After a truck accident, you may feel overwhelmed with medical treatments, missed time at work, and repairing or replacing your vehicle. How to file a truck accident claim in Florida may not be the first thing on your mind. However, acting promptly can help you secure fair financial compensation for your losses.
Thankfully, filing a claim isn’t as complicated as you might think. In this post, an experienced truck accident lawyer at Steinberg Law, P.A., covers how to file a truck accident claim in Florida in five easy steps.
1. Report the Accident
Truck accidents often involve catastrophic injuries and costly vehicle damage. Florida statutes require you to immediately contact law enforcement for crashes involving injury or $500 or more in estimated property damage. Also, a police report provides valuable evidence in insurance claims and personal injury lawsuits.
2. Gather Evidence
Building a strong case starts at the accident scene. If you’re not too seriously injured and it is safe to do so, collect the following evidence:
- Photos or video of damaged vehicles, road conditions, and traffic signs
- Names and contact information of any accident witnesses
- Details about the trucking company and its insurance coverage
3. Seek Medical Attention
In the case of serious truck accident injuries, emergency medical crews will likely respond to the scene. If they don’t take you to the hospital, schedule a visit with your doctor as soon as possible — even if you’re not in pain. Not all injuries are obvious immediately. A prompt medical evaluation protects your health and provides concrete proof of your injuries.
4. Consult an Truck Accident Attorney
Before you make any statements to insurance companies or sign any documents, contact a local personal injury attorney. Experienced lawyers are intimately familiar with how to file a truck accident claim in Florida and can help you avoid potential pitfalls.
Your attorney will gather additional evidence, such as trucking company records, surveillance videos, and accident reconstructions. They will also help identify potentially liable parties, communicate with insurance companies, and calculate the value of your claim.
5. Submit Your Claim
After establishing liability, file a claim with the at-fault party’s insurer. Follow the company’s claims process, making sure to meet any deadlines. You may also need to submit documentation such as the accident report, medical records, and proof of financial losses (such as lost wages or vehicle repairs).
Unfortunately, insurance companies don’t always offer adequate compensation. If you don’t receive a fair offer, your attorney will work to negotiate a better settlement. If you and the other party can’t reach an agreement out of court, your legal team may need to take your case to trial.
Need Help Filing a Truck Accident Claim in Florida? Call Us Today!
If you still have questions about how to file a truck accident claim in Florida — or need help filing — contact Steinberg Law, P.A. We represent accident victims in Palm Beach, Broward, and Miami-Dade counties. Call us today at 877-783-4611 or contact us online for a free consultation.
Florida Truck Accident Claim FAQs
Who Can Be Held Responsible for a Florida Truck Accident Claim?
Numerous parties can be held responsible in a Florida truck accident claim. These include the truck driver, the trucking company, or the manufacturer of defective vehicles and parts.
What if I Am Partly Responsible for a Truck Accident in Florida?
If you are partly responsible for a truck accident in Florida, you may still qualify for compensation. However, the amount will drop in proportion to your degree of fault. For example, if you are 25% to blame, your compensation will be reduced by 25%.
What Kind of Compensation Can I Seek in a Florida Truck Accident Claim?
In a Florida truck accident claim, you can seek compensation for economic damages, such as medical expenses and lost wages. You can also seek non-economic damages, like pain and suffering and loss of companionship.
