Ormond Beach Truck Accident Attorneys

Representing the Victims of Semi-Truck Crashes in Ormond Beach

Truck accidents are some of the most devastating and deadly motor vehicle accidents that occur on our roadways. When a large commercial truck collides with a smaller passenger vehicle, the occupants of the smaller vehicle are at a significant disadvantage. In fact, the occupants of the smaller vehicle are often killed in the crash.

Those who do survive a truck accident often suffer catastrophic injuries that require extensive medical treatment and ongoing care. If you or someone you love has been injured in a truck accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.

At Politis & Matovina, P.A., we are committed to helping truck accident victims and their families fight for the justice they are owed. Our Ormond Beach truck accident lawyers have been serving the community since 1993, and we have a proven track record of success in even the most complex cases.

Call (386) 333-6613 or contact us online today to request a free, no-obligation consultation.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents

Truck accidents can be caused by a variety of factors. In many cases, multiple factors contribute to the cause of a truck accident. Our Ormond Beach truck accident attorneys can help you determine the cause of your accident and who is liable for your damages.

Some of the most common causes of truck accidents include:

• Driver error: Truck driver error is one of the leading causes of truck accidents. This includes all forms of driver negligence, such as speeding, tailgating, failing to yield the right of way, running red lights, and more. It also includes driver impairment, such as driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and driver fatigue.
• Truck defects: When a truck is defective, it can cause a serious accident. This includes defects in the truck's tires, brakes, steering system, and more. In some cases, the trucking company or truck manufacturer may be held liable for a truck defect.
• Improperly loaded cargo: When cargo is not properly loaded onto a truck, it can cause the truck to become unbalanced and difficult to control. This can lead to a serious accident.
• Truck company negligence: Trucking companies have a duty to hire qualified drivers, ensure their drivers are properly trained, and maintain their trucks. When a trucking company fails to fulfill these duties, it can be held liable for any accidents that occur as a result.
• Third-party negligence: Truck accidents can also be caused by the negligence of a third party. For example, if a truck driver is involved in an accident because another motorist was driving recklessly, the other motorist may be held liable for the truck driver's damages.

Who Is Liable for a Truck Accident?

Truck accident claims are often more complex than other types of motor vehicle accident claims. This is because there are often multiple parties who may be held liable for a truck accident.

Depending on the circumstances, the following parties may be held liable for a truck accident:

• The truck driver: If the truck driver was negligent in any way, he or she may be held liable for the accident. This includes cases involving driver error, driver impairment, and more.
• The trucking company: Trucking companies have a duty to hire qualified drivers, ensure their drivers are properly trained, and maintain their trucks. If a trucking company fails to fulfill these duties, it can be held liable for any accidents that occur as a result.
• The truck manufacturer: If a truck accident is caused by a defect in the truck, the truck manufacturer may be held liable for the accident.
• The cargo loading company: If a truck accident is caused by improperly loaded cargo, the company responsible for loading the cargo may be held liable for the accident.
• A third party: In some cases, a truck accident may be caused by the negligence of a third party. For example, if a truck driver is involved in an accident because another motorist was driving recklessly, the other motorist may be held liable for the truck driver's damages.

Our Ormond Beach truck accident lawyers can help you determine who is liable for your accident and take the necessary legal action to hold them accountable.

What to Do After a Truck Accident

After a truck accident, it is important to take the necessary steps to protect your health and your rights. If you are physically able to do so, you should take the following steps after a truck accident:

• Call 911: If you or anyone else involved in the accident is seriously injured, you should call 911 right away. The dispatcher will send an ambulance to the scene of the accident, as well as law enforcement officers.
• Seek medical attention: Even if you do not believe you were seriously injured in the accident, you should still seek medical attention. Some injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries and internal organ damage, may not be immediately apparent. A doctor can evaluate your condition and determine if you have any injuries that require treatment.
• Report the accident: You should report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible. However, you should avoid providing a recorded statement to the insurance company until you have spoken to an attorney. The insurance company may try to use your statement against you to deny your claim or reduce its value.
• Document the accident: You should take photos of the accident scene, as well as your injuries and the damage to your vehicle. You should also write down the names and contact information of any witnesses to the accident. If you are unable to do so, ask someone else to do it for you.
• Do not admit fault: You should avoid admitting fault for the accident, even if you believe you may have been partially to blame. In Florida, you can still recover compensation for your damages even if you were partially at fault for the accident. However, your damages will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
• Do not accept a settlement offer: You should avoid accepting a settlement offer from the insurance company until you have spoken to an attorney. The insurance company may try to get you to accept a lowball settlement offer that does not fully cover your damages.
• Contact an attorney: You should contact an experienced truck accident attorney as soon as possible after the accident. An attorney can help you understand your rights and guide you through the process of filing a claim.

How Long Do I Have to File a Truck Accident Lawsuit in Florida?

In Florida, the statute of limitations for truck accident lawsuits is generally four years from the date of the accident. If you do not file a lawsuit within this time frame, you will likely lose your right to recover compensation for your damages.

However, there are some exceptions to this general rule. For example, if the truck driver who caused the accident was a government employee, you may be required to file a notice of claim within a matter of months. If you fail to file a notice of claim within the required time frame, you may lose your right to file a lawsuit.

For these reasons, it is important to contact an attorney as soon as possible after a truck accident. An attorney can help you understand the statute of limitations that applies to your case and ensure that all required paperwork is filed on time.

How Our Ormond Beach Truck Accident Lawyers Can Help

Truck accident claims are often more complex than other types of motor vehicle accident claims. This is because there are often multiple parties who may be held liable for a truck accident. Additionally, truck accident claims often involve more serious injuries and higher damages than other types of motor vehicle accident claims.

At Politis & Matovina, P.A., we have extensive experience handling even the most complex truck accident claims. We can help you understand your rights and options, as well as guide you through the process of filing a claim. Our Ormond Beach truck accident attorneys can also help you gather the evidence needed to prove liability and calculate the full extent of your damages.

If you or someone you love has been injured in a truck accident, call (386) 333-6613 to speak to one of our Ormond Beach truck accident lawyers today.