Steps for Truck Drivers to Take During an Accident Lawsuit
Whether it's local delivery truck drivers or long-haul semi-truck drivers, operating a large truck is dangerous and may lead to accidents through no fault of a driver’s own. Therefore, all truck drivers need to know what to do if you're sued following a truck driving accident while you're on the clock. It may be worthwhile to speak with a truck accident lawyer to help with your case.
At Chanfrau & Chanfrau, we may be able to help you if you are a truck driver being sued after an accident in Daytona or Palm Coast, FL. We can work with you to review all of your legal options.
Be Mindful of Any Statements You Make to the Other Driver or Insurance Companies
It's common after a truck accident for the driver of the other vehicle, their insurance company, or the motor carrier and their insurance company to try to limit liability. Insurance companies may try to get you to make a statement on the record to reduce their liability. After the accident, be careful not to give any recorded statements.
Additionally, it's essential to choose all of your words carefully when discussing the accident. You may inadvertently make a statement that gives the other driver or the insurance companies involved leverage to claim you were responsible for the cause of the accident.
You May Benefit by Hiring a Lawyer Immediately
Working with a lawyer can be highly beneficial to truck drivers defending against liability for an accident. Your truck accident lawyer can help with:
- Handling all communication with the other driver and the insurance companies, so you don't have to worry about saying the wrong thing
- Gathering all the police, insurance company, and motor carrier inspector reports to look for evidence that proves someone else caused the crash
- Disputing the implication of liability and working through any process the insurance company may have for disputing fault
- Building evidence to show that you were not responsible for causing the crash
- Filing a counterclaim lawsuit to officially document your allegations of the events surrounding the crash and request damages for any injuries you may have
You May Be Eligible to Countersue if You Have Injuries
If you are a truck driver injured in an accident where you are not at fault, and you are being sued for compensation from the other driver, you may be eligible to file a counterclaim under Florida law. Depending on the specific facts of your accident and your injuries, the other driver or even your employer may be responsible for providing compensation for your injuries.
You may be able to seek a wide range of damages to cover your injuries and simultaneously defend from the claim against you. You will need to gather evidence of the injuries related to the accident, along with the evidence you will need for your liability defense. It's essential for you to get the compensation you deserve to help you recover from your injuries and get back out on the road.
Contact Chanfrau & Chanfrau to Discuss Your Options
Truck drivers are essential to both the economy and the everyday lives of Florida residents. It's imperative that they have ample rights to defend against an accident claim if they were not at fault for the crash. If you are a truck driver in need of legal assistance, call our Daytona Beach office at (386) 258-7313 or contact us today to learn more about how we may be able to help you.