Miami Fatal Truck Accident Lawyer
Florida is one of the deadliest states when it comes to fatal truck accidents. According to figures from the National Safety Council, there were 392 reported deaths in “large truck crashes” during 2023, putting the Sunshine State behind only Texas in that category. Nationwide, there were about 5,500 total fatalities.
The Miami fatal truck accident lawyers at Pike & Lustig, LLP, represent the families of victims who have lost their lives due to the negligence of truck drivers, truck operators, and other parties who failed in their duty to keep the roads safe for everybody. We understand that money cannot undo the damage of a fatal truck accident. But through skilled, compassionate representation, we strive to bring families a measure of justice and peace as they work through the grieving process.
Filing a Wrongful Death Lawsuit Following a Fatal Florida Truck Accident
In minor accidents, Florida’s no-fault insurance provides medical and lost income benefits to victims. The no-fault law does not apply to “serious injuries,” however, and no injury is more serious than death. In short, if someone dies as the result of a truck accident, those responsible for that death can be held legally accountable through a Florida wrongful death claim.
Under Florida law, the personal representative of a fatal truck accident victim’s estate has the exclusive right to bring a wrongful death claim. Any settlement or judgment recovered by the personal representative is for the benefit of both the estate as well as the victim’s family. This includes any surviving spouse, children, or anyone else who was legally dependent on the victim.
In terms of compensation for a fatal truck accident, Florida’s wrongful death law authorizes a court to award the following types of damages:
- compensation to the surviving family members for the loss of the victim’s support, services, companionship, and protection;
- compensation to the surviving family members for their mental pain, suffering, and grief;
- reimbursement of any medical or funeral expenses paid by the estate or surviving family members;
- any lost income that the victim would have earned between the moment of their fatal truck accident and their death; and
- the lost value of the estate the victim could have reasonably been expected to leave had they lived.
It is important to note that Florida law also imposes a two-year time limit known as the statute of limitations on most wrongful death lawsuits arising from fatal truck accidents. This means the personal representative typically must file a complaint within two years from the date the victim died. Although two years may sound generous , keep in mind that investigating all of the potential defendants in a fatal truck accident can itself take a significant amount of time. So it is critical not to delay in seeking legal advice following a fatal truck accident.
Contact the Miami Truck Accident Lawyers at Pike & Lustig Today
A fatal truck accident often occurs in just a fraction of a second. Yet the consequences for the survivors can last a lifetime. Our Miami fatal truck accident lawyers are here to help families in their time of need. Contact Pike & Lustig, LLP, today at 561-291-8298 to schedule a consultation.
