Lakeland Truck Accident Lawyer
Were you involved in a truck accident in Lakeland, Florida? Contact Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers for a free consultation at (863) 251-6196. Our experienced Lakeland truck accident lawyers can help you take action against the trucking company and/or other liable parties for the compensation you deserve.
We know how to take on powerful trucking companies and insurance carriers that will do everything they can to minimize your payout. Call our Lakeland personal injury attorneys today for more information.
Why Hire Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers to Help with My Truck Accident Claim in Lakeland, FL?
When you’re recovering from a serious truck crash in Lakeland, FL, you need more than just a lawyer; you need a legal team that knows how to win tough cases. At Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers, we’ve built a reputation as “The Aggressive Attorneys” for a reason. We fight hard for our clients and never back down from trucking corporations or their insurers.
Here’s why accident victims throughout Florida trust our Lakeland personal injury lawyers:
- Extensive experience: With over 119 years of combined legal experience, our attorneys have handled every kind of truck accident case imaginable.
- Successful results: We’ve recovered tens of millions in verdicts and settlements for clients who were seriously injured by negligent truck drivers and carriers.
- Client-centered approach: We take the time to understand your situation, explain your rights clearly, and develop a personalized strategy to pursue the best possible outcome.
- Trial readiness: Insurance companies are aware of our winning reputation and understand that we are always prepared to take a case to trial if it means securing justice for our clients.
These cases are complex and require in-depth investigation and legal skill. Our Lakeland truck accident attorneys know how to analyze logbooks, electronic data recorders (black boxes), maintenance records, and other forms of evidence to unearth the truth. Contact us today to schedule a complimentary case review.
What Is My Truck Accident Case Worth?
Every truck accident case in Florida is different, so we can’t tell you how much your case might be worth without closely analyzing its facts.
Some of the factors that we’ll consider include:
- The severity of your injuries
- How the accident and your resulting injuries have affected your life
- Whether you are being blamed for the accident
- Available insurance coverage
- Lost wages and reduced future earning potential
- The cost of your medical treatment
Our attorneys can help you quantify the value of your losses to ensure you don’t accept a settlement offer that is lower than what you deserve.
What Kinds of Damages Are Available After a Truck Accident in Lakeland, Florida?
If you were hurt in a truck crash in Lakeland, you may be entitled to recover compensation for all your losses, including both economic and non-economic damages.
Economic damages include measurable financial losses such as:
- Medical bills
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation costs
- Lost wages/loss of earning capacity
- Out-of-pocket expenses
Non-economic damages compensate you for the more personal effects of the crash, including:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
If the at-fault party acted with gross negligence (such as driving under the influence or intentionally violating safety laws), you may also be eligible for punitive damages, which are meant to punish especially reckless behavior.
What if I’m Being Blamed for a Truck Accident in Florida?
Florida follows a modified comparative negligence statute under state law, which means that your compensation is usually reduced by your share of fault. Under this rule, you can generally only recover damages if you were 50% or less responsible for the accident.
For example, if a jury awards $500,000 but finds you 20% at fault, your compensation would probably be reduced to $400,000. However, if you’re found 51% responsible, you likely can’t recover anything at all.
Insurance companies almost always try and take advantage of this rule to reduce their liability. Our firm knows how to fight back. Our Florida truck accident attorneys will respond to allegations of shared fault effectively on your behalf so that you can maintain your right to full compensation.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Truck Accident Lawyer in Lakeland, FL?
Our truck accident lawyers in Lakeland, Florida, work on a contingency fee basis. Instead of paying us up front or by the hour, you only pay attorney’s fees if we win compensation for you.
Generally, we will receive a percentage of the jury verdict or settlement we recover on your behalf. If we don’t recover compensation for you, we essentially work for free. If you have any questions about the contingency fee payment method and how it will apply to your case, call for a free consultation today.
Common Truck Accident Injuries in Lakeland, Florida
The size and weight of commercial trucks make collisions especially dangerous. A low-speed crash can still cause severe injuries that require long-term medical care.
Victims of truck accidents often suffer from:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Concussions
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Back injuries
- Broken bones and fractures
- Internal bleeding
- Whiplash
- Burn injuries
- Severe lacerations and disfigurement
- Amputations
- Chronic pain conditions
- Soft tissue injuries
- The wrongful death of a loved one
In many cases, these injuries prevent victims from returning to work or living independently. If you’ve suffered any of the above kinds of harm (or even those not listed), we are here to help. Call today for a free consultation.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Florida
While every crash is different, most truck accidents in Florida are preventable. They often result from factors such as driver error, company negligence, and violations of federal safety regulations.
Overall, some of the leading causes of truck accidents include:
- Driver fatigue from exceeding hours of service limits
- Distracted driving
- Speeding
- Improper cargo loading
- Brake failure
- Drug and alcohol use
- Reckless driving
- Inadequate training or supervision
- Maintenance violations
- Unsafe lane changes or turns
Trucking companies and their drivers must follow strict regulations set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. These rules cover everything from how long a driver can stay on the road to how cargo must be secured.
When a company cuts corners to save time or money, it puts everyone on the road in danger.
How Long Do I Have to File a Truck Accident Lawsuit in Florida?
Generally, Florida gives you two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Failing to file before the statute of limitations expires almost always means losing your right to recover compensation.
Certain exceptions may extend or shorten the deadline, such as cases involving government entities or minors under the age of 18. The safest approach is to contact an attorney as soon as possible for help taking legal action on time.
Insurance Considerations for Truck Accidents in Florida
Truck accident claims often involve complex insurance questions. Florida follows a no-fault insurance system, meaning injured drivers typically begin by filing a claim through their own personal injury protection (PIP) coverage. However, because injuries in truck crashes are usually severe, those limits are often reached quickly.
Determining which policy or policies apply and how to pursue payment can be difficult without legal guidance. A respected truck accident lawyer in Lakeland with our law firm can identify every available source of recovery and handle the negotiations with the insurers on your behalf.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Lakeland Truck Accident?
Determining liability in a truck accident case can be far more complicated than in a typical car crash. Multiple parties may share responsibility for your insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit, and identifying them is crucial to securing full compensation.
Depending on the facts, one or more of the following may be liable:
- The truck driver
- The trucking company or carrier
- The cargo loading company
- The truck or parts manufacturer
- The maintenance or repair contractor
- Third-party drivers involved in the collision
In many cases, trucking companies are vicariously liable for the negligence of their drivers if the crash occurred while the driver was performing job duties. However, these companies and their insurers often try to deny this connection by classifying drivers as independent contractors or shifting blame elsewhere.
Contact Our Lakeland Truck Accident Attorneys for a Free Consultation
A truck accident can leave your life turned upside down. You may be facing serious injuries, medical debt, and uncertainty about what comes next. The legal team at Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers is here to help you rebuild and move forward to the best extent possible.
With more than 119 years of combined experience and tens of millions recovered, we’ve earned a reputation as one of Florida’s most aggressive and effective personal injury firms. Our Lakeland truck accident lawyers will handle every part of your case, including taking the matter to court if necessary.
Contact our personal injury attorneys today to schedule a completely free initial consultation.
