Let’s face facts: Car accidents are no joke.
After all, you’re talking about two metal structures, both of which weigh in at several tons, colliding into one another at high speeds. This creates a lot of room for serious injuries and major damages to personal property. Not to mention, now, you have to deal with the arduous task of bringing your case to court and fighting for what is rightfully yours. None of this is very fun. In fact, it’s all very stressful.
But, it could be worse. Imagine that you collide with a commercial truck weighing in at over 20,000 lbs instead of your average 1.5-ton personal vehicle. You don’t exactly have to be a physicist to know just how much that ups the ante. You’re much more likely to be seriously injured, and chances are, it’s likely that your car is going to end up totaled. All of these factors can easily put you out of work—or at the very least—make it difficult to perform tasks that you used to do on the regular. When the other driver is at fault, you have every right to seek compensation for all of these damages.
Of course, no insurance company is going to let that happen without a fight. Insurance company adjusters are highly skilled and extremely clever. They’re going to do everything that they can to minimize your claim, but you don’t have to stand for it.
The Ward Law Group is Here to Help
All of this may seem overwhelming. That’s because it is. But there are ways that you can minimize your stress following an accident. Out of the many avenues that you could take, the most important one is contacting a team of talented attorneys to handle your case. This is where The Ward Law Group comes in. Our firm has earned over a decade of experience in helping truck accident victims recover millions of dollars in damages. Additionally, our lawyers serve both the English- and Spanish-speaking communities. Language is never a barrier at The Ward Law Group. It’s our best feature.
Personal Injury & Truck Accident Statistics For Hollywood, FL
Commercial truck accidents don’t happen often, but when they do, there is a much higher chance of fatality than there is with regular collisions. In 2017, there were 27 fatalities from truck accidents that occurred throughout Florida. Twenty-seven may not sound like a high number, but it’s actually quite a high percentage when compared to other states.
Unfortunately, truck accidents tend to have an added layer of complexity. Remember: You’ll probably end up contending with the trucking company’s insurance policies rather than the other driver’s. As you can guess, this makes everything worse. The company that owns the truck is more likely to have the capital to hire a team of legal experts. This means that you’ll not only need a good lawyer, but you’ll need a better one than your opponent’s entire counsel. You’ll need someone with years of experience and the good results to back those credentials up. Someone like Jany Martinez-Ward and her husband Gregory Ward.
Types of Truck Accident Injuries
As mentioned, large commercial trucks are much bigger and heavier than your average motor vehicle. As a result, the injuries one might sustain in a truck accident are more likely to be devastating.
These injuries may include:
- Soft Tissue Injuries
- Disc Herniation
- Spinal Cord Damage
- Muscle Injuries
- Bone Fractures
- Lacerations & Burns
- Paralysis
- Traumatic Brain Injuries
- Internal Bleeding
- Wrongful Death
- …and more.
Of course, it doesn’t help matters that Florida is known for having some of the most dangerous roads in the entire country. For Broward county, in particular, the most dangerous road is a stretch of I-95, which clocks a staggering 1.73 fatal accidents per mile.
The Ward Law Group understands just how debilitating these injuries can be. Moreover, our lawyers are passionate about making this entire process as easy as it can possibly be. It’s one thing to have to worry about your legal troubles when you have no injuries. But, when you’re suffering from chronic pain, it makes matters that much more difficult. Do yourself a favor by taking some of the weight off your shoulders. Contact The Ward Law Group today!
Florida Law & Auto Accident Compensation
First and foremost, you should be aware that Florida’s statute of limitations on car accidents is a period of two years. This means that you have two years from the date of your accident to file a claim. That being said, you should always try to get your case started as soon as you possibly can. Doing so will enhance your settlement greatly in the long run.
One of the most important aspects of Florida car accident law is the fact that Florida is a no-fault state. In Florida, all motor vehicle operators are required to carry $10,000 in personal injury protection (PIP) and $10,000 in property damage liability.
In fact, there are not too many cases in which you are actually able to sue an at-fault driver, but there are some extenuating circumstances. It all depends on the nature and severity of your injuries. (For example, did you suffer the loss of a major bodily function?) In such cases, the victim may be able to directly sue the offending party (especially if the mandated PIP and PDL are not enough to cover the damages).
In applicable cases, however, you may be surprised at just how much compensation you could obtain from your settlement. It goes without saying that you can sue for medical expenses and property damage. But, you can also receive compensation for psychological and emotional trauma or loss of consortium—if you play your cards right.
Maximizing Your Claim: Immediate Steps to Take After an Accident
As with any accident, the first thing that you want to do is inspect yourself for possible injuries. Make sure that you’re ok first. Then, if you’re able, contact emergency services such as the police, ambulances, and even the fire department if necessary.
Once the paramedics arrive, get yourself checked out immediately. It is always important to seek out medical attention as soon as possible, as it may illustrate to the court later that your injuries were serious enough to warrant immediate inspection. Additionally, you should also make an attempt to obtain a copy of the police report as well as the contact information of all parties involved (including witnesses to the collision).
If it’s still functioning, you should whip out your smartphone and take as many pictures as you can. Take pictures of your vehicle, the commercial truck involved, and all of your injuries and clothes (as well as any further property damage to items such as laptops or other valuables). Remember: There is no such thing as too much evidence. Be a sponge. It can only help you in the long run.
How The Ward Law Group Can Help
Filing a claim is complicated business, especially if your primary language differs from the insurance adjuster. Don’t worry though. We have bilingual lawyers to assist you every step of the way.
Don’t forget. Insurance companies want nothing more than to minimize your potential settlement as much as possible. If they can avoid paying for your damages, you better believe that they are going to do everything in their power to do so. Don’t let them get away with it! The Ward Law Group knows how to deal with adjusters through years of experience and success. Contact The Ward Law Group today and begin filing your successful claim!