NEW SMYRNA BEACH TRUCK ACCIDENT ATTORNEY

We Fight for Justice for Truck Accident Victims in New Smyrna Beach

At My Affordable Attorney, our New Smyrna Beach truck accident lawyers have the experience you can rely on. We are committed to providing cost-effective legal representation to injured victims. That means fighting to hold truck companies accountable and put more money in your pocket. If you or your loved one was involved in a crash, we can help. Contact us today for a free consultation with a top New Smyrna Beach tractor-trailer accident attorney.

New Smyrna Beach sees significant commercial truck traffic on major roads including Highway 1, U.S. 44, and Orange Street, where large trucks share the road with passenger vehicles every day. When truck accident victims are hurt in these crashes, the injuries are often severe, and the legal process is far more complex than typical car accidents. Our law firm is here to provide the legal representation you need to pursue maximum compensation and hold every at-fault party legally responsible.

What to Know About Truck Accident Liability in Florida

Florida’s truck accident cases begin in the no-fault system, but they do not end there. An injured victim must first seek limited medical and wage benefits through Personal Injury Protection coverage, regardless of fault. To pursue a negligence claim against a truck driver or trucking company for pain and suffering, the injured victim must prove a statutory serious injury. Once that threshold is met, liability turns on fault, just like any other negligence case.

Florida has a two-year statute of limitations for truck accident claims, which means you must file your personal injury lawsuit within two years of the accident date. Missing legal deadlines can invalidate your compensation claim entirely, so it is important to contact a New Smyrna Beach truck accident attorney as soon as possible after the crash.

Truck accident cases often involve multiple liable parties, including the truck driver, the trucking company, the cargo loader, and even the manufacturer of defective truck parts. Trucking companies can be held liable under the legal doctrine of respondeat superior, which holds employers responsible for the negligent acts of their employees while on the job. Our legal team investigates every angle of the accident to identify all parties involved and pursue full compensation from every responsible source.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents in New Smyrna Beach

Many truck accidents in and around New Smyrna Beach, Daytona Beach, and Volusia County result from driver negligence or violations of federal safety regulations. Truck drivers must adhere to federal safety regulations, including hours-of-service rules that limit how long they can drive without rest. When a trucking company pushes drivers past legal limits or fails to enforce safety rules, they can be held responsible for accidents that result.

Common causes of truck accidents include:

• Driver fatigue from exceeding hours-of-service limits
• Distracted driving, including phone use while operating commercial trucks
• Speeding and driving above the posted speed limit
• Improper loading that shifts cargo and causes rollover accidents
• Poor vehicle maintenance, including brake failures
• Alcohol or drug use behind the wheel
• Failure to yield to smaller passenger vehicles

Negligence can also involve improper loading and maintenance failures, and key evidence includes driver logs, onboard electronic data, and maintenance records. Prompt action is necessary to preserve this evidence in truck accident cases, because trucking companies are not legally required to retain records indefinitely. Our accident lawyer team acts quickly to gather evidence and send preservation letters to prevent critical information from being lost.

Serious Injuries from Truck Accidents

Large trucks can weigh up to 80,000 pounds when fully loaded, making collisions with smaller motor vehicles devastating. The force involved in these crashes causes serious injuries that often require immediate medical attention and long-term treatment. Common injuries from commercial vehicle accidents include:

• Severe head trauma and traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord damage that can lead to lasting disability
• Internal organ injuries that require emergency surgery
• Fractures and broken bones
• Nerve damage that causes chronic pain
• Emotional distress and post-traumatic stress disorder
• Burns and lacerations

Victims may experience chronic pain from nerve damage in truck accidents that does not resolve even after physical therapy and other medical treatment. These long-term consequences must be factored into every truck accident claim. Our New Smyrna Beach truck accident attorneys document the full extent of your injuries, including future medical expenses and lost wages, to pursue the maximum compensation available.

How Insurance Companies Handle Truck Accident Claims

Insurance company adjusters are trained to minimize payouts after accidents, and they often make low initial settlement offers quickly after a crash. Commercial vehicle cases often involve larger insurance policies than typical car accidents, which means insurers have more at stake and will work hard to protect their bottom line. Do not accept any settlement offer before speaking with a truck accident attorney who understands the true value of your claim.

Insurance companies often offer lowball settlements after accidents, hoping that injured parties will accept before they understand the full extent of their losses. Medical bills, lost wages, property damage, emotional distress, and future medical treatment all need to be considered before agreeing to anything. Our accident lawyers handle all communication with insurance adjusters so you are protected from pressure tactics and premature settlements.

Personal injury protection coverage provides initial medical and wage benefits regardless of fault, but it does not cover pain and suffering or the full extent of your losses in a serious truck accident. When injuries cross Florida’s serious injury threshold, victims can seek compensation beyond PIP limits through a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault party. Our legal team explains exactly how this process works for accident victims in New Smyrna Beach so you know what to expect at every stage.

What to Do After a Truck Accident in New Smyrna Beach

Taking the right steps after a truck accident can make a major difference in the outcome of your claim. Here is what to do:

1. Seek medical attention immediately, even if you feel okay. Internal organ injuries and traumatic brain injuries may not show symptoms right away.
2. Call 911 and make sure law enforcement documents the accident at the accident scene.
3. Gather evidence if you are physically able, including photos of the vehicles, road conditions, and visible injuries.
4. Collect witness statements from anyone who saw the crash.
5. Do not speak with the trucking company or their insurance company without first consulting an attorney.
6. Contact a New Smyrna Beach truck accident attorney right away to preserve necessary evidence and protect your legal rights.

Evidence-gathering is important for a successful claim, and our attorneys act quickly to secure driver logs, black box data, and surveillance footage before it can be deleted or lost. Local knowledge of Volusia County courts and how they handle truck accident cases allows our team to work efficiently on your behalf. The sooner you reach out to our law firm, the more we can do to build a strong case for you.

We Fight for the Maximum Compensation for Truck Accident Victims

Hurt in a truck accident in New Smyrna Beach or elsewhere in Volusia County? You have the right to seek compensation for the full extent of your injuries, including non-economic damages. Along with other losses, you may be able to recover compensation for: 

• Vehicle repairs; 
• Ambulance costs; 
• Emergency room care; 
• Hospital bills; 
• Health care costs; 
• Loss of wages; 
• Diminished earnings; 
• Pain and suffering; 
• Long-term disability; and
• Wrongful death. 

Additional compensation may also be available in cases involving especially reckless conduct, such as a truck driver who was knowingly fatigued or under the influence. Negotiating settlements requires a thorough understanding of your claim’s full value, including future losses that have not yet occurred. Our New Smyrna Beach truck accident attorneys present a complete picture of your damages so that the at-fault party and their insurer cannot undervalue what you have suffered.

Why Choose Our New Smyrna Beach Truck Accident Attorneys

Not all personal injury attorneys are equipped to handle truck accident cases. These cases require knowledge of federal trucking regulations, hours-of-service rules, maintenance requirements, and how to take on large commercial insurance companies. Good communication ensures you receive regular updates on your case, and our team keeps clients informed at every step.

Trial readiness is important for attorneys handling truck accident cases. Insurance companies are far more likely to offer fair compensation when they know your attorney is prepared to take the case to court if necessary. Our truck accident claims team has a proven track record in substantial settlements, and we are ready to fight for you all the way to verdict if that is what it takes.

A proven track record in achieving fair compensation for truck accident victims in New Smyrna Beach, Daytona Beach, and across Volusia County sets our law firm apart. We bring the investigative resources, legal knowledge, and determination that accident victims need to hold negligent truck drivers and trucking companies accountable. Contact us today for your free consultation and take the first step toward protecting your legal rights and your financial recovery.

Frequently Asked Questions About Truck Accidents in New Smyrna Beach

How long do I have to file a truck accident lawsuit in Florida?

Florida has a two-year statute of limitations for most personal injury lawsuits, including truck accident claims. This deadline runs from the date of the accident, and missing it can permanently bar you from recovering compensation. Contacting a New Smyrna Beach truck accident attorney right away after a crash ensures you do not lose your right to seek compensation.

What if the trucking company says the accident was my fault?

Florida follows a comparative negligence system, which means that even if you were partially at fault, you may still be able to recover compensation. Your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault, so if you were 20% at fault, your compensation is reduced by 20%. Insurance adjusters often try to shift blame onto the injured party to minimize payouts, and having legal representation from the start prevents you from accepting more responsibility than is fair.

What kind of evidence is important in a truck accident case?

Key evidence in truck accident cases includes driver logs, onboard electronic data, maintenance records, black box information, witness statements, photos from the accident scene, and the Florida Department of Transportation records when applicable. This evidence establishes what the truck driver and trucking company did wrong and connects that negligence to your injuries. Our legal team acts fast to gather and preserve this necessary evidence before it is lost or destroyed.

Can I sue the trucking company directly after a truck accident?

Yes. Trucking companies can be held liable under the legal doctrine of respondeat superior when their truck driver causes an accident while performing job duties. Trucking companies can also be held directly responsible for negligent hiring, inadequate training, or failing to maintain their commercial trucks. In many truck accident cases, the trucking company and its insurer are the primary parties that carry the financial resources to fully compensate injured victims.

Your Fight is Priced Right With Our New Smyrna Beach Truck Accident Lawyers

My Affordable Attorney is a boutique personal injury law firm committed to providing top-tier legal representation to truck accident victims in New Smyrna Beach. With us, your fight is priced right. Our 25 percent contingency fee is significantly lower than that of other law firms.

Our New Smyrna Beach truck accident attorney team serves auto accident victims in Volusia County, Daytona Beach, and throughout the surrounding region. We handle every aspect of your truck accident claim so you can focus on your recovery. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation and find out what our experienced accident lawyers can do to help you recover the maximum compensation you deserve. Call us at (866) 4-ONLY 25.