Car accidents are traumatic events that can cause catastrophic injuries. Moreover, the trauma from auto accidents involving larger vehicles like trucks may be all the more devastating. These vehicles are larger in size, longer in length, heavier in weight, and harder to control than standard automobiles.
Truck accidents are a national concern, with thousands of Americans losing their lives annually in incidents involving heavy trucks. And according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), Florida is among the worst states for truck accidents nationally.
Severe injuries can occur in even the most minor of truck accidents. If you were involved in a truck accident in Florida, you should discuss your legal options with a seasoned Florida truck accident attorney. Keep reading to learn crucial information about truck accidents in the Sunshine State.
Liability in Florida Truck Accident Cases
Since the injuries from a truck accident may be severe and the accidents may involve multirole parties, liability from truck accidents can be a complicated issue. It is essential to identify all involved parties before filing a Florida truck accident claim. Establishing liability in your truck accident is crucial in calculating how much money you might be awarded for damages.
Truck drivers are often the defendants in truck cases. However, liability may not rest solely with the driver in commercial truck accidents. Other parties who may be held liable in Florida truck accidents include:
- The trucking company or driver’s employer
- The truck owner
- The truck manufacturer in accidents caused by defective parts
- Third-party contractors
How Negligence Affects Florida Truck Crashes
Truck drivers in Florida have a responsibility to ensure the safety of everyone on the road. This means that they are obliged to follow all applicable traffic regulations and take any other precautions within their means to prevent an accident.
When truck drivers’ negligent acts fail to protect other motorists on the road, they breach this duty of care. The FMCSA and the Florida Highway Patrol Office of Commercial Vehicle Enforcement place strict responsibility requirements on truck drivers. This is because there is a more significant potential for catastrophic injuries and even death during truck crashes.
After a truck accident in Florida, the appropriate course of action is to submit a claim to the at-fault party’s insurance provider. You should consult a lawyer to learn who might be responsible in your case, and to proceed accordingly.
Top Causes of Florida Truck Accidents
According to the FMCSA, alcohol use, high speeds, and driver fatigue are the leading causes of large commercial truck accidents. In most cases, investigators cannot narrow down the cause of an accident to a single issue and instead point to a combination of reasons.
Some of the most common causes of Florida truck accidents include:
- Distracted driving
- Failure to load cargo properly
- Aggressive driving behaviors like speeding or tailgating
- Problems with the brakes
- Unfamiliar roads
- Congestion and traffic flow issues
- Driver error
- Bad weather
If you or a loved one sustained injuries from a Florida truck accident, contact an auto crash lawyer for advice on seeking compensation.
How a Truck Accident Attorney Can Help
Having legal representation is crucial in establishing and maximizing your accident claim for damages. Your lawyer will help prove negligence, increasing your chances of recovering fair compensation. They will gather critical evidence, handle legal correspondences, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent you in court.
Knowing if you can proceed with a claim or lawsuit after a truck crash can be challenging. Our seasoned Boca Raton car accident attorneys have extensive experience handling truck accident cases, and take a hands-on approach from the moment they are called, making all the difference. Call us at (561) 279-3911 today to book a free consultation.
