Challenges You May Face in a Large Truck Accident in Southwest Florida
The number of deadly truck accidents in Florida has risen over the last decade, with accidents increasing almost 75 percent. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Administration, more than 3,000 people on average lose their lives in these truck accidents each year.
The Complexity of These Cases
Large truck accidents often prove to be complex cases because you are not dealing with the negligence of a single individual behind the wheel. Rather, you will find that there are layers to these cases. There can be several different people liable for these accidents in addition to the driver, including a corporation, employees, vehicle owners, and even insurers.
Another challenge that can complicate these cases, in addition to there possibly being several liable parties, is the fact that many of these accidents result in serious injuries. Remember, large trucks weigh almost three times as much as cars and can cause serious damage.
Defense Tactics
Among the challenges one may face in an accident claim with a large truck are the defense's tactics. For example, they may unfairly accuse the victim of negligence, try to convince the victim to agree to a much lower settlement, hire attorneys that can possibly intimidate potential claimants, and hide or falsify documents that indicated they were following all safety requirements when they were not.
Due to the challenges and complexity of these personal injury cases, it may be in your best interest to hire an accident attorney who understands the process and is familiar with these tactics. They can help with the strong resistance you may find from the defense and know how to counter.
What Can an Experienced Attorney Do?
An experienced Southwest Florida personal injury attorney understands all the tactics the trucking company and commercial insurance companies may throw at you. So, to avoid being offered the lowest possible settlement or payment denial, your attorney can do the following:
• Conduct their own investigation
• Collect and review all medical records and reports
• Contact expert witnesses when necessary
• Identify and locate all defendants and examine their degree of legal responsibility in your case
• Help you prepare all claim forms
• Ensure you submit all supporting documentation
• Help determine which insurance policies are relevant to your case
• Can challenge legal arguments stating that the victim was negligent in whole or in part
• Negotiates with the insurance companies on your behalf
• Determines if the settlement offer is fair and reasonable
When it comes to large truck accidents, you must look at truck accident statistics and facts. You also need to understand that filing this kind of claim is different from filing other personal injury claims. There can be multiple defendants. Additionally, commercial trucking company insurers will find to defend their interests in these cases, so you may face much more opposition.
Choosing the Right Attorney
When looking for an attorney for your truck accident case, you need someone experienced. They need to have the knowledge and skills necessary to go up against the insurance companies and trucking companies to protect your rights and lead you to the compensation you rightfully deserve following your accident.
