Fort Lauderdale Truck Accident Lawyer

Being involved in a truck accident is one of the most horrific experiences anyone will ever have because the injuries associated with this type of wreck are typically life-altering and debilitating.

A Fort Lauderdale personal injury lawyer with Lytal, Reiter, Smith, Ivey & Fronrath is ready to help you if you’ve been hurt in a truck collision that wasn’t your fault. Our Fort Lauderdale truck accident lawyer will provide expert, passionate legal representation and do everything we can to help you obtain every penny of compensation you deserve.

If you would like to schedule a free consultation, please contact us online or at (561) 867-4117.

How much does it cost to hire a truck accident lawyer in Fort Lauderdale?

At Lytal, Reiter, Smith, Ivey & Fronrath, we are dedicated to your complete recovery, demonstrated through our no-win, no-fee policy. You won’t owe us a penny unless we succeed in your case.

Additionally, we provide complimentary consultations to begin your journey. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation and take the initial step in securing the legal assistance you require.

What should I do after being in a truck accident?

As disorienting and frightening as a truck accident can be, keep calm if you’re in one. The actions you take in the aftermath will be necessary for your physical health and the strength of your case. Try to keep the following in mind.

1. Seek immediate medical attention

Don’t assume that just because you feel fine in the moment, you haven’t been seriously hurt. An auto accident can send an incredible amount of adrenaline coursing through the body, which can mask pain and other symptoms you might otherwise feel.

Many types of injuries may not show symptoms for hours or days after an accident occurs. If you wait too long to get medical help, you could risk permanent health problems.

2. Take photos and record videos

After you know that medical professionals are on their way, take pictures and videos of the accident scene, but only if it’s safe for you to do so.

Get photos and videos of your vehicle, all other vehicles, and the road surface and conditions. The road could hold relevant evidence, including skid marks indicating when the truck driver used their brakes and the speed with which they were traveling.

3. Talk to witnesses who may have seen what happened

You don’t need to interview them, but get their names, phone numbers, and email addresses.

4. Contact a lawyer

After you’re safe and have received initial medical treatment, contact a Fort Lauderdale truck accident lawyer with Lytal, Reiter, Smith, Ivey & Fronrathas as soon as possible. Your lawyer will launch an immediate investigation to gather all the facts, including talking to witnesses, gathering footage from nearby surveillance cameras that may have captured the accident, and taking other steps to collect the necessary evidence.

How long do I have to file a claim?

In Florida, you generally have two years to file a claim after the accident. However, if you wait too long, the insurance company may deny your benefits by arguing that your injuries aren’t the direct result of the accident, especially if you waited to see a doctor.

The insurance company isn’t going to offer a fair settlement out of kindness, especially not if you’re representing yourself. Don’t risk your chances of receiving a fair and reasonable settlement for your injuries–the earlier you start working with us, the sooner we can begin to prove your case.

What damages may I be able to recover?

The word “damages” is a legal term for monetary losses a victim incurs due to an injury caused by someone else’s negligence. There are three main types of damages: economic, non-economic, and punitive.

Economic damages

These are tangible, easily calculated damages that include medical bills, wages and benefits lost at work, property damage, and more.

Non-economic damages

These are more subjective and require the skill of an experienced attorney to calculate correctly. Examples include pain and suffering as well as emotional and mental trauma.

Punitive damages

Punitive damages are intended to punish a defendant rather than compensate the injured person, which makes them an example to others so they don’t commit the same type of gross negligence. When juries award punitive damages, the compensation is typically much higher than for economic or non-economic damages, but they’re only granted in extreme circumstances. One example is a truck driver choosing to get behind the wheel of an 80,000-pound machine while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

We’ll help you receive the maximum compensation.

If you want to have the best chance of obtaining maximum compensation, you’ll need the help of an experienced lawyer. The Florida truck accident lawyers with Lytal, Reiter, Smith, Ivey & Fronrath have the resources, skill, and experience it takes to help you recover and move forward with surety and security.

Our firm has a long track record of success in similar cases. We know how to take on substantial insurance companies and understand their tactics for shortchanging injury victims. We’ll do everything possible to make your case as strong as possible and force the insurer to give you what you deserve.

Black box data: The most crucial evidence in your case

One way we’ll prove your case is by obtaining the “black box” data from the truck that caused your accident. This event data recorder is somewhat similar to the black box on commercial airplanes.

This box will be critical to your case since it can provide vital information. For example, it will show the speed at which the truck traveled before the accident and at the moment of impact. It will also show when the gas pedal and brakes were applied or released, and it could indicate if some defect caused the accident.

Not everyone can access this data, which is another reason to hire an attorney as soon as possible.

What are some common causes of truck accidents in Fort Lauderdale?

There are several reasons a truck accident can happen, and these are just a few of the more common ones.

• The truck driver was speeding.
• The cargo was negligently loaded, causing a sudden shift in balance that caused the driver to lose control.
• The trucking company failed to maintain the vehicle properly.
• The truck had defective brakes or tires
• The driver was under the influence of alcohol or drugs

Our Fort Lauderdale truck accident lawyer can determine all of the potentially liable parties and take action against them to ensure you receive total and fair compensation.

What are some common truck accident injuries?

Since a commercial truck is so much larger than a passenger car, the occupants of the smaller vehicle are often subjected to mighty forces, so injuries resulting from a truck accident are typically severe. Some common injuries include the following:

• Traumatic brain injury
• Concussion
• Broken bones
• Organ damage
• Amputation
• Burns
• And many others

Why shouldn’t I accept the insurance company’s offer?

If the insurance company hasn’t already offered you a settlement, it will probably do so soon. Please don’t accept that offer without speaking with an attorney first.

You might not fully understand all the medical treatment you may need—you might need that treatment for several months or even years. If you take what the insurer offers, there’s a high likelihood that it won’t be enough to cover your ongoing medical costs. You’ll be responsible for whatever is left.

A seasoned lawyer will know how much your case is worth and how much to demand. In most cases, insurers will make more fair settlement offers when they realize the injury victim has legal representation.

Our Fort Lauderdale truck accident lawyers are ready to help

Don’t let the insurance company take advantage of you if you’ve been injured in a truck accident. Contact the Florida truck accident lawyers with Lytal, Reiter, Smith, Ivey & Fronrath because we know how to collect the most compensation possible for our clients.

To schedule your free consultation, please call us at (561) 867-4117 or use our online contact form.

Related articles for further reading

• What should I ask a truck accident lawyer?
• How to safely drive a U-Haul
• Did you know there’s a truck parking crisis in the U.S.?