What to Do After a Truck Accident in Miami
Getting into a truck accident in Miami can be a life-altering experience. The massive size and weight of commercial trucks often lead to severe injuries, significant property damage, and overwhelming emotional distress. Miami’s congested roads, like I-95 and the Palmetto Expressway, amplify the chaos of these collisions. Knowing what to do in the immediate aftermath can safeguard your health, protect your legal rights, and maximize your chances of securing fair compensation. The team at PWD Law Firm is here to guide you through this challenging time. Follow these steps to navigate the aftermath effectively.
Prioritize Safety and Seek Help
Your first priority is safety. If you’re able, move your vehicle out of traffic to prevent additional collisions—Miami’s busy highways leave little room for error. Call 911 immediately to report the accident, even if injuries seem minor at first. Police will create an official report, which serves as critical evidence for your case. Next, seek medical attention without delay. Injuries like whiplash, concussions, or internal bleeding may not be obvious right away, and prompt treatment not only protects your health but also strengthens your claim. Delaying medical care could give insurance companies ammunition to dispute your injuries.
Gather Evidence at the Scene
If you’re physically capable, collect evidence while it’s fresh. Use your phone to take clear photos of the crash site: the truck, your vehicle, skid marks, road conditions, and any visible injuries. Miami’s bustling streets often have witnesses—bystanders or other drivers—who might have seen the accident unfold. Get their names and contact details. Also, secure the truck driver’s information, including their name, license number, insurance details, and employer. Trucking companies may deploy rapid-response teams to limit their liability, so acting quickly is essential. The attorneys at PWD Law Firm can use this evidence to build a strong case on your behalf.
Avoid Insurance Traps
Do not speak to the truck driver’s insurance company without legal advice. Adjusters may push you to admit fault or accept a quick, undervalued settlement. Instead, contact PWD Law Firm as soon as possible. Florida’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims, shortened to two years by a 2023 law change, means time is of the essence. Our experienced Miami truck accident lawyers can secure vital evidence, such as the truck’s black box data—recording speed, braking, and more—before it’s lost or destroyed by the trucking company.
Notify Your Insurance, But Be Cautious
Report the accident to your own insurance provider, sticking to brief, factual statements. Under Florida’s no-fault insurance system, your personal injury protection (PIP) covers initial medical costs, regardless of fault. However, truck accidents often result in damages far exceeding these limits due to their severity. The team at PWD Law Firm can help you pursue additional compensation from all liable parties, including the driver, trucking company, or even a manufacturer if equipment failure contributed to the crash.
Document Everything
Keep meticulous records of your losses: medical bills, vehicle repair estimates, lost wages, and even therapy costs for emotional trauma. These documents are the backbone of your claim, proving the full extent of your damages. Truck accidents are more complex than typical car crashes, involving federal regulations and multiple potentially responsible parties. At PWD Law Firm, we specialize in unraveling these complexities to hold the right people accountable.
Trust PWD Law Firm to Fight for You
Recovering from a truck accident is tough enough without the added stress of legal battles. Let PWD Law Firm handle the heavy lifting. Our Miami truck accident lawyers understand the nuances of these cases and are committed to securing the compensation you deserve—whether through negotiation or trial. Contact us today at https://www.pwdlawfirm.com/ to start your recovery with confidence.
