Florida Injury Lawyer Blog
At Flaxman Law Group, our legal team often hears from people who have been seriously injured in a truck accident. Unfortunately, sometimes plaintiffs contact us after they’ve already made crucial mistakes that could hurt their claim. In many cases, plaintiffs make mistakes because they believe certain misconceptions about truck accidents. Do you have the following mistaken beliefs?:
Myth: Car accidents and truck accidents are the same.
Facts: if you’re in a car accident in Homestead or anywhere in South Florida, you usually have to go through your car insurance company to file a claim. In many cases, the process can be relatively easy. Truck accidents, however, are not the same. There are many notable differences:
- There are more parties involved (including the trucking company, the driver, the truck manufacturer, and other parties)
- The injuries caused by truck accidents are more likely to be serious, meaning you may need more compensation
- Since there are so many parties involved, it is more likely that there is more than one responsible party
- You are may be blamed for causing a truck accident because truck drivers have extensive training
- The insurance trucks carry is very different than the insurance most passenger cars carry – the limits are greater and the insurance companies are more willing to aggressively defend these cases
For all of these reasons, it’s important to consult with a truck accident attorney in Homestead or your community. An attorney can help you see which steps you need to take to protect yourself legally and financially.
Myth: I can do this myself.
Fact: You’re certainly not legally obligated to work with an attorney for your truck accident claim. However, trying to deal with a powerful insurance company by yourself if you don’t have extensive training in the insurance industry can be daunting. There are many forms to fill out and it may be difficult for the average person to evaluate how much injuries or damages can cost. If you’re offered $10,000 for your injuries, is this a fair offer or one that will leave you struggling financially to pay for medical bills down the line?
A truck accident attorney who has handled hundreds or thousands of personal injury cases understands how much your injuries are likely to cost over a lifetime. He or she can help you understand what amount you should be fighting for and what amount an insurance company may be willing to pay. An attorney can also negotiate for you with the insurer, working to increase the chances you will get fair compensation for your damages.
Myth: The only thing that matters is the information I submit to my insurance carrier.
Fact: Many seemingly minor things can affect your truck accident claim. For example, if you post pictures of yourself on social media, this may be used against you if the pictures make it appear you’re not seriously injured. Similarly, returning to work too early, skipping doctors’ appointments, failing to file a claim quickly, and other seemingly minor actions on your part can negatively impact your claim. A personal injury attorney can review your situation and to help you understand the steps you need to take to build the strongest claim possible.
If you’d like to speak to a truck accident attorney today, contact Flaxman Law Group for a free accident consultation. From our offices in Homestead, Hollywood, and Miami, the legal team at Flaxman Law Group has been proud to serve the southern Florida community over the years.