Truck ACCIDENTs

APOLLO BEACH TRUCK ACCIDENT LAWYER

Florida typically ranks among the states with the highest number of truck accidents each year.  In 2022, Florida had the third-most truck accidents recorded in the United States, following only Texas and California.  In 2022, there were a total of 166,833 commercial trucking accidents nationwide, with Florida contributing significantly to this number.  In fact, in 2019 alone, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles reported 33,166 accidents involving heavy trucks resulting in numerous injuries and fatalities.

Common Injuries Suffered by Truck Accident Victims

Trucking accidents often result in severe and life-altering injuries due to the size and weight of commercial vehicles compared to passenger vehicles.  Common injuries often include:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI):  A traumatic brain injury can range from a mild concussion to severe brain damage, often leading to long-term cognitive and physical impairments.
• Spinal Cord Injuries:  Spinal cord injuries can result in partial or complete paralysis, and can significantly impact a victim’s quality of life.
• Broken Bones:  The force of a trucking accident often cause multiple fractures, requiring extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation.
• Internal Injuries:  Damage to internal organs can occur, necessitating emergency surgery and long-term medical care.
• Whiplash and Neck Injuries:  These are most common in rear-end collisions and can cause chronic pain and mobility issues.
• Lacerations and Burns:  Trucking accident victims often suffer from deep cuts and burns, leading to permanent scarring and disfigurement.

The Importance of Conducting a Swift Investigation after a Florida Trucking Accident

When you’ve been injured in a Florida trucking accident, you can bet that the trucking company and its insurance company will immediately begin an investigation to best protect the trucking company’s interests.  That’s why after a Florida trucking accident, it is imperative that you hire a Trucking Accident Lawyer quickly, so that they can promptly begin an investigation on your behalf.  Conducting a prompt and thorough investigation following a Florida trucking accident is crucial for several reasons:

1. Preservation of Evidence:  Critical evidence such as truck maintenance records, driver logs, and electronic data can be lost or altered if not promptly secured.
2. Preserve Witness Testimony:  Witnesses’ can often disappear or relocate, and their memories can fade over time, making it essential to gather their statements as soon as possible.
3. Accident Reconstruction:  Experts can analyze the accident scene to determine the cause and contributing factors of a collision, which is often vital to building and proving a strong case.
4. Compliance with Regulations:  Trucking accidents differ from other accidents in that trucking companies must adhere to strict federal and state regulations.  An investigation can uncover violations that may have caused or contributed to the accident.
5. Insurance Claims:  Early investigation helps in negotiating with insurance companies and can lead to a more favorable settlement for the victim.

What Damages Are Recoverable in a Florida Trucking Accident?

Victims of a Florida trucking accident may be entitled to various types of compensation, including:

• Medical Expenses:  Coverage for past and future medical bills relating to the accident.
• Lost Wages:  Compensation for income lost due to the inability to work due to injury.
• Pain and Suffering:  Monetary compensation for physical pain and emotional distress.
• Property Damage:  Reimbursement for damage to the victim’s vehicle and other personal property.
• Loss of Consortium:  Compensation for the impact of injuries on the victim’s relationship with their spouse.
• Punitive Damages:  In cases of gross negligence, the court may award punitive damages to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior in the future.

Why Should I Call Jim The Lawyer, Accident & Injury Attorney, for Legal Advice After a Truck Accident in Apollo Beach, FL?

Truck accidents can be very complex, and determining who may be liable can be challenging. This is due to the fact that there can be multiple parties involved who may be responsible for contributing to the accident.  For example, in any truck accident you may potentially have a claim against any one or more of the following parties:

• The Truck Driver: The truck driver may be liable if it can be shown that the driver was driving in an unsafe manner, speeding, distracted, fatigued, or otherwise driving recklessly. 
• The Trucking Company:  The trucking company or owner of the truck, if different than the driver, can be held responsible simply due to the fact that they own the truck.  They can also be held responsible for maintenance related issues and for the hiring and training of the driver.
• The Owner of the Trailer:  The owner of the trailer, if leased, may be held responsible for such things as the improper maintenance of the trailer.
• Other Motorists:  Often times a trucking accident will involve multiple vehicles.  Any other driver involved in the accident may also bear some responsibility for causing or contributing the accident.
• Mechanics and Truck Maintenance Companies:  A mechanic or truck maintenance company may be liable if it can be shown that the accident was caused by some mechanical failure or maintenance issue.
• Manufacturer of Truck Parts or Safety Equipment:  If there was an issue with any truck parts or safety equipment, the manufacturer of those parts or equipment may be responsible.

Because of the complexity of the issues involved in a truck accident, it is important to make sure that hire an attorney who knows what evidence is needed to prove your case.  Crucial evidence such as logbooks and maintenance records must be immediately preserved, and it’s important to have an attorney on your side with knowledge of all of the rules and regulations relating to motor carriers. 

With 25 years of experience, Jim The Lawyer, Accident & Injury Attorney is here to fight to help you recover maximum compensation for your truck accident related injury.  After a truck accident, Jim The Lawyer, Accident & Injury Attorney will immediately:

• Investigate the accident
• Identify all parties involved who may share responsibility for the accident
• Hire qualified experts to assist in determining liability and loss valuation
• Negotiate with the insurance company
• File a lawsuit to fight for you in court

By choosing Jim The Lawyer, Accident & Injury Attorney, you partner with an attorney committed to fighting to achieve the best possible outcome for your case.  Contact us today for a free consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions for Florida Truck Accidents