If you have been injured in a truck accident in Boynton Beach, it can be devastating to your personal life as well as your career. The Boynton Beach truck accident attorneys at Eltringham Law Group know that a serious injury caused by a large truck can be complex and that sometimes insurance companies take advantage of your situation by offering prompt, but unfair settlements.
Our lawyers make it their mission to see that you are treated fairly and compensated appropriately. You have been through enough. Call us to get the help and the compensation you deserve.
How do You Know If I Need a Truck Accident Attorney in Boynton Beach for My Case?
If you are involved in an accident with a commercial truck, chances are you will need an attorney to settle your case in a fair and appropriate manner. Insurance companies for large trucking companies work quickly to make an offer, below what you are entitled to, in order to get your case settled quickly and as cheaply as possible.
These insurance companies have the driver and trucking company’s interests ahead of yours. Their job is to save their company money. They move quickly so that you are confused and do not have the time to talk to an attorney.
You should call a Boynton Beach truck accident lawyer as soon as possible following your accident. Not only will you be able to reject low offers knowledgeably, you will also have a team of attorneys who can work at gathering evidence while you spend your time recovering.
How a Boynton Beach Truck Accident Attorney Can Help You File a Strong Claim
Many things can contribute to a commercial truck accident and having an attorney who is experienced in these cases is essential to getting the compensation that you deserve for your losses.
Distracted Driving
Truckers work long hours and practically live in their trucks. Many try to multitask. This is a bad idea. Talking on cell phones, using computers, texting, checking social media, or even watching online videos have been cause for serious accidents. They may also be eating in their truck or doing scheduling or record-keeping tasks while driving.
Driving While Impaired or Drowsy
Drivers who drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol or who are drowsy from spending too many hours on the road with not enough sleep can be the cause of some truck accidents. Some companies may offer incentives for quick deliveries, prompting the driver to drive longer than allowed by law. Reaction time is often delayed or impaired.
Speeding or Reckless Driving
Drivers who are angry, overworked, or late may drive too fast for conditions, above the posted speed limit, or disobey common traffic laws.
Faulty or Improperly Maintained Equipment
It is the driver’s responsibility to do safety checks on his truck and trailer and maintain records of repairs and standard maintenance. Tires with low tread, poorly maintained brakes, or other mechanical issues are often at fault when an accident occurs.
Who Is At Fault When there Is a Truck Accident?
Certainly if the driver is impaired, distracted, or driving recklessly, he is responsible. However, since many drivers are employed by a company that owns the equipment, they may be partially or totally responsible as well. If your case goes to court, other parties may be involved in the suit, such as:
- Driver if impaired, reckless, or distracted
- Owner of the equipment, if the equipment was improperly maintained
- Owner of the cargo if improper loading or overloading caused the accident
- Government agencies if road conditions were responsible
How to Determine Negligence in a Commercial Truck Accident
Sometimes it is difficult to determine negligence simply because commercial trucking companies have readily available insurance adjusters and investigators that move quickly, frequently confusing the victim. That is why we urge you to contact a Boynton Beach truck accident attorney as soon as you can, to get started on your case. Our lawyers are knowledgeable in the laws and regulations that all commercial truckers must follow in the state of Florida, such as:
- Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations found in Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR)
- Florida Statutes §316.302
In order for the court to recognize negligence, you must be able to prove that:
- Duty of care was breached. In other words, the driver of the truck failed to operate in a way that keeps other drivers and passengers safe.
- The action of the driver caused the accident.
- The accident resulted in your damages and injuries.
Severe injuries may keep you from doing any investigation. A Boynton Beach truck accident lawyer can investigate and search police reports and witness statements if necessary.
What Damages Can I Recover After a Truck Accident?
In addition to recovering your immediate medical expenses, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Future medical expenses for rehabilitation, prescriptions, surgeries, at-home care
- Lost wages if you are unable to work
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
Additional compensation may be recovered if your loved one was killed in an accident, or if because of the accident you were unable to complete normal tasks that you did before your injury.
What If You Are Partially Responsible?
In Florida, even if you are partially responsible, you may still be eligible to recover some of your losses. This is referred to as a pure comparative negligence approach. The amount you are entitled to will be reduced by your percentage of responsibility for the accident as determined by a judge or jury.
How Can a Boynton Beach Truck Accident Lawyer Help?
If you suffer injuries or other damage due to a truck accident, a lawyer can help in several ways:
- They can gather evidence.This includes police reports, camera footage from traffic cams or cell phones, and witness statements.
- They work on contingency. That means, simply, that they don’t get paid unless you do.
- They protect your interests.Since our attorneys have experience in standing up to large insurance companies and other lawyers, they can fight for the fair compensation that you deserve.
Contact Eltringham Law Group for Help Today
Commercial trucking accident claims can be complicated because of the complex rules and laws that affect liability in these cases. Our attorneys are experienced in holding these drivers, trucking companies and insurance carriers accountable. We will fight to get you the compensation that you deserve.
There is no charge to you unless we win your cases. Contact us today to set an appointment for a free consultation.