Being involved in an accident with a commercial truck is one of the most terrifying experiences anyone can face. The sheer size and weight of these vehicles mean that even minor collisions can result in life-changing injuries.
Frankl Kominsky Injury Lawyers Gainesville truck accident attorneys understand the devastating impact these crashes have on victims and their families.
We know how to take on big trucking companies and their insurance teams to get you the compensation you need for your recovery.
Why Choose Frankl Kominsky Injury Lawyers?
Truck accident cases are among the most complex personal injury cases because they involve federal regulations, multiple potentially responsible parties, and companies with unlimited resources to fight your claim. At Frankl Kominsky Injury Lawyers, we have the experience and resources needed to take on these challenging cases and win.
Specialized Knowledge of Trucking Regulations
Commercial trucks must follow strict federal and state safety regulations that don't apply to regular cars. Our truck accident lawyers understand these complex rules, including hours-of-service requirements, weight limits, maintenance standards, and driver qualification rules. When trucking companies or drivers violate these regulations and cause accidents, we know how to use these violations to prove negligence and hold them accountable.
Experience Fighting Big Trucking Companies
Large trucking companies have teams of lawyers and investigators who start working immediately after an accident to protect their interests. They might try to destroy evidence, pressure witnesses, or shift blame to the victim.
Our Gainesville truck accident lawyers level the playing field by conducting our own immediate investigation and fighting back against these tactics with the same level of resources and determination.
Track Record of Results in Serious Injury Cases
Our attorneys have successfully handled cases involving traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, amputations, and other serious conditions. We understand how to calculate the true cost of these injuries, including future medical needs and lost earning capacity.
Personal Attention During Difficult Times
We understand that truck accident injuries can completely change your life and affect your entire family. That's why we provide personalized attention to every client, taking the time to understand not just your medical needs but also how the accident has affected your relationships, your ability to enjoy activities you love, and your overall quality of life.
No Fees Unless We Win
Truck accident cases can take time to resolve, especially when dealing with large companies that have the resources to drag out litigation. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you don't pay us anything unless we get you compensation. This allows you to get quality legal representation without worrying about legal fees while you're focusing on your recovery.
Truck Accident Compensation in Gainesville
Truck accidents often result in more severe injuries and higher damages than regular car accidents because of the massive size and weight of commercial vehicles.
Medical expenses in truck accident cases can be enormous, especially when victims suffer traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, or other catastrophic conditions. This includes not just your current medical bills but also the cost of future medical care you'll need throughout your life. We work with medical experts and life care planners to calculate these future costs and make sure they're included in your claim.
Lost income becomes particularly important in truck accident cases because injuries are often severe enough to keep victims out of work for extended periods or permanently affect their ability to earn a living. If your injuries prevent you from returning to your previous job or limit your earning capacity, we fight for compensation that reflects these long-term financial losses.
Pain and suffering compensation in truck accident cases accounts for the physical pain, emotional trauma, and reduced quality of life that often come with serious injuries. The psychological impact of being involved in a crash with a massive truck can be significant, and we make sure this aspect of your damages is properly valued.
In cases involving particularly reckless behavior by truck drivers or companies, punitive damages might be available. These damages are designed to punish especially dangerous conduct and discourage similar behavior in the future.
Our experienced truck accident lawyers know how to evaluate these complex cases and fight for maximum compensation.
Where Do Truck Accidents Occur in Gainesville?
Gainesville's location at the intersection of major highways makes it a common area for truck accidents.
I-75 sees the highest number of serious truck accidents in the Gainesville area. The interchanges where I-75 meets local roads like University Avenue, Archer Road, and Newberry Road are particularly dangerous spots for truck accident.
These areas require trucks to slow down, change lanes, and navigate around passenger vehicles, creating opportunities for crashes. Merging accidents at these interchanges can be especially severe when trucks can't stop in time or misjudge the space available.
Archer Road, particularly the stretch that connects to I-75 and runs past the University of Florida, sees frequent truck traffic making deliveries to businesses and the university. The mix of student drivers, local residents, and commercial trucks creates challenging driving conditions that can lead to accidents.
Fighting Trucking Companies and Their Insurance Teams
One of the biggest challenges in truck accident cases is dealing with large trucking companies and their insurance carriers. These companies have significant resources and experienced legal teams whose job is to minimize what they pay out in claims.
Trucking companies often send investigators to accident scenes within hours of a crash. They go there to gather evidence that supports the company's defense and to look for ways to blame the victim. They might interview witnesses while emotions are high or take photos that don't show the full picture of what happened.
Insurance companies for trucking companies also move quickly to contact accident victims, often while they're still in the hospital. They might offer what seems like a large settlement, but these early offers rarely reflect the true cost of serious truck accident injuries. Once you accept a settlement, you can't go back and ask for more money, even if your injuries turn out to be worse than expected.
Another common tactic is to argue that the truck driver was an independent contractor rather than an employee, trying to shift responsibility away from the trucking company. Federal regulations and employment laws determine when companies can be held responsible for their drivers' actions, and we know how to investigate these relationships and hold the right parties accountable.
Frankl Kominsky Injury Lawyers don't let trucking companies and their insurers take advantage of accident victims. We conduct our own immediate investigation, preserve crucial evidence before it can be destroyed, and fight back against tactics designed to minimize your compensation.
What to Do After a Truck Accident in Gainesville
The actions you take after a truck accident can significantly impact your ability to recover fair compensation. While every situation is different, following these steps can help protect your health and strengthen your legal case
- Get Medical Attention Right Away: Truck accidents often cause serious injuries that require immediate medical attention. Even if you think you're okay, get checked out by medical professionals. Having medical records that document your condition immediately after the accident is also crucial for your legal case.
- Follow All Medical Treatment Recommendations: Given the serious nature of truck accident injuries, following your medical treatment plan is especially important. Remember, trucking company lawyers will look for any gaps in your treatment to argue that your injuries aren't as serious as you claim.
- Preserve Evidence from the Scene: If you're able to do so safely, take photos of the truck accident scene, including the positions of all vehicles, skid marks, road conditions, and any visible damage. Get contact information for witnesses who saw what happened. Don't move your vehicle unless directed by police, as the positions of the vehicles can provide important evidence about how the accident occurred.
- Report the Accident Properly: Make sure the police respond to the scene and file an accident report. Get a copy of the police report once it becomes available, as it will contain important information about the officer's findings regarding fault.
- Don't Discuss Fault or Give Detailed Statements: While you should cooperate with police, avoid discussing who was at fault for the accident or giving detailed statements to the trucking company's insurance representatives. It's better to let your truck accident attorney handle these communications.
- Document Your Injuries and Recovery: Keep detailed records of all your medical treatment, including bills, prescriptions, and notes from your doctors. Take photos of your injuries as they heal, and keep a journal about your pain levels, limitations, and how the accident has affected your daily life. This documentation will be valuable evidence in your case.
- Contact Frankl Kominsky Injury Lawyers Immediately: Time is critical in truck accident cases because evidence can disappear quickly, and trucking companies start building their defense right away. In Florida, you have two years to file a truck accident lawsuit, but waiting can seriously hurt your case. The sooner you contact our truck accident attorneys, the better we can protect your rights and preserve crucial evidence.
- Avoid Social Media: Don't post about your accident or injuries on social media platforms. A photo of you at a family gathering might be taken out of context to suggest you're not as seriously injured as you claim.
How Our Gainesville Truck Accident Lawyers Can Help
Truck accident cases require specialized knowledge and resources that go far beyond what's needed for regular car accident cases. At Frankl Kominsky Injury Lawyers, our truck accident attorneys provide comprehensive legal representation designed to get you maximum compensation.
We begin working on your case immediately, conducting our own investigation of the accident scene and gathering evidence before it can be lost or destroyed. This includes obtaining the truck's electronic logging device data, reviewing the driver's hours-of-service records, examining the truck's maintenance history, and interviewing witnesses while their memories are fresh.
We also work with accident reconstruction experts who specialize in commercial vehicle crashes to determine exactly what happened and who was at fault. These experts can analyze skid marks, vehicle damage, electronic data, and other evidence to create a clear picture of how the accident occurred and why the trucking company or driver should be held responsible.
Our truck accident lawyers work with medical experts, life care planners, economists, and other professionals to calculate the full cost of your injuries, including future medical needs, lost earning capacity, and the impact on your quality of life.
We negotiate aggressively with these insurers, presenting compelling evidence and strong legal arguments to secure fair settlements for our clients.
Our trial experience and reputation for thorough preparation often motivate insurance companies to make better settlement offers because they know we're not afraid to fight in court.
We provide ongoing support and guidance throughout your case, explaining what's happening at each stage and answering your questions. We're always available when you need us, providing the personal attention you deserve during this challenging time.
Working with our truck accident attorneys in Gainesville means you have experienced advocates who understand the complexities of these cases and are fighting for your rights while you focus on getting better. We handle all the legal details so you can concentrate on your recovery and rebuilding your life.
Call Our Gainesville Truck Accident Lawyers Today
If you've been hurt in a truck accident in Gainesville, don't wait to take legal action. Trucking companies and their insurance carriers start working immediately to build their defense, and you need attorneys who will fight just as hard for you. At Frankl Kominsky Injury Lawyers, we're ready to start investigating your case and protecting your rights right away.
We offer free consultations to truck accident victims throughout Gainesville and Alachua County. During this consultation, we'll review the details of your accident, explain your legal options, and give you an honest assessment of your case. There's no obligation and no upfront cost to you – we only get paid if we win your case.
Let us handle the legal fight while you focus on your recovery. Call Frankl Kominsky Injury Lawyers today at (561) 800-8000 or online to schedule your free consultation with an experienced Gainesville truck accident lawyer.