West Palm Beach Truck Accident Lawyer

An industrial truck accident can easily leave you with permanent disabilities while being unsure of who to seek compensation from. Get the answers and the help you need by working with a West Palm Beach truck accident lawyer.

If you’ve recently been through a wreck with a large commercial truck, you’re well aware of how traumatizing the experience can be. However, for as frightening as the crash was, the injuries you experienced are almost certainly worse. Because semi-trucks are so much larger than passenger cars and motorcycles, the people in these smaller vehicles almost always come out with devastating wounds.

If the trucker or someone else caused the collision, you shouldn’t have to pay for the bills incurred by your recovery. This probably means trying to squeeze a settlement out of an insurance company, which is no easy task in the best of circumstances. They’ll make you lowball offers and possibly even try to blame you for what happened—all in the name of saving their profit margins.

In a situation like this, you need a West Palm Beach truck accident lawyer from the Law Offices of Casey D. Shomo. We know the tactics the insurance companies like to use, and we can prevent them from taking advantage of you during the negotiation process.

Proving Who Caused Your Semi-Truck Collision

In order to have a strong personal injury claim, it will be necessary to fully demonstrate exactly who caused your crash and how. This will require collecting all available evidence from the crash site and beyond. Commercial vehicles almost always have more than one entity or individual involved in their operation, and any one of these could have been to blame—no matter how far removed from the accident they might seem.

For example, if distracted, drowsy, drunk, or reckless driving were involved, the truck driver will most likely be at least partially to blame. The trucking company could also be at fault for many of these same reasons, however. With drowsy driving and speeding, their unreasonable deadlines could encourage these behaviors. Likewise, a history of drunk driving offenses for the driver could make them guilty of negligent hiring.

On the other hand, dangerous roads sometimes play a part in causing 18-wheeler accidents, which could implicate a government entity. Similarly, defective truck parts or tires might make the manufacturer liable. Whoever was at fault for the wreck, your West Palm Beach truck accident lawyer will find the evidence to prove it.

Types of 18-Wheeler Accidents

The type of accident you were hurt in is actually an important piece of evidence, as it can tell us a great deal about what happened. In essence, it will form the starting point for the investigation performed by your car accident attorney:

  • Lost Loads – These accidents are usually caused by the team responsible for loading the cargo not securing the load or the trailer doors properly. They could also be the fault of a manufacturer if an equipment failure caused the load to come loose.
  • Jackknife – This type of wreck is often the fault of improper braking on the trucker’s part. Sometimes this can be blamed on a third driver that the trucker was trying to avoid.
  • Swinging Turn – The trucker is usually at fault here for failing to properly check blind spots and mirrors while making a particularly wide turn.
  • Overload and Tire Blowout – When a truck is loaded past its weight capacity, it’s sometimes the fault of an unethical trucking company trying to save money by moving more freight in fewer trips.
  • Underride – These rear-end collisions could be the fault of the trucker, but they’re more often caused by a third driver hitting the middle vehicle from behind and shoving it into the tractor-trailer. Your West Palm Beach truck accident lawyer will help you make the determination.

Big Rig Wrecks and Injuries

Proving negligence is one step in a personal injury claim. Deciding on what a fair settlement amount would be is another. The nature and extent of your injury will make up the foundation of this number, as this will determine what sort of medical care you’ll need, how long you’ll be affected, and how much you’ll suffer.

While some injuries are obviously more serious than others, any injury sustained in an industrial truck crash that results in permanent disability, disfigurement, scarring or loss of bodily function could qualify you to seek compensation through a personal injury claim.

These are just a few of the injury types that your West Palm Beach truck accident lawyer will have experience handling claims for:

  • Traumatic brain injuries, such as concussions and contusions
  • Spinal damage, including paralysis
  • Broken bones and fractures
  • Severe burns, especially when flammable and hazardous cargo was present
  • Internal bleeding and organ damage

What Goes into a Fair Commercial Truck Crash Settlement

A fair and comprehensive settlement will account for all of the financial expenses and non-economic damages caused by the semi-truck accident. Some of these will be obvious, while others will be much less so. For example, one mistake made by crash victims is settling without considering what their future needs will be. A West Palm Beach truck accident lawyer from our firm can ensure that both your current and future needs are accounted for.

These are just a few of the items that you might be able to include in your demand for compensation:

  • Medical expenses for surgeries, treatments, and check-ups
  • Medication copays and mobility equipment
  • Emotional and physical therapy
  • Vehicle repair and property damage
  • Emotional distress
  • Pain and suffering
  • Damage done to your marriage and personal relationships
  • Lost enjoyment of life

West Palm Beach Truck Accident FAQ

The aftermath of a commercial truck accident can be a stressful and overwhelming time for anyone. You probably have many concerns that need to be addressed, so in this section we’ve provided answers to a few frequently asked questions. For information more specific to your case, please call us so that you can speak with a West Palm Beach truck accident lawyer.

What can I do if a family member died in an 18-wheeler crash?

Depending on your relationship with the deceased, you might be able to seek compensation through a wrongful death claim. To be eligible in Florida, you must be the deceased’s sibling, spouse, or child, or a blood relative or adopted sibling who was financially dependent on the victim.

What does it mean for a commercial truck to be “overloaded”?

Commercial trucks have weight restrictions. When too much cargo is loaded, it puts the semi at risk for a tire blowout or other equipment failure, which could have disastrous consequences while on the road.

Should I accept the settlement offered by the trucker’s insurance company?

Not without having an experienced personal injury attorney review it first. More than likely the offer is less than what you truly deserve. Accepting it could leave you in need of additional funds to cover crash-related expenses later.

Consult with a West Palm Beach Semi-Truck Accident Lawyer

Never allow an insurance company to tell you what your personal injury claim is worth, not even your own. The Law Offices of Casey D. Shomo can ensure that you get treated fairly by the insurance company and give you the best chance for obtaining a fair and full settlement.

Schedule a free, no-obligation case evaluation with a West Palm Beach truck accident lawyer by completing the form on this page or by calling 561-659-6366.