What Does a Truck Accident Lawyer Do?

What a truck accident lawyer does involves protecting the rights of accident victims and representing their best interests in the pursuit of compensation. The duties of a truck accident attorney may include reviewing and compiling evidence, building a case, and taking actions to try to hold the trucking company accountable for the accident. They generally fight for their clients in one or more of the following ways:

  • Filing an insurance claim
  • Filing a personal injury suit in civil court
  • Filing a wrongful death suit 

As stated by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), most deaths or injuries that occur in large truck accidents are sustained by those in passenger vehicles. Truck accidents are deadly and extremely dangerous. A good truck accident lawyer will seek to obtain you fair compensation for your injuries and damages. 

Commercial Vehicle Accident Cases Are Different than Most Car Accident Cases

What a truck accident lawyer does is help injured victims of large vehicle accidents seek compensation for the damages they suffered. They do this by handling their client’s legal case so that the victim can focus on recovering from their injuries. Truck accident lawyers may handle all types of collisions, including many types of commercial vehicle cases. In general, a truck accident could involve any of the following:

  • Semi-truck or 18-wheeler, with or without a trailer
  • Delivery truck or van
  • Garbage or recycling truck
  • Dump truck
  • Work truck or van
  • Construction truck
  • Landscaping truck or truck and trailer
  • Box truck

These cases differ somewhat from most car accident cases. This is because the truck driver’s employer may also have liability for the accident. As a result, these cases may require an attorney to take additional steps to prove liability. The liable party is also more likely to be a large corporation with its own team of lawyers, as opposed to an individual.

Truck Accident Attorneys Seek Compensation for the Damages Their Clients Suffered

Ultimately, the goal of a truck accident case is to hold the trucking company liable for the accident and recover compensation for the damage the victim suffered. Doing so requires the lawyer to prove not only negligence and liability but also the value of their client’s damages. This may include current and future damages, both tangible and intangible. For example, some recoverable damages in a truck accident case include the following:

  • Current and future treatment, care, and related medical expenses
  • Ongoing care and support costs
  • Current and future lost income
  • Diminished earning capacity
  • Loss of services
  • Property damages, including to the victim’s vehicle
  • Out-of-pocket expenses related to the accident or injuries
  • Pain and suffering
  • Mental anguish

If you are considering talking to a truck accident lawyer because your loved one passed away from their accident injuries, you may also be eligible for wrongful death compensation. A truck accident attorney can explain the additional damages covered in a wrongful death case.

Your Attorney Should Seek Accountability in Your Accident Case

Truck accident lawyers usually offer free initial case reviews. Some also handle these cases on a contingency basis, meaning they do not expect clients to pay them anything until they recover a settlement or award in the case. If an attorney does not commit the financial resources and time your case requires without an upfront payment, you should consider working with someone who will.

Your attorney should also work to build a strong case that holds the trucking company accountable. It is important to seek a fair payout that compensates you for your damages. This is the best way to hold the trucking company legally responsible.

Note that there are filing deadlines in these cases. In most states, you have up to two years to file a lawsuit based on your injuries. You have two years to seek wrongful death damages in court. We recommend hiring an attorney as soon as you can, so you are sure to meet these strict time limits.

Speak to a Team Member About Our Services Today

A car accident lawyer from Distasio Law Firm can help you with your case if you qualify. Every member of our team commits to putting our clients first. We can fight to protect your rights, develop a strong argument, and seek the compensation you deserve based on the details of your case and your documented losses.

Reach out to our team today. You can speak with a team member from Distasio Law Firm now for your complimentary case review. Call (813) 259-0022 to learn more.

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Our main office is here in Downtown Tampa, Florida in the Channelside neighborhood. Office in Wesley Chapel and Largo are available by appointment only.

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