The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) reports that over 4,100 people died in 2018 as a result of large truck accidents. This number does not take into consideration the many more who were injured or whose families were left devastated after a severe truck accident.
If you or someone you love is hurt and in pain, potentially facing a mounting pile of bills you cannot pay, after a truck accident in or near Gainesville, you may be able to hold the negligent parties responsible for your losses with the help of a Gainesville truck accident lawyer.
The team at Bogin, Munns & Munns can discuss the details of your case to determine if you have a claim for damages. For a free, no-cost case review and to determine your options for recovering compensation for your losses, contact Bogin, Munns & Munns today at (352) 332-7688.
Causes of Truck Accidents
There are many circumstances that can lead to a devastating truck accident. Some of them include:
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is a major factor in many accidents across the country. Unfortunately, because large trucks weigh 20 to 30 times as much as the average passenger car, even a small distraction can have devastating consequences. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) describes distracted driving activities as anything that takes your attention away from driving. Some of the common culprits are eating behind the wheel, using a cell phone, changing the radio, or just allowing your mind to wander.
Driver Fatigue
Driver fatigue is a big problem for truck drivers, who must stay alert and focused for the 11 hours per day that they are legally allowed to drive. Many drivers also push beyond this 11-hour limit. According to the CDC, drowsy driving makes it difficult to focus on the road, slows your reaction time if the speed of traffic changes, and makes it harder to make good driving decisions.
Braking Capabilities
Because trucks are so much larger than other vehicles, it takes much longer for them to stop, especially if the roads are wet. If the truck driver is not paying close attention or is following too closely, and traffic slows down suddenly, an accident can easily occur.
Defective Equipment
Many studies have documented the frequency with which trucks are found to have defective equipment when involved in an accident. In fact, according to a 2010 study, almost 55% of trucks were found to have at least one mechanical violation after a post-crash inspection.
If you or a loved one is hurt and in pain because of an accident caused by any of these factors or others, you may be entitled to compensation for your losses. For a free review of your claim with a Gainesville truck accident lawyer and to find out what options you have for recovering damages, contact Bogin, Munns & Munns today at (352) 332-7688.
To consult with an experienced truck accident lawyer serving Gainesville, call 855-780-9986
Laws that Could Impact Your Claim
There are two specific laws that you should be aware of that could impact a truck accident claim—a statute of limitations and the comparative negligence system.
According to Florida Statutes §95.11, you must file your suit pursuing compensation within two years of the date of the accident. If you fail to do so, you can miss your opportunity to pursue damages.
It is also important to be aware that Florida is a modified comparative fault state. That means if the plaintiff is somewhat responsible for causing an accident, the compensation they are awarded will be reduced by the degree to which they were responsible. However, if you are more than 50 percent responsible for your accident, you are unable to get damages.
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Recoverable Damages After a Gainesville Truck Accident
We cannot estimate the damages you may be able to recover after a Gainesville truck accident without first evaluating the details of your case. That said, some damages that other accident victims have recovered in similar cases include:
- Medical costs
- Pain and suffering
- Past and future wages
- Disfigurement or dismemberment
- Out-of-pocket costs
- Property damage
- Loss of quality of life
If your loved one did not survive the accident, your family may be able to recover:
- Non-economic damages (pain and suffering)
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Out-of-pocket costs related to the care of the deceased before death
- Loss of consortium
- Loss of support and protection
- Wages and benefits previously provided by the deceased
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Contact a Gainesville Truck Accident Lawyer Today
A Gainesville truck accident lawyer can investigate your accident and gather evidence to build a strong case, including police reports, eyewitness statements, and video surveillance. They can evaluate your medical records, doctor’s statements, and consult with medical experts about the impact your injuries will have on your quality of life. This can help the lawyer calculate the full value of your case, including the cost of your past, current, and future pain and suffering. They can negotiate with the insurance company’s or defendant’s lawyers, pursuing compensation to the fullest extent of your injuries and—if necessary—take your case to trial.
If you are ready to get started and would like to schedule a free case evaluation by a member of our team to determine your options, contact Bogin, Munns & Munns today at (352) 332-7688. There is no obligation and the initial consultation is always free for Gainesville truck accident victims.
Call or text 855-780-9986 or submit our Consultation Request form today
