Lakeland Truck Accident Lawyer

A Lakeland truck accident can have dire consequences for all involved. If you suffer an injury in a truck accident in Lakeland, you need to get medical treatment so you can fully recover. Yet, the costs of these treatments can add up quickly. 

At Gatti, Keltner, Bienvenu & Montesi, PLC, we offer legal help to Lakeland truck accident victims. Get in contact with a Lakeland personal injury lawyer. We can help get the compensation that you can use to cover the costs of your medical bills and other expenses relating to your truck accident.

What to Do Following a Truck Accident in Lakeland

If you are involved in a truck accident in Lakeland, try to stay calm. At this point, here are things you can do to take care of yourself and others at the accident scene. 

Pull Off to the Side of the Road

Find a safe space away from traffic. This allows you to avoid other cars and trucks on the road. You can then seek help as you try to minimize further damage. 

Call 9-1-1

Give the 9-1-1 operator your name, phone number, and as much information as you can about your truck accident. From here, medical personnel and police officers will travel to your accident scene. 

Take Photos

Use your smartphone to capture photos of any injuries you incurred and any property damage. You can also take photos of the truck’s license plate, the truck driver’s license, and other relevant information. The accident scene photos you collect may serve as evidence if you file a personal injury lawsuit that leads to a trial. 

Get the Medical Care You Need

Go to the emergency room or visit a doctor. This allows you to undergo a medical evaluation and receive treatment for any truck accident injuries. Follow any instructions provided by medical providers, as this can help you make a complete recovery. 

It helps to contact an attorney in the days after your truck accident. Find a Lakeland truck accident attorney that has received positive feedback from its clients. This attorney is well-equipped to handle your case and advocate for your best interests. 

How to Identify the At-Fault Party in a Lakeland Truck Accident

You may believe a truck driver is the sole party responsible for your Lakeland truck accident. However, there can be times when the driver’s employer can also be held accountable. To figure out what parties to sue following a truck accident in Lakeland, it pays to partner with an attorney. 

A truck accident attorney in Lakeland examines all aspects of your case. The attorney asks you questions and reviews the accident report and any other pertinent information. This helps the lawyer identify if one or more parties are responsible. 

Once you identify any at-fault parties, you can file a personal injury lawsuit against them. You must submit your request for compensatory damages within one year of your truck accident. Otherwise, you cannot pursue damages, per Tennessee’s statute of limitations. 

What to Request in Damages in a Lakeland Truck Accident Lawsuit

You can ask for economic and non-economic damages in your truck accident lawsuit. Economic damages are compensation for lost wages, medical bills, and other quantifiable expenses. Non-economic damages can be awarded for pain, suffering, and other subjective losses. 

A truck accident lawyer in Lakeland can teach you about the different types of damages. The lawyer encourages the client to seek the most damages possible. If a case is successful, this ensures the client gets enough money to cover their accident-related expenses now and in the future. 

Prior to filing your truck accident lawsuit, your attorney will help you calculate your damages to date. Also, your lawyer will account for any future expenses that may come up due to your accident. Then, you and your attorney can decide how much to request in damages and file your lawsuit accordingly. 

How You Can Settle Your Lakeland Truck Accident Lawsuit Before Your Trial Date

If a defendant finds you have a strong case, this individual may propose a settlement. In this scenario, the defendant gives a settlement offer to your attorney. Next, your attorney shares the proposal with you, and you must decide how to proceed with it. 

When you get a settlement offer, take as much time as you need to evaluate it. Your lawyer can lay out all potential outcomes relating to an offer. This can help you see what can happen if you approve, decline, or counter a settlement proposal. 

Ultimately, you should not accept a settlement proposal unless it meets your expectations. Any offer that falls short of what you want can be rejected without penalty. If you decline a settlement, you and your attorney keep exploring ways to strengthen your case. 

How a Judge or Jury Makes a Decision in Your Lakeland Truck Accident Lawsuit

If your Lakeland truck accident case makes it to trial, a judge or jury has the final say on whether you are awarded damages. At this time, your attorney and the defendant will argue on their respective client’s behalf. Your lawyer presents evidence and witness testimony to support your claim, and the defendant’s attorney does the same for their client. 

A judge or jury considers all of the information provided by the plaintiff and defendant. The judge or jury accounts for the best interests of the parties involved in the case. A decision is then made about whether full or partial damages or no compensation will be awarded. 

In the best-case scenario, a judge or jury agrees with your attorney, and you receive full damages. If a judge or jury finds you are partly responsible for your truck accident, it may award a portion of the damages you initially requested. In the worst-case scenario, a judge or jury finds the defendant was not negligent, and you are not awarded any damages. 

Work with an Experienced Truck Accident Lawyer in Lakeland

Gatti, Keltner, Bienvenu & Montesi, PLC makes it easy to connect with a best-in-class Lakeland truck accident lawyer. To get started, please contact us today.