While representing yourself as you seek personal injury compensation may seem like a cost-cutting move, it might hurt you in the long run. If you’re not sure that you want a lawyer after a semi-truck crash, speaking to our attorneys about the problems you might face during the claim process will more than likely change your mind.
At Lopez & Humphries, PA, we want to make sure you have the help you need to get through your case. We know how difficult an 18-wheeler accident claim can be, but we’ll help you maximize your compensation.
Determining Fault Is Difficult
Fault may be one of the biggest obstacles to your case because identifying the correct at-fault party in semi-truck crashes is confusing. It makes sense that the person responsible for your accident would be the one responsible for your damages, right?
Unfortunately, this common misconception could keep you from the full compensation you deserve. While drivers are responsible in most car and motorcycle accidents, truck drivers are under different rules. They’re at work when they’re driving, after all, which means that their employer may be responsible for their actions.
Employer liability will likely be a major part of your semi-truck crash case, so it’s important to act now to protect your claim. It’s easy to miss out on the compensation you’re owed when you misidentify the at-fault party or try to take on a large corporation, but a lawyer can help you investigate and file a bulletproof claim against the right party.
You Could Lose Your Compensation
Even if you have the right at-fault party, you could still lose part or all your compensation. Some Florida laws may prevent you from getting the compensation you need—if you don’t have the legal guidance you need to fight back.
For instance, while it may seem like plenty of time, you’ll only have four years to file a claim for your injuries. Those four years can go fast, especially if you’re not aware of those limits and suffering from serious injuries. If you don’t file in time, it could mean losing your chance to recover any compensation at all.
Other laws may not completely bar you from recovery, but they can hurt your compensation. Comparative negligence makes it possible for the defendant to argue that you were partly at fault. If you don’t have a lawyer to prove you’re not at fault, you could lose a percentage of your compensation, which is a problem no matter how small that percentage is.
Our Lawyers Can Help You Fight
Getting fair compensation after a semi-truck crash is vital, so why not protect your chance for full compensation? At Lopez & Humphries, PA, we understand that hiring a lawyer may seem like a big undertaking, but we can help. Contact us, and we’ll start with a free consultation before you sign anything. We’ll explain how we can help and what difficulties you can expect—with no surprises.
When you’ve had a semi-truck crash, you want a lawyer on your side. For more information about what we can offer, give us a call at (863) 774-3573 or fill out the contact form below.