Due to their massive size and strength, commercial truck accidents can cause severe injuries, like traumatic brain injuries, amputations, and spinal cord damage. You could be owed significant compensation if the truck driver is at fault for the collision.
You are probably anxious to get the compensation you need and might be wondering how long it takes to settle an 18-wheeler accident case in Jacksonville, Florida.
Baggett Law Personal Injury Lawyers brings together the considerable talents of several reputable attorneys. Our Jacksonville truck accident attorneys have a combined seven decades of legal experience we can use to help you. We can assist you with your truck accident claim and explain how long the settlement process might take.
Contact our law firm today at (904) 396-1100 for a free consultation to learn more.
How Can a Jacksonville Truck Accident Lawyer Assist Me During the Settlement Process?
If you were injured in a truck accident in Jacksonville, FL, you will have a lot to worry about: missed time from work, serious injuries, and considerable pain and suffering. You can have tremendous peace of mind knowing that your truck accident claim is in the capable hands of a reputable personal injury law firm.
Our firm was established in 2012. Since then, we have recovered tens of millions of dollars in recovery for our clients.
Our Jacksonville personal injury lawyers will help with all aspects of your claim, including:
- Investigating the 18-wheeler accident
- Identifying all at-fault parties and sources of compensation
- Gathering evidence to establish fault and the full extent of your damages
- Compiling evidence regarding your losses and demanding compensation for them
- Working with leading experts, as necessary, to support your claim
- Handling communications and negotiations on your behalf
Let us explain more about how we can help when you contact us for a free case review.
Process of Filing a Truck Accident Claim in Jacksonville, FL
To understand how long it takes to settle an 18-wheeler accident case, you must first understand the different parts of your claim. Florida truck accident claims generally follow these steps:
Reporting the Truck Accident
Florida law requires you to report any motor vehicle accident that results in any of the following:
- Personal injury
- Death
- $500 of property damage
Reporting the crash will also help ensure that an independent report is made of the accident that you can use to support your claim.
Investigating the Accident
The trucking industry consists of many parties, any of whom may be at fault for the accident. Your truck accident lawyer in Jacksonville can investigate the collision to determine who may be responsible.
Potential defendants may include:
- The truck driver
- The owner of the truck
- The trucking company that hired the driver
- A third-party mechanic
- A third-party cargo company
Your lawyer can review the accident report and gather additional evidence to help support your claim.
Filing a Personal Injury Claim
Because Florida is a no-fault auto insurance state, you must file a claim with your PIP insurance provider regardless of fault. However, your losses might exceed your PIP policy limits, especially in a catastrophic truck collision.
Once you know who may be responsible for the accident, you can file a claim with their liability insurance provider. Florida law requires the insurance provider to acknowledge the claim within 14 days of when you file it. It must also provide you with the necessary forms to file your claim.
Your Jacksonville personal injury attorney can ensure that the necessary notice and paperwork are provided to the insurance company.
Acceptance or Denial of Your Claim
After the insurance company receives notice of your claim, it can begin its own investigation into the accident.
Depending on the circumstances and evidence provided, the insurance company might:
Request Additional Evidence
The insurance company may ask for additional evidence to establish your losses or liability.
Partially Deny the Claim
The insurance company could deny part of the claim.
Common excuses insurance companies use to deny claims include:
- Pre-existing injuries
- Lack of evidence
- The crash did not cause the injuries
- Insurance did not apply in the situation
- The victim received unnecessary medical treatment
Your Jacksonville attorney will evaluate the denial to determine whether it is valid and push back against unfair tactics.
Make a Lowball Settlement Offer
The insurance company may accept the claim but cause delays by making a lowball settlement offer. The insurance company wants to minimize the money it pays to claimants to protect its own profits and may do so by making a low settlement offer.
The plaintiff can reject this offer and make a counteroffer for more compensation. The resolution of the claim can be delayed while the parties negotiate.
Payment of the Truck Accident Claim
Once the parties agree to settle the claim, the insurance company has 20 days to pay. Once your lawyer receives this payment, they can deduct amounts for case expenses, medical liens, and their fee so they can give you the rest.
Contact a Jacksonville Truck Accident Attorney for Help Settling Your Claim
If you were injured in a truck accident, you will need compensation for your medical expenses and other bills. Contact Baggett Law Personal Injury Lawyers for assistance. Our truck accident lawyers in Jacksonville can help protect your rights while expediting the handling of your claim. Call us today for a free initial consultation.
