It was a typical day. You were driving yourself to work on your normal route when, all of a sudden, you were in an accident with a commercial truck. The injuries you suffered were severe, and you really don’t even remember much about the crash. You just know that now your life is not the same as it once was, and you are unsure of what the future will bring.
In Florida and elsewhere, accidents involving semitrailers or other commercial vehicles happen all too often. When they do, the victims of these collisions either experience life-changing injuries or they end up losing their lives completely. Who is to blame for these accidents, and who covers the damages suffered by victims or their surviving family members?
Placing blame
When an accident occurs, it is easy to quickly place blame on the other driver. No one wants to believe it was his or her fault. As with any auto collision, though, the law requires a complete investigation before officially establishing fault. In some cases, fault may lie solely on the driver of the commercial vehicle. In other cases, both parties may be partially to blame.
Negligence and liability
If you suspect negligence on the part of the commercial driver, or his or her employer, you may seek compensation for your losses by filing legal claims against these parties. It may not stop there, however. You may also file civil actions against:
- Insurance providers
- Equipment manufacturers
- Local government
At the end of the day, it all comes down to the specific facts of your case.
Recoverable damages
There are a number of financial, physical and emotional damages associated with commercial truck accidents. As such, victims may pursue compensation for those that are both economic and non-economic in nature. Such as:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of future earnings
- Loss of companionship
There are also various special damages that a judge may consider awarding if you are successfully able to litigate your case.
Don’t fight alone
Even if you or your loved one are ultimately deemed partially at fault for the collision, you may still seek partial compensation for your losses. When fighting for relief following a commercial truck accident, you do not have to go it alone. Legal counsel can guide you through the court system and help you take the steps necessary to seek maximum relief for any damages sustained.
