Any car accident comes with its stresses, concerns and physical and financial burdens. However, few collisions are as catastrophic as tractor-trailer accidents. From the size of these vehicles to their relative lack of maneuverability, tractor-trailer accidents often cause severe, occasionally life-threatening, accidents.
If you or someone you care about was involved in a tractor-trailer accident, we encourage you to reach out to the West Palm Beach truck accident attorneys at the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine as soon as possible. Our team of tractor-trailer accident lawyers in West Palm Beach, FL prides itself on representing members of the community against the party responsible for the accident. Call the West Palm Beach personal injury lawyers at the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine for a free consultation. We will walk you through your options and how you might be able to recover damages.
Common Causes of Tractor-Trailer Accidents in West Palm Beach
Like other car accidents, tractor-trailer accidents occur for a variety of reasons. The size of tractor-trailers coupled with the speeds they usually travel is a common cause of tractor-trailer accidents. The following situations can also cause a tractor-trailer accident in West Palm Beach.
Driver Fatigue Can Cause 18-Wheeler Crashes
Tractor-trailer drivers often work long hours and drive long distances. While the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration set regulations allowing truck drivers to operate their vehicle a maximum of 11 hours per day, driver fatigue is still an issue.
Poor Braking and Tractor-Trailers
The size and weight of tractor-trailers make braking difficult. In fact, it takes a tractor-trailer about 350 feet to come to a complete stop.
Poor Maneuverability’s Role in Crashes
Tractor-trailers are typically the largest vehicles on the road. And unlike most vehicles on the road, they cannot make quick movements to avoid accidents. And attempting to make a quick move often causes an even worse accident.
Shifting Cargo Can Cause an Accident
Tractor-trailers carry large, often dangerous cargo. Traveling at high speeds can cause that cargo to shift and fall if it is not secured well enough. These accidents not only cause significant damage but obstruct large portions of the road.
Damages You Can Collect After Your Accident
Tractor-trailer accidents are very serious, so The Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine will make a case for significant damages on your behalf. That said, the type of damages we would seek on your behalf would not differ greatly from most other personal injury cases. The following is a list of the type of damages that might apply to your case:
Medical Expenses
Medical expenses are probably your most pressing concern after a tractor-trailer accident. Our firm would seek damages related to ambulance trips, hospital stays, medication, physical therapy and more.
Property Damage
It is likely that your vehicle sustained significant damage if you were involved in a tractor-trailer accident. In fact, your vehicle may be totaled. The Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine might be able to seek damages covering the cost to repair or replace your vehicle.
Lost Wages
Depending on the severity of your injuries, medical expenses may not be your only concern. You may be losing money due to necessary physical therapy appointments, or you may be forced to miss significant time at work. In either case, you might be able to recover compensation for lost income. And if your injuries force you out of work altogether, we could seek lost earning potential damages as well.
Proving Negligence in Your West Palm Beach Tractor-Trailer Accident
While tractor-trailer accidents are very serious events, simply being involved in an accident with one does not obligate you to damages. Negligence on the part of the tractor-trailer driver must be proven. And that is where the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine can help you most.
Knowing why an accident occurred is the first step in proving liability. And proving liability in a West Palm Beach tractor-trailer accident requires proving the duty of care, negligence, causation, and damages.
The strength of your personal injury claim relies heavily on the ability to prove there is a direct link between the actions of the other driver, the accident, and your losses. And it is in this area where we believe the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine can help you most.
How a West Palm Beach Personal Injury Attorney Can Help
Being involved in an accident is something we all acknowledge as a potential risk on the road. But few of us ever consider the possibility that we will be involved in a collision with a tractor-trailer.
The Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine are very mindful of the realities you face as a victim in this situation. This is why we offer free consultations to anyone looking to gather information following their accidents. Also, we do not require payment unless you collect a settlement. Call us today at 1-800-747-3733 to schedule your free consultation.
We Can Help.
