Lakeland Truck Accident Lawyers

Fighting For Truck Accident Victims in Florida

Every day while traveling, residents of Polk County may drive along I-4, I-75, and I-275 alongside tractor-trailers and semi-trucks that frequently carry loads between Lakeland, Tampa, and Orlando. Unfortunately, truck accidents are a common occurrence on Florida highways. These accidents often lead to severe or even fatal injuries for victims.

If you or a loved one has been injured due to a semi-truck accident, contact our Lakeland truck accident attorneys at Burnetti, P.A., for a free consultation. Call (863) 777-4507 or contact us online.

Common Causes of Semi-Truck Accidents in Florida

The weight of a tractor trailer, 18-wheeler, or semi-truck may be up to 80,000 pounds; when combined with the speed it is traveling at the time of a collision, it can produce an impact with devastating consequences.

Some of the major causes of truck accidents in Florida include:

• Excessive speed
• Poorly maintained trucks
• Distracting driving
• Improperly loaded cargo
• Driver fatigue
• Unsafe road conditions
• Equipment defects (brakes, tires, etc.)
• Truck design defects
• Road construction
• Inadequate or obstructed signage

Common Injuries in Truck Accidents

Common injuries may include the following:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Head trauma from impact with vehicle interiors or flying debris can cause long-term cognitive, emotional, and physical impairments.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: Damage to the spinal cord often results in partial or complete paralysis, drastically altering the victim’s quality of life.
• Broken Bones: Fractures to arms, legs, ribs, and hips are frequent, especially in high-impact crashes. Recovery can require surgery, physical therapy, and extended time off work.
• Internal Injuries: The force of a collision could lead to life-threatening damage to internal organs like the liver, spleen, or lungs.
• Burns: Fires and explosions are not uncommon in truck accidents, leaving victims with severe burns that may require multiple surgeries and ongoing care.
• Whiplash and Soft Tissue Injuries: Even less apparent injuries, such as neck strain and torn ligaments, can cause chronic pain and limit mobility.

5 Steps to Take After a Trucking Accident

A trucking accident may cause severe injuries such as broken bones, spinal cord injuries, or brain injuries. It is important to take the proper steps after the accident that may help with medical expenses, lost wages, and extensive property damage.

If you were injured in a tractor-trailer accident, a Lakeland truck accident attorney from Burnetti, P.A. may be able to help you pursue a claim against any negligent parties for financial compensation.

#1: Contact a Lawyer with Truck Accident Experience

The most important thing you can do is have strong legal counsel on your side. Insurance companies and those in the trucking industry put profits first. They don’t want to offer large settlements for your injuries, so they take steps that minimize how much you can recover. These tactics are hardly met with opposition when the injured party doesn’t know what to do.

A truck accident lawyer in Lakeland, FL, can help you by dealing with insurance adjusters on your behalf. Working with a lawyer from the very beginning strengthens your claim and prevents insurance companies from using your statements against you. This is why you should get in touch with our team at Burnetti, P.A., as soon as possible.

#2: Gather Information Relevant to the Situation

Keep in mind that there are additional pieces of information to gather when dealing with a truck accident. Like any situation, you want to ensure you get the driver’s license and license plate information. However, you should also be sure to ask what trucking company the driver works for and inquire about their insurance provider. The more information you have, the better.

Contact law enforcement to take a report as well. It can help if the other driver is not cooperating or if an injury occurs.

#3: Take As Many Photos As Possible

You can use photos to show negligence, so be sure to take pictures that may indicate someone else was at fault for your crash. Show tire marks, parts of the truck, the damage location on the vehicles, the vehicle placement, and visible injuries. Photos can help tell accident reconstructionists the whole story of what happened.

#4: Seek Medical Care As Soon As You Can

Your health is important. When you call law enforcement and report an injury, you can also get paramedics on the scene. Seek medical care from either the paramedics on the scene or in the local emergency room. It’s crucial to start treatment as soon as possible to recover from your injuries, as well as to support your truck accident claim for compensation.

#5: Be Careful with Your Statements and Actions

After a truck accident, it’s vital to be cautious. Any statements you make can be used against you. Even more, if you do anything that contradicts your injury claims, it can impact your case. It’s best to protect yourself with legal counsel who can talk to insurance companies on your behalf.

At Burnetti, P.A., our Lakeland truck accident lawyers know how difficult it can be to endure severe injuries in a crash. Our goal is to help you through the entire process, explaining your rights and options every step of the way. Trust that we will be by your side because we genuinely care about you, seeking maximum compensation on your behalf.

What Damages Could Be Recovered in a Truck Accident Claim?

Potential damages may include:

Economic Damages

Economic damages are tangible costs that are directly tied to the accident. Examples include:

• Medical Expenses: This includes emergency care, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and future medical needs related to the accident.
• Lost Wages: If injuries prevent a victim from working, they may recover compensation for the income lost during recovery.
• Loss of Earning Capacity: Compensation for future income loss can be pursued for victims who are unable to return to their previous jobs or who face diminished earning potential.
• Property Damage: Restoration or replacement of the vehicle and any other damaged personal property.

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages compensate for the less tangible consequences of an accident, like:

• Pain and Suffering: Physical pain and emotional misery caused by injuries.
• Loss of Consortium: Compensation for the impact of injuries on relationships, including loss of companionship or intimacy with a spouse.
• Emotional Distress: The psychological toll of a traumatic accident, including anxiety, depression, or PTSD.
• Punitive Damages: In instances where a trucking company or driver’s actions were particularly reckless or malicious, punitive damages may be awarded. These are intended to punish egregious behavior and deter similar conduct in the future.

Contact Our Lakeland Truck Accident Attorney Today

If you reside in Lakeland or the surrounding Polk County area, you may be able to be compensated if you or a loved one has been injured due to a negligent party.

Contact our truck accident lawyers in Lakeland at Burnetti, P.A. online for a free consultation or call 1-888-BURNETTI today.