Recently, a fatal crash occurred on the westbound lanes of Interstate 10 in Baker County, resulting in significant traffic congestion. According to First Coast News, a digital outlet covering news in Northern Florida, an unidentified man from Valdosta, Georgia, rear-ended another man's SUV while driving a semi-truck. While the SUV was disabled in the outside travel lane, its driver was standing outside the vehicle when he was struck by the semi-truck. The SUV and semi-truck eventually came to a stop on the north shoulder of I-10.
The driver of the SUV was rushed to a local hospital but was sadly pronounced dead. The Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) is currently working on identifying the deceased individual. The crash investigation is ongoing, and more information will be provided as it becomes available.
Can I Sue if a Semi-Truck Rear-Ends My Car in Florida?
Truck accidents are some of the most devastating accidents that can ever happen on the road. Being involved in a truck accident can leave you with serious injuries and damage to your car. If you have been in a truck accident where a semi-truck has rear-ended your car, you might be wondering if you can file an injury claim. The following are questions you need to answer to determine if you can file a truck accident injury claim if a semi-truck rear-ends your car in Florida:
- Who is at fault? The first thing you should determine is who is at fault for the accident. To establish fault, you need to prove that the driver of the semi-truck was negligent. This means that they breached the duty of care they owed you as another driver on the road. Typically, rear-end collisions are a clear indication of the driver behind being at fault. However, there are certain cases where the driver in front may also be found liable.
- How do you prove negligence? To prove negligence, you need to gather evidence that shows the truck driver was at fault. This may include eyewitness statements, accident reports, and other physical evidence like skid marks. You may also need to hire an accident reconstruction expert to help recreate the scene of the accident. It's important to gather as much evidence as possible to support your claim.
- What damages can you recover? If you can prove that the driver of the semi-truck was at fault for the accident, you may be entitled to damages. These may include compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage. To calculate the amount of compensation you are owed, you should speak with an experienced truck accident attorney in Florida.
- How do you file an injury claim? Once you have established that you have a valid claim, you need to file an injury claim with the insurance company. It's important to seek legal representation from a truck accident injury attorney who can help you navigate the complex process of filing a claim. Your attorney will help you gather evidence, communicate with the insurance company, and negotiate a fair settlement.
- What if the insurance company denies your claim? If the insurance company denies your claim or does not offer you a fair settlement, you may need to take legal action. Your attorney can file a lawsuit on your behalf and represent you in court. This may help you recover more compensation than you would have received through an insurance settlement.
As we’ve laid out above, if you have been involved in a truck accident where a semi-truck has rear-ended your car, you may be entitled to compensation. To ensure that you receive fair compensation for your injuries and damages, you should seek legal representation from an experienced truck accident injury attorney in Florida.
At Rash Mueller, our team of highly skilled truck accident attorneys is dedicated to providing exceptional legal representation. If you've been involved in a truck accident, we offer a free, no-obligation consultation at a time that works best for you.
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Call us at (954) 914-7116 or contact us online today to receive the expert legal support you rightfully deserve.