Trucking accident cases can involve many factors, and multiple parties can be responsible. Powerful trucking and haulage organizations may place profit over safety for their drivers and all other motorists who share the road with them. Unreasonable delivery schedules can increase the risk of a wreck. This is because they pressure truck drivers to violate trucking and road safety regulations.
If you or a loved one was injured in an accident involving an 18-wheeler rig, you might be able to take legal action. A Miami truck accident lawyer with the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine could help you recover compensation for your injuries and other related losses.
The Responsibilities Your Lawyer Has That Have to Do with Your Case
Our team will handle your entire case for you. This involves speaking to the other party in the case and fighting for a fair settlement. We will also:
- File all paperwork
- Cover court fees until you get your damages
- Investigate the accident
- Answer your questions
- Give advice about your case
- Valuate your losses
Your Rights and Recovering Compensation
The law in Florida provides you with rights as a victim of a large rig accident. Our Miami lawyer, who focuses on 18-wheeler accident compensation, may be able to help you. Our team can navigate the complex legal system and protect your rights throughout the claims process.
The first step is making your health a priority. Seeking proper medical treatment straight away for your injuries is essential. Doing so can help with your return to health and allow you to avoid any worsened symptoms. Having your treatment and injuries correctly documented may help strengthen your claim.
Protecting Your Rights Against the Insurance Company
Insurance companies will meticulously review your medical records when they assess your claim and settlement offer. They may seek ways to reduce the compensation they pay.
Your chosen legal representation will know all of the strategies insurers use to deny payments or offer low settlements. These can include blaming you for the accident or contesting the severity of your injuries. Allowing your lawyer to manage all communications about the accident may be beneficial. Your Miami personal injury lawyer can level the playing field and protect your rights.
Litigation Involves Complex Areas of the Law
Injuries from large truck accidents are typically more serious than those involving smaller vehicles. Victims can be left managing severe health conditions after such an event. These can include:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Loss of limbs
- Permanent burns
- Scarring
These injuries often require extensive medical and rehabilitative treatment, affecting victims physically, emotionally, and financially.
Further, suppose a large haulage company is responsible for your accident. In that case, they have access to powerful legal representation. They will seek to protect their own interests (and profit margins) against public claims. Your lawyer can take on the challenge and be there to support you every step of the way.
Damages You Could Recover in Your Miami 18-Wheeler Accident Case
You may be entitled to receive financial recovery from the following:
- Medical bills
- Rehabilitation costs
- Pain and suffering
- Lost wages
- Loss of future income and benefits
- Property damage
- Decreased quality of life and enjoyment as a result of the accident
- Funeral and burial expenses in the event of wrongful death
If you or a loved one was injured in an 18-wheeler truck accident caused by another’s negligence, you can turn to the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine. We serve and support our clients’ needs like our own families.
How We Will Prove Liability in Your Accident Case
We may carefully examine the details of your case and help you determine your legal options. If we represent you, we will gather evidence to establish how the accident happened and who the liable party or parties are.
We can achieve this by:
- Accessing accident scene photos
- Examining records for a truck’s electronic onboard recording device
- Collecting police reports and witness statements
- Requesting data from the motor carriers’ records
Once we identify who is responsible for your injuries and estimate the value of your claim, we can begin negotiations for a settlement with the insurers. If we cannot reach a fair, reasonable settlement with the insurer, the next stage is taking the matter to court. We can do this without hesitation.
Multiple Parties Could Be Responsible for the Accident
Driver fatigue, distraction, inexperience, and impairment are common elements of 18-wheeler accidents. However, other factors can contribute, involving multiple parties who could be held responsible for an accident, including:
- The haulage company
- Maintenance company
- The people responsible for securing the cargo
- The truck manufacturer
While this opens other channels from which to pursue compensation, it can also add complexity to the legal process. Examples of how different parties can be liable include:
Incentivized Delivery Schedules
The push to maximize profits may result in truck drivers violating the hours of service rules and disobeying traffic controls. Haulage carriers may create unrealistic delivery schedules that offer financial bonuses for early deliveries.
Increased Stopping Distance
According to Florida Statutes § 316.535, large trucks can weigh a maximum of 80,000 pounds by law. Comparatively, most passenger vehicles weigh much less. Large trucks also have different brakes than regular cars, called air brakes, which have a lag time.
A fully loaded large rig traveling at 65 miles per hour requires almost the length of two football fields to come to a complete stop. A passenger car only needs a little over 300 feet to do the same.
Insufficient Maintenance
Large tractor-trailer trucks:
- Rely on proper maintenance to function safely
- Traveling far more miles than the average car
- Are under enormous stress due to their weight and long distances
Haulage companies are legally bound to perform routine inspections, repairs, and maintenance to comply with safety rules and regulations per the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations.
Cargo Loading Errors
If cargo is not loaded correctly, it can cause weight and balance issues that impair vehicle performance, including steering, braking, and speed control. Too much or too little weight on the steering axle can affect safe turning and maneuverability.
Overloading, cargo stacked too high, and unsecured loads are potential problems that may contribute to truck accidents.
Inadequately Secured Cargo
When cargo is not secured suitably, it can shift in the event of sudden braking and cause a jackknife accident. Loads that are too heavy and exceed the load weight limits can significantly increase the stopping time of an 18-wheeler.
How Can You Afford a Lawyer from Our Firm?
We offer our services on contingency. This means that we do not get paid until you do. You will not have to pay us by the hour or scramble to get us a lump sum payment before we start working.
We will agree upon a percentage of your award as our fee at the beginning of the case. Then, when you get the settlement, we take our portion. After this point, you can use the rest to pay for your truck or Miami car accident-related losses.
Words from Our Past Clients
While you decide whether you want to retain our services, browse the words of our past clients:
- “Their professionalism and care made my process so much easier. I would recommend them and trust you are with the most competent professionals!” – Dahiana D.
- “They are truly dedicated to their line of work and helping their clients get closure after a significant accident.” – Juan P.
- “I… never thought it would turn out this well. I would give them a solid 10 and would tell everyone about them. Thank you so much.” – Timothy W.
We have more testimonials on our client reviews page.
Determine Your Legal Options with Your Miami 18-Wheeler Lawyer
If you were injured in a Miami truck accident with an 18-wheeler, you may focus on getting the compensation you deserve. Working with our lawyer can help ensure you comply with the statute of limitationsFlorida Statutes § 95.11. This is a deadline by which you need to initiate legal action.
Contact the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine at 1-800-747-3733 for a free case review today.
