Fort Lauderdale Truck Accident Attorneys
Lawyers Representing Clients Injured in 18 Wheeler Crashes in Fort Lauderdale
If you have been involved in an accident involving a commercial truck, your main priority is getting medical attention for any injuries you may have sustained. Unfortunately, while you are addressing these issues, the company whose driver caused the crash is likely to begin taking steps to attempt to avoid taking full responsibility for the harm done to you. No matter the facts surrounding the accident, trucking company representatives may attempt to portray you as responsible for the incident, or they may take other actions in an effort to minimize their liability.
Truck drivers, trucking companies, and insurers will often do everything they can to evade financial liability for commercial truck accidents. When going up against large and powerful companies, it is easy to understand why injured victims may struggle to protect their rights and receive the compensation they need to address the damages they have suffered. Fortunately, the experienced team at The Law Offices of John D. Ameen, P.A. is unafraid to take on these companies. We will not back down against the legal teams that trucking companies and insurance carriers employ.
You have already been through enough after being injured in a truck accident, and we will ensure that you will not be taken advantage of as you pursue compensation for your damages. Our team is equipped with the necessary skills and resources to look out for your best interests and help you obtain the financial resources you need as you work to recover from your injuries.
Experienced Guidance and Representation in Broward County Truck Accident Cases
The trucking industry is often referred to as the "lifeblood" of the United States economy, and it is easy to see why. Nearly all products sold in the United States have been transported by commercial truck at some point before they reach consumers. There are around 3.5 million truck drivers in the U.S., and they transport around 11 billion tons of cargo each year.
A typical tractor-trailer truck is around 70 to 80 feet long, and when fully loaded, these trucks can be as heavy as 80,000 pounds. Certain types of oversized trucks are also granted certifications that may allow them to exceed these size and weight limits. The sheer size and mass of 18-wheeler trucks make collisions with them incredibly hazardous. All it takes is a momentary distraction or the slightest mistake by the truck driver to cause a dangerous truck wreck. While people in other vehicles are likely to experience severe bodily harm or wrongful death in these types of collisions, truck drivers may suffer only minor injuries.
Common Causes of 18-Wheeler Accidents
Numerous issues can play a role in causing truck accidents. Here are a few of the most frequent causes of tractor-trailer crashes:
- Truck driver errors, which may occur because of driver fatigue, long hours on the road, or medical issues
- Intoxicated driving
- Distracted driving, including sending text messages, using electronic navigation devices, or talking on a truck's radio
- Improper maintenance of trucks and truck equipment
- Failure to comply with safety standards
- Hours of service violations or failure to follow other regulations that apply to commercial vehicle drivers
- Unsecured cargo that may shift during transit or fall from a truck
- Traffic violations or aggressive behavior by drivers who are attempting to meet strict deadlines for cargo delivery
- Failure by a trucking company to ensure that truck drivers are properly qualified and trained
With over 50 combined years of experience in personal injury cases, the attorneys at The Law Offices of John D. Ameen, P.A. understand the intricacies of truck accident cases. With our experience representing clients in these matters, we know how to achieve successful results. Our team understands that a single accident may involve numerous parties. For instance, a truck and the trailer it was transporting may have separate owners with individual insurers. A separate company could have been responsible for maintaining the truck, and another company may have been tasked with loading cargo onto the trailer. If negligence occurred at any point in the shipping process, one or more of these parties may be liable for a truck accident.
We are prepared to fight to secure the maximum amount of money owed to you so that you can recover to the fullest extent possible. You may be compensated for medical expenses, lost earnings, and damages related to physical or emotional distress. We will not be rushed or intimated into agreeing to a settlement offer that does not fully address your damages. You can rest assured that our team is prepared to take your case to court if necessary, and we will fight to make sure all of your rights will be safeguarded at all times.
18 Wheeler Accident FAQs
Answer: First, call emergency services and seek medical attention for yourself and others who were involved. Second, gather information from the truck driver, such as their name, insurance, and license details. Third, document the scene by taking photos and gathering witness statements. Fourth, report the accident to your insurance company. Finally, consult with a personal injury lawyer to understand your rights and determine if legal action is necessary.
Answer: Your truck accident attorney will be a legal professional who is well-versed in personal injury law in Florida. Your lawyer will help investigate the accident, collect evidence, determine who is liable, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent you in court if necessary. All the while, they will ensure that your rights are always protected.
Answer: In a Florida truck accident, several parties can potentially be held liable. If the truck driver was negligent, they may be held responsible for causing the accident. If a trucking company was negligent in its hiring, training, or supervision of a driver, the company may then be held liable. If the truck involved in the accident was owned by a party separate from the trucking company, the owner can be held liable if their negligence contributed to the accident.
Answer: Damages in truck accident cases are similar to those in other motor vehicle accident cases. You may be able to receive compensation for pain and suffering, lost wages, medical expenses, and more.
Answer: In Florida, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases is two years from the date of the accident. If this deadline is missed, pursuing compensation may not be possible.
Answer: Accident scene evidence, police reports, medical records detailing your injuries, witness statements, trucking company records, electronic data, and more may be relevant in your case. This evidence may be used to demonstrate liability for the accident, show how your injuries have affected you, and ensure that you will be able to recover compensation for your damages.
Contact Our Boca Raton Truck Accident Lawyers
If you are in need of legal assistance following a truck wreck, we invite you to contact our team today. We offer free consultations, and you can reach us at any time by calling 800-555-4011. Our lawyers proudly serve victims throughout the South Florida region, and we can provide the guidance and representation you need to seek rightful compensation for your injuries and damages.