I Was Hit By a Big Truck in Florida. What Should I Do?

May 30, 2023
Leaser Law Firm

A collision between a large truck and a car or a motorcycle is often devastating, with a high risk of fatal crashes for the motorist operating the smaller vehicle. If you suffered a truck accident in Florida and you believe that driver error led to your injuries, take the following steps to improve your chances of winning compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and property damage.

Seek Medical Treatment

Your safety and health are a major priority. Seek medical attention immediately after your accident, even if you believe you sustained no serious injuries. Traumatic brain injuries, whiplash, internal organ damage, and other types of injuries may be hard to detect at first but have extremely serious or even life-threatening consequences.

If you’ve suffered a truck accident in Florida, then keep every medical record and bill since these documents will be important in supporting your claim.

Gather Evidence

Unless it’s a medical emergency and you must leave for the nearest hospital right away, it’s preferable to stay at the accident scene until the police arrive. While you’re there, you can gather valuable evidence, some of which may be unavailable later.

Make sure to:

  • Photograph the accident scene, the damage to your vehicle, and any relevant details from multiple angles
  • Exchange information with the truck driver
  • Collect the contact information of any witnesses who may have seen the accident
  • Ask for a copy of the police report
  • Write down a detailed account of the accident

Find the Truck’s DOT Number

Commercial vehicles often have a black box or EDR (event data recorder) that tracks the vehicle’s operating hours, average speed, seatbelt usage, and other important details that could be relevant to your claim. The EDR may reveal that the truck driver violated the speed limit or HOS (Hours of Service) regulations, which could help establish negligence.

Truck accident lawyers may use DOT (Department of Transportation) numbers to access a vehicle’s EDR data. An experienced attorney can explain how to find a vehicle’s DOT number and use it to gain crucial evidence.

Be Careful When Talking to Insurance Companies

Truck drivers are often employees of trucking companies with massive commercial insurance coverage. Both the trucking company and their insurer may try to dodge liability by claiming you were partially at fault or pressuring you to agree to a recorded statement that could harm your claim.

Remember, insurance companies will make every effort to pay you as little as possible, especially in high-stake truck accident claims that involve catastrophic injuries. Everything you say may act against you, so it’s beneficial to limit communication with insurance representatives and adjusters until you talk to a lawyer.

Consult a Truck Accident Lawyer

The sooner you start working with an experienced and assertive truck accident lawyer, the better chance you’ll have of a successful claim resolution and timely payout.

Your attorney can:

  • Evaluate your case and give you a realistic estimate of your claim’s worth
  • Advocate for your interests when communicating with insurance companies
  • Source and present compelling evidence for your claim
  • Handle the entire claim process and comply with deadlines
  • Advise you on further legal steps if an insurance company denies your claim

Leaser Law Firm: Fast and Reliable Legal Representation for Truck Accident Victims in Broward and Miami-Dade Counties

Did you sustain injuries in a truck accident in Florida? Quick legal action will help protect your rights. Contact us at the Leaser Law Firm and entrust your personal injury claim to a competent, dedicated local truck accident lawyer.

Call 954-233-3515 or fill out our online form to schedule a free consultation today.