Getting into a truck accident can be scary and overwhelming, especially when you’re not sure what to do next. If you’ve been hurt or had your property damaged, filing a truck accident claim can help you recover money for medical bills, lost wages, and more.
At William W. Price P.A., we’ve been helping people across Boca, West Palm Beach, Boynton Beach, and Jupiter since 1995. Our team believes in doing things the right way, with personal service, real legal advice from attorneys (not paralegals), and honest communication every step of the way.
In this blog, we’ll break down how to file a truck accident claim, what the process usually looks like, and what you’ll need to know if a box truck is involved. Let’s get started.
Step 1: Take Care of Your Health First
After a truck accident, your first priority should always be your health. Even if you feel okay right after the crash, it’s still smart to see a doctor. Some injuries, like whiplash, concussions, or internal bleeding, don’t show symptoms right away. Getting checked out helps you catch any problems early and keeps you safe.
Why does this matter for your truck accident claim? Medical records are one of the most important pieces of evidence in a personal injury case. If you don’t see a doctor right away, the insurance company might argue that your injuries aren’t serious or weren’t caused by the accident.
Here’s what to do:
- Get medical care as soon as possible. Don’t wait until the pain gets worse.
- Follow your doctor’s instructions. If they recommend rest, therapy, or a follow-up visit, do it.
- Keep all documentation. Save copies of hospital bills, prescriptions, diagnosis reports, and any notes from your doctor.
Taking these steps helps protect both your health and your legal rights. It shows that you took the situation seriously from the beginning.
Step 2: Report the Accident and Gather Information
As soon as it’s safe, call the police to report the accident. A police report creates an official record of what happened and can serve as valuable evidence when you file your truck accident claim.
Why is the police report important? The report will include details like the location of the crash, names of people involved, a description of the vehicles, and the officer’s initial opinion on who may be at fault. This can be incredibly helpful during the claims process.
While you wait for the police or once the area is safe, gather as much information as you can:
- Take photos of the scene, including all vehicles, damage, skid marks, road conditions, and traffic signs.
- Write down names and contact information for everyone involved, including witnesses.
- Get insurance details and the name of the trucking company. If the truck is marked with a company name or USDOT number, snap a picture.
Truck companies often send investigators out quickly to protect their interests. The more information you gather early on, the better your chances of proving your side of the story.
Step 3: Know Who Might Be Responsible
Unlike a typical car crash, a truck accident can involve several different people or companies who may share blame. That’s why it’s so important to figure out who’s actually responsible.
Here are some of the parties that could be at fault:
- The truck driver – Maybe they were speeding, distracted, tired, or under the influence.
- The trucking company – Did they hire an unqualified driver or force unrealistic delivery deadlines?
- The company that loaded the truck – Improperly loaded cargo can cause the truck to tip or lose control.
- The maintenance provider – If the brakes or tires failed, someone may have skipped important inspections.
- The manufacturer – Sometimes a defective part, like a faulty steering system, leads to a crash.
Do you have to figure all of this out on your own? Not at all. A personal injury attorney can dig into the details, collect the right records, and find out exactly who should be held accountable. That way, your truck accident claim is built on solid ground.
Step 4: File Your Truck Accident Claim
Once you’ve seen a doctor and collected your information, it’s time to file a truck accident claim. This is your official request for compensation from the person or company responsible for the crash.
You’ll need to:
- Notify the insurance company for the driver or business that caused the accident.
- Submit your evidence, this includes photos, the police report, medical bills, and proof of lost wages if you missed work.
- Explain what happened clearly and show why you weren’t at fault.
Can you file a claim on your own? Technically, yes, but it’s not recommended. Truck accident cases are complicated, and insurance companies have teams of professionals working to protect their bottom line. They might offer a quick payout that sounds good at first but doesn’t cover everything.
That’s where a lawyer comes in. At William W. Price P.A., we make sure you’re not left with unpaid bills or future costs that were caused by the crash. We fight for fair compensation from start to finish.
Step 5: Don’t Be Surprised If the Insurance Company Pushes Back
Even with all your paperwork in order, insurance companies don’t always play fair. They may try to deny your truck accident claim, reduce the payout, or delay the process.
Common tactics they use:
- Blame you for part (or all) of the accident
- Say your injuries weren’t caused by the crash
- Claim you didn’t need certain medical treatments
- Offer a low settlement and pressure you to accept it quickly
Why do they do this? Insurance companies are in business to make money, not to pay out large settlements. They know that many people aren’t familiar with the legal process and may feel overwhelmed or desperate for cash.
That’s why having an experienced attorney on your side makes such a big difference. At William W. Price P.A., we’ve seen all the tricks before. We push back with facts, expert support, and a strong strategy to make sure your voice is heard.
Step 6: Decide Whether to Settle or Go to Court
Sometimes, the insurance company will agree to a fair settlement after some negotiation. That’s great, settling can save time and stress. But if they refuse to offer what you truly deserve, your lawyer might recommend taking the case to court.
Does going to court mean your case will drag on for years? Not always. Many cases are still resolved before trial, especially once the other side sees how strong your case is. But it’s important to be ready just in case.
At our firm, we treat every truck accident claim like it could go to trial. We gather evidence, prepare expert witnesses, and build a detailed timeline of what happened. That way, we’re never caught off guard, and neither are you.
What Do You Need to Drive a Box Truck?
If a box truck was involved in your accident, you might be wondering: what do you need to drive a box truck legally? This is an important question, not just for drivers, but also for anyone filing a truck accident claim. Whether the driver was qualified and properly licensed can make a big difference in your case.
In Florida, here’s how it breaks down:
- For most box trucks under 26,000 pounds, all you need is a Class E driver’s license, which is the same license most people use for everyday cars.
- For trucks over 26,000 pounds, or those carrying hazardous materials, the driver needs a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). This license requires extra testing and training to get.
Some box trucks, especially the bigger moving trucks or delivery vehicles, may fall close to that weight limit, so it’s important to double-check.
Do drivers need special training? Yes, even if a CDL isn’t legally required, many companies have their own rules. They might require drivers to have:
- A clean driving record
- On-the-job safety training
- Experience handling large vehicles in tight spaces or city traffic
If the driver involved in your accident didn’t have the right license or wasn’t properly trained, that can be a serious issue. It might mean the trucking company was negligent in who they hired or how they trained their staff. In that case, the company, not just the driver, could be held responsible for the crash.
This is one reason why working with an attorney is so important. A legal team can investigate the driver’s history, check licensing records, and find out whether rules were broken, helping strengthen your truck accident claim.
What Kinds of Compensation Can You Get?
If you’ve been involved in a truck accident, the damage goes far beyond a dented bumper or a tow truck bill. Serious injuries, time away from work, and emotional trauma can leave you and your family feeling overwhelmed, and the financial stress doesn’t help. That’s why filing a truck accident claim is so important. It gives you a chance to recover compensation for everything you’ve lost, both physically and financially.
Here’s a breakdown of the main types of compensation (also known as “damages”) you may be entitled to after a truck accident:
1. Medical Expenses
This is often the largest part of a truck accident claim. Medical expenses can include:
- Emergency room visits
- Hospital stays
- X-rays, MRIs, and other tests
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation
- Surgery or follow-up appointments
- Prescription medications
- Future medical care if your injuries are long-term
Do I need to save my receipts and medical records? Yes, definitely. These documents show exactly how much you’ve spent and how the accident has affected your health. Keep everything organized in a folder or digital file so your attorney can use it to strengthen your case.
2. Lost Wages
If you had to miss work because of your injuries, you can ask for the income you lost during your recovery. This doesn’t just apply to full-time employees, it also covers:
- Part-time workers
- Freelancers or gig workers
- Tips or commission-based income
What if I used sick time or vacation days? Even if you used paid time off to cover missed work, you can still request compensation. After all, you shouldn’t have to use your benefits because of someone else’s mistake.
3. Loss of Future Income
In some cases, truck accident injuries can be permanent or life-changing. If you can’t return to the same job, or can’t work at all, you may be entitled to damages for the income you would have earned in the future.
How is this calculated? Your lawyer may work with financial experts to estimate your future earning potential based on your age, career, and skills. The goal is to make sure you’re not left struggling financially down the road.
4. Property Damage
If your car was damaged or totaled in the crash, you can include those costs in your truck accident claim. This also covers anything else that was destroyed or damaged in the accident, such as:
- Phones
- Laptops
- Car seats
- Luggage or personal belongings
Insurance companies may try to lowball the value of your vehicle or belongings, but your lawyer can help you get a fair amount.
5. Pain and Suffering
This type of compensation covers the physical and emotional impact of the accident. It’s harder to put a dollar amount on pain and suffering, but it’s just as important as other types of damages.
Pain and suffering may include:
- Physical pain from your injuries
- Emotional distress, anxiety, or depression
- Trouble sleeping or eating
- Loss of enjoyment in life
- Relationship strain or isolation
Will I automatically get pain and suffering damages? Not always. You’ll need to show how your injuries have affected your daily life. This is where detailed medical notes, a personal journal, or statements from loved ones can make a big difference.
6. Punitive Damages
Punitive damages are different from other types of compensation. They aren’t meant to pay you back for your losses, instead, they’re designed to punish the person or company who caused the accident for especially reckless behavior.
Examples might include:
- Driving under the influence
- Ignoring safety rules
- Skipping important truck maintenance
Punitive damages are rare, but if they apply in your case, they can increase your compensation significantly.
How Do You Know What Your Case Is Worth?
You might be wondering, “How much money can I actually get?” The answer depends on a lot of factors, how serious your injuries are, how much time you’ve missed from work, and who’s responsible for the crash.
At William W. Price P.A., we take the time to look at the big picture. We review medical records, talk to doctors and financial experts, and calculate both the short-term and long-term effects of your accident. Our goal is to make sure your truck accident claim covers everything, so you’re not stuck with unpaid bills or future expenses that should have been someone else’s responsibility.
How Much Time Do You Have to File?
In Florida, you usually have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. This is called the statute of limitations, and it’s a strict deadline. If you wait too long, you could lose your chance to recover any compensation, no matter how strong your case is.
Why Acting Quickly Matters
Even though two years might sound like a lot of time, here’s why it’s smart to act sooner rather than later:
- Evidence can disappear. Skid marks fade, damaged vehicles are repaired, and digital data from trucks (like black box information) can get deleted.
- Witnesses may forget details. The longer you wait, the harder it is to get clear statements from people who saw what happened.
- Insurance companies can take advantage. If you delay too long, they may argue that your injuries weren’t serious or that something else caused them.
By starting the process early, your legal team has more time to build a strong case and protect your rights. Plus, you’ll have peace of mind knowing your claim is in motion.
What Happens When You Work With Us
At William W. Price P.A., you’ll talk directly to an attorney from day one. We take your case seriously and make sure you always know what’s going on. With over 25 years of experience and the highest Martindale-Hubbell rating for legal skill and integrity, we’re proud to offer top-notch service with a personal touch.
When you work with us, you get:
- One-on-one attention from a real attorney
- Honest answers to your questions
- Strong negotiation and trial skills
- A legal team that puts your needs first
We don’t just handle cases, we take care of people.
Ready to File Your Truck Accident Claim?
Dealing with a truck accident is never easy, but you don’t have to do it alone. If you’re in Boca, West Palm Beach, Boynton Beach, or Jupiter, let us help you file a strong truck accident claim and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Click here to learn more about our personal injury services or contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
