Were you injured in a trucking accident in Lakeland, Florida? The legal team at Shaked Law Firm, P.A. has the experience and skill to help you recover the maximum compensation you deserve. Contact our office today at (305) 937-0191 to schedule a free consultation with an experienced Lakeland truck accident lawyer.
Since we opened our law firm, we’ve recovered millions of dollars on behalf of injury victims and their families. Now, we’re prepared to fight for you.
Put yourself in the best possible position to win today. Reach out to us to discuss your case and see how we can assist you.
Why Should I Call Shaked Law Firm, P.A. for Help After a Truck Accident in Lakeland, FL?
Getting your life back on track after an accident is always a challenge. Dealing with an insurance company can seem impossible. Many victims give up and settle for a lowball deal just to avoid a lengthy legal battle.
Hiring an experienced Lakeland personal injury attorney gives you time to recover in peace, knowing that you have an advocate handling the legal issues and insurance details.
When you hire Shaked Law Firm, P.A., you’re hiring a team that has been widely recognized for our success. The National Trial Lawyers has recognized us as “Top 100” trial lawyers, and we received Avvo’s Clients’ Choice Award for our exceptional representation.
Commercial insurance companies will use any number of strategies to reduce your compensation award. Our lawyers know every trick in the book. Contact us today to learn how we can help you fight for the money you deserve.
What is My Lakeland Truck Accident Case Worth?
It’s impossible to give an accurate answer until we review the facts and circumstances. Every personal injury case is unique.
Our attorneys will evaluate the following factors when calculating the value of your truck accident claim:
- The severity of your injuries
- Your medical costs and other expenses
- The impact of the injuries on your quality of life
- Whether you are permanently disabled or impaired
- Your ongoing medical treatment and rehabilitative needs
- The extent of your lost wages
- How a long-term injury will impact your earning capacity
- Commercial vehicle accident insurance coverage
- Allegations of shared fault
Most accident claims are resolved via insurance negotiations. Insurance adjusters are much more likely to provide a fair settlement when the victim is represented by an experienced attorney who knows how much they deserve.
What Types of Damages Are Available to Truck Accident Victims in Lakeland?
Two main types of compensatory damages could be available to accident victims in Florida: economic damages and non-economic damages.
Some common damages suffered by truck accident victims may include:
- Current medical treatment costs
- Anticipated future medical expenses
- Lost income
- Lost future earning potential
- Physical therapy
- Rehabilitation
- Property damage and vehicle repairs
- Out-of-pocket expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- PTSD
- Diminished quality of life
- Physical disfigurement and scarring
- Loss of consortium and other damages for wrongful death
Punitive damages are rare in Florida personal injury cases. Courts only award them when the defendant’s acts are found to be willful or shockingly reckless.
Who is Responsible for Paying Damages After a Truck Accident in Lakeland?
Our attorneys carefully investigate all truck accident claims to identify all potentially responsible parties. This way, our clients can pursue compensation from all available sources.
Examples of parties who may be liable for damages after a truck wreck include:
- The negligent truck driver
- Trucking companies
- Truck maintenance providers
- Truck rental or leasing companies
- Cargo loading companies
- Shipping companies
- Parts and equipment manufacturers
- Government agencies
- Third-party drivers
The possible presence of multiple defendants is one issue that often makes trucking accident claims complicated. In ordinary car accident cases, it’s typically one of the drivers who is financially responsible. Even when a semi-truck driver causes a truck crash, it’s likely that another party will share financial responsibility.
How Much Does it Cost to Hire a Truck Accident Lawyer in Lakeland?
Most personal injury law firms in Florida work on a contingency fee basis. You agree to pay a percentage of your settlement or verdict when you hire your lawyer.
Importantly, you won’t have to worry about covering upfront costs or paying if your attorney is unsuccessful. Your final costs will depend completely on how much money your attorney recovers for you.
Common Truck Accident Injuries
Big rigs and semi-trucks are much larger and heavier than ordinary passenger vehicles. The injuries they cause in a crash can be severe and even life-changing.
At Shaked Law Firm, P.A., we represent clients with all types of injuries, including:
- Broken bones
- Concussions
- Crushing injuries
- Back injuries
- Soft tissue damage
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Head and neck injuries
- Whiplash injuries
- Internal bleeding
- Organ damage
- Burns
- Amputations
- Paralysis
- Catastrophic injuries
- Wrongful death of a loved one
Motor vehicle accident injuries can take a huge toll on your physical and emotional well-being. When you hire us, we’ll handle every aspect of your case, giving you the time to rest and recover.
What Are Some of the Leading Causes of Truck Accidents in Lakeland?
Driving a tractor-trailer can be exhausting. The trucking industry also generates huge profits. Trucking companies sometimes cut corners and ignore the rules to maximize those profits.
Some of the most common causes of truck accidents include:
- Distracted driving
- Speeding
- Fatigued truck drivers and FMCSA hours-of-service violations
- Failure to yield the right-of-way
- Inexperienced semi-truck drivers
- Tailgating
- Lane departures
- Improper loads
- Failing to check blind spots
- Overloading the truck’s cargo hold
- Failure to adequately secure the truck’s cargo
- Trucking companies that fail to conduct proper drug and alcohol screening
- Aggressive driving
- Unsafe passing
- Ignoring requirements to inspect the vehicle before and after trips
- Inadequate vehicle maintenance
- Drunk driving or driving under the influence of drugs
If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck crash, our accident lawyers in Lakeland have the resources to determine the cause. Once we understand why the collision occurred, we’ll be able to identify all responsible parties.
What is Negligence and How Do I Prove it After a Truck Accident in Florida?
While many factors can contribute to a truck accident, human error is the most common. Most crashes occur because someone was negligent.
To prove negligence, you must establish four key elements:
- The at-fault party had a legal duty of care
- They breached that duty
- The breach directly caused the truck crash
- You suffered damages
The trucking company and its insurance carriers have already started collecting evidence. Assuming the truck driver was unharmed, it’s highly likely that they called their employer immediately after the crash.
When you hire us, you’ll have an entire team searching for evidence to support your case.
That evidence may include:
- The truck’s electronic recording device
- Dash cam footage
- Hard physical evidence from the accident scene
- Eyewitness statements
- Police and accident reports
- Medical records
- Hours-of-service logs
- Maintenance records
Expert witness testimony can be incredibly valuable in proving various aspects of your case.
How Long Do I Have to File a Personal Injury Lawsuit After a Truck Accident in Florida?
Accident victims in Florida typically have two years to file a lawsuit. If you fail to file a lawsuit within the two-year statute of limitations period, you lose your right to damages under Florida law. However, there are some exceptions, so it’s important to consult a Lakeland personal injury lawyer as soon as possible.
Contact a Trusted Lakeland Truck Accident Lawyer for a Free Case Evaluation
Our legal team at Shaked Law Firm, P.A. is here to provide the legal support and assistance you need if you were involved in a trucking accident in Lakeland, Florida. Call us today to schedule a free case review with a Lakeland truck accident attorney who can fight for you.