Truck Accident Attorneys Getting Real Justice for Clients in Starke, Bradford County & Nearby Areas of Florida
Freight trucks and other large vehicles barrel through North Florida every day. Our Starke truck accident lawyers have seen firsthand how, when something goes wrong, the consequences can be devastating. Survivors are often left facing painful injuries, lost income, and the kind of uncertainty that can shake entire families.
At Bernheim Kelley Injury Lawyers, we know that behind every case is a person worth fighting for. Combining compassion with determination, our team Keeps It Real and stands by your side until Real Justice is served.
Have you or a loved one been injured in a truck crash? To speak with one of our experienced and steadfast Starke truck accident lawyers, call 904-758-1111 today or contact us online. We champion the rights of injured victims in Bradford County and all nearby areas of North Florida.
We Advocate for Victims Injured in Many Types of Truck Accidents
Not all truck accidents are the same, but all people injured by the negligence of another deserve Real Advocacy, Real Experience, and Real Results. Our truck crash attorneys have successfully handled a wide variety of cases, including those involving:
- Jackknife accidents
- Underride & override collisions
- Rollover accidents
- Logging truck & agricultural vehicle crashes
- Hazardous material spills
- Fatigue-related crashes
- Poorly loaded cargo issues
- Mechanical failure & defective part accidents
- Multi-vehicle pileups
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At Bernheim Kelley Injury Lawyers, we know North Florida roads, trucking regulations, and the impact a serious injury can have on your life. Our team of proven trial attorneys advocates relentlessly for those who have suffered injuries due to someone else’s negligence. We are here to hold all responsible parties accountable and take your case as far as needed to help you secure the compensation you need to move forward.
Why Choose Us?
When you’re facing one of the toughest moments of your life, you need more than just a lawyer—you need a trusted ally who will stand with you and fight for your rights.
What To Do After a Truck Crash
When you or a loved one is injured in a crash involving an 18-wheeler, dump truck, or similarly large commercial vehicle, you need a Starke truck accident attorney on your side to help ensure you get justice. But before you can call an attorney, there are steps you can take in the immediate aftermath of a truck wreck that might help protect your right to seek fair and full compensation for your injuries.
When possible, on the scene of a truck accident in Starke, you should:
- Check for Injuries: Check yourself and any passengers for injuries. Do not move injured passengers.
- Call 911: In Florida, any car accident that results in injury, death, or significant property damage must be reported to the police. Wait on the scene for emergency personnel and be cooperative when talking to EMTs and law enforcement. Avoid speculating about fault when talking to emergency responders.
- Gather Evidence: If possible, take photos of the scene from multiple angles. Be sure to also document any injuries, skid marks, and damage to all involved vehicles. All this could be useful when building your case.
- Collect Contact Information: Get the contact information of all involved drivers and any witnesses. Be sure to also get vehicle information and the name and contact information for the company the truck driver was working for at the time of the crash.
- Schedule a Visit With Your Doctor: Even if you feel fine, serious injuries might remain hidden for hours or days after a truck accident. A medical exam helps to ensure that potential issues EMTs might have missed are identified and treated.
While not mandated by state law, most insurance providers require accidents to be reported within 24 to 72 hours. Avoid making statements that could be twisted against you when talking to insurance adjusters. Their job is to minimize payouts. It’s best to protect yourself by only providing the required information.
The final step to take after a collision with a big rig is to contact the Starke truck accident attorneys at our firm for a FREE and confidential case review. Dedicated to justice for victims of serious injury, Bernheim Kelley Injury Lawyers is here to protect you against the tactics insurance companies might use to reduce your payout and push for the compensation your injury demands.
Causes & Fault in Florida Truck Accidents
Understanding what caused your truck accident is essential for holding the right people accountable. Truck crashes often involve layers of responsibility. Depending on their cause, the driver, the trucking company, cargo loaders, and even parts manufacturers may share portions of the blame.
Common causes of truck accidents in Starke and Bradford County include:
- Driver fatigue
- Distracted driving
- Speeding & aggressive driving
- Improperly loaded cargo
- Mechanical failures
- Impaired driving
- Weather & road conditions
It’s important to note that many of these causes point to more than one liable party. For example, a trucker may have been speeding to meet an unrealistic deadline imposed by the company they work for, or a trailer might roll over on slick pavement after hard braking, partly because improperly loaded cargo shifted.
Even when liability seems straightforward, an investigation may need to be conducted to ensure all liable parties are held to account. We may need to secure black box data, review driver hours and training history, inspect maintenance logs, review trucking company policies, or work with accident reconstruction experts to determine how a crash occurred. By uncovering the truth, we prevent trucking companies from escaping accountability and ensure fault is placed squarely where it belongs.
Common Injuries
Big rig crashes often result in catastrophic injuries due to the enormous size and weight difference between large trucks and passenger cars. Common injuries for the occupants of passenger vehicles include:
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Spinal cord injuries (SCI)
- Severe burns
- Orthopedic trauma
- Internal organ damage
- Disfigurement
- Psychological injuries
Many of these injuries will require costly and extensive medical intervention. They might prevent a person from working for months or even years. They can necessitate home modifications, assistive devices, and round-the-clock care. They can also have a substantial impact on your ability to enjoy time with family and friends or engage in preferred activities. Some will be impossible to fully recover from.
When your injuries are significant and your life has been altered through someone else’s actions, you deserve Real Justice. At Bernheim Kelley Injury Lawyers, our Starke truck accident attorneys are here to make sure you aren’t forced to shoulder these burdens alone. We take the time needed to truly understand how your injuries have and may continue to impact your life and pursue the full compensation you deserve.
What Damages Can I Claim After a Truck Crash in Florida?
In Florida, truck accident victims can seek both economic and non-economic damages.
Economic Damages
- Medical expenses, including emergency room care, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and long-term rehabilitation.
- Home modifications and assistive devices, such as wheelchairs, handrails, and ramps necessary to accommodate new physical limitations.
- Lost income, such as wages lost during recovery, and diminished earning capacity if your injuries prevent you from returning to your previous line of work.
- Property damage, including repair or replacement costs for your vehicle, along with the loss of personal belongings in the crash.
Non-Economic Damages
- Pain & suffering, which can include physical pain and chronic discomfort stemming from your injuries.
- Emotional distress, such as anxiety, PTSD, depression, and loss of enjoyment in life, related to the accident and your injuries.
Our truck accident attorneys in Starke Keep It Real by assessing the various ways you are forced to deal with the consequences of your injury and fight for Real Justice by working to secure every penny you are due.
Wrongful Death Damages
- Funeral & burial expenses
- Lost future income & benefits
- Loss of companionship & support
When a truck wreck claims a life, families are entitled to seek compensation for several economic and non-economic concerns through a wrongful death claim.
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages are intended to punish egregious behavior and deter it from happening again. In Florida, you must be able to prove that the defendant acted with intentional misconduct or gross negligence.
It is uncommon for punitive damages to be awarded, but not unheard of. When they are, they are typically capped at the greater of $500,000 or three times the compensatory damage (economic + non-economic) award. There are some exceptions to this cap, but they, like punitive damages themselves, are rare.
Calculating damages in a truck accident case is complex. Insurers will likely try to push you toward a quick, lowball settlement in an attempt to prevent legal action.
At Bernheim Kelley Injury Lawyers, we demand every dollar you are entitled to. During a FREE case review with one of our Starke big rig accident attorneys, we can discuss possible damages, how they are calculated, and what your case may be worth.
Do I Need a Truck Accident Lawyer To Get Real Results?
Trucking companies, their drivers, and the corporations that insure them are primarily interested in limiting their liability. They employ experienced attorneys, adjusters, and experts who immediately begin working to protect their bottom line. Without strong representation, truck accident victims are left at a serious disadvantage.
Our Starke truck wreck attorneys know what we’re doing, and we don’t play games. We obtain electronic device data, inspect driver logs, investigate maintenance records, interview witnesses, and consult with reconstruction specialists to build solid cases.
Real Justice doesn’t come from hoping insurers will play fair. It comes from having a dedicated champion by your side who will stand up to insurance companies and aggressive defense attorneys, and pursue the fair and full compensation you need to heal.
How Long Do I Have To File a Truck Accident Claim in Florida?
Florida law gives most truck accident survivors 2 years from the date of the crash to file a claim. While this may sound like plenty of time, waiting can make seeking justice more difficult.
It’s best to talk to a lawyer as soon as possible to ensure evidence is preserved, witness memories are fresh, and your out-of-pocket expenses and losses, like medical bills and lost wages, are addressed before they get out of hand.
When you call Bernheim Kelley Injury Lawyers, we act immediately to protect your rights. And we work on a contingency basis, so you are not expected to pay for our services until after we have secured compensation on your behalf.
If you need help, contact us today for a FREE, no-obligation consultation. We’ll listen to your story, explain your options, and help you take appropriate action before time runs out.
– you are in good hands!
How Bernheim Kelley Injury Lawyers Can Help You
Handling a truck accident claim is not like handling a routine fender bender. These cases can involve federal trucking regulations, multiple liable parties, and high-stakes negotiations. Our Starke truck accident attorneys will help by:
- Conducting a thorough investigation
- Identifying all liable parties
- Evaluating your damages
- Developing a personalized strategy that addresses your needs and goals
- Accurately calculating the worth of your claim
- Helping you understand each step of the process
- Answering any and all questions you may have
- Negotiating with insurers
- Taking your case to trial if necessary
- Remaining your steadfast ally from moment one until everything is said and done
At Bernheim Kelley Injury Lawyers, we treat each client with compassion. To us, you are an important individual, worthy of respect and real attention. Our approach is entirely focused on making sure you are protected and cared for at every stage of the process. We take on the legal battle, allowing you to focus on your recovery, your family, and your future.
Real Advocacy, Real Experience, Real Justice—We’re By Your Side
The truck accident attorneys at Bernheim Kelley Injury Lawyers Keep It Real by being present, transparent, and determined. We combine compassion for our clients with unyielding toughness in the courtroom and are fully dedicated to helping injury victims get Real Justice.
Our history of over $1 billion in verdicts and settlements proves that we have the experience and dedication necessary to take on powerful opponents and win. More importantly, we never lose sight of what matters most: your story, your dignity, and your peace of mind.
We are proud to serve Starke, Bradford County, and the surrounding North Florida communities. From the first phone call to the final verdict or settlement, we are here to stand by your side and fight for the justice and compensation you are due.
Contact Our Starke Truck Accident Attorneys To Schedule Your FREE Consultation
If you or someone you love has been injured in a truck crash in Starke, you deserve Real Advocacy and Real Results. We are ready to meet you where you are and pursue the justice you are entitled to.
Call 904-758-1111 or contact us online to schedule your FREE consultation with a Starke truck accident lawyer. We’re ready when you are.
