Looking for personal injury lawsuit tips in Florida?? Truck accidents are one of the leading causes of death on American roadways, and Florida is no exception. In 2015, an estimated 116,000 people were injured in vehicle accidents involving semi trucks. In Florida alone, large trucks comprise 5.2% of all accidents, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Association. According to the same report, semi truck accidents are most common on interstates and in rural areas. Whenever a person is injured by a semi truck accident, he or she may be able to recover for those damages in an Orlando court.
It is standard practice for insurance adjusters to begin negotiations by first offering a very low settlement amount — or, sometimes, denying liability altogether. With this tactic, the adjuster is trying to find out whether you understand what your claim is worth and to see if you are so impatient to get some money that you will take any amount. When a first offer is made, your response should depend on whether it is a reasonable offer but too low or whether it is so low that it is just a tactic to see if you know what you are doing. If the offer is reasonable, you can immediately make a counteroffer that is a little bit lower than your demand letter amount. That shows the adjuster that you, too, are being reasonable and are willing to compromise. A little more bargaining should quickly get you to a final settlement amount you both think is fair. In these negotiations, don’t bother to go over all the facts again. Just emphasize the strongest points in your favor — for example, that the insured was completely at fault.
Never be embarrassed to tell your doctors about all of your complaints. The value of your claim is due in large measure to the doctor’s diagnosis and treatment. The doctor can only treat what he observes of what you tell him. The doctor’s records will only be as complete as information that he receives. Keep track of all prescriptions and medicines taken, preferably saving all bottles or containers of medicine. Provide your attorney with receipts for all medications, both over the counter and prescription medications as well as any other items purchased such as crutches, canes, neck braces, splints and bandages.
If you were wrongfully injured, you deserve fair compensation. The more accurately and thoroughly you can document your claim, the better your chances of maximizing your personal injury settlement. This might include demonstrating how the at-fault party’s actions caused your accident and injuries. Take photos of the accident scene and collect contact information from any witnesses that are present. You’ll also need to get a copy of your police report.
If you or a loved one were injured by the negligence of a semi truck driver, then an Orlando truck accident may be able to help you recover for your damages. Under Section 95.11 of the Florida Code, a person injured in a truck accident will have four years from the date of the accident to file a negligence lawsuit against the truck driver or their trucking company. More urgently, some of the evidence required to prove negligence can dissipate over time. To ensure you have the strongest case possible, contact us at 407-315-8000. Bengal Law: Florida Accident Lawyers and Personal Injury Attorneys PLLC. See additional details on Bengal Law PLLC.
After an injury occurs, you have time limits to bring your case. It’s important to bring your case as soon as possible because you don’t want to risk time running out. After the statute of limitations expires, you may not be able to recover at all. Also, filing your case lets you begin to gather evidence formally. This can be a critical aspect of being able to preserve the evidence necessary to build your case. It also lets the other side know that you’re serious about getting a fair recovery and moving the case through the courts as quickly as possible.