Were you injured in an accident involving a commercial vehicle in Port St. Lucie, Florida? Are you confused about your legal rights? If so, Kibbey Wagner Injury & Car Accident Lawyers can help you understand your legal options for pursuing fair compensation.
In Port St. Lucie, FL, damages recovered in your case could cover your medical bills, emotional distress, vehicle damage, and more. Contact us today at (772) 247-3374 for a free, no-obligation consultation with our Port St. Lucie commercial vehicle accident lawyers.
Why Choose Kibbey Wagner Injury & Car Accident Lawyers for Help with Your Commercial Vehicle Accident Case in Port St. Lucie, FL?
A Port St. Lucie personal injury attorney can pursue compensation on your behalf while you focus on your recovery. A commercial vehicle accident attorney from Kibbey Wagner Injury & Car Accident Lawyers stands out from others in the area.
Clients hire our Port St. Lucie personal injury lawyers because we:
- Have been in business for over a decade
- Recovered over $500 million for our clients since 2014
- Have over 80 years of combined legal experience
- Have a partner who is board-certified in civil trial law, which demonstrates an exceptional level of skill and experience in a particular area of law
- Have a former insurance defense lawyer on our team, which helps provide unique insight into how insurance companies handle such claims
- Are members in The National Trial Lawyers Top 100
- Are listed as Florida Super Lawyers and Rising Stars
- Were named a Top 40 Lawyer Under the Age of 40 in Florida
- Have been recognized by the Florida Bar as an expert in civil personal injury law
- Have received a Superb rating on Avvo, demonstrating our commitment to client service
You can learn more about how our Port St. Lucie commercial vehicle accident attorney can help you with the personal injury claim process when you call for a free case review.
What Is a Commercial Vehicle?
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) defines a commercial vehicle as any motor vehicle used on a highway in interstate commerce to transport property or passengers and:
- Has a gross vehicle weight rating of 10,001 pounds or more,
- Is single or a combination of vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating of 26,001 pounds or more,
- Is designed or used to transport more than eight passengers for compensation or fifteen or more passengers without compensation, or
- Is a vehicle of any size transporting hazardous materials that require federal placarding
Absent the FMCSA’s definition, a commercial vehicle is generally any vehicle used for business purposes, such as transporting goods or passengers for money. This could include vans, buses, trucks, or other motor vehicles like semi trucks.
Common Causes of Commercial Vehicle Accidents
Due to the monetary incentives associated with commercial transport, some of the leading causes of commercial vehicle accidents include:
- Speeding to get more deliveries to their destinations in less time
- Fatigued driving, as drivers are often expected to meet unrealistic deadlines
- Deferred vehicle maintenance
- Unsafe hiring practices in which trucking companies hire drivers without adequate experience, training, or endorsements
- Loading errors caused by rushing the process
An experienced attorney can help investigate the accident to determine how it happened and who was responsible.
What Damages Can I Recover as Part of a Commercial Vehicle Claim?
Accident victims can seek compensation for their economic and non-economic damages, which may include:
- Medical bills, ongoing medical treatment, and future medical expenses
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Household replacement services
- Property repair bills
- Permanent disabilities and impairments
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Our dedicated legal team can help identify all the damages you can include as part of your personal injury claim.
What Is My Accident Case Worth?
The value of your commercial vehicle accident case will depend on factors specific to your case, such as:
- The nature and severity of your injuries
- Whether any of your injuries resulted in permanent disabilities or impairments
- How the injury has impacted your ability to work
- The cost, duration, and intensity of medical treatment
- The extent of your pain and suffering
- How your injuries affect your daily life
- Who is responsible for your injuries and their insurance coverage
Our experienced legal team can investigate your case and give you a better idea about the potential value of your claim.
How Is My Case Value Affected if I Contributed to the Accident?
Florida uses a modified comparative fault system. Under this system, you can typically still recover compensation if you contributed to an accident, but your compensation is reduced by your degree of fault. If your degree of fault is more than 50%, you likely cannot recover any compensation.
What Is the Deadline to File a Personal Injury Lawsuit in Florida?
Florida generally has a two-year statute of limitations for most personal injury cases. If you don’t file a lawsuit within this timeframe, you can forfeit your right to recover compensation through the civil courts.
Two years can fly by, which makes consulting a lawyer as soon as possible after your accident crucial.
Contact Our Port St. Lucie Commercial Vehicle Accident Lawyers for a Free Consultation
If you were injured in a truck accident or an accident involving another type of commercial vehicle, Kibbey Wagner Injury & Car Accident Lawyers can help. Our Port St. Lucie commercial vehicle accident lawyers can review your legal options during a free, no-obligation consultation. Contact us today to get started.
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