Were you injured in a truck accident in Tampa, FL? Truck accidents often result in severe injuries, complex legal claims, and lengthy settlement negotiations. If you were involved in an accident with an 18-wheeler, understanding the factors that impact the settlement timeline can help manage expectations of the process.
At Mincone Personal Injury Lawyers, our Tampa truck accident lawyers have extensive experience and resources to help you settle your personal injury claim. Our legal team has 15 years of combined experience and has recovered millions of dollars for our clients.
Contact us online or call our law firm at (813) 800-0810 to schedule a free consultation.
How Mincone Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help After an 18-Wheeler Truck Accident in Tampa
At Mincone Personal Injury Lawyers, we understand the unique challenges of handling claims against trucking companies, insurers, and truck drivers. For our achievements, we have been recognized by the Motor Vehicle Trial Lawyers, the National Trial Lawyers, and other prestigious legal organizations.
When you hire one of our experienced Tampa truck accident attorneys, we will:
- Investigate the accident to gather evidence, including truck logs, black box data, and witness statements
- Handle all communication with trucking companies and insurers
- Negotiate aggressively to secure the compensation you deserve
- Protect you from insurance tactics that aim to minimize your payout
- File a lawsuit if necessary to ensure you receive fair compensation
If you were injured in an 18-wheeler accident in Tampa, Florida, don’t wait to seek legal help. Contact our Tampa personal injury lawyers to schedule a free consultation.
How Long Does It Take to Settle an 18-Wheeler Accident Case?
The time it takes to settle a truck accident case depends on multiple factors, including:
- The severity of your injuries: Cases involving catastrophic injuries or permanent disabilities often take longer to settle.
- Liability disputes: If the trucking company or insurer disputes fault, it can delay negotiations.
- Legal research: Investigating violations of trucking laws can take time, especially if multiple parties are involved.
- Insurance company tactics: Insurers often try to lowball victims or prolong the process to pressure them into accepting less.
- Whether a lawsuit is necessary: If settlement negotiations fail, filing a lawsuit can extend the timeline by months or even years.
Many straightforward truck accident cases settle within six months to a year. However, complex cases involving severe injuries, disputed liability, or multiple defendants may take several years to resolve.
What Kind of Damages Are Available in an 18-wheeler Accident Case?
Victims of 18-wheeler accidents in Tampa may be entitled to compensation for various types of damages, including:
Economic Damages
Economic damages cover tangible, calculable losses, such as:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Rehabilitation costs
- Property damage
Economic damages also cover future medical expenses, so it is important to establish a treatment plan.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages cover intangible, subjective losses, such as:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of consortium
Since non-economic damages are subjective, they are sometimes more difficult to prove.
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages are rare but may be awarded in cases involving reckless or intentional misconduct by the trucking company or driver.
Can I Recover Compensation If I’m Partially at Fault for an 18-Wheeler Accident in Florida?
Florida follows a modified comparative negligence rule, which means:
- You can recover damages as long as you are less than 51% at fault for the accident.
- The percentage of your fault will reduce your compensation.
For example, if you are found to be 20% responsible for the accident and are awarded $500,000, your final compensation would be $400,000 after the reduction. A lawyer can fight back against unfair blame to help maximize your recovery.
What Causes Most 18-Wheeler Accidents in Tampa, FL?
Common causes of truck accidents in Tampa include:
- Driver fatigue and drowsy driving
- Speeding and reckless driving
- Distracted driving
- Drunk or impaired driving
- Poor truck maintenance and mechanical failures
- Unsafe lane changes
- Overloaded or improperly loaded cargo
Determining the cause of the accident is crucial to holding the right parties accountable.
We’ll Fight to Recover Compensation for All of Your Truck Accident Injuries
Truck accidents often result in life-altering injuries, including:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Spinal cord damage and paralysis
- Severe burns
- Internal organ injuries
- Fractures and broken bones
- Soft tissue damage and whiplash
Our Tampa truck accident lawyers will work closely with medical experts to assess the long-term impact of your injuries and demand fair compensation.
How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit After an 18-Wheeler Accident in Florida?
In Florida, the statute of limitations for truck accident lawsuits is typically two years from the date of the accident. You may lose your right to seek compensation if you miss this deadline.
Certain exceptions may apply, such as when an accident involves a minor a government entity, or there is a reasonable delay in discovering the injury. Consulting a lawyer can help ensure you meet all filing deadlines.
Contact Our Tampa Truck Accident Lawyers for a Free Consultation
If you or a loved one gets injured in an 18-wheeler accident in Tampa, don’t wait to seek legal help. At Mincone Personal Injury Lawyers, we are dedicated to helping victims recover the compensation they deserve.
The trucking company is backed by its own insurance company and legal team. Securing an experienced personal injury attorney helps balance the scales, giving you the legal support needed to safeguard your rights throughout the process.
Call today for a free consultation with an experienced Tampa truck accident attorney.
