The trucking enterprise is an important part of American commerce and a well-regulated industry. Still, high-speed, difficult-to-maneuver trucks with extensive blind spots pose obvious hazards to other motorists.
The risk of injury and fatality in an accident involving large trucks is exceptionally high. Every year, more than 4,000 die, and nearly 100,000 sustain injuries in truck accidents, reports Advocates for Highway Safety. Those annual fatalities are the equivalent to having a major airplane crash every other week of the year. 4,000 people
If you or a loved one suffered an injury in a truck accident, call Pompano Beach personal injury lawyers at the Law Firm of Anidjar & Levine to discuss your case. You might be eligible for substantial compensation for your losses. Contact us at personal injury
Can I Sue the Trucking Company for My Accident?
When someone suffers an injury in an accident caused by another party, Florida law entitles them to pursue damages from the at-fault party or defendant. This process typically begins when we file an insurance claim against the at-fault party’s insurer. We are usually able to negotiate a fair settlement for our clients during this step. However, in cases where the parties cannot reach an agreement, we can file suit and take your truck accident claim to court. Florida law
If the wrongful or careless actions of a truck driver or trucking company caused your crash, we can file a claim on your behalf for compensation. The primary qualifier to file a truck accident claim is. That is, the carrier or driver must have acted in an unsafe way that put other road users at risk of harm.
What are Some Examples of Negligence in Truck Accidents?
Negligence is the legal term for breaching one’s duty of care to others. Truck drivers and companies have a legal duty to operate and maintain their vehicles in a safe manner and to abide by federal rules and regulations. When they fail to follow these standards and cause an accident, the victims can hold them financially liable for damages.
Our attorneys have helped numerous families collect compensation after truck accidents in Pompano Beach. Some of the most common types of negligence we have come across include:
- Trucking companies employing unqualified or poorly trained drivers;
- Driving while distracted, including texting, eating, and grooming behind the wheel;
- Failing to perform routine fleet inspections and maintenance;
- Driving more than the maximum permitted number of service hours;
- Overloading the trailer or improperly securing cargo;
- Speeding, changing lanes without signaling, and tailgating;
- Over-correcting; and
- Driving while intoxicated or sleepy.
It is not always the driver or carrier that is at fault, though. Sometimes, a third party’s negligence is to blame for the accident. For example, if a truck had faulty brakes that contributed to the accident, the truck or brake manufacturer might be liable. Similarly, if an outsourced inspector or a repair company failed to spot or fix a defect, or if a loading company did not load the cargo correctly, the inspection, repair, or loading company might be liable.
For help identifying liability and proving negligence for your truck accident case, reach out to one of our truck accident attorneys today. We can examine the details of your crash and determine who was responsible.
Do I Need to Hire an Attorney for My Truck Accident Case?
Truck accident cases are notably different—and more challenging—than regular car accident claims. To win compensation, your lawyer needs to understand:
- Federal trucking laws;
- How to investigate the accident, compile evidence, and participate in discovery;
- How to complete paperwork on time and file documents and forms with the appropriate agencies;
- How to take legal precautions to preserve evidence from the accident;
- How to collect testimony from accident and medical experts;
- The process of calculating current and future damages;
- How to argue against the defendant’s counterclaims;
- The negotiation process with the insurance company; and
- How to abide by various legal procedures and strict timetables.
Our lawyers have handled numerous claims this yours before. We know the ins and outs of the legal system and we have the experience to successfully navigate the claims process on your behalf.
You can bet the trucking company will have an attorney. When truck accident claims involve considerable damages, carriers retain tough defense attorneys to fight their cases. Their job is to look for ways to reduce the company’s liability by either apportioning some of the accident blame onto you or undermining your losses and reducing the value of your claim. We can deal with all the legal stresses and protect your interests, giving you the best chance of collecting the funds you and your family need after a serious truck accident.
What Types of Damages Can I Collect if I Win My Truck Accident Case?
When you work with our firm, we will help create a detailed, accurate report of all the losses and expenses related to the accident. There are three primary types of compensable damages in truck accident claims we can help you seek. Florida
Special Damages You Can Collect After a Truck Accident
Special damages compensate you for the economic losses you sustain, such as medical bills, the cost of medical devices and prescriptions, loss of wages, long-term disability, lost household services, and reduced capacity to work.
General Damages You May Be Entitled to After a Truck Crash
General damages compensate you for the emotional, non-economic losses you experience, such as pain and suffering, anguish, depression, anxiety, and reduced quality of and enjoyment in life.
Punitive Damages
In cases where the truck driver was especially careless or negligent, such as driving while intoxicated, the courts may order the defendant to pay you punitive damages as a form of punishment and determent.
Speak With a Truck Accident Lawyer in Pompano Beach Today—for Free.
If you or a loved one has suffered a serious injury in a truck crash in Pompano Beach, our team of seasoned, determined attorneys can fight for the justice and money you deserve. We are well-versed in trucking regulations and know how to anticipate and thwart the tactics carriers use to minimize payouts to victims. Our goal is to provide quality, personalized legal representation and secure the highest settlement possible for each of our clients.
Call the Law Firm of Anidjar & Levine and request a free consultation with one of our lawyers to discuss your truck accident case.