If you were hurt in a car accident because of a negligent commercial truck driver, you may be able to recover compensation by holding the driver and their employer accountable. A Sarasota, Florida truck accident lawyer with Distasio Law Firm may be able to navigate the truck accident claims process and take care of your accident case for you.
We know you are likely facing a lot of stress and frustration related to your injuries and losses after a large truck accident, and we are here to help. At Distasio Law Firm, we offer complimentary case reviews for victims of Sarasota collisions. Our dedicated personal injury attorneys will discuss your collision and injuries and offer advice to help you hold those responsible legally liable. Call now to get started.
A Truck Crash Attorney From Distasio Law Firm May Accept Your Collision Case
A Sarasota semi truck accident attorney from Distasio Law Firm may be able to hold the liable party or parties responsible for the injuries and losses you suffered due to your accident. We believe that you should not have to pay for the damages you suffered when another person’s behavior caused an accident. Instead, they should be responsible.
If we pursue justice in your truck accident case, we will work to prove that the other driver caused the collision and your injuries. Florida law may allow us to hold their employer responsible, as well.
You can learn more about the services we offer at Distasio Law Firm and our commitment to our clients’ best interests. Call now for your free consultation.
Proving Liability in a Sarasota Tractor-Trailer Wreck Claim
If you were hurt in a tractor-trailer truck accident in Sarasota, our team of skilled lawyers may be able to develop a strong case for holding the liable party or parties accountable. While we may find evidence to prove the truck driver responsible and pursue a case against them, Florida laws also allow us to hold the trucking company vicariously responsible in some cases.
When these cases go to trial, the Florida Standard Civil Jury Instructions state that vicarious liability applies when:
- The company employs the driver.
- The driver was working within the scope of their job duties when their negligence caused a collision.
We may be able to apply these rules to file claims against both the at-fault driver and their employer, which is generally a trucking company or large corporation. If we take your case, we will investigate what happened, confirm if the rules of vicarious liability apply, and identify the liable parties.
Our team will commit the money and time necessary to build an argument and show the insurance companies what a fair payout looks like in your case. We represent our clients on a contingency-fee-basis, expecting no upfront payments from accident victims.
Securing Damages for a Truck Accident Victim
Distasio Law Firm pursues compensation for our clients’ damages. This is the best way we can hold the liable parties accountable for their actions. We may be able to negotiate a settlement outside of court, using proven techniques and a strong case to persuade the insurer.
In some instances, we need to go to trial. If so, we will prepare the paperwork and file it in a Sarasota County civil court. This paperwork will name the truck driver and their employer as defendants in the case.
Whether we take a case in front of a judge and jury or settle without filing a personal injury lawsuit, we will seek compensation based on our clients’ damages. This includes their medical treatment bills, money lost from missed shifts at work, pain and suffering losses, and more. Our team will identify your damages and present the evidence of their value to the insurer or in court.
We also accept wrongful death cases for families that lost a loved one due to their accident injuries, seeking compensation in accordance with Florida Statutes § 768.21.
Time Limits on Taking a Sarasota Semi-Truck Collision Case to Court
There is a time limit for filing a civil lawsuit in Florida. This creates a deadline for reaching an out-of-court settlement, as we will need to file suit if we cannot settle. The deadline for filing the initial paperwork in a lawsuit is set by the statute of limitations, Florida Statutes § 95.11.
In general, Distasio Law Firm has two years from the accident date to file a lawsuit based on an injury and two years for a wrongful death case. Missing the applicable deadline could mean not being able to file suit at all later.
Reach out to our team of Sarasota attorneys as soon as you can after a semi-truck collision so we can determine your options and begin to investigate your case. Some evidence in these cases ends up with the trucking company, and we need to take quick action to ensure it is not lost, destroyed, or otherwise unavailable to us when we need it to build your case.
Common Causes of Sarasota Truck Wrecks
Commercial vehicles are 20 to 40 times heavier than passenger vehicles, posing a significant threat to public safety. For this reason, commercial truck drivers take precautions like performing pre-trip and post-trip inspections, being mindful of stopping distance, etc. When they don’t take these precautions or are negligent, it can lead to a crash.
Here are a few common reasons for heavy commercial vehicle accidents in Sarasota:
Driver Error
Distracted driving, fatigue, and speeding are just a few examples of driver negligence resulting in a truck wreck. All drivers are expected to take due care when operating a vehicle, and if not, they can be held legally liable.
Truck Failure
Commercial vehicles need regular maintenance to prevent breakdowns. Truck drivers are required to perform a pre-trip inspection to examine all major vehicle components to ensure they’re in working order. When this step is skipped or done half-heartedly, it can result in unexpected malfunctions.
Defective Truck Parts
The reason for a truck accident can also lie with truck parts like brakes and ball joints, which may be defective, leading to an accident on the road. If this is the case, our truck accident lawyers can help you hold the manufacturer responsible.
Misloaded Cargo
Commercial trucks have an 80,000-pound weight limit, including the truck, trailer, and contents. When loading crews overload the vehicle, distribute the weight incorrectly, or fail to secure the cargo, it can be disastrous.
How to Protect Your Right to Compensation After a Truck Accident
After being hurt in a truck accident, your next steps are essential to strengthening your case. Unfortunately, you can also weaken your case if you’re not careful. We advise that you take the following precautions to protect your right to compensation.
Get Medical Attention
The aftermath of a truck accident is not always immediately apparent. If you’ve sustained injuries or have pain caused by your accident, accept medical attention at the scene or seek assistance at the nearest medical facility. A trained professional will evaluate and document all injuries to ensure you get the proper care.
Do Not Admit Fault
Statements of remorse or apologies can be taken as admitting fault, hurting your chances to claim compensation. Instead, please refrain from discussing fault with any third parties until you’ve consulted with our truck accident lawyers.
Document the Facts of Your Case
Take record of eyewitness information, photographs, truck driver information, and any other important information following the accident—the more detailed information available in your case, the better chances of creating an indisputable case.
Consult With Our Sarasota Truck Accident Lawyer
Our Sarasota 18-wheeler accident lawyers are well-versed in the laws governing commercial vehicles. We can assist you by investigating your accident, gathering evidence to support your claim, and negotiating with the insurance company on your behalf. We’ll hold all at-fault parties liable for your injuries and fight for fair compensation.
We’ve won millions of dollars in settlements for our clients across Florida, and we’re more than prepared to see your case through.
Speak with a Team Member Today About Your Sarasota Truck Crash
A Sarasota truck accident attorney with Distasio Law Firm may be able to hold the truck driver and the company employing them accountable. You could recover a payout that includes the economic and non-economic damages you suffered.
You can speak with us today by calling our office. Our initial consultations are free for accident victims and their families. When we accept a case, we represent our client based on contingent fees. Let us evaluate your case and determine how we can help.
