At Gonzalez & Cartwright, P.A., we know the aftermath of a truck accident can be life-altering. Victims often face severe physical injuries, overwhelming medical bills, lost income, and emotional trauma. Navigating the legal complexities of a truck accident claim alone can feel impossible, especially when dealing with large trucking companies and their aggressive insurance adjusters.
Our firm is dedicated to protecting the rights of truck accident victims across Florida. With extensive experience in truck accident claims, we have successfully represented individuals and families, ensuring they receive the justice and maximum compensation they deserve. This page provides detailed answers to frequently asked questions, so you can feel informed and confident as you move forward with your claim.
Why Choose Gonzalez & Cartwright, P.A.?
Choosing the right truck accident lawyer can make all the difference in your case. At Gonzalez & Cartwright, P.A., we bring unparalleled experience, dedication, and resources to every case we handle.
What Sets Us Apart?
Proven Results
Our firm has recovered millions of dollars in compensation for truck accident victims, helping them rebuild their lives.
Personalized Representation
Unlike larger firms, we treat every client as a priority. You’ll receive personal attention and a legal strategy tailored to your specific case.
Bilingual Team
We proudly serve both English and Spanish-speaking clients, ensuring clear communication throughout the legal process.
No Win, No Fee
We work on a contingency fee basis—meaning you don’t pay us unless we win your case.
Our Mission
We are committed to fighting for justice and holding negligent truck drivers, trucking companies, and insurers accountable. Your recovery is our top priority.
What Should I Do After a Truck Accident?
The moments immediately following a truck accident are critical for your safety, health, and future legal claim. Here’s what you need to do:
- Seek Medical Attention Immediately
Even if your injuries seem minor, it’s essential to see a doctor. Some injuries, like concussions or internal damage, may not be immediately visible. Your medical records will serve as key evidence in your claim. - Call Law Enforcement
Always report the accident to the police. The official accident report will document the details of the crash and can be invaluable for determining liability. - Gather Evidence at the Scene
If you are physically able, collect the following evidence:
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- Photos of the accident scene, including vehicle damage, skid marks, and road conditions.
- Contact information for the truck driver, witnesses, and the trucking company.
- Insurance details for all parties involved.
- Avoid Admitting Fault
Do not apologize or make statements that could be interpreted as an admission of guilt. Insurance companies may use these statements against you later.
Contact an Experienced Truck Accident Lawyer
Call Gonzalez & Cartwright, P.A. as soon as possible. Truck accident claims are complex, and our experienced attorneys will immediately begin protecting your rights, gathering evidence, and building a strong case.
Who Can Be Held Liable in a Truck Accident?
Truck accidents often involve multiple liable parties, which makes determining responsibility challenging. At Gonzalez & Cartwright, P.A., we identify all potentially responsible parties to maximize your compensation.
- The Truck Driver
The driver may be held liable if their negligence caused the crash. Common examples include:
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- Driving while fatigued or under the influence of drugs/alcohol
- Speeding or reckless driving
- Distracted driving (e.g., texting, eating, or using GPS)
- The Trucking Company
Trucking companies can be held liable if they:
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- Failed to train or supervise drivers properly
- Forced drivers to violate federal driving hour regulations
- Neglected vehicle maintenance
- Third-Party Contractors
Companies responsible for loading cargo may be liable if an overloaded or improperly secured load contributed to the crash. - Truck or Equipment Manufacturers
If defective truck parts (like faulty brakes or tires) caused the accident, the manufacturer could be held accountable under product liability laws.
What Compensation Can I Claim After a Truck Accident?
If you were injured in a truck accident, you may be entitled to recover compensation for both economic and non-economic damages, including:
Economic Damages
- Medical Bills: Emergency care, surgeries, physical therapy, and ongoing medical treatment.
- Lost Wages: Compensation for time missed at work due to your injuries.
- Future Lost Earning Capacity: If your injuries impact your ability to work long-term.
- Property Damage: Costs to repair or replace your vehicle and other personal property.
Non-Economic Damages
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life.
- Loss of Consortium: Compensation for how the injury affects your relationships with family members.
Wrongful Death Damages
If you lost a loved one in a fatal truck accident, surviving family members may recover compensation for:
- Funeral and burial costs
- Loss of financial support
- Loss of companionship
How Long Do I Have to File a Truck Accident Claim in Florida?
In Florida, the statute of limitations for truck accident claims is two years from the date of the accident. However, there are some important exceptions:
- Claims Involving Government Entities: These may have shorter deadlines and require specific notice requirements.
- Delayed Injuries: If injuries were not immediately apparent, the clock may start from the date they were discovered.
- Wrongful Death: Claims for fatal truck accidents must also adhere to strict deadlines.
To avoid missing important deadlines, contact Gonzalez & Cartwright, P.A. immediately after your accident. Acting quickly will give us the best opportunity to gather evidence and build a strong case.
How Much is My Truck Accident Case Worth?
The value of your truck accident case depends on several factors, such as the cost of your medical treatment, lost wages, property damage, and the overall severity of your injuries. If you suffered catastrophic injuries like brain trauma, spinal damage, or amputations, your case may warrant higher compensation. Pain and suffering, future medical care, and reduced earning potential also play a role in determining the value. Additionally, if you’re partially responsible for the accident, your compensation may be reduced based on your percentage of fault. An experienced attorney can assess these factors and give you an accurate estimate of your claim’s worth.
Can I Sue the Trucking Company for My Injuries?
Yes, you can sue the trucking company if their negligence contributed to the accident. For instance, the company could be held liable for inadequate driver training, poor hiring practices, or forcing drivers to work longer hours than legally permitted. Additionally, failure to maintain trucks properly, such as ignoring brake issues or tire problems, can make them responsible. In cases where the accident resulted from overloaded or poorly secured cargo, the company’s negligence may also come into play. Proving the trucking company’s role requires gathering evidence and connecting their actions to the cause of the accident, which a qualified attorney can help you achieve.
What Evidence Do I Need to Prove My Claim?
To build a strong case, you need to gather critical evidence that supports your claim. Police reports are vital as they provide official documentation of the accident. Witness statements can further strengthen your case by offering unbiased accounts of what occurred. Medical records serve as proof of your injuries and the treatment you received, which is key to demonstrating the extent of harm caused. Additionally, truck black box data can reveal important details such as speed and braking before the crash. Accident scene photos, driver logs, and truck maintenance records can also highlight violations, such as mechanical failures or driver fatigue. Working with a lawyer ensures that all this evidence is collected and preserved efficiently to build a compelling case.
Do I Need a Lawyer for My Truck Accident Claim?
Yes, hiring a lawyer is crucial for truck accident cases due to their complexity. These cases often involve large insurance companies and multiple parties who may be liable, including the truck driver, trucking company, or vehicle manufacturers. Trucking companies are backed by strong legal teams and insurers who aim to minimize payouts. An experienced attorney will conduct a thorough investigation, gather evidence like black box data and maintenance records, and negotiate aggressively on your behalf. They’ll also ensure that you meet all legal deadlines and fight for the maximum compensation to cover your medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering. Without legal representation, you risk accepting a settlement far below what you deserve.
Who Can Be Held Liable in a Truck Accident Case?
Liability in a truck accident case can extend beyond the truck driver. The trucking company may be responsible if they failed to maintain the truck, violated safety regulations, or hired unqualified drivers. In some cases, truck manufacturers may also be held accountable if a mechanical defect, such as brake failure or tire malfunction, contributed to the accident. Additionally, cargo-loading companies can be liable if the cargo was improperly loaded, causing instability. Determining liability requires a detailed investigation to uncover all parties involved. A lawyer can identify these parties, hold them accountable, and pursue compensation from all responsible sources.
What is the Time Limit to File a Truck Accident Claim?
The statute of limitations for filing a truck accident claim varies by state but typically ranges from two to three years. This means you must file your personal injury claim within that timeframe, or you could lose your right to pursue compensation. If the truck belonged to a government entity, the deadline could be much shorter—sometimes only a few months. Additionally, certain injuries may not become apparent until weeks or months after the accident, which can influence when the statute of limitations begins. To avoid missing critical deadlines, it’s essential to consult an attorney as soon as possible. Acting quickly ensures that all evidence is preserved and your case is filed on time.
Contact Gonzalez & Cartwright, P.A. Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, you don’t have to face this challenging time alone. The dedicated truck accident attorneys at Gonzalez & Cartwright, P.A. will stand by your side, protect your rights, and fight tirelessly to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
Contact us today for a free consultation.