Truck Accident Lawyer in Fort Lauderdale, FL
While commercial trucks play a vital role in running our economy, their weight, size, and speed pose a serious threat to road users if the trucks are not driven, maintained, or operated responsibly. Our truck accident lawyers in Fort Lauderdale, FL are seasoned attorneys who know how to handle accident cases caused by negligent truck drivers. Part of the legal process involves seeking justice for motorists, motorcyclists, and pedestrians who have sustained injuries or lost property after a truck-related accident.
How are Truck Car Accident Claims Different from Car Accident Claims?
- There can be more defendants – the driver, the freight loader, the trucking company, and others.
- The claims are generally higher due to the severity of truck accidents.
- Higher insurance claim limits apply since truckers are normally well-insured.
- Truck drivers have commercial driver’s licenses which also change the rules that apply to truck accident cases.
- Violation of trucking regulations may apply in a claim since the trucking industry is highly regulated.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Fort Lauderdale
According to a truck accident study by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, most truck accidents are caused by:
- Brake problems
- Speeding
- Driver unfamiliarity with the road
- Road problems
- Driving under the influence
- Driver failing to survey the road sufficiently
- Driver fatigue
- Irresponsible lane changes
While most truck accidents are caused by driver carelessness, trucking companies can also be accountable for a failure to adequately maintain their trucks, entrusting trucks to semi-skilled drivers, and pushing drivers to exceed safe working hours and speeds in an effort to meet tight delivery and shipping deadlines.
The Aftermath of Truck Accidents
Due to the size of trucks, accidents involving them can cause significant property damage as well as devastating injuries to people in smaller vehicles, pedestrians, and motorcyclists. Some of the injuries our lawyers will help you seek settlement for include:
- Crushed legs and arms
- Amputations
- Internal organ damage
- Fractured vertebrae in the back or neck
- Burns
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
- Spinal cord injuries
Most truck accident injuries have long-term consequences and typically cost thousands of dollars to treat and rehabilitate. The best way to address these problems is by seeking full compensation for medical costs incurred.
Proving Negligence in a Truck Accident
To win a fair compensation package for your injuries, you will need to prove that the truck driver was to blame for an accident that led to injuries, death, or property loss. Our truck accident lawyers in Fort Lauderdale, FL will look into your case closely and gather the evidence needed to prove that the accident potentially occurred as a result of:
- Speeding
- Distracted driving
- The driver’s failure to yield
- A truck following a vehicle too closely
- Drunk driving
- Securing cargo in a trailer improperly
- Overloading a truck
- An unmaintained truck
Trucking companies are required to engage in sound driver hiring and training practices. They are also required to follow up with performance checks to ensure truck roadworthiness. Failure to do so may be considered an act of negligence. Other third parties you might need to claim damages from for a truck accident include the vehicle manufacturer, wholesalers, distributors, and retailers. Knowing whom to sue can be confusing, so you will need the expert advice of experienced legal counsel to help identify who was at fault.
Compensation Avenues for Truck Accidents
The at-fault party is responsible for all pain, injuries, losses, and expenses that result from a truck accident. The trucking company’s insurer is usually held responsible for settling damages after accidents. While you might expect well-known insurers to settle your claim fairly, not all will do so. In fact, they employ dedicated insurance adjusters whose single aim is mitigating compensation expenses. You, therefore, need to be extra careful when dealing with insurance company representatives after a truck accident to avoid falling for their underhand tactics in trying to get you to accept a compensation package lower than what you actually deserve.
Our Fort Lauderdale truck accident lawyers are skillful negotiators and will work to get you the maximum compensation amount that you are entitled to from the insurance companies responsible for paying coverage for their negligent truck-driving client. Should an insurer fail to pay out a fair sum, we will pursue your claim in civil court. Compensation will be pursued on the basis of:
- Lost income
- Reduced ability to earn
- Present and future medical bills that result from the accident
- Rehabilitation costs
- Damages to your vehicle, motorcycle, or any other property
- Loss of consortium
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Funeral expenses
- Emotional distress
- Pain and suffering
To make it easier to establish the economic impact of a truck accident on your life, you need to keep all medical receipts with you and maintain a record of lost income as well. We can also help you seek compensation for emotional damages such as depression, anxiety, fear, irritability, sleeplessness, and embarrassment that resulted from the accident.
Talk to a Fort Lauderdale Truck Accident Attorney About Your Case
Our lawyers have helped truck accident victims win fair compensation for lost wages, pain, injury, property damage, and emotional distress. If you are unable to come to us, one of our lawyers will arrive at the accident scene, your home, or hospital in good time to represent you. Fill in your accident details here to get started. You can also reach us at XXX for a free consultation. Call now.