Winter Haven Truck Accident Lawyer

Maybe you were on your way to work. Perhaps you were taking the kids out for a fun day on the water. Then your life flipped upside down. You or a loved one was hurt, or maybe even killed, in a truck accident. Now you’re just trying to get through the day. You’re facing medical bills, lost income, and overwhelming pressure from insurance companies that often work to minimize payouts. 

You deserve to be made whole, not just for short-term bills, but for the long-term ripples a truck accident can have on your life. At Maranatha Law, that is our mission. As your truck accident lawyer, we pursue justice for you. We stand up to the insurance companies and their lawyers. We believe no one should have to go through this alone.

Understanding Truck Accidents in Winter Haven

In 2024, there were almost 13,000 crashes in Polk County with over 10,000 injuries and more than 100 fatalities. Truck accidents are particularly damaging. The size and weight of an 18-wheeler or commercial truck mean injuries are often severe, and recovery requires extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation. 

Trucking companies and their insurers are quick to deploy teams of lawyers and adjusters who aim to protect their bottom line. Victims without strong representation risk walking away with far less than they deserve.

Several factors commonly contribute to trucking collisions in Winter Haven, including:

• Driver fatigue caused by long hours and tight delivery schedules;
• Distracted driving, such as texting or handling dispatch devices;
• Improperly maintained trucks, including worn brakes or unsafe tires;
• Overloaded or unbalanced cargo that affects stopping distance and control; and
• Driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or prescription medication.

These factors can create devastating outcomes for drivers, passengers, and pedestrians. Holding the responsible parties accountable requires a thorough investigation and a truck accident lawyer who understands how to uncover violations of federal and state trucking regulations.

Parties Involved in a Truck Accident Claim

When you think of an auto accident, you might only think about the drivers involved. However, in truck accidents, many parties might be responsible, such as the:

• Truck driver,
• Trucking company,
• Cargo loaders, and
• Maintenance contractors. 

This means you are not just facing one other driver when pursuing compensation. From the minute the accident happens, you might see a whole corporate team activated to minimize your claim and put obstacles in your path to getting compensation.

At Maranatha Law, as your 18-wheeler accident lawyer, we protect you from predatory insurance tactics, work to hold every responsible party accountable, and fight for the full compensation you deserve.

Truck Accident Laws in Florida

There are two main laws that you need to be aware of when it comes to truck accidents in Florida.

Comparative Negligence

Florida follows a modified comparative negligence system. This means you can have your compensation reduced if you are found partially at fault for the accident. For example, if you are found 20% responsible for the accident, your compensation could be lowered by 20%.

If you are more than 50% responsible for the accident, you might not be eligible for any compensation.

Part of our job is to defend you against insurance companies trying to minimize or completely avoid their payout by blaming you for the accident.

Statute of Limitations

Florida only gives victims of truck accidents two years to file a lawsuit for the accident. Wrongful death cases also carry a two-year filing deadline. Plus, insurance companies often have their own deadlines that you must be aware of.

Reaching out to a truck accident attorney as early as possible gives them time to gather evidence and prepare your case.

Compensation Available in Truck Accident Claims

The damages available in a trucking accident claim are often extensive, reflecting the severity of injuries and the disruption caused to a victim’s life. Potential compensation includes:

• Medical costs, both current and future, including rehabilitation and ongoing care;
• Lost income and diminished earning capacity;
• Pain and suffering for physical injuries and emotional distress;
• Loss of consortium and companionship in wrongful death cases; and
• Property damage for vehicles and other personal property involved in the crash.

Every claim is unique, and the exact amount of compensation depends on the facts of the case, the extent of the injuries, and the strength of the legal strategy used by your truck crash lawyer.

What to Do After a Truck Accident in Winter Haven

The steps taken immediately after a truck accident can have a lasting impact on a claim. Victims should:

• Seek medical treatment immediately and follow all prescribed care;
• Report the accident to law enforcement and obtain a copy of the crash report;
• Gather evidence at the scene if possible, including photos and witness contact information;
• Avoid discussing fault or giving recorded statements to insurance companies; and
• Contact a truck accident lawyer to protect their rights and begin building a claim.

Even if the injuries seem manageable, trucking accidents often cause delayed symptoms. Prompt medical care helps address health needs and creates documentation supporting a claim.

Schedule a Free Consultation with a Truck Accident Attorney

For truck accident victims in Winter Haven, the choice of an attorney can make the difference between financial struggle and meaningful recovery. 

At Marantha Law, our founder, Tim Maranatha, listens to each client carefully, answers questions thoroughly, and works relentlessly to secure the maximum settlement available. We built our track record on attention to detail, aggressive negotiation, and willingness to litigate when insurance companies refuse to act fairly.

We investigate each accident thoroughly, collecting evidence such as driver logs, black box data, maintenance records, and witness testimony. This approach leaves no room for insurers to dismiss or undervalue our client’s claim.

When you have a consultation with us, we’ll get to know your case. We can tell you if our firm is a good fit for your case. If not, we’ll be honest about that too. Our ultimate goal is for you to get the help you need. Schedule a free consultation today and start the process towards healing and justice.