Orlando Tractor Trailer Accident Settlement Attorneys

If you’re seeking a tractor trailer accident settlement, you may already realize that you are not only dealing with the unfortunate aftermath of an accident, but you are also dealing with the big leagues when it comes to filing a claim for injuries and damages that you incurred from a negligent trucker. Truckers typically have unlimited resources when it comes to defending semi-truck accident claims, which gives them an unfair advantage over truck accident victims. This is why it is very important to understand the steps you should take to assure you are fully compensated for your injuries and other losses resulting from your accident.

Proving Liability In A Florida Tractor Trailer Accident

Evidence following a big rig crash is key in determining fault. An Orlando truck accident attorney can help you collect the necessary evidence to support your accident claim and help you maximize your settlement. You should also collect your own evidence regardless of the situation.

Some examples of evidence from you tractor trailer accident that may be helpful in determining liability includes:

• Police report: No matter what kind of auto accident you are involved in, you should always file a formal accident report with the police. This will come in to play throughout a legal claim; especially when proving liability in an accident.
• Physical evidence from the accident site: Road conditions, cargo that unloaded, the trucker’s driving log, paperwork, any hard evidence.
• Analysis of the accident: Speed and direction the vehicles were traveling, where the vehicles impacted each other (force direction, etc). Skid marks, time of day, weather conditions.
• Photographs from the accident site: It is important to take good photographs from multiple angles of both the accident scene and surrounding area.
• Eyewitness accounts: If possible, obtain recordings from any witnesses to the accident. You may use your smart phone to record these statements at the scene.

Although the above evidence may be attainable, it will still be difficult to prove the trucker was at fault on your own. The trucker will most likely have attorneys and big insurance companies on site quickly preparing their defense. An experienced trucking accident attorney, such as an expert from David & Philpot, P.L., may bring in a team of investigators, experts and reconstruction specialists who can help demonstrate that you were not at fault in the accident; they will be able to bring evidence to the table that levels the playing field tractor trailer accident settlement.

What If The Truck Driver Is Not At Fault?

Once you or your truck accident attorney gather evidence, you may find that the trucker was not at fault or there are additional factors that contributed to the accident; especially in the case when the trucker may be underinsured and is not able to cover the cost of the injuries and other damages you sustained. Other parties that may be held accountable include:

• The truck driver’s employer
• The company who owns the cargo that is being transported by the trucker
• The company that is named on the truck license that is placed on the tractor and trailer
• The designer, manufacturer, seller, and/or distributor of any faulty parts that may have led to the accident
• Any party responsible for the maintenance and repair of the truck

Next Steps After a Tractor Trailer Accident:

It is not your typical auto accident when you have been injured or have suffered damages due to an accident with a tractor trailer. This type of accident is much more complex and can be much more serious and costly. It is important to understand what to do immediately after your big rig accident to ensure you are adequately compensated in your tractor trailer accident settlement. These next steps are for you to remember and to share with other drivers to protect your best interests.

Within the first 48 hours after suffering injuries/damages from a tractor trailer accident you should:

1. Seek immediate medical attention; a complete medical examination to include examination of internal organs for possible damage that may not be obvious at the time of the accident.
2. Only speak with law enforcement officials; answer truthfully, but do not speak about fault or additional details of the accident until you have spoken with your accident attorney.
3. Document the accident as detailed as possible; your memory may not be as keen once you have stepped away from the accident site.
4. Notify your insurance company and request for application to file a claim; do not discuss fault or sign anything at this time.
5. Call an experienced truck accident attorney; time is of essence in order to preserve as much evidence as possible to maximize your tractor trailer accident settlement.

Don’t waste any time! It is important to act within the statute of limitations in order to receive the compensation you deserve after an accident. The Orlando truck accident attorneys at David & Philpot, P.L. have been representing Florida truck accident victims for over 20 years, recovering millions of dollars for their clients. They will fight for your rights and will seek the compensation that you deserve so that you may return to the life you had before the accident occurred. Contact one of our attorneys today at 800.360.7015 for a free, no obligation consultation. You never pay a dime unless we successfully win your claim.