How Truck Accident Compensation Works

An experienced attorney can guide you through the process

After a truck accident, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed – especially when you’re dealing with injuries and missing work. Unlike car crashes, truck accidents often involve more complicated investigations, multiple liable parties, and higher insurance stakes. So, getting the compensation you deserve isn’t always the easiest task, making it crucial for you to understand how truck accident compensation works.

At Armando Injury Law, we know how stressful and worrying the aftermath of a serious truck accident can be. That’s why we work hard to make sure truck accident victims understand their claims process every step of the way. We’ll walk you through your truck accident claim from start to finish, taking the lead while never leaving you on the sidelines. Get the compensation you need and deserve after a truck accident. Contact us to learn more.

“After my accident, I was referred to Armando and when I tell you the entire process and the experience and just how he handled everything about my case was enough to never go anywhere else and make him my lawyer for life. I can ramble on but just know when you go with Armando you’re in the best care! Thank you again!!” – Stefan B., ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Who is liable in a truck accident?

Determining who is liable in a truck accident is often more complicated than other types of traffic accidents. In a semi-truck accident, liability can fall on multiple parties including:

The truck driver: The truck driver is the most common party held liable for a truck accident. If the driver was negligent, such as driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, speeding, or failing to follow safety regulations, they may be responsible for the accident.
The trucking company: Sometimes, the trucking company that employs the driver can be held liable. If the company failed to properly train the driver, neglected maintenance of the truck, or pushed the driver to work excessive hours, they may be at fault for the accident.
The truck manufacturer: In some cases, the manufacturer of the truck or its parts can be held responsible if there is a defect in the vehicle that causes the accident. This could include issues with the brakes, tires, or any other part that failed during the operation of the truck.
Other drivers: Other drivers on the road can also contribute to the cause of a truck accident. If another driver caused the accident by acting negligently or recklessly, they may share liability for the incident.
Government entities: Sometimes, poor road conditions or improper signage can contribute to a truck accident. If this is the case, a government agency responsible for maintaining the roadways could be held partially liable for the accident.

What types of compensation can you receive?

After a truck accident in Florida, you may be entitled to seek compensation for your accident-related expenses. Your compensation should cover:

Medical expenses: Truck accident injuries can be severe and require extensive medical treatment. Compensation for medical expenses may include hospital bills, surgeries, rehabilitation, doctor visits, and ongoing treatments. If your injuries are long-term, compensation may cover future medical expenses as well.
Lost wages: If your injuries prevent you from returning to work, you may be entitled to compensation for lost wages. This includes any income you missed out on due to your recovery period. If your injuries result in permanent disability, compensation can also account for future lost earnings.
Pain and suffering: Pain and suffering are emotional and physical damages that are harder to quantify but are an important part of truck accident compensation. This can include compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and any loss of enjoyment in life caused by the accident.
Loss of consortium: If your injuries have affected your relationship with your spouse or family, you may be entitled to compensation for loss of consortium. This refers to the loss of companionship, affection, intimacy, and support that can result from a serious injury. While more difficult to quantify, it acknowledges the emotional impact your injuries have on your loved ones and your ability to maintain close personal relationships.
Punitive damages: In cases where the at-fault party’s actions were particularly reckless or egregious, punitive damages may be awarded. These are intended to punish the defendant for their actions and deter similar behavior in the future. However, punitive damages are less common and usually require proof of gross negligence.

How semi-truck accident compensation is calculated

Calculating compensation for a semi-truck accident involves accounting for several factors. Some of the key factors that can influence your compensation include:

Severity of injuries: The more serious your injuries, the higher your compensation is likely to be. For example, if you suffer permanent disability or require long-term medical care, the compensation amount will reflect the cost of those needs.
Liability: The more clear-cut the liability, the easier it will be to calculate compensation. If multiple parties are responsible for the accident, your lawyer will work to ensure each party is held accountable for their share of the damages.
Insurance coverage: Insurance policies can vary depending on the type of truck involved and the trucking company’s policy limits. Your compensation may be limited to the insurance coverage available, so it’s important to work with a truck accident compensation lawyer who understands the insurance policies and coverage limits.
Economic and non-economic damages: Economic damages (such as medical bills and lost wages) are easier to quantify, while non-economic damages (such as pain and suffering) can vary. Your attorney will work to ensure you are fairly compensated for both types of damages.

Why you need a truck accident compensation lawyer

Truck accident claims can be complex and involve multiple parties, each with their own insurance company and legal team. This can make negotiating a fair settlement challenging, especially if you’re trying to recover from serious injuries.

Hiring a truck accident lawyer helps to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve. Here’s how a truck accident lawyer can help:

Investigating the accident: Your lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation into the cause of the truck accident. This includes gathering evidence, talking to witnesses, reviewing police reports, and working with accident reconstruction experts to determine fault.
Negotiating with insurance companies: Insurance companies often try to settle claims quickly, but these offers are often too low to cover your full expenses. A truck accident lawyer will negotiate on your behalf to secure a fair settlement that covers all of your damages.
Taking the lead on your claim: Truck accidents can involve multiple defendants and complicated legal issues. A truck accident compensation lawyer can navigate these complexities and ensure that you don’t miss any important deadlines or legal requirements.
Maximizing your compensation: A lawyer will fight for your best interests and work to ensure that all current and future damages are accounted for, including both economic and non-economic losses. They will also push for punitive damages if the responsible party acted with negligence.

How our Tampa truck accident lawyers can help

Truck accident compensation can provide much-needed financial relief after an accident – but securing that compensation can be difficult without legal guidance. At Armando Injury Law, we’re committed to helping truck accident victims in Tampa receive the compensation they deserve. Our experienced team of truck accident compensation lawyers understands the unique challenges of these cases and will fight tirelessly to protect your rights. If you’ve been involved in a truck accident, don’t face the legal battle alone. Reach out to us for a free consultation and let us help you focus on your recovery while we handle the rest.