Talk to a team of Jacksonville underride truck accident attorneys if you’ve been involved in a frightening accident with a commercial truck in Jacksonville. Our legal team understands this can be an incredibly overwhelming time, but know that you don’t have to go through it alone.
Our Jacksonville truck accident lawyers at Fasig | Brooks can help you navigate the legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve. We can also take care of all the paperwork so you can take the time you need to recover from your injuries while we work on your legal case.
What Is the Legal Side of an Underride Accident in Jacksonville?
Underride accidents, also known as underride crashes or underride collisions, are particularly dangerous types of truck accidents. They occur when a smaller vehicle, often a passenger car, collides with the rear or side of a much larger commercial truck and becomes wedged underneath.
It may be in the victim’s best interests to call a Jacksonville personal injury lawyer as soon as possible since these accidents can involve complex legal issues, such as:
- Determining fault. Identifying the at-fault party or parties responsible for the accident. This could be the truck driver, the trucking company, a maintenance company, or other parties whose actions contributed to the crash.
- Traffic violations. Investigating if any traffic laws were broken, such as following too closely, aggressive driving, or driver fatigue.
- Truck driver negligence. Examining the truck driver’s actions and if they failed to exercise reasonable care, leading to the crash.
- Commercial truck regulations. Understanding the federal and state regulations that apply to commercial truck drivers and trucking companies.
An underride truck accident lawyer can assess your injuries and help you understand your legal rights and options specific to your situation.
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Legal Process for Filing an Underride Truck Accident Claim in Jacksonville
You may have questions about how to recover compensation for your damages. A Jacksonville underride truck accident attorney can help you navigate the legal process, which can seem complex but can be broken down into these general steps:
Investigation
This initial stage involves gathering evidence to support your claim. Your lawyer will work to collect the police report, which details the accident scene and officer observations. Medical records will be crucial to document your injuries and any ongoing medical care you require. Witness statements can shed light on what happened, and photos from the accident scene can be valuable visual evidence.
Identifying Liable Parties
Not all truck accidents are caused by the truck driver. An underride truck accident lawyer in Jacksonville will investigate to determine who or what may have contributed to the crash. This could be the truck driver, the trucking company that employs them, a maintenance company that failed to service the truck properly, or other parties whose actions played a role in the accident.
Negotiation or Trial
Once the investigation is complete and all liable parties are identified, your lawyer will handle communication with the at-fault party’s insurance company. The goal of this stage is to negotiate a fair settlement that covers your medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering. An experienced lawyer knows how to negotiate effectively to get you the compensation you deserve.
If a fair settlement cannot be reached through negotiation, your lawyer will be prepared to represent you in court. This can seem daunting, but a skilled lawyer will handle the legal legwork, present evidence to the court, and fight for your rights.
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Types of Injuries in Jacksonville Underride Accidents
Underride accidents involving large commercial trucks can cause a wide range of serious injuries. If you’ve been involved in such an accident, it’s important to understand the potential types of injuries you may face. Here’s a look at some common ones:
- Broken Bones. The force of the crash can cause bone fractures, anywhere from a simple break in your arm to a more serious injury in your pelvis. Healing times can vary a lot depending on the severity of the break.
- Spinal Cord Damage. The underride accident’s crushing force can injure your spinal cord, which carries messages between your brain and body. This damage can lead to partial or complete paralysis, depending on how severe it is.
- Internal Organ Injuries. The impact from the crash can also damage your internal organs, like your lungs, liver, or spleen. These injuries can be very serious and may require immediate surgery. Even after surgery, you might need ongoing medical care to watch for problems like internal bleeding.
- Head Injuries. The force of the accident or hitting objects inside the truck can cause traumatic brain injuries (TBI). These range from mild concussions that usually heal quickly to life-altering conditions that affect your memory, speech, or ability to move.
- Emotional Toll. The trauma of the accident itself, on top of any physical injuries, can lead to long-term emotional distress. This might include anxiety, feeling down (depression), or even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). You might experience flashbacks, nightmares, or trouble focusing because of the emotional impact of the accident.
If you’ve been involved in an underride accident, seeking medical attention immediately is crucial. A Jacksonville catastrophic injury lawyer can also help you understand your legal options for pursuing compensation for your injuries and losses.
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Jacksonville Underride Truck Accidents and Wrongful Death
If you’ve suffered the loss of a close relative in a Jacksonville underride accident caused by negligence, you may have legal options to seek compensation for your loss through a wrongful death lawsuit. A wrongful death lawsuit can help recover compensation for various losses suffered due to your loved one’s passing.
That may include loss of financial support, medical and funeral expenses, pain and suffering, and loss of companionship. However, the legal process surrounding wrongful death lawsuits can be complex. A qualified Jacksonville wrongful death lawyer can advise you of your rights and options specific to your situation. They can help you navigate the legal system and fight for fair compensation for your loss.
How Much Is My Underride Accident Case Worth in Jacksonville?
After an underride accident, financial worries can add to the stress of recovering from serious injuries or grieving the loss of a loved one. You may be wondering, “How much is my underride accident case worth?” Unfortunately, there’s no simple answer. The value of your case depends on several factors, such as:
- Severity of Injuries. More serious injuries requiring extensive medical care, surgery, rehabilitation, or long-term care will typically lead to higher compensation.
- Medical Bills. The total cost of your medical treatment, including past and future medical expenses, is a significant factor.
- Lost Wages. Compensation can include wages you were unable to earn due to your injuries and any loss of future earning capacity if your injuries impact your ability to work.
- Property Damage. Repair or replacement costs for your vehicle will be factored in.
- Pain and Suffering. This considers the physical and emotional pain you’ve endured due to the accident.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life. If your injuries limit your ability to participate in activities you once enjoyed, this can be included.
An experienced underride truck accident attorney in Jacksonville can evaluate your specific situation and give you a better idea of the potential value of your case. They can fight to ensure you receive fair compensation for all your damages.
Talk to a Compassionate Jacksonville Underride Truck Accident Lawyer Today
The aftermath of a Jacksonville underride accident can be overwhelming. Serious injuries, mounting medical bills, lost wages, and emotional distress can leave you feeling lost and unsure of where to turn. A compassionate personal injury lawyer can be a valuable source of support and guidance during this challenging time.
If you’ve been involved in an underride accident, don’t hesitate to contact a Jacksonville underride truck accident lawyer at Fasig | Brooks for a free consultation. They can review your case, explain your legal options, and answer any questions you may have. There’s no obligation to move forward, but simply having a conversation can empower you with knowledge and a clearer path forward. Remember, you don’t have to go through this alone.
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