Large 18-wheeler trucks can cause significant damages to smaller vehicles when a crash takes place. Occupants of smaller vehicles that are hit by large commercial trucks often suffer catastrophic injuries and in many instances, those injuries can be deadly. 

If you were injured in a truck accident in Florida, or if you lost a loved one on one of these devastating events, the Jacksonville wrongful death attorneys at the Law Offices of Sheftall & Associates can help. You may be able to secure compensation by filing either a personal injury or wrongful death claim. The Jacksonville 18-wheeler truck accident attorneys at the Law Offices of Sheftall & Associates can evaluate your case and determine what a fair value would be. 

How Much are Truck Accident Claims Worth?

There is the potential for severe damages in a large truck accident which could then result in a large settlement amount to pay for all of the losses. Though, there is no general rule or average amount that can be applied to truck accident settlements. This is because every truck accident is different and how the accident took place, the extent of the damages, and the details surrounding the incident are all taken into account when determining how much a claim is worth.

There are many types of damages that are allowed to be included in a claim under Florida injury laws including, but not limited to:

• Medical costs
• Medication expenses
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of consortium
• Property damages and destruction
• Missed wages from time away from work
• Reduced future earning potential
• Permanent disability
• Displeasure with life
• Disfigurement

So if you lost a limb through amputation from your truck accident and had to spend a significant amount of time in the hospital with a concussion, you would likely be able to secure a much higher settlement than a person who suffered minor lacerations and a broken bone. The costs for a hospital stay, surgery, medications, and more can all add up quickly when severe trauma takes place.

Truck accidents can also leave invisible scarring, or, immense psychological trauma. Any accident can cause mental anguish but in cases where there are cataclysmic results that can easily happen when an accident with a large truck takes place, the amount of that mental pain can be extensive and even incapacitating. Your personal injury claim should accurately reflect all of the damages you suffered.

How Long Do You Have to File a Truck Accident Injury Claim in Florida?

After a traumatic truck accident, you could feel overwhelmed with everything that you have to manage. Your injuries may require multiple surgeries and rehabilitation, and while you are getting treatment, you are unable to work. You will need the financial compensation that could come by way of an injury claim, but adding legal battles onto your plate may feel overwhelming and too much too soon. 

However, it takes time to gather information and evidence and build a strong claim for compensation. Many hurdles and challenges can arise along the way too, which can cause delays. Even if you are suffering serious injuries and harm, it is still worthwhile to start the injury claim process. 

Additionally, there is not an unlimited amount of time to file a claim and receive compensation. The statute of limitations for filing an injury claim in Florida is four years from your accident. There are some exceptions to this timeframe. But, victims that fail to file their claim by the statute of limitations deadline will mean that they will likely lose their rights to obtaining any compensation at all.

When you work with one of the Jacksonville car accident attorneys at the Law Offices of Sheftall & Associates you can rest assured that your claim will be in good hands. The attorneys at the Law Offices of Sheftall & Associates understand these intricate cases and know where to look and who to hold accountable to get the most compensation possible. Your attorney can take on the legal challenges for you so that you can focus your attention on getting better.

How Common are Truck Accidents in Florida?

You may be wondering what your chances of being in a truck accident in Florida are. If you have ever driven around the state, then you undoubtedly have seen heavy traffic with several trucks traveling about. If you noticed an uptick in commercial trucks driving around the state, you would be correct about that. The chances that an accident with a truck increase when there are more of these large vehicles around.

Even though Florida has plenty of commercial trucks on the road and the numbers are rising, it would be very difficult to predict the future determine a proper estimate of your likelihood of being hit by a truck. You can look at the data on truck accidents in the state to get a better idea of how often they occur. 

Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles reported that in 2019, there were 25 fatal accidents involving medium to heavy trucks weighing at least 10,000 pounds or more. These vehicles were also involved in 115 accidents where there were incapacitating injuries. There were also 429 truck accidents in Florida in 2019 that resulted in injuries that were not incapacitating. Incapacitating injuries are those that result in long-term and even permanent harm that negatively impacts a person’s life. Amputations, spinal cord injuries, or traumatic brain injuries are a few examples of incapacitating injuries.

Speak to a Jacksonville 19-Wheeler Truck Accident Attorney Today

Large 18-wheeler truck accidents have the potential to produce substantial harm to those parties that get entangled in them. Getting the right medical attention, figuring what parties are liable, and calculating the costs of the damages should be left to the professionals.  It is important to get started on a claim soon after an accident for the best possible results.

Do not hesitate to call on the experienced and proficient Jacksonville truck accident attorneys at the Law Offices of Sheftall & Associates when you or a loved one suffered great injury or death from a truck accident.

Consultations are always free. Call today to schedule yours at 904-647-2296.