Interstate 10 (I-10) is a vital highway in the southern US that passes through 15 cities and towns, including Defuniak Springs. It serves as a main route for truck drivers carrying products and supports interstate trade. Despite safety restrictions, I-10 witnesses a high frequency of accidents that result in serious injuries, fatalities, and significant property damage.
The I-10 accident Defuniak Springs led to the demand for compensation for the victims. In this article, we will learn more about cases and compensation lawsuits to fight for victims' rights.
Common Causes of I-10 Truck Accident Defuniak Springs
The most common causes of truck accidents on I-10 are:
- Driver error: Numerous truck accidents each year come from commercial truck drivers' fatigue, alcohol use, distracted driving, and poor decision-making. No matter how skillful and experienced drivers are, they can make regrettable mistakes with disastrous outcomes.
- Driver fatigue: The FMCSA Hours of Service mandate truck drivers to limit their road time, thereby reducing work-related tiredness. However, it does not determine if a driver is tired due to other reasons.
- Foul weather: Unfavorable weather conditions such as fog, rain, or wind, especially in certain areas, are a common cause of I 10 accident Defuniak Springs. Truck drivers might not always have the choice to stay at home in hazardous situations, even while the weather is beyond their control. According to Federal regulations, commercial drivers need to slow down or stop for safety in severe circumstances.
- Improper loading: Improperly loaded trucks can result in serious accidents because the load can swing and become unstable. The driver's obligation to load and secure cargo may be specified in the shipping contract. For victims of illegally loaded goods, determining culpability requires the help of an expert attorney.
- Mechanical defects: When a truck's tires, brakes, or other components fail, it can result in severe accidents and fatalities. Whether the driver is an owner-operator or employed by a trucking company determines their duty for mechanical issues and routine maintenance. Contractual agreements may also have an impact on deciding the responsibility.
Things You Should Do After an Accident in I-10 Defuniak Springs
After the I 10 accident Defuniak Springs, victims should keep calm and follow the steps below to ensure their compensation lawsuits are not lost.
1. Call 911 and police
Making a 911 call helps with both official accident notifications and life-saving measures. It makes medical treatment possible in the event of a fatality or injury. Calling law enforcement, such as the Florida Highway Patrol, could potentially bolster a case by documenting the officer's estimate of blame, even if no one is hurt. All relevant information about the crash, including identities, car registration, road conditions, and testimony from witnesses, is included in the police report.
2. Take pictures
Since cell phones are so widely available, you can use them as a visual record of auto accidents. You need to capture not just the involved automobiles but also any injuries sustained. Video overviews are also useful. Nowadays, a lot of drivers utilize dash cams, which might show that another vehicle caused the collision. While law enforcement personnel can download a driver's dash cam video on the spot, you need to preserve the original video card containing the recording.
3. Stay at the scene
A hit-and-run is a serious crime that involves fleeing the site of an automobile collision too soon, especially if there are injuries or fatalities. It is preferable to remain longer to evaluate the damage, ensure everyone is safe, and implement first aid if needed. If someone appears seriously injured, don't try to move them until the emergency personnel arrive. In these scenarios, it's important to do things cautiously and ensure everyone is okay.
4. Exchange information
You should gather any relevant info from other involved drivers, such as phone numbers, addresses, names, license numbers, and insurance information. Get information about any injured travelers as well. This information may prove to be essential during legal processes.
5. Contact insurer
As part of the "no-fault" clause of the Florida no-fault legislation, drivers involved in the I 10 accident Defuniak Springs need to report to their insurance provider immediately with adequate information. Every motorist driving a registered motor vehicle must carry personal injury protection (PIP) insurance with a minimum of $10,000 coverage. Irrespective of who was at fault, it pays the first $10,000 of a person's medical coverage from the operator's insurance, minus the deductible. On the other hand, PIP is required in Florida and does not pay for any damage to the automobile or any property.
6. Check for injuries
To guarantee safety, make sure that none of the people in your car are injured, and if needed, check the driver and passengers in another car. If any injuries are found, notify the authorities and dial 911 if any injuries are found. Don't offer assistance if you're not under good training, and wait for the emergency responders to come.
7. Seek medical attention
If there are any serious injuries at the site, dial 911 right away. Emergency medical staff will send an ambulance to take the injured to the closest hospital.
8. Contact a lawyer
You should contact an experienced lawyer at your side following a vehicle accident to explain your rights and guarantee a fair process from the insurance company.
Car accident victims can get help from Browning Law Firm with insurance statement preparation, claim filing, and ensuring they get the benefits they are entitled to under their policy.
Types of Accident Compensation in I-10 Defuniak Springs
Here are various compensation types you might get in I-10 accident Defuniak Springs:
- Medical expenses: These cover the cost of hospital stays, surgeries, medications, and physical therapy related to your injuries.
- Lost wages: You can receive an amount of money compensating for inability to work due to injuries.
- Pain and suffering: This covers compensation for the pain, suffering, and mental anguish caused by the accident.
- Property damage: If the accident damages your car or other property, you may be compensated for replacement or repairs.
- Punitive damage: In certain situations, the court may award punitive damages to penalize the truck driver or trucking company for intentional or unintentional misconduct.
How Can A Professional Lawyer Support Your Claiming Case?
Practically, you can receive more compensation in a truck accident claim. With professional support from a trustworthy lawyer, you can maintain your rights when claiming with the insurance firms. Here's how an attorney can support your claiming case:
- In-depth accident investigation: Investigating a semi-truck accident requires expertise. It includes obtaining crucial information such as police reports, witness testimonies, trucking company data, and surveillance footage. These practices can help determine liability, establish culpability, and build a strong case.
- Identify liable parties and insurance providers: A professional lawyer knows that this crucial step can maximize the possible compensation you might obtain.
- Fill claims with insurance providers and related parties: Next, in order to recover your noneconomic and economic damages, your attorney will make claims on your behalf with the at-fault party and each insurance company.
- Negotiate with insurance adjusters: Your accident attorney will be your representative who communicates with insurance adjusters to protect your rights.
- Pursue litigation if necessary: Your attorney may file a claim with the courts if the at-fault parties or the insurance companies refuse to provide a reasonable settlement. At Browning Law Firm, we diligently defend your rights to get you the compensation you deserve.
Claim Your Compensation with Browning Law Firm
Browning Law Firm brings years of experience in handling various accident claims throughout Florida. Our dedicated team manages cases from initial consultation to trial, ensuring that our clients receive the comprehensive support and advocacy they need.
If you're a victim involved in I-10 accident Defuniak Springs, contact us today to ensure you receive the fair compensation you deserve.
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