Have you recently been involved in a trucking accident in the State of Florida? If so, we would like to sympathize with you at this moment. We are aware that these accidents are perhaps one of the most devastating incidents that occur in our society.Furthermore, you must know that trucking accidents, equal to any other personal injury incident, will also lead to an array of legal disputes with the other party in order to seek fair compensation for your injuries.
That is why by hiring a truck accident attorney in Florida, you will be represented by a highly skilled legal professional that will seek to protect your rights and deliver you the necessary reparations to alleviate your physical, emotional, and financial burdens. We would kindly ask you to keep reading our article so that you can learn about the legal standards of trucking incidents in the sunshine state, what to do after being involved in one, and the benefits of hiring an injury attorney for your case.
What Are the Legal Basics of Trucking Accidents in Florida?
Truck accident law identifies who was at fault at the moment of the accident. In the grand majority of cases, liability in trucking accidents will be given to the drivers of these heavy-freight shipping trucks.
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Administration (FMCSA), heavy freight trucks produce 3% of motor vehicle accidents. A usual trucking accident can cause more severe injuries in comparison to an average car accident. That is why state laws establish strict regulations that trucking and shipping companies must comply with.
Who Is Liable in a Florida Trucking Accident?
- The trucking company or employer can be held responsible for the accident if the truck driver lacked responsibility while operating the vehicle. Nonetheless, the truck driver’s acts at the time of the accident must have been unintentional and within the scope of employment.
- When filing a personal injury lawsuit against two or more defendants, they may all be equally responsible for compensating the victims for their damages or assume the responsibility of paying the damages they caused.
What Are Some Types of Trucking Accidents
Rear-End Accidents: These occur when a vehicle crashes into the one in front of it. These accidents are very dangerous for smaller vehicles due to the weight of the truck. The vast majority of rear-end accidents are produced by the truck driver’s lack of care. For example:
- Impaired driving,
- Speeding,
- Distracted driving.
Brake Failure Accidents: Brakes may fail if the trucking company does not properly perform safety maintenance on its vehicles, or if the truck’s driver does not complete daily vehicle inspections as required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Act (FMCSA).
What to Do After Being Involved in a Trucking Accident in Florida?
- Call The Police: If you are on a highway, the 911 dispatcher will redirect your phone call to the local law enforcement agency and emergency responders. It is crucial to inform the dispatchers of the number of people involved in the accident so that they can send as many ambulances as needed.
- Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Whether your injuries are severe or not, it is vital to request medical attention. Why? Because some injuries may not be notorious right after the incident.
- Gather Information: This is a crucial step towards achieving compensation. Make sure you request the other party’s contact information and provide them yours as well. Take photographs of the damage bestowed upon your vehicle, your injuries, and license plate numbers of the truck and any other involved cars.
- Seek Witnesses: Witnesses can be pedestrians, bystanders, or people in other vehicles that were not involved in the accident. Ask them for their contact information.
What Are Benefits of Hiring a Fort Lauderdale Truck Accident Lawyer?
- Comprehending The Legal Process: These attorneys are professionals that will offer you the best assistance during your case because they know how to properly file a claim, understand legal verbiage within documents, and are experts in state laws.
- Properly Calculating Your Compensation: Truck accident attorneys know how to properly calculate your compensation by examining your injuries, damage to your vehicle, and lost income.
- Efficient Representation: A truck accident lawyer can represent you while you recover from your physical harm. This service will provide you peace of mind while recovering.
We Are The Law Offices of Scott J. Senft
We would like to thank you for taking your time in reading this article. Now that you are more educated on the legalities that may appear after being involved in a truck accident in Florida, we trust that you will make the right choice when fighting for your rights.
We are the law offices of Scott J. Senft. We have been representing individuals with cases similar to yours for over two decades! At our law firm, you will be able to find the best auto-mobile accident lawyer in Broward County. Call us at 561 376 8073!
