Trucking Accidents

Florida Trucking Accidents: Seeking Justice and Compensation for Victims in All Florida Counties

A truck accident can be a life-changing experience, causing significant injuries and long-lasting expenses while affecting your ability to work and enjoy your life. In the aftermath of a car accident with a tractor-trailer or commercial truck, you need to recover physically as well as financially, and there is often a significant psychological toll involved in trucking accidents. Further, you need to work with a local trucking accident law firm that can take many of these stresses and responsibilities off of your plate while you focus on your physical recovery. At Britto & Herman Injury Lawyers, our experienced team of Florida trucking accident lawyers is here to guide you through the legal process and fight for the justice and compensation you need.

If you or your loved ones have been involved in a Florida trucking accident, understanding your rights and options is crucial. Contact a Florida truck accident lawyer at Britto & Herman today at (561) 835-5555(561) 835-5555 to schedule a free consultation to begin a strategy to seek the appropriate compensation you need. Let us help you on the path to recovery.

Common Injuries in Florida
Trucking Accidents

Florida trucking accidents can lead to devastating injuries, often leading to long-term physical, emotional, and financial consequences. Understanding the common injuries that can occur in these crashes is critical to building a strong case for compensation. Some of the injuries victims may suffer include:

1. Spinal Cord Injuries: Severe trucking accidents can cause spinal cord damage, leading to paralysis or permanent disabilities.
2. Traumatic Brain Injuries: The impact of a Florida truck accident can lead to traumatic brain injuries, which may have lifelong cognitive and physical effects.
3. Fractures and Broken Bones: The force of a truck collision can cause fractures, broken bones, and severe orthopedic injuries.
4. Internal Organ Damage: The violent nature of trucking accidents can lead to internal organ damage, requiring immediate medical attention and ongoing treatment.
5. Whiplash and Neck Injuries: The sudden jolts and forceful impact can cause whiplash and other neck injuries, leading to chronic pain and limited mobility.
6. Wrongful Death: Unfortunately, many truck accidents in Palm Beach County are fatal due to the nature of the vehicles involved in these incidents. We are prepared to pursue a wrongful death claim if you have lost a loved one in a Florida truck accident.

At Britto & Herman Injury Lawyers, we understand the unique challenges and complexities of Florida trucking accident cases. Our compassionate attorneys will work tirelessly to seek the compensation necessary to cover your medical expenses, lost wages, rehabilitation costs, and other damages.

What to Do Following a Truck Accident in Florida

If you’re involved in a truck accident in Florida, take several vital steps to address health concerns, preserve evidence, protect your legal rights, and avoid mistakes that could negatively affect your case:

• Secure the Accident Scene and Attend to Injuries: Check yourself and others for injuries. Call 911 immediately if anyone is hurt. If feasible, try to move vehicles out of the flow of traffic to prevent further accidents.
• Prioritize Safety and Call the Police: Always call 911, even if there are no immediate injuries. The police will create an official accident report, which can be crucial in a legal case.
• Seek Medical Attention: Even if injuries seem minor, seek medical attention as soon as possible. Some injuries may not be apparent immediately, but can manifest later.
• Document the Scene: Take photographs and videos of the accident scene, including vehicle damage, road conditions, traffic signs, and any visible injuries. This evidence can be critical in your case.
• Exchange Information: Secure the truck driver’s name, contact information, driver’s license number, insurance information, and license plate number. Also, record the trucking company’s name.
• Gather Eyewitness Information: If there were any eyewitnesses, try to secure their contact information, as they could provide valuable testimony.
• Notify Your Insurance Company: Report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible. Provide factual information, but avoid admitting fault or speculating about what happened.
• Consult a Lawyer: Trucking accidents often involve complex legal issues due to multiple potentially liable parties and larger insurance policies. A lawyer can guide you through the process and help you seek fair compensation.
• Keep Records: Maintain a file with all accident-related documents and receipts. This should include medical bills, repair estimates, and documentation of any missed work.
• Follow Medical Advice: Continue with follow-up appointments and adhere to your doctor’s advice. Failing to do so could be used against you to suggest that your injuries are not as serious as claimed.

Types of Trucking Accidents

Trucking accidents in Florida can take various forms depending on the type of truck involved and the circumstances of the accident:

• Rollover Accidents: This occurs when a truck tips over onto its side or roof, often due to high speeds, sudden turns, or improper loading.
• Jackknife Accidents: Particular to a tractor-trailer accident, this happens when a semi-truck’s trailer swings out to form a 90-degree angle with the tractor, usually caused by abrupt braking or slippery road conditions.
• Underride Accidents: In some semi-truck accidents, a car or smaller vehicle slides under the rear or side of a larger truck or its trailer, often leading to severe or fatal injuries.
• Override Accidents: This is the opposite of an underride accident where the truck drives over a smaller vehicle, often from behind the smaller vehicle.
• Pileup Accidents: These occur when multiple vehicles are involved in a series of collisions, often initiated by a large truck.
• Brake Failure Accidents: Trucks require more distance to stop, as compared to smaller vehicles. If a truck’s brakes fail, it can lead to a serious collision.
• Head-On Collisions: These are often a deadly type of truck accident, occurring when a truck and another vehicle collide head-on.
• Accidents Caused by Weight Violations: Overloaded or improperly loaded trucks can lead to loss of control, brake failure, and other types of accidents.
• Commercial Truck Accidents: These involve vehicles used for business purposes, such as semi-trucks, delivery trucks, and construction vehicles. They often lead to serious injuries due to the size and weight of these vehicles.
• 18-Wheeler Accidents: Also known as semi-truck accidents, these involve large tractor-trailers and can cause significant damage due to their size and weight. A semi-truck accident can involve several parties.

Our experienced trucking accident lawyers at Britto & Herman Injury Lawyers can assess the unique details of your Palm Beach County trucking accident case and account for the relevant considerations pertaining to whichever categories of truck driving accidents apply to your circumstances.

Causes of Trucking Accidents

Trucking accidents in Florida can be caused by a variety of factors. It’s important to note that there may be multiple parties involved that could have contributed to the cause of a truck accident, making these cases complicated. The following are common causes of Florida truck accidents:

• Driver Error: This can include speeding, distracted driving, fatigue, impairment due to alcohol or drugs, and aggressive driving. Drowsy or distracted truck drivers will require different evidence to prove the case than are required in impaired driving incidents, but these categories share the truck driver’s negligence as a major factor contributing to the wreck.
• Equipment Failure: Breakdowns or failure of critical parts like brakes, tires, or steering systems can lead to accidents. This could be due to poor maintenance, manufacturing defects, or normal wear and tear. Consequently, a driver may lose control of a tractor-trailer or other large commercial vehicle.
• Improper Loading: Overloading or improperly securing cargo can cause the truck to become unstable, leading to rollovers or loss of control.
• Weather Conditions: Poor weather conditions like rain, fog, or high winds can make it difficult for truck drivers to control their vehicles, increasing the risk of accidents.
• Inadequate Training: If a truck driver has not been properly trained to handle the specific type of truck they are driving or on how to respond to emergency situations, it can lead to accidents.
• Negligent Hiring Practices: Trucking companies may be held liable if they hire drivers with poor driving records or fail to conduct proper background checks.
• Poor Road Conditions: Potholes, road work, lack of proper signage, or poorly-designed roads can contribute to trucking accidents.
• Violation of Hours-of-Service Regulations: To prevent driver fatigue, there are strict laws and regulations limiting how long a truck driver can be on the road without taking breaks. Violations of these rules can lead to accidents when truck drivers are on the road for extended periods.

Unfortunately, crashes and collisions involving drowsy and overworked truck drivers are a common problem. The experienced accident attorneys at our Florida firm can guide you regarding appropriate damages and legal action to take following a tractor-trailer accident. It is possible that the driver of a tractor trailer or semi truck may be putting in more hours than are legally allowed, due to pressure from the trucking company employing them, and that is another contributing factor to explore.

Drivers of other types of commercial trucks may likewise be rushing to meet schedules that place additional stress on them to travel quickly between locations to deliver goods or perform services, which may lead to motor vehicle accidents. The experienced Florida truck accident attorneys at our law firm can assess the implications of the unique details in your case.

Truck Accidents are Often Complicated, Involving Multiple Parties

Commercial trucking operations and corporations using trucking for logistics often have extensive resources and experienced legal teams to defend against truck accident claims. There are many ways in which the other side in a truck accident case will likely be well-prepared to counter your claims, and this is an important reason why individuals involved in truck accidents need robust legal representation on their side.

• Trucking Companies’ Defenses: Trucking companies often assert that the injured party shares some responsibility for the accident. This can reduce the amount of compensation the injured party receives, or even eliminate it entirely.
• Knowledge of Regulations: Insurance companies representing truck drivers and trucking companies are well-versed in safety regulations. They use this knowledge to aggressively defend against claims.
• Legal Familiarity: Trucking companies often retain experienced defense counsel immediately after an accident, making it essential for accident victims to have strong legal representation.
• Evidence Preservation: Trucking companies are aware of the importance of preserving evidence and may act quickly to protect their interests. Accident victims also need to act swiftly to ensure critical evidence is not lost. An experienced lawyer will guide and assist you in gathering evidence from the outset of your truck accident case.
• Narrative Control: Defense attorneys often try to control the narrative, painting truckers and trucking companies as safe and responsible. It’s crucial for accident victims to have legal representatives who can challenge these narratives and present their side of the story.
• Shared Liability: In some cases, liability for a truck accident may be shared among multiple parties, including the driver, the trucking company, and others. A skilled and experienced trucking accident attorney is prepared to help you navigate these complicated situations.

How to Gather Evidence After a Florida Trucking Accident

After a Florida truck accident, it’s vital to gather strong evidence to support your personal injury claim. Florida law requires evidence to demonstrate negligence or fault on the part of the truck driver, trucking company, or other responsible parties. Here are some steps to take:

1. Seek Medical Attention: Your health should be your first priority. Prompt medical evaluation not only ensures your well-being but also creates a crucial record of your injuries.
2. Document the Scene: If possible, take photographs or videos of the accident scene, including vehicle damage, skid marks, and any traffic signs or signals.
3. Secure Witness Statements: Collect contact information from witnesses who saw the accident and may be able to provide valuable testimony.
4. Preserve Physical Evidence: Keep copies of medical records, police reports, and any other relevant documents. Also, retain damaged personal belongings as evidence.
5. Consult an Experienced Attorney: Contact Britto & Herman Injury Lawyers as soon as possible. Our skilled attorneys will guide you through the evidence-gathering process and ensure no crucial details are overlooked.

If you want to learn more about what to do after any type of crash, check out our blog: Three Things You Must Do After a Florida Car Accident

Why Hire a Lawyer After a Florida Trucking Accident

Navigating the legal aftermath of a Florida trucking accident can be overwhelming, especially while dealing with injuries and recovery. Hiring an experienced personal injury lawyer from Britto & Herman Injury Lawyers can provide you with numerous benefits, including:

1. Legal Knowledge and Experience: Our attorneys have in-depth knowledge of Florida personal injury law and will ensure your case is handled according to the state’s regulations.
2. Investigation and Evidence Gathering: We will conduct a thorough investigation, gather essential evidence, and consult with accident reconstruction experts if necessary.
3. Negotiation with Insurance Companies: Our legal team will handle all communication and negotiations with insurance companies to secure a fair settlement that covers your losses.
4. Litigation Representation: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, our skilled trial lawyers will fight for your rights in court, presenting a compelling case on your behalf.
5. Peace of Mind: By entrusting your case to us, you can focus on your recovery while we handle the legal complexities and pursue the maximum compensation you need.

If you want to learn more about how personal injury lawyers are paid for their work, check out our blog entry here: Do I Have to Pay My Personal Injury Lawyer?

What Can You Recover Money for After a Florida Trucking Accident?

Florida trucking accidents can lead to severe injuries, causing physical, emotional, and financial hardships. Understanding the common injuries associated with trucking accidents is crucial when seeking compensation for your damages. Some of the injuries trucking accident victims may experience include:

1. Head and Brain Injuries: Trucking accident victims are particularly vulnerable to head and brain injuries due to the speed and weight of semi trucks and severity of highway collisions generally. These injuries can range from concussions to traumatic brain injuries with long-lasting effects and require specialized medical care.
2. Bone Fractures and Dislocations: The high speed impact of a trucking accident can lead to bone fractures, dislocations, and severe orthopedic injuries, affecting the limbs, collarbones, ribs, and pelvis.
3. Spinal Cord Injuries: High-impact trucking accidents can lead to spinal cord injuries, which can cause paralysis or permanent disabilities.
4. Internal Injuries: Trucking accidents can also lead to internal injuries, such as organ damage, internal bleeding, or injuries to the lungs and other vital organs.
5. Lost Wages and Lost Earning Capacity: When a trucking accident victim misses time from work due to injury, they may have a claim for lost wages even if they used vacation or sick time; sometimes injuries are bad enough to prevent a trucking accident victim from continuing in the same profession or line of work, known as a lost earning capacity claim.

At Britto & Herman Injury Lawyers, we understand the unique challenges faced by trucking accident victims. Our compassionate attorneys will fight tirelessly to seek the compensation necessary for our clients to cover medical expenses, ongoing treatment, lost wages, and other damages following crashes involving a tractor-trailer or commercial truck. Your first step is to reach out to an experienced truck accident lawyer at our Jupiter, Florida personal injury law firm.

Schedule a Free Consultation With an Experienced Florida Trucking Accident Lawyer at Britto & Herman Injury Lawyers

At Britto & Herman Injury Lawyers, we have a proven track record of successfully representing clients in Florida trucking accident cases. Our record demonstrates our unwavering dedication to seeking justice for accident victims.

Call an experienced Florida truck accident lawyer at our Jupiter, Florida law firm today at (561) 835-5555(561) 835-5555 or fill out our online form to schedule a free consultation. We serve residents in all Florida counties. Let us advocate for your rights.

Time is of the essence in Florida tractor-trailer accident cases. Don’t delay—reach out to Britto & Herman Injury Lawyers today. We are here to help you navigate the legal process, provide support, and ensure your voice is heard after a Florida trucking accident.

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