We’ve all probably experienced the same hair-raising moment while driving on Florida’s interstates. We glance in our rearview mirrors to see a massive 18-wheeler just inches from our back bumper. They’re so close. All that’s visible is the big rig’s front grill. It can be frightening, but thankfully, a quick switch of lanes and accident averted.
It’s a much different and tragic scenario when a big truck collision occurs. If you’ve been injured due to a Florida truck crash, contact a Gainesville truck accident lawyer. With an experienced team, you’ll have the peace of mind to focus on your recovery while your lawyer fights for justice and compensation.
Florida Truck Accident Checklist
Depending on the severity of your injuries, you may or may not be capable of doing much just after a collision with a large commercial vehicle. With a full load, these big trucks can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, and that amount of weight can do a lot of damage to vehicles and their occupants. This checklist will assume that you are conscious after the crash and can take certain steps to protect your legal rights.
Unfortunately, the moments just after a truck accident can be a blur, and victims may not act in their best interests. Although difficult, it’s best to remain calm, assess your injuries, and allow the police and first responders to do what they need to do.
Call 911
The very first thing you should do is call 911. They’ll be able to send the police and an EMS team, who will take control of the situation. Do not attempt to move your vehicle to the side of the road if it’s still drivable. Sit tight and wait for help to arrive.
Don’t Admit Anything to Anyone
Being incredibly careful with what you say after the accident is important. This goes for the driver of the truck, to the police, to the emergency room staff. Even if you feel the crash was partly your fault, that is a matter for the driver’s insurance company and legal team to debate. If you choose to seek compensation for your injuries, anything you’ve said about the incident can be used against you.
Seek Medical Attention
After an accident, victims may not immediately notice their injuries. Their bodies are flooded with cortisone and adrenaline, which can mask pain. No matter how well your body feels, going to the emergency room is important. Denying medical care at the accident scene could hurt you later if you seek a personal injury lawsuit.
Florida resident drivers must carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage on their vehicle’s insurance policy. Florida is a no-fault state; the victim’s insurance covers medical bills and expenses. However, to claim PIP benefits, it’s required that victims seek medical attention within 14 days of the accident. Failure to do so will result in a denial of benefits and the possible loss of the right to file a personal injury lawsuit.
Hire an Attorney
Once you’re on the mend, hire a personal injury attorney. PIP rarely pays out what a victim deserves after a catastrophic truck accident. This mandatory Florida insurance coverage is limited and won’t pay out for all of your damages. Filing a personal injury lawsuit is necessary to receive full compensation for all damages.
Florida’s personal injury statute of limitations has been reduced from 4 years to a mere 2. This stresses the importance of working with a lawyer sooner rather than later. Collecting the necessary evidence to file the lawsuit is time-consuming, and you’ll want your legal team to have as much time as possible to get all of your ducks in a row.
Your lawyer will have the burden of proving that the truck driver was at fault and the accident caused you severe injuries. Unlike PIP insurance, you can claim economic and non-economic damages with a personal injury lawsuit. After a traumatic truck accident, you’ve likely suffered pain and suffering, both physically and emotionally. A personal injury lawsuit can help you receive the maximum compensation for all you’ve had to endure.
What To Do After a Florida Truck Accident: Final Words
A collision with a big rig can cause severe physical and emotional lifelong conditions. Florida’s mandatory PIP insurance most likely won’t cover all of your damages. Fortunately, you can seek full compensation for all economic and non-economic damages by filing a personal injury lawsuit. This should never be attempted without consulting an experienced truck accident personal injury attorney.
