You Hurt? We Fight!
It's more than just our motto; it's our mission.
Serving Bicycle Accident & Injury Victims for Over 20 Years
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"Whether it's a whiplash, serious injury or wrongful death case, we pride ourselves on representing you with the personal service and aggressive representation that you expect and deserve!" -Attorney Ron Sholes
In the Community
Back Injury
$3.5 MILLION
After a trial, we obtained a verdict of 3.5 million for our client that sustained low back injuries requiring two surgeries and a lifetime of pain management.
Semi-Truck Accident
$3.50 MILLION
Our client was involved in a commercial vehicle accident which led to spinal fusion surgery requiring a spinal cord stimulator.
Long-Term Injuries
$2.5 MILLION
We obtained a $2.5 million verdict for our client that suffered a fractured arm and leg, necessitating surgery, as well as spinal injuries requiring long-term pain management for spinal injuries.
Auto Accident
$2.16 MILLION
We obtained a verdict for our client who sustained spinal injuries in an accident that required spinal fusion surgery.
Auto Accident
$1.95 MILLION
We obtained a $1.95 million verdict for a client who sustained spinal injuries in an auto accident which required a lifetime of pain management and need for future surgery.
Motorcycle Crash
$1.45 MILLION
Our client was involved in a motorcycle crash and sustained injuries. We were able to recover $1,450,000.
Commercial Vehicle Accident
$1.30 MILLION
Our client was involved in a commercial vehicle accident and sustained injuries. We were able to recover $1,300,000.
Product Liability
$1.0 MILLION
Our client sustained injuries due to a faulty product. We were able to recover $1,000,000
Semi-Truck Accident
$1.0 Million
We recovered for our client injured in an accident resulting in shoulder and spinal injuries.
Slip & Fall Injury
$1.0 Million
We recovered for our client who was injured in a fall at an apartment complex.
HOW DO TRUCK ACCIDENT INVESTIGATIONS WORK?
What to Expect During a Truck Accident Investigation
Truck accidents often result incatastrophic injuries anddeaths, making them among the most serious—and complex—of all motor vehicle accidents. Although the sheer size of large commercial trucks is one factor in the general severity of these accidents, it is not the only one. Various forms of negligence, from truck driver error to insufficient truck maintenance to improper hiring practices by the trucking company, also play a role in these devastating crashes.
Because truck accidents are so much more complex than most standard car accidents, they nearly always require extensive investigations when it comes to determining the cause of the crash and, most importantly, who is liable for the victim’s damages. These investigations involve analyzing crash data and other evidence to reconstruct what happened and whether any underlying factors contributed to the accident.
Who Conducts the Truck Accident Investigation?
After an accident, the Florida Highway Patrol or local law enforcement may conduct an investigation into what occurred. Additionally, the trucking company will almost certainly send out its own investigators to review the accident and collect evidence. If you were involved in a large truck accident, it is critical that you seek legal help, as your attorney can also gather evidence and complete an independent investigation into the crash.
The trucking company and its insurance provider will not be looking out for your best interests. Instead, they will try to minimize their liability and look for evidence that supports their position. We strongly recommend that you reach out to the team at The Law Offices of Ron Sholes, P.A. right away to learn how our truck accident attorneys can help with your case.
The Truck Accident Investigation Process
Although each case is different, most truck accident investigations follow a similar pattern.
The steps involved typically include:
- Speaking to the Various Parties Involved: The trucking company or its insurance provider will talk to the truck driver; at The Law Offices of Ron Sholes, P.A., we’ll talk to you. We want to hear your side of the story and obtain your firsthand account of what happened. If the trucking company or its insurance provider reaches out to you for a statement, avoid saying anything and donot sign anything without first speaking to a lawyer. Anything you say to the insurance adjuster could be used against you later.
- Going to and Investigating the Scene of the Accident: In many cases, the trucking company will send an insurance adjuster out to the scene of the accident. If you act quickly, your lawyer can do the same for you. At the scene, investigators will look for physical evidence, such as tire marks, debris, and damage to surrounding structures, such as guardrails or posts. They will also look for potential underlying factors that may have contributed to the crash, such as potholes, obstructed road signs, and poor lighting.
- Inspecting the Truck and Other Vehicles Involved: Both the trucking company’s insurance adjusters and your legal team usually have the right to inspect the vehicles involved in the crash, including your car and the truck itself. However, it is important that you contact a lawyer quickly, as the truck may be repaired or destroyed (if totaled) relatively soon after the accident. You should also refrain from having your vehicle repaired or junked until your attorney has had a chance to examine it for evidence. Some of the things investigators will look for when inspecting the involved vehicles include the various engine components, tires, seatbelts, airbags, roofs, steering components, and braking systems.
- Speaking to Witnesses and Obtaining Expert Testimony: Eyewitness accounts, if available, can be crucial to a truck accident case. Our attorneys can speak to anyone who witnessed the accident to obtain their account of what happened. We also work with industry experts, such as accident reconstructionists and medical professionals, to gather expert testimony on everything from the cause of the crash and underlying factors to the severity of our client’s injuries and the extent of their resulting damages.
- Reconstructing the Truck Accident: Using advanced technology, all available evidence, and the assistance of professional accident reconstruction experts, our firm reconstructs the accident itself to demonstrate what happened, what underlying factors contributed to it, and who is legally responsible for our client’s damages. In many cases, accident reconstruction can be used to show what really happened—even if that contradicts the defense’s claims.
What Evidence Is Gathered in a Truck Accident Investigation?
During the investigation, our team will gather various forms of evidence to support your claim.
This evidence often includes:
- The official police accident report
- 911 calls (if applicable)
- Eyewitness statements (if available)
- Statements from those involved, including the victim and the truck driver
- Information gathered by the truck’s “black box,” or electronic data recorder
- Reports detailing the most recent truck inspection and repairs/maintenance
- Records of the cargo the truck was carrying, including its weight and contents
- The truck driver’s employment history, training certificates, and driving records
- The truck driver’s hours-of-service logs
- Results from recent drug or alcohol tests performed on the truck driver
- Information about the trucking company’s hiring, training, and supervision practices
- Copies of your medical records and bills
- Any photographs or videos taken at the scene of the accident
- Photographs and other documentation of your injuries
- Paystubs and other proof of lost income/wages
- Copies of receipts for money you have spent related to the accident (i.e., costs associated with traveling to and from medical appointments, hiring assistance for household tasks, etc.)
Using this evidence, we are often able to reconstruct the accident and prove what truly happened. At The Law Offices of Ron Sholes, P.A., we utilize cutting-edge legal technology to rebuild the scene of the accident and present the evidence to the judge and/or jury in a powerful, persuasive way. Our methodical approach to investigating truck accidents has allowed us to build strong cases for our clients—and recover the compensation they deserved.
Schedule a free consultation today; call (855) 933-3881 or contact us online to get started.
Free Case Review
Take the First Step in Your Recovery
Call The Law Offices of Ron Sholes, P.A. at 855-WE-FIGHT or fill out and submit our online contact form to request a free initial consultation today. We look forward to hearing your story and sharing how we can help you get back on your feet.
Why Hire Us
No Fees Unless We Win
We work on a contingent basis, which means you do not pay a dime unless we make a recovery.
Maximizing Your Recovery
Navigating a personal injury claim is like a chess match. It's about determination, commitment, and a will to win! We don’t just talk about maximizing claims and delivering results, we do it!.
Personal Service
We have a team of client care specialists and an owner that demands every client be treated like family. This means frequent contact and updates by the legal team to help put your mind at ease.
Legal Advice & Counsel
We understand the importance of providing you sound legal advice and counsel throughout the claims process. Our attorneys and support staff communicate with you about your health and your claim throughout the process.
Experienced Legal Team
Our team includes over 20 attorneys with over 200 years of combined experience, numerous investigators and medical staff, and more than 100 professional support staff.
Convenient Locations
We’re your neighborhood law firm, not a downtown law firm. With fully staffed offices in several Northeast Florida counties and Jacksonville offices in Arlington, Northside, Westside, and Southside, we’re here for you!
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