Accidents involving big trucks can have devastating consequences in New Port Richey, FL. Unfortunately, these accidents happen all too often in New Port Richey, Florida. Recent data suggests that roughly 33,000 accidents occur each year in Florida involving big rigs. Florida also ranks number three in the nation for the number of deaths caused by truck accidents.
Trucking companies often have powerful lawyers and big insurance companies who try to minimize their liability. If you have been injured in a truck accident, you need an experienced New Port Richey truck accident lawyer who can help protect your legal rights and get you the compensation you deserve. Contact Thomas C. Grajek, Attorney at Law for a free consultation at (863) 999-9000 with a New Port Richey truck accident attorney.
How Thomas C. Grajek, Attorney at Law Can Help After a Truck Accident in New Port Richey
Truck accident cases are much more complex than the average car accident case. It can sometimes be difficult to determine liability in these accidents, as there are often multiple potential defendants. Additionally, victims of truck accidents in New Port Richey, Florida, frequently suffer catastrophic injuries.
Given the complexity of these cases, you need a New Port Richey truck accident lawyer with plenty of experience. Thomas C. Grajek, Attorney at Law has 25 years of experience representing injury victims, and he is ready to help you, too.
Here are some of the ways our New Port Richey personal injury lawyers can help with your truck accident claim:
- Fully investigating the accident to determine who was at fault
- Identifying all potential defendants to hold all responsible parties accountable
- Interviewing witnesses who were present at the scene
- Gathering and presenting evidence to help prove your case
- Helping protect your legal rights to ensure the insurance company does not take advantage of you
- Getting the help of experts as needed
- Handling all communications with the insurance company
- Fully evaluating all your injuries to get an accurate assessment of the value of your claim
- Negotiating a full and fair settlement that compensates you for all your injuries
- Fiercely litigating for you in court when necessary
If you have been injured in an accident with a big truck, contact Thomas C. Grajek, Attorney at Law today. Let our New Port Richey truck accident lawyers fight for the compensation that you are owed.
What Is My Truck Accident Case Worth?
Truck accident cases can be worth anywhere from a few thousand dollars to more than 1 million dollars. The specific value of your case depends on the severity of your injuries and the specific facts of the situation. The more severe your injuries, the more your case is likely to be worth.
On average, Florida truck accident cases with moderate injuries are worth somewhere between $20,000 and $50,000. However, these accidents sometimes result in catastrophic injuries due to the size and weight of these machines. Cases involving catastrophic injuries or wrongful death can be worth over $1 million.
You need an attorney who has the knowledge and experience to accurately assess the value of your claim. Otherwise, you might settle for a lowball offer and not get all the compensation you are owed. Thomas C. Grajek, Attorney at Law can help put an accurate estimate of value on your claim to ensure that you are fairly compensated.
What Kind of Damages Are Available to Accident Victims?
Truck accident victims are entitled to recover both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages are those that result in a direct financial loss by the victim. There are typically receipts or other documents proving the specific value of these damages.
Examples of economic damages include:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Lost earnings capacity
- Rehab expenses
- Home health care
- Physical therapy
- Property damage
Non-economic damages are more difficult to value. These damages are intended to compensate the victim for their “pain and suffering” injuries resulting from the accident.
Examples of non-economic damages include the following:
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Loss of quality of life
- Loss of consortium
- Scarring
- Disfigurement
Non-economic damages are usually estimated based on the severity and extent of the victim’s injuries. The more severe the injuries, the more the non-economic damages are typically worth. In most cases, non-economic damages are valued somewhere from 1.5 to 5 times the value of economic damages.
Higher multipliers are used for accidents with extremely severe or catastrophic injuries. Imagine you are injured in a truck accident and have $10,000 in economic damages. If your injuries are moderate, your non-economic damages are likely to be valued somewhere from $15,000 to $30,000. An experienced attorney can help you assess the value of your damages and make sure the insurance company does not take advantage of you.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Truck Accident Lawyer?
In most cases, you will not need any money up front to hire a truck accident attorney. Most truck accident attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. This means that they do not receive a fee unless they win your case. Their fee is taken as a percentage of any recovery awarded to the injury victim.
Fees may be lower if the case is settled before trial and higher if the case goes to trial.
Contingency fee agreements should always be in writing, and you should always fully understand the fee structure prior to hiring an attorney. Remember that you might also be responsible for paying other expenses associated with your case as well. These expenses include court costs, filing fees, and administrative expenses, and they are typically paid from the proceeds of your recovery.
Can I Recover Compensation if I’m Being Blamed for a Truck Accident in Florida?
Yes, you may still be able to recover compensation even if you are being blamed for the accident. Florida follows a modified comparative negligence rule in personal injury cases. This means that you can still recover compensation as long as you are no more than 50% responsible for the accident.
The trier of fact (the judge or jury) will assign a percentage of fault, if any, to each party. If you are found to be partially at fault, your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault. Suppose you have suffered $10,000 in damages and are found to be 20% at fault. You are still entitled to recover $8,000 in damages from the other responsible parties.
We’ll Fight to Recover Compensation for All of Your Truck Accident Injuries
Truck accidents can cause a variety of injuries. These large and heavy machines can weigh up to 80,000 pounds and are difficult to stop. Unfortunately, these accidents often result in severe or catastrophic injuries.
Some common injuries sustained in truck accidents include:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Broken bones
- Loss of limbs
- Back injuries
- Neck injuries
- Internal bleeding
An experienced truck accident attorney can help you recover compensation for all injuries resulting from your accident. Contact Thomas C. Grajek, Attorney at Law today for a free case evaluation.
What Causes Most Truck Accidents in New Port Richey, Florida?
Driver inattention is one of the leading causes of truck accidents in New Port Richey, Florida. Distracted driving is responsible for about 10% of fatal accidents across the nation. Distractions can come from cell phones, GPS units, radios, eating, and other things.
Additionally, truck accidents may be caused by:
- Excessive speed
- Equipment failure
- Poor visibility
- Following too closely
- Improperly loaded cargo
An experienced truck accident attorney can help you investigate your accident and determine who was at fault. When it comes to truck accidents, there are many parties who may have some responsibility. Truck drivers, trucking companies, equipment manufacturers, and cargo-loading companies all have the potential to share responsibility for these accidents.
How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit After a Truck Accident in Florida?
Florida’s statute of limitations for most truck accident cases is two years. This means that you have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit after a truck accident.
In some situations, the timeframe for filing a lawsuit may be shorter or longer than the general rule. It is important to note that missing the deadline can be a complete bar to any recovery in your case. This is why it is so important to consult an experienced attorney as soon after your accident as possible.
Contact Our New Port Richey Truck Accident Lawyers for a Free Consultation
If you have been injured in a truck accident in New Port Richey, Florida, you might be left confused and wondering what to do. Navigating the legal waters of a truck accident can be complicated, but you do not have to do it alone.
Given the complex nature of truck accident cases, you need an experienced New Port Richey truck accident lawyer to help you through these difficult situations. Let Thomas C. Grajek, Attorney at Law handle your case while you focus on getting back on your feet. Reach out today for your free consultation and case evaluation.