18-wheeler truck accidents are terrifying and are more likely to lead to catastrophic and fatal injuries than those involving passenger vehicles. This is because these trucks are massive, powerful, carry heavy loads, take longer to stop, and can be challenging to maneuver. As a result, being involved in an 18-wheeler accident can utterly devastate the lives of those injured or grieving a loved one’s sudden death.
If you’ve been injured or have lost a family member due to a large commercial truck accident, a Davie 18-wheeler truck accident lawyer at the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine can help you navigate the complex claims process and pursue compensation to pay for your extensive injuries and losses. We offer free case consultations to injury victims and their families.
How Can A Davie 18-Wheeler Truck Accident Lawyer Help You?
If you are seeking compensation for losses due to a semi-truck accident, a Davie personal injury attorney can help you navigate the complex claims process by handling the following critical tasks:
- Investigate the accident scene
- Collect evidence and documentation supporting your claims
- Determine responsible party(s) and establish proof of their liability
- Determine an effective strategy to secure compensation
- Identify all past and future losses and calculate their worth
- Negotiate with insurance companies in an attempt to settle fairly
- File a personal injury lawsuit and represent you in court, if needed
Most of all, you can rely on the knowledge and experience our attorneys have gained in handling cases just like yours. They can provide the insight you need to secure compensation even if your circumstances are not ideal.
How Are Davie 18-Wheeler Accidents Different From Car Accidents?
Accidents involving large commercial vehicles such as 18-wheeler trucks often differ significantly from standard car-to-car collisions. For example, truck accidents:
- Are more likely to involve multiple parties, such as drivers, trucking companies, loading companies, manufacturers, mechanics, etc.
- May be more likely to result in severe and fatal injuries. This is due to weight differences (the heaviest passenger vehicle is under 9,000 pounds versus fully loaded 18-wheelers that can weigh up to 80,000 pounds.) High truck ground clearance and blind spots are also factors.
- Can occur because trucks traveling at high speed with heavy loads are harder to maneuver and stop.
- Can be caused by unbalanced, loose, or shifting cargo during transport.
- Are rapidly addressed by trucking companies and their attorneys who investigate, collect evidence, and identify ways to avoid liability.
- Include evidence such as driving logging records and black box data that can help determine what happened in the time leading up to the accident and what caused it.
All of these are why it’s so beneficial to have an attorney who can handle the unique and often complex circumstances surrounding large truck accidents.
Davie 18-Wheeler Truck Accidents Involve Insurance Differences
When truck drivers are found at fault for accidents, it is typically the insurer of the company they work for that will be pursued for damages. Moreover, the individual operators are much less likely to be financially liable. And when an accident claim is filed with the truck company’s insurer, injury victims are often forced to deal with the company’s attorneys.
Truck accident attorneys often work for large, highly skilled legal teams and firms. Unfortunately, most laypersons are highly unprepared to go toe-to-toe with these professionals and simply do not have the resources to combat them effectively.
When you have the legal counsel you deserve, you can focus on your recovery while leaving the rest to us.
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What Damages Can You Recover In A Davie 18-Wheeler Accident?
If you are considering initiating a claim or lawsuit against the trucking company or other liable party, you can pursue various recoverable damages, including:
- Current and future medical expenses
- Lost income and diminished earning capacity
- Property damage
- Temporary and permanent disability
- Pain and suffering
- Psychological distress
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Loss of companionship
- Loss of quality of life
Wrongful Death Damages
If you lost a family member due to an accident with an 18-wheeler truck, you may be able to pursue compensation for losses suffered by both you and the decedent. This is called a wrongful death lawsuit and must be filed within two years of your loved one’s passing. You can claim damages such as funeral and burial expenses, emotional anguish, loss of companionship, and more.
What Causes Truck Accidents?
Negligence is a common and sound basis for determining liability. It occurs when a person or party fails to fulfill a duty of care to others to ensure their actions or inaction do not harm others. Some common causes of semi-truck accidents involving negligence include the following:
- Driver distraction and fatigue
- Lack of driver training
- Speeding or going too fast for weather conditions
- Traffic violations, such as failing to yield or stop
- Driver alcohol or drug impairment
- Shifting or unbalanced cargo
- Poor truck maintenance and repair
- Faulty brakes or other unsafe equipment
- Potential road hazards, defects, and disrepair
Violations Of Trucking Laws Can Contribute To Accidents
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) governs the trucking industry. This government agency is responsible for enacting federal regulations that truck drivers and companies are legally obliged to comply with, including the following:
Hours of service: Hours of service regulations are intended to prevent drivers from causing accidents due to extreme fatigue. For example, truckers can only drive 11 hours of a maximum 14-hour workday. Also, after completing a full workday, drivers must take at least 10 hours off-duty or sleeper berth time.
CDL and training: All commercial truck drivers are required to carry a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) from the state where they reside or where the trucking company is based. Drivers must also be adequately trained to load and secure cargo to stop it from shifting or falling out during transport.
Alcohol and drugs: Drivers are prohibited from driving if their blood alcohol concentration exceeds 0.02 percent. Furthermore, drivers cannot even carry alcohol in their trucks unless it is included in their cargo.
In addition to federal regulations, the trucking industry is also governed by state laws.
Our personal injury attorneys are committed to helping truck accident victims protect their rights and pursue compensation regardless of the reason for the accident. If any parties involved in the accident broke federal or state law, this could be considered negligence and, therefore, highly supportive of your claim.
Call Us Today
If you suffered severe or devastating injuries in an 18-wheeler truck accident, please contact our legal team at the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine for a free consultation. We are here to assess your case, explain your legal options, and help you determine the best course of action for financial recovery.
