On interstates like I-4 in Florida, commercial trucks often become the cause of devastating accidents. Truck drivers, pressured by demanding schedules, can take unnecessary risks, ignoring speed limits, and driving aggressively. The aftermath is often tragic, and innocent victims often suffer debilitating injuries or even death.
Spetsas Buist PLLC, located in downtown Orlando, Florida, has seen the destructive consequences of such truck accidents on I-4. We've represented numerous individuals and families across Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina who have experienced significant losses due to negligent truck drivers and trucking companies.
Our law firm is different because we put clients in direct contact with their lawyer. In other words, we don’t stick folks with customer service representatives, call centers, and intake specialists. Once you become our client, you get your lawyer’s cell phone.
Contact us today at our office or online for a free consultation with our experienced truck accident attorneys.
What to Do After a Collision with a Commercial Truck on the Interstate
In the disarray following a truck crash, victims sustaining severe injuries may not have the ability or the presence of mind to act in their best interest. Under normal circumstances, victims should:
- Call 911 and engage with police at the accident scene.
- Capture photographs and videos of the accident scene.
- Gather information from eyewitnesses and bystanders.
- Make notes of what people said or did after the accident.
However, keep in mind that these steps may not be feasible if you've been transported directly to the hospital.
Five Things to Do After Being Transported to the Hospital
If you find yourself in the hospital post-accident, these five steps are crucial to safeguard your legal rights after a commercial truck accident:
Continue Medical Care
Consistent medical care is a cornerstone of your truck accident case. Any delay or deviation from your doctor's treatment plan may negatively affect your claim. In case of severe injuries, seek a specialist's opinion to diagnose any permanent disabilities or impairments resulting from the crash.
Refrain from Talking to the Insurance or Trucking Company
Avoid giving any statements to the trucking company or its insurance company. Insurance claims adjusters may contact you, even in the hospital, hoping to extract information that they can use against you.
Protect Your Medical Records
Insurance companies may request your medical records under the pretext of validating your injuries. Seriously consider talking with your lawyer before giving the insurance company access to your medical records because the defense may use your medical history to argue that your current injuries were not a result of the truck accident. Let your legal team handle the information sharing when it's time to negotiate a settlement.
Document Your Damages
Keep thorough records of all medical bills, medication receipts, household help payments, and take photographs of your injuries. Additionally, keep a journal of your recovery journey, recording your pain levels, your inability to perform certain activities, impacts on your relationships, and any struggles with depression, anxiety, or other emotional distress.
Contact a Firm That Will Put You in Direct and Constant Communication with a Lawyer
Reach out to Spetsas Buist PLLC if you're injured in an I-4 truck accident in Florida. Our legal team handles truck accident cases, and we act swiftly to preserve crucial evidence such as black box data, driver’s logs, and maintenance records. The sooner we start the investigation, the better our chances of securing evidence that proves your case.
Damages Available in a Florida Truck Accident Case
In the wake of a serious truck accident, victims often grapple with physical pain, emotional distress, and financial stress due to mounting medical bills and loss of income. Fortunately, Florida law provides a pathway for victims to seek compensation for their losses through a personal injury claim. If you've been injured in an I-4 truck accident, understanding the damages you can claim is crucial.
Medical Expenses
The cost of medical treatment following a truck accident can be exorbitant. You may seek compensation for all medical expenses associated with the accident, including emergency room visits, surgeries, medication, physical therapy, and future medical expenses for ongoing care.
Lost Wages
If your injuries force you to take time off work or limit your ability to work, you can claim compensation for lost wages. This includes income you've already lost and potential future earnings if your injuries result in permanent disability.
Property Damage
If your vehicle or other personal property was damaged in the accident, you could seek reimbursement for the repair or replacement costs.
Pain and Suffering
Unlike tangible medical bills or lost wages, pain and suffering refer to the physical discomfort and emotional distress you experience as a result of the accident. This can include chronic pain, mental anguish, loss of enjoyment of life, and emotional trauma.
Punitive Damages
In some cases, if the conduct of the truck driver or the trucking company is found to be particularly egregious or reckless, the court may award punitive damages. These are designed to punish the offender and deter similar behavior in the future.
The process of determining the full scope of your damages can be complex, which is why having experienced legal representation is vital. At Spetsas Buist PLLC, we are committed to helping our clients accurately estimate their damages and fight for the maximum compensation they are entitled to under Florida law.
Do You Need to Speak to a Florida Truck Accident Lawyer?
If you or a loved one has suffered injuries in an accident involving a semi-truck, 18-wheeler, tractor trailer, or any other commercial vehicle, you should speak with a skilled, experienced, and aggressive Florida truck accident lawyer as soon as possible because you may be entitled to compensation.
Please don’t hesitate to contact us on our website, or you can call our Orlando, Florida personal injury law firm today at (321) 352-7588 to schedule your free consultation by phone. When you schedule a consultation at our law firm, you will get a consultation with a truck accident lawyer, not a customer service representative or intake person.
If you need a South Carolina personal injury lawyer, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at (843) 638-6590. We have at least one lawyer licensed in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina. So, if you’ve been injured in the Southeast, we may be able to help you. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us.
For more information on truck accidents, you can download our free e-book: 10 BIG Questions You Need Answered After a Truck Accident.
