You will unlikely need to go to trial for a Fort Lauderdale truck collision. The parties settle the vast majority of truck accident claims out of court during insurance negotiations. In the rare situation that your case goes to trial, your Fort Lauderdale truck accident lawyer will represent you in front of the judge and jury and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Fort Lauderdale Commercial Truck Accident Trial Explanation?
Truck accidents can be more complicated to pursue than car accidents. However, Fort Lauderdale truck accident cases usually only go to trial if the liable party’s insurance company refuses to negotiate in good faith. The adjuster might push back, causing negotiations to break down or stall in these situations:
- You suffered catastrophic injuries that will leave you disabled or unable to work for the rest of your life
- Liability is unclear or disputed
- There are multiple liable parties
While your Fort Lauderdale personal injury attorney may file a lawsuit during the truck accident legal process and go through the steps of preparing for trial, they will still aim to settle the case before the trial actually occurs.
Moreover, you are not the only involved party who would prefer to avoid going to court—the insurance company would also like to prevent that outcome because it is expensive and time-consuming. Filing a lawsuit and threatening to go to court is often enough to convince the insurance adjuster to make a fair settlement offer.
What Happens if Your Case Does Go to a Truck Accident Trial?
If the insurance company refuses to offer a reasonable settlement during negotiations, your Fort Lauderdale commercial trucking accident attorney will not hesitate to take your case to trial and fight for the compensation you deserve. After filing a personal injury lawsuit, they will walk you through the following steps.
Discovery & Depositions
During this phase of the truck accident lawsuit process, both sides will gather evidence to support their case and exchange information related to the crash.
Witnesses, experts, and other involved parties will provide testimony about what happened to give both sides a clearer picture of what occurred. Settlement negotiations will continue throughout the discovery and deposition processes, and your case may settle at any point before trial.
Both parties can file pre-trial motions about excluding evidence or dismissing specific claims before going to court.
Trial Process in Presenting Evidence
If your case reaches this stage, both sides will present their evidence and arguments to a judge and jury (or, in some cases, just a judge). Witnesses will testify about what happened and the extent of your injuries.
After closing statements from both sides, the judge or jury will deliberate and reach a verdict. If they determine the trucking company (or another defendant) is liable for your damages, they will decide how much compensation you should receive.
What Damages Can You Secure After a Fort Lauderdale Truck Collision?
Your Fort Lauderdale semi-truck accident lawyer will aim to settle your case outside of court, but they will also not settle for less than you deserve. They will be prepared to go to court if necessary to obtain financial compensation for all your damages.
Economic Damages for a Commercial Trucking Accident
Your financial losses after a commercial truck accident could include:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages, salaries, and bonuses
- Property damage, including repairing or replacing your car
- Services you require assistance with because of your injuries, such as childcare, yardwork, cleaning, or transportation
- Home modifications to accommodate a disability, such as wheelchair ramps, shower seats, and wider doorways
Noneconomic Damages
Your intangible losses will likely form a substantial portion of your total compensation. They may include:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Mental anguish
- Diminished quality of life
- Lost enjoyment of life
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Wrongful Death Damages
Did your loved one pass away after suffering severe injuries in an accident with an 18-wheeler? A Fort Lauderdale wrongful death attorney can lead your pursuit of justice and fair compensation. Your family might qualify for the following wrongful death damages:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Lost income
- The decedent’s final medical bills
- Loss of inheritance
- Loss of companionship and guidance
Let Our Fort Lauderdale Truck Accident Lawyers Help With Your Claim
The American Bar Association confirms that only a small percentage of personal injury claims go to court, including those involving truck collisions in Fort Lauderdale. If you hire a Fort Lauderdale truck accident attorney from the Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato, we will do all we can to avoid a trial, but we are not afraid to fight for your rights in court if necessary.
Please contact our legal team as soon as possible to start on your case, as Florida Statutes § 95.11 places a strict time limit on your personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit. We offer free, no-obligation consultations for truck accident victims. Call us now at 954-522-5800 for a free consultation.
