Truck accidents can cause chain-reaction events impacting multiple vehicles while creating dangerous highway conditions. Resulting injuries may be severe or fatal and require immediate medical care. The panic and confusion in the moments following a trucking accident in Zephyrhills, FL, make it difficult to take action to protect your truck accident claim.
Recovering physically and financially from a truck accident is rarely a straightforward process. The dynamics of trucking accidents make it challenging to get honest answers for filing a claim when damages exceed your insurance limits. The truck accident lawyers at Howell & Thornwell understand the legal complexities that accompany big rig accidents in Florida and are prepared to step in and navigate the legal process for you. Our Zephyrhills personal injury lawyers provide the open and trusted communication you would expect from a compassionate local business. We have been meeting the needs of our neighbors since 1975, providing face-to-face complimentary consultations where you’re at when you need us most.
How a Zephyrhills, FL, Semi Truck Accident Lawyer Can Help You
People assume Florida is a “no-fault” state and they cannot bring a claim against the driver and owner of the truck that causes the crash. No assumptions should be made as to fault in a semi-truck accident. Otherwise, a negligent party or entity may walk away from a truck accident without compensating you for your costs. You have the right to seek compensation for the damages caused by someone’s negligence. Trucking companies may plan for the unexpected by hiring experienced attorneys and maintaining extensive insurance policies as a cost of doing business. You deserve the same experienced representation. A truck accident lawyer with our team will focus on your needs and provide these services to you:
- A comprehensive evaluation of a trucking accident to uncover all potentially responsible parties
- A thorough assessment of the damages and costs to you
- Gathering time-sensitive documentation
- Working as an intermediary between you and the insurance company to protect your claim and strive to negotiate a settlement reflective of your total damages
- Filing legal actions within critical time limits allowing a truck accident attorney to pursue a personal injury lawsuit on your behalf
- Navigating the legal process, including litigating a case in court
Costs in a Zephyrhills truck accident can quickly climb to exceed the $10,000.00 of medical coverage with your insurance, either leaving you with responsibility for the expenses or requiring you to take action. Waiting to speak with our trucking accident lawyers can result in lost documentation and missed critical steps that may improve your recovery outcome. We are always available to help you following an accident while you recover.
Why Local Representation Matters in a Zephyrhills Tractor Trailer Accident
When you’re involved in a life-altering accident, we got this! When you contact the truck accident attorneys at Howell & Thornhill, you instantly connect with a trucking accident lawyer. You are never a number in a call center lineup of impersonal interactions passed from person to person. We take pride in sitting with you, looking you in the eye, and connecting on a human level to understand the impact of a Zephyrhills, FL, trucking accident on your life. Choosing the local team at Howell & Thornhill means you are choosing to have experience backed by these qualities working for you:
- Over 75 years combined of compassionate legal service
- A trucking accident lawyer willing to come to you to provide a complimentary consultation
- A personal connection with a team committed to your case
- One-on-one interaction with a personal injury lawyer who recognizes your unique needs
- Experienced board certified civil trial lawyers, certified by the Florida Bar, who are on staff and know what it takes to present your case in court effectively
We will work with the insurance company on your behalf to maximize your settlement outcome. However, we have what it takes to see your case through in court. We are advocates for your best interests, securing significant settlements and judgments for our clients in the past. We cannot guarantee, and no semi-truck accident lawyer should promise a specific outcome in your case. However, we can assure you guidance from a local tractor-trailer accident lawyer who will fight for your full recovery.
Determining Third-Party Liability in a Trucking Accident is Complex in Zephyrhills, FL
In an accident caused by another driver, assuming their responsibility is a general conclusion. However, determining negligence in a truck accident may present complex circumstances that a semi-truck accident attorney can address. Various individuals and entities may be responsible for a trucking accident. Our semi truck accident lawyers know the trucking industry and will investigate each party’s actions and whether they contributed to your injuries and costly damages. You will likely have questions. We can answer them when you need a Zephyrhills personal injury lawyer. We will look into these parties’ potential responsibility in a truck accident.
A Truck Driver
Truck drivers are in critical demand in Florida. Long hours on the road require constant diligence to avoid accidents with other commuters. Common causes of truck accidents include:
- Fatigue
- Distractions both inside and outside of a truck
- Medical conditions and prescription drug use
- Inexperience or inadequate training
- Drug and alcohol use
Working with a trucking accident lawyer is critical to identifying key evidence in your claim. Documentation such as a driver’s log book, hours of service, medical records, training records, and cell phone records may impart crucial knowledge about a driver and their mental, physical, or medical state and awareness moments preceding a truck accident. Our truck accident lawyers can demand the driver and owner at fault preserve time-sensitive data.
The Trucking Company
A trucking company is responsible for putting safe drivers and trucks on the road. A trucking accident attorney will investigate a trucking company’s safety record to pinpoint critical deficiencies in maintenance and hiring practices. Requiring truck drivers to operate outside the hours of service regulations is a violation. Our trucking accident attorneys will meticulously review a company’s operational procedures and hold them accountable for negligent practices.
Commercial Carrier
Trucking companies may transport cargo for various businesses, acting as an “independent contractor” for these so called commercial carriers. Under Florida and federal law, the driver is considered an employee of the commercial carrier despite the claims of being an independent contractor. Our firm can investigate if the commercial carrier has additional insurance coverage for your serious losses.
Parts Manufacturer, Distributor, or Seller
Though more uncommon, defective parts on a big rig may lead to its malfunction, resulting in an accident. Braking, steering, and hydraulic systems are integral to the safe operation of a truck. Manufacturers are responsible for producing safe products. Parts distributors and sellers should remove defective items from circulation immediately upon notice. An 18-wheeler accident lawyer may investigate products and inconsistencies in the supply chain to identify negligence or any previous lawsuits against parts manufacturers.
Government Agency
Multiple government entities may play a role in roadway preservation, including signage, guardrail maintenance, traffic light management, and other factors that keep commuters safe. The procedures for legal action against the state of Florida vary from that of other civil actions. The rules may vary for other government agencies as well. Our 18 wheeler accident lawyers are local to Central Florida and will diligently apply various laws when a government agency’s actions are negligent.
Potential Compensation in an 18-Wheeler Accident
One of the most challenging tasks following a tractor-trailer accident is contacting a trucking company’s insurance provider. Ignoring your calls, inconclusively evaluating your damages, and drastically undervaluing your claim is unfair to you. Sometimes, an insurance adjuster may even offer a quick settlement to close your case. While their fast response may seem helpful, it will also prevent you from recovering any unevaluated or future damages. Many 18-wheeler accident attorneys have witnessed the financial loss clients experience without a comprehensive case evaluation of these potential damages:
- All medical expenses, including the costs of ongoing medical care
- Lost income, wages, and potential bonuses
- Lost earning capacity
- Property damage
- Out-of-pocket expenses such as medications and medical equipment rental
- Home services you are no longer able to provide, such as grocery shopping or lawn care
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
An offer may exclude or undervalue damages without a definitive cost, such as pain and suffering. The Howell & Thornhill team recognizes the costs of these damages to you and will fight for a fair evaluation of your pain, suffering, and other non-economic damages in a truck accident.
An 18 wheeler accident attorney may also advise you on the award of punitive damages in cases resulting from gross or malicious intentional negligence. Though rare, punitive damages may be awarded in a judgment by a jury as punishment for the negligent party’s actions. Caps on punitive damages are at $500,000 or three times the amount of a compensatory damages judgment. Let us answer your questions after a car accident and explain what to do if a semi-truck hits you.
Time Limits for Filing a Zephyrhills Truck Accident Lawsuit
You must seek medical care within 14 days (Fl. Statute Sec. §627.736(1)(a)) of a truck accident for your PIP insurance to cover your costs up to $10,000. Florida’s time limit for filing a civil action founded on negligence is two years from the date you were injured. Contact our big rig accident lawyers regardless of the time that has passed if you have experienced significant damages and injuries. Exceptions may apply.
Florida has also adopted modified comparative negligence laws, which only allow for damages compensation when the injured party is less than 50% responsible in an accident. Any percentage of responsibility contributed to the injured party will proportionately reduce their compensatory damages in a claim. Our tractor-trailer accident lawyers always strive to protect your claim when the insurance company seeks to blame your actions in a truck accident disproportionately.
Steps to Take to Protect Your Truck Accident Claim
Not only do our tractor-trailer accident attorneys want you to know how to protect your claim, but we will help you guard against actions that may significantly reduce your compensation. Take these steps if it is safe to do so when you are involved in a truck accident in Zephyrhills, FL:
- Call 911
- Seek immediate medical care
- Photograph the accident scene and your injuries, including identifying information on a truck’s cab or trailer
- Collect contact information from the truck driver, including the name of the trucking company’s contact and their phone number
- Speak with law enforcement and get a copy of the accident report
- Gather eyewitness contact information including names, addresses, and phone numbers
A tractor-trailer accident attorney will also discuss with you actions to avoid following a truck accident, including:
- Giving a recorded statement to the insurance company without consulting a big rig accident lawyer
- Assuming the first settlement offer is fair, or you have no other options
- Posting on social media, regardless of the content
- Allowing family and friends to tag you on social media
Your successful recovery is imperative. And we want to be a part of that success. Our previous clients share testimonials demonstrating our accident attorneys’ willingness to go the distance for you, protecting your claim or truck accident lawsuit every step of the way.
Contact Our Zephyrhills Truck Accident Attorneys
The severe injuries and extensive property damage that often accompany a Zephyrhills, FL, truck accident may make filing a third-party insurance claim necessary for you to recover fully. Discuss a truck accident with a big rig accident attorney at Howell & Thornhill. We provide a free consultation to begin the claims process and explain how we can help you.
Call today to determine if you have a Florida truck accident claim. If a truck accident resulted in the wrongful death of your loved one, we’re here for you to demand compensation to provide for a more stable future. We will work with a personal representative to file a wrongful death claim or lawsuit.