Mrs. López and all of the Staff that had helped us it has been an absolute pleasure. They always had an answer to our questions and treated us with respect but most of all they listened.
Alondra O.
Outstanding Attorneys and Legal Team. Lopez, Justin, and Daisy were quick to answer my questions and handled my accident case with speed and courtesy. The outcome was much better than I anticipated.
Robert R.
A huge thanks to your office for such a great experience with my case. Special thanks to Denora, Carmen, and especially Kevin for answering my many calls and questions and keeping me informed through the entire process. I’m am extremely happy and grateful with the outcome.
Kathy W.
Knowing what to do after a truck accident in Lakeland can help you get the compensation you deserve.
Accidents with commercial trucks and 18-wheelers are some of the most serious on Florida highways.
Victims often face severe injuries, high medical bills, and lost income for months.
Lakeland is located where Interstate 4 and busy Polk County roads meet, so heavy truck traffic and related accidents are common for local drivers.
If you or someone you care about has been hit by a semi-truck, tractor-trailer, or delivery vehicle, what you do right after the crash can strongly impact your legal case.
Steps to Take Immediately After an 18-Wheeler Collision
Things can feel overwhelming right after a truck crash, but what you do at the scene is important for what happens next.
1. Call 911 and seek medical attention
Even if you think your injuries are minor or you do not feel hurt right away, call emergency services immediately.
Getting checked by a doctor creates an official record that connects your injuries to the accident. Insurance companies and lawyers will look at this record closely later.
2. Document everything at the scene
Take photos with your phone of the vehicle damage, skid marks, road conditions, traffic lights, and the truck’s license plate, DOT number, and company name.
If anyone saw the accident, ask for their names and phone numbers. This information can be very important when figuring out who was at fault.
3. Do not admit fault or give recorded statements
Trucking companies and their insurance teams often send people to the crash scene quickly.
Anything you say, even a simple apology, can be used against you under Florida’s comparative negligence rules. It’s best to politely refuse to give recorded statements until you talk to a lawyer.
4. Contact a Lakeland truck accident attorney
Important evidence, such as electronic logging data, dashcam videos, and driver inspection reports, can be lost or erased quickly.
A skilled truck accident lawyer in Lakeland can send a letter to make sure this evidence is saved before it is lost.
What to Do After a Truck Accident in Lakeland to Build a Strong Claim
After you take care of your medical needs, you should focus on protecting your legal rights and building a strong case.
1. Follow through on all medical treatment
If you miss treatments, insurance companies may claim your injuries are not serious or were caused by something else.
Go to all your follow-up appointments, finish any therapy your doctor recommends, and keep records of your expenses and how your injuries affect your life.
Learning how personal injury lawyers handle medical bills can also help reduce financial stress while you recover.
2. Keep your own records
Save all letters and emails from insurance companies, and do not accept any early settlement offers without talking to a lawyer. The first offers from trucking insurers are usually much less than your claim is really worth.
3. Understand who may be liable.
Unlike regular car accidents, truck crashes can involve multiple parties at fault, including the driver, trucking company, cargo loaders, maintenance workers, and even parts manufacturers.
A lawyer who knows commercial vehicle cases can find everyone who may be responsible and seek compensation from each of them.
López & Humphries, P.A. has secured millions of dollars in truck accident verdicts and settlements, including a $4.9 million wrongful death recovery in a commercial trucking case, a $1.3 million truck accident verdict, and multiple six-figure results for clients with serious injuries.
The firm gives free consultations and only charges a fee if they win your case.
What about Florida’s truck accident laws?
Florida’s truck accident laws are more complicated than regular accident laws.
Florida uses a modified comparative negligence system. This means your compensation can be reduced by your share of fault, and if you are more than 50 percent at fault, you may not get any compensation.
Florida requires all drivers to have Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance, but this coverage is usually not enough for the serious injuries caused by truck accidents.
You have two years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury lawsuit in Florida, so it’s important to act quickly.
Because Lakeland is along I-4, one of Florida’s most dangerous highways, commercial trucks are always on local roads.
With more freight traffic in Central Florida, semi-truck accidents are happening more often. Knowing your rights after a crash is more important than ever.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What should you do after a truck accident in Lakeland, Florida?
Call 911, seek immediate medical attention, photograph the scene and the truck’s identifying information, avoid giving recorded statements, and contact a Lakeland truck accident attorney as soon as possible to preserve critical evidence like electronic logging device data and dashcam footage.
2. How long do I have to file a truck accident lawsuit in Florida?
Florida’s statute of limitations gives you two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit.
However, evidence in trucking cases, including driver logs and maintenance records, can be lost or destroyed quickly, so consulting an attorney early is strongly recommended.
3. Can I still recover compensation if I was partially at fault?
Under Florida’s modified comparative negligence law, you can recover compensation as long as you are not more than 50 percent at fault.
Your award will be reduced by your percentage of responsibility, which is why having an attorney who can effectively challenge fault allegations is critical.
4. Why should I choose López & Humphries, P.A. for my truck accident case?
The firm has recovered over $113 million for clients across Central Florida, including multiple seven-figure results in trucking cases.
Their attorneys have 86 combined years of experience, are recognized by Super Lawyers and the National Trial Lawyers, and are prepared to take cases to trial when insurance companies refuse to offer fair compensation.
5. How can I contact a truck accident lawyer in Lakeland?
You can reach López & Humphries, P.A. by calling (863) 869-2994 for a free, no-obligation consultation.
In Summary
After a truck accident in Lakeland, start by taking care of your health, saving important evidence, and talking to an experienced Florida attorney who understands commercial vehicle cases.
Since there may be several parties at fault and strict deadlines, having a skilled legal team can make a big difference in your case.
Reach out to López & Humphries today for a free consultation.
