Oakland Park Truck Accident Lawyers

More than 40,000 traffic accidents occurred in Broward County in 2018, according to the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles Department. Of these, over 4,000 involved commercial motor vehicles. Commercial trucks play a vital role in our society, transporting goods around the country. However, their size and weight pose a greater threat when an accident happens. Fully loaded semis can weigh up to 30 times more than normal passenger cars, making big truck accidents one of the most dangerous types of collisions. Other motorists caught up in a truck accident can suffer serious damage and injuries, leading to permanent disability and death.

Victims of such accidents may have a case against the negligent truck driver or other liable parties. Whether you live Oakland Park or any of the surrounding cities in Broward County, Florida, our truck accident lawyers are here to help you make a case and receive compensation for your losses.

Causes of Truck Accidents

Accidents occur for all sorts of reasons. However, even in all the varying circumstances, negligence is often behind the incident. Based on an analysis by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, some of the leading causes of large truck accidents include:

• Brake issues (29%)
• Traveling too fast for conditions (23%)
• Unfamiliarity with the road (22%)
• Road problems (20%)
• Use of over-the-counter drugs (17%)
• Insufficient observation by the driver (14%)
• Fatigue (13%)
• Illegal maneuver (9%)
• Inattention (9%)

You may notice that these percentages equal more than 100%, this is because accidents can have several causes. These statistics also demonstrate that truck drivers often contribute to the accident by driving too fast, using over-the-counter drugs, or pulling illegal maneuvers. Other causes, such as brake problems, can indicate liability on the part of trucking companies. They may perform inadequate maintenance or compel drivers to meet unreasonable deadlines or hours.

Negligence

Negligent driving is one of the primary causes of accidents. If you believe someone else, the truck driver or company, is responsible for the accident and your injuries, you will need to show proof of their blame. Negligence comes in many different forms. It means the guilty party did not exercise proper care of the vehicle or attention while driving.

For example, truck drivers are negligent when they:

• Speed
• Fail to yield
• Drive distractedly
• Tailgate
• Drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Drive while fatigued
• Secure cargo improperly
• Overload their vehicle
• Fail to properly inspect the truck before driving

As mentioned before, truck drivers are not the only ones who can be at fault. The trucking company may be liable for negligent hiring or not giving adequate training to employees.

Defective Trucks

Accidents involving commercial motor vehicles can be tricky when it comes to assigning blame. Neither the truck driver nor the company may be culpable for the collision. It could be on the part of the vehicle manufacturer. If a part is defective, the driver may lose control of the vehicle. The manufacturer is liable for malfunctions that are not due to poor maintenance. Again, you must demonstrate the defect’s part in the accident to receive compensation from the manufacturer. Identifying the guilty party or parties can be a difficult process, but our truck accident lawyers know how to analyze the collision and collect information to help you build a viable case against the negligent party.

Building a Case

When filing a claim, we perform a thorough investigation to help build your case. The more evidence we have, the stronger our case will be. Taking pictures at the scene and keeping track of bills and receipts will make the process easier. Some of the evidence we look at and collect includes:

• Pictures of the accident
• Police reports
• Witness statements
• Victim’s medical records
• Expenses and losses

Our personal injury lawyers may also work closely with medical experts and accident reconstruction specialists to develop a better picture of the accident and prove a direct connection between the incident and your injuries.

Compensation

A major truck accident can leave you facing severe monetary loss as well as physical and emotional injuries. Thankfully, you can receive compensation for all types of damages: economic, physical, and emotional.

Here are a few types of damages you can receive compensation for:

• Medical Expenses: After a truck accident you may find yourself with a heap of medical bills that your insurance does not fully cover. For example, you may have payments for ambulance transportation, x-rays, hospital stay, medication, physical therapy, etc. Keep an account of your medical bills and receipts to provide proof of your expenses.
• Loss of Income: Truck accidents may cause severe damage to you and your vehicle. If you have to take time off work, you are losing income. It is important to keep track of the time missed as a result of your injuries.
• Earning Impairment: Unfortunately, accidents can lead to permanent injuries that make working impossible. If you cannot work or lose your job due to another person’s negligence, you may be able to receive compensation for your current and future income losses.
• Property Damage: Of course, if you get into an accident with a truck, your vehicle probably received damage. Our personal injury lawyers can help you collect compensation to cover the cost of repair or replacement.
• Physical & Emotional Pain: Some things are hard to measure in money. Continual physical or emotional pain can damage a person’s quality of life. After a traumatic car accident, some experience anxiety, depression, and insomnia, among other ailments.

Talk to a Truck Accident Lawyer in Oakland Park

Be aware, Florida has a statute of limitations for truck accident cases. Don’t wait until the deadline approaches to file a claim. If you received damages or injuries due to a truck accident, we can help you hold the at-fault parties accountable and secure compensation for your losses. Talk to one of our Oakland Park truck accident lawyers to find out more about filing a claim and how we can serve you.