your needs. And if you do need to go court, a lawyer can guide you through the legal process can present a convincing case to the jury.