Best Truck Accident Lawyers in Tallahassee

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Tallahassee, Florida?

  Contact the Tallahassee Police Department at 850-606-5800 to report non-emergency matters.

• Where can you get a copy of the police report for the accident in Tallahassee, Florida?

  Copies of police reports can be requested from Tallahassee Police Department Records Custodian through various methods. You have the option to submit your request online, contact them by phone at 850-891-4221, or send a fax to 850-891-4556. Additionally, you can visit them in person at 234 East 7th Avenue, Tallahassee, Florida 32303. If you prefer to send the request by mail, address it to the Tallahassee Police Department, Attention: Records, at the same address.

• How is negligence proven by a truck accident attorney in Tallahassee to establish liability in a truck accident case?

  In Tallahassee, truck accident attorneys employ various legal techniques like depositions, interrogatories, and requests for production to compile supportive evidence. They base their arguments on the four cornerstones of negligence: duty, breach, causation, and damages. If it can be demonstrated that a truck driver has failed to observe speed limits or prevent overloading, the attorney will use this evidence to seek compensation on your behalf.

• In a Tallahassee truck accident case, how is "black box" technology used, and why is it critical to consult an attorney quickly?

  Tallahassee truck accident attorneys use data from the "black box" technology installed in trucks, which tracks driver activities like speed, distance, and focus on the road. This device may record instances of "driving blind," indicating negligence. Truck owners liable for an accident might attempt to erase or alter this data. Therefore, engaging an attorney promptly after an accident is vital to secure this potentially crucial evidence.

• Who has the right to seek compensation through a wrongful death claim after a fatal truck accident in Tallahassee, and what types of damages can be pursued?

  Following a fatal truck accident in Tallahassee, eligible individuals such as the surviving spouse, child, or parent can pursue compensation for wrongful death resulting from another party's negligence. This includes both married and unmarried partners and legally separated individuals. Damages sought in such cases can encompass lost wages, pain and suffering, funeral and burial expenses, and other applicable losses. To determine eligibility and explore available damages, consulting an attorney experienced in wrongful death claims is essential.

• Are punitive damages possible in Tallahassee truck accidents?

  Yes, punitive damages are a possibility in Tallahassee truck accidents if the at-fault party violated Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration regulations. The FMCSA manages and regulates trucking companies and drivers in the United States to ensure road safety. In cases where trucking companies or drivers fail to follow the guidelines, courts can order punitive damages to punish them. These damages can be significant but are only awarded in select cases.

• What types of compensation can be sought in a truck accident settlement in Tallahassee?

  Victims can seek two types of compensation in a Tallahassee truck accident settlement: economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages refer to measurable financial losses encompassing a range of factors, such as past, present, and anticipated medical expenses, lost income, property damage, and diminished future earning potential. Non-economic damages encompass subjective and intangible losses, such as pain and suffering. Punitive damages may be granted in rare situations where the defendant's conduct is proven to be excessively negligent or malicious.

• What does a truck accident attorney do?

  A truck accident lawyer is a personal injury attorney specializing in truck accidents. These lawyers help their clients navigate the legally complex terrain of truck accident law by gathering evidence, sending demand letters, negotiating with insurance companies, and preparing the case for trial.In most cases, they are personal injury lawyers who specialize in this particular type of claim.

• Who can be sued in a truck accident case?

  Truck accident liability is a notoriously complex area. In car accidents, liability is typically shared by one or more drivers, but that’s not always the case with truck collisions. These are just a few of the parties that may be responsible for truck accidents and subsequent injuries:

  • Equipment owners, including leasing companies
  • Truck drivers who are reckless, intoxicated, or make mistakes
  • Trucking companies accountable for hiring and keeping records
  • Maintenance providers who are negligent or fail to perform routine tasks
  • Loading personnel in accidents caused by shifting loads
  • Third-party drivers, especially in multi-vehicle collisions
  • Equipment manufacturers that sell defective parts

• What do I need to know about truck accident cases in court?

  In truck accident cases, as in all personal injury cases, the burden of proof rests on the plaintiff or party filing the lawsuit. To prevail in court, the plaintiff must prove four things:

  • The plaintiff must show that the defendant owed him or her a duty of care, such as having a legal responsibility to hire qualified drivers and maintain safe equipment.
  • In negligence claims, the plaintiff must prove that the defendant breached this duty.
  • The plaintiff must show that they suffered damages or experienced harm.
  • Finally, the plaintiff must prove that these losses were a direct result of the defendant’s breach.

  
  

• What are the common causes of truck accidents?

  Driver error is the single most common cause of motor vehicle accidents, but a variety of factors come into play on busy highways and secondary roads. Other potential causes of truck accidents include the following:

  • Inadequate or improper driver training
  • Severe weather, including rain, sleet, ice, and fog
  • Dangerous roadways, potholes, and construction zones
  • Improper loading, excess weight, and shifting cargo
  • Reckless driving involving intoxication or distractions
  • Faulty equipment, such as failing brakes

  
  

• Can I sue if I was hit by a truck owned by a big company?

  Yes, all trucking companies are responsible for hiring qualified drivers and maintaining safe equipment. However, a lengthy investigation may be required to document the scene, establish contributing factors, and hold the company responsible. Personal injury attorneys generally focus on the following points during the investigation:

  • Checking the truck driver’s record
  • Securing phone records to prove distracted driving
  • Photographing skid marks and road conditions
  • Verifying the truck’s weight and maintenance history
  • Establishing the driver’s physical and mental health
  • Reviewing logbooks to identify times of service violations
  • Checking for previous violations to establish a pattern of misconduct

  
  

• How many semi truck accidents are there per year?

  In the U.S., it's estimated that there are 500,000 large truck accidents per year with an average of nearly 1,400 per day, according to data collected from police reports. Of those 500,000 accidents, approximately 4,000 result in a death. The majority of semi truck accidents are caused by mechanical defects and driver fatigue.

• Can I sue for being hit by a semi truck?

  If you have been injured in an accident with a semi truck that is not your fault, you are entitled to compensation for the damages to your vehicle as well as for your medical bills, time missed from work, and other damages suffered. You can sue if the person or company refuses to offer fair compensation.

• What should I do after a truck accident?

  The most important thing to do after a serious accident is to seek medical attention. You should also collect witness information, photographs of the accident scene, a copy of the police report, and contact information from the driver of the truck. Gather all of your paperwork related to the accident, including copies of your medical bills. Avoid posting about the accident on social media or speaking to the driver's insurance company before seeking legal advice, because anything you say can be used against you and affect your compensation.

• How long does an 18-wheeler lawsuit take?

  Most lawsuits are settled without going to court, so reaching a settlement can happen at any point that both parties agree on fair compensation. However, in most states, once an agreement has been reached, it cannot be changed, so it's a good idea to wait long enough to ensure that there are no additional injuries before settling.

• Do semi truck accidents go to trial?

  Litigation for semi truck accidents is similar to auto accidents, but it's usually more complicated because any number of parties may ultimately be responsible for the accident, including the company that handles the truck's maintenance or repairs. If attempts at negotiating a settlement with the responsible party are unsuccessful, the lawsuit may proceed to trial. In some cases, more than one party is responsible and one of the parties may fight the lawsuit and claim no responsibility. For these reasons, it's important to seek legal help from an attorney with experience in litigating semi truck accidents.