After you get into a car accident, a question you may be asking yourself is, “How am I going to afford this?” It is a valid concern considering how much an accident can cost an individual. When a truck is involved, the results can be devastating. If the truck driver was negligent, the individual could be responsible for the costs.
A truck accident lawyer from Distasio Law Firm in Clearwater can help you fight for compensation that can help you recover from your accident. We can assist you through the entire process so that you can focus on getting better. We can talk with you more and review your legal options and next steps during a free consultation.
Damages You Could Recover After a Truck Accident
Thousands of dollars in medical bills and property damage can result from one truck accident. That can be impossible to plan for, making it a true emergency when it happens. When another person’s negligence caused the accident, they should be responsible for the costs of that emergency.
With a lawsuit, you may be able to recover more than you could with an insurance claim. Here are just some of the economic (monetary) and non-economic (non-monetary) damages you can pursue with a lawsuit:
- Medical bills for emergency room visits, surgery, hospitalization, primary care appointments, and other medical needs for your injuries
- Property damage for a damaged or destroyed vehicle and other property that was involved in the accident
- Lost wages from time missed at work and diminished earning capacity in case your injuries prevent you from ever earning the same amount of money again
- Modifications made to your home if your injuries preclude you from doing things you used to be able to do
- Medical equipment, such as a wheelchair or crutches
Wrongful Death Damages in Truck Accident Cases
If you lost a loved one after a truck accident, we can help you seek awards on their behalf if you are eligible by law to pursue them. These include:
- Final medical bills for your loved one’s treatment and care
- Pain and suffering, emotional distress, and anxiety resulting from your collision
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Loss of consortium, or a loss of the social aspects of a relationship, after your own serious injury or disfigurement or the death of a loved one
We Can Determine What Damages You Could Seek in Your Case
A lawyer can help you determine which of your costs can be included in your lawsuit. It is your right to hold the liable party accountable for their actions. Our truck accident lawyer serving Clearwater can help you put together a fair and appropriate lawsuit for compensation for your damages.
This service is particularly helpful when it comes to damages that do not have a fixed dollar amount, such as pain and suffering. While it can be challenging to quantify pain and suffering, we do have methods we use to help determine that compensation. Reach out to us for a free case review today.
How We Can Help You Fight for Compensation
Hiring an attorney to work with you can help you understand your case and help ensure you are taking care of your legal matters. We know the kinds of challenges that these cases can bring, and we are prepared to do what it takes to help you get the awards you deserve.
At Distasio Law Firm, we can help you find evidence to make your case, speak with law enforcement and insurance adjusters, and other legal tasks. We can also:
- Speak with any witnesses who saw your accident
- Communicate with the opposed party’s insurer and legal representatives on your behalf
- Represent you in all meetings and legal proceedings
- Meet all important legal deadlines and file your lawsuit on time with the civil court
- Manage daily phone calls, email, and paper correspondence
- Update you regularly with any developments in your case
- Explain all legal issues, terms so that you understand what’s going on at all times
- Review any settlement offers that may come in, ensuring they meet your needs
- Taking your case to court if a settlement is unreachable
Our Board-Certified Attorney Could Fight Your Case in Court
Attorney Scott Distasio is Board-Certified by the Florida Bar in trial law, an accomplishment that is earned after a lawyer has tried a minimum number of cases to a jury and passed a competency exam. Fewer than 1% of all Florida lawyers hold this honor. He also has an “AV” rating from the Martindale-Hubbell law directory. This is the highest rating an attorney can receive for both ability and ethics.
Many injury cases settle out of court, but if your case must be fought in court, Scott Distasio has trial experience that he could put to work for you. He will go to court for you if required. Reach out to us today so that we can see how we may be able to help you.
Can You Afford an Attorney?
Many people who could benefit from legal representation decide not to for several reasons. Cost is one of them. Distasio Law Firm is a contingency firm. This means we do not charge upfront fees to represent clients who need legal help, and we get paid only if we win your case.
This arrangement makes it easier for people to consider getting the legal help they need, and it allows us to start working on your behalf. We can answer any questions you have about payment arrangements during a free case review.
Florida’s Strict Statute of Limitations Deadlines
To pursue compensation, you will need to file within Florida’s statute of limitations. You have four years from the time of your accident, per Florida Statutes § 95.11(3)(a). In the case of wrongful death, you have two years, per Florida Statutes § 95.11(4)(d). You may qualify for an extension of the statute of limitations, but you can discuss this matter with us during your case review. We can clear up any confusion you may have about how the limitations deadline applies to your case.
Liability in a Truck Accident: Who’s Responsible for Your Injuries?
The question of who is liable is the most important point in a lawsuit. We can help you build a case that holds both the driver and the company the driver works for accountable. If you suffered a serious injury in the accident and believe the other driver was negligent, you will need to prove it.
We can help you gather what is needed to prove liability on the other driver’s part. If you can prove that they were behaving irresponsibly and caused your accident and serious injury, they could owe you the financial awards you need to rebuild your life after an accident.
How a Truck Driver Could be Responsible for Causing an Accident
Truck drivers have a set of regulations and standards they must adhere to while on the job. These regulations tell them how long they can drive before they have to take a break. This prevents drowsy driving, which, in turn, can prevent accidents.
If the driver fails to take designated breaks, this could mean they or their employer is liable. The employer could be liable if they failed to train the driver appropriately or set unrealistic deadlines for the driver that did not take safe driving into account. Other behaviors could make the driver liable for the accident. If they were driving while distracted, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or disregarding traffic laws, they could be found liable for the damages of the accident.
How Florida’s Comparative Negligence Law Could Apply to Your Case
If the other driver is saying you are responsible for the accident, you do not need to give up. Even if you are partially at fault in your Clearwater truck accident, you could still receive compensation under Florida’s law concerning comparative negligence.
Florida Statutes § 768.81 allows you to sue an opposed party whose negligence contributed to your injuries, even if you also acted negligently and this negligence contributed to your accident. If you are awarded damages, your percentage of fault will be deducted from your award.
For example, if your judgment is $150,000, but you are found 25 percent at fault for your role in the accident, you would receive $112,500.
Call Us Today to Learn How We Can Help You
Our lawyer serving Clearwater wants to help you and your family recover from your truck accident. You do not have to figure this out on your own. We know Florida law, and we can guide you through every step in your pursuit of compensation.
You and your family deserve compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, and property damage from a collision that was not your fault. A lawsuit is one of your options if an insurance claim does not provide the compensation you need.
Call us today at (813) 259-0022 to learn more about your options and find out what we can offer you. We are ready to help you.
Call or text (813) 259-0022 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
