Melbourne Truck Accident Lawyer

Semi-trucks, with their substantial weight limit of 80,000 pounds, have the potential to inflict severe, sometimes irreversible harm in the event of a crash. It’s not uncommon for our clients to come to us feeling overwhelmed and worried about their ability to secure their future. Many face the daunting task of trying to return to work while grappling with the financial strain brought on by medical bills for injuries sustained in a truck collision. You might be entitled to compensation if your accident resulted from someone else’s negligence.

Contact our Melbourne personal injury lawyers if you or someone close to you has suffered injuries in a truck accident. To arrange a complimentary consultation, please complete our contact form or dial (561) 655-1990.

How much does it cost to hire a truck accident lawyer in Melbourne?

We dedicate ourselves to supporting your physical and financial recovery at Lytal, Reiter, Smith, Ivey & Fronrath. That’s why we adopt a contingency fee model – eliminating the concern of initial expenses and ensuring you won’t face any legal fees unless we achieve a favorable outcome in your claim.

What should I do after being in a truck crash in Melbourne?

Being involved in a semi-truck accident can be a harrowing experience. Immediate steps include ensuring your safety, calling 911, especially if there are injuries, and reporting the accident to the police. Documenting the scene with photos and gathering witness information is also crucial. Remember, accurate and timely documentation is critical in truck accident cases.

Why reporting and documentation are essential

The size and complexity of truck accidents mean that detailed documentation is critical. This information will be crucial when you seek the services of a Melbourne truck accident lawyer.

What is the deadline for filing a truck accident claim?

In Florida, the standard timeframe to initiate legal action is two years from the injury date. However, for incidents resulting in death and for incidents involving government entities, a shorter window may apply. Speak with a lawyer to learn how much time you have to file your claim.

What damages may I be entitled to?

“Damages” are a term for the various losses you incurred due to the accident. In truck accident claims, compensation typically falls into economic and non-economic damages.

Economic damages

Economic damages are intended to reimburse you for direct financial losses from the accident. This type of damages compensates for repairing or replacing your vehicle and comprehensive medical costs, such as treatments, ongoing therapy, and anticipated future healthcare needs. Economic damages account for lost income and diminished earning capacity resulting from your injuries.

Non-economic damages

Non-economic damages compensate for the emotional and psychological impact of the truck accident. These include suffering from emotional distress, diminished life enjoyment, and any temporary or permanent disabilities.

How can a Melbourne truck accident lawyer help me?

Your lawyer will handle all aspects of your case, from investigating the accident and gathering evidence to negotiating with insurance companies and, if necessary, representing you in court.

Settlement negotiations and litigation strategies

Your lawyer will develop strategies to maximize your compensation, considering the complexities of trucking laws and regulations, whether through settlement negotiations or litigation.

Who may be liable for a truck accident?

Identifying liable parties in a truck accident can be complex. It could include the truck driver, trucking company, truck parts manufacturers, or government entities responsible for road maintenance.

Unraveling the chain of liability

Our Melbourne truck accident lawyers have the expertise to unravel the chain of liability, ensuring all responsible parties are held accountable.

How does a Melbourne truck accident lawyer establish liability?

To prove liability in a truck accident case, it’s essential to demonstrate the negligence of the other party involved by showing:

• The responsible party had a duty of care towards you.
• They failed to fulfill that duty of care.
• Their failure directly led to your injuries.
• You incurred damages as a result of the accident.

In our thorough approach, we examine police records, consult witnesses, and work with accident reconstruction experts. Your Melbourne truck accident lawyer might also utilize video footage from various sources to solidify the negligence case.

Leveraging evidence in truck accident claims: Our approach

At Lytal, Reiter, Smith, Ivey & Fronrath, our attorneys excel in utilizing a comprehensive array of evidence to construct strong arguments in truck accident cases. We delve into black box and GPS data for vital information on the truck’s operations and routes while also closely analyzing dashcam footage and photographs to visually piece together the accident’s sequence of events.

We meticulously review maintenance records and adherence to safety regulations, gathering witness accounts and police documentation for a well-rounded analysis. Examination of cellphone usage records and audio evidence, including dashcam recordings and emergency calls, helps us identify any distractions or crucial context occurring during the accident. Further, we investigate company communications, skid mark patterns, environmental and traffic conditions, and surveillance footage from the area.

This detailed examination of diverse evidence reflects our dedication at Lytal, Reiter, Smith, Ivey & Fronrath to thoroughly investigate every aspect of the case, ensuring our pursuit of justice and equitable compensation for our clients is well-supported and compelling.

How long will it take to settle my truck accident claim?

The duration required to resolve a truck accident claim can differ widely, spanning from a few weeks to several months or in some instances, years. The extent of this timeframe is heavily influenced by the willingness of the insurance company to engage in negotiations. Reaching an out-of-court settlement often results in a more expedited conclusion. Nonetheless, should the insurance provider be hesitant to offer a fair settlement, taking the matter to court, although lengthier, may become the necessary path to secure a just resolution.

What are some common truck accident injuries?

Truck accidents are notorious for causing serious injuries, with head and brain traumas often topping the list of diagnoses. However, the scope of injuries sustained in such accidents is broad, including:

• Whiplash
• Spinal cord damage
• Fractures
• Internal organ injuries
• Burns
• Cuts and lacerations
• Limb loss
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Fatalities

The gravity of these injuries plays a crucial role in determining the potential compensation in your case. You should speak with our skilled Melbourne truck accident lawyers to understand how your particular injuries might impact your claim.

What are some common causes of semi-truck accidents in Melbourne?

Identifying the cause of a truck accident is the first step in determining liability. Common causes include driver fatigue, improper loading, equipment failure, and violating safety regulations. Each cause brings different parties into the realm of responsibility.

“Dos” and “don’ts” of dealing with insurance after a crash

Following a truck accident, it’s common for insurance adjusters to reach out directly. While our lawyers typically manage these interactions, knowing how to handle direct contact is essential. Here’s a guide on what to do and avoid:

Do:

• Remain polite yet assertive during exchanges.
• Refer all inquiries directly to your attorney.
• Document every interaction with the insurance company meticulously.

Don’t:

• Accept any settlement offers or sign documents without consulting your attorney.
• Give a recorded statement to the insurance adjuster without your lawyer’s consent.
• Speculate about fault or accept any blame for the incident.
• Deal with the insurance company’s representatives or attorneys without your lawyer present.

Adhering to these guidelines is vital for safeguarding your interests and ensuring your rights remain intact throughout the insurance claims process.

Hurt in a truck crash? Our Melbourne truck accident lawyers are ready to assist.

Dealing with the aftermath of a semi-truck accident in Melbourne requires specialized legal expertise. A Melbourne truck accident lawyer can provide the necessary guidance and support, helping you navigate the complex legal landscape to protect your rights and receive the compensation you deserve for your ordeal.

Related articles for further reading

• What should I ask a truck accident lawyer?
• What if I’m partially to blame for my truck accident?
• What do I do if my truck accident resulted in the death of a loved one?