TRUCK ACCIDENTS
In 2021, there were over 500,000 large truck accidents across the US, while a year before, there were only around 415,000.
Truck accidents are a serious concern on American roads, often resulting in devastating consequences. That’s why our team of Miami truck accident lawyers want to make sure you know your rights and legal options if you or a loved one is involved in a truck accident.
Types of Truck Accidents
- Read-end collisions: This type of accident occurs when a truck crashes into the back of another vehicle. Rear-end collisions can result from various factors, such as driver distraction, tailgating, or sudden stops.
- Jackknife accidents: Jackknifing happens when the trailer of a truck swings out to form a 90-degree angle with the cab. This can occur due to braking too hard, especially in slippery conditions.
- Rollover accidents: Rollovers are particularly dangerous and often occur when a truck driver loses control of the vehicle. Factors contributing to rollovers include speeding, sharp turns, and uneven road surfaces.
- Underride accidents: These accidents occur when a smaller vehicle slides under the rear or side of a truck. They are often catastrophic, resulting in severe injuries or fatalities for the occupants of the smaller vehicle.
Causes of Truck Accidents
While there are many reasons and causes for truck accident, a few stand out as most common:
- Driver fatigue: Truck drivers are often under pressure to meet tight deadlines, leading to long hours on the road without adequate rest. Fatigue can impair a driver’s judgment and reaction times, increasing the risk of accidents.
- Speeding and reckless driving: Some truck drivers exceed the speed limit or engage in reckless driving behaviors to reach their destination faster. This can lead to loss of control and serious accidents.
- Distracted driving: Distractions such as using a cell phone, eating, or adjusting the radio can divert a driver’s attention from the road, increasing the likelihood of an accident.
- Poor weather conditions: Adverse weather conditions, such as rain, snow, or fog, can make driving hazardous. Truck drivers must exercise caution and adjust their driving behavior accordingly.
- Mechanical failure: Trucks undergo significant wear and tear due to their heavy use. Mechanical failures, such as brake failure or tire blowouts, can result in accidents if not addressed promptly.
Understanding the types and causes of truck accidents can help you stay safe on the road and know what to do if you’re involved in a truck accident.
The Legal Aspects
Understanding the legal aspects of truck accidents is crucial for protecting your rights and seeking compensation for your injuries. Here are some key considerations to think about if you’ve found yourselfa victim to a truck accident:
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- Liability: Determining liability in a truck accident case can be complex. While the truck driver may be at fault, other parties such as the trucking company, vehicle manufacturer, or maintenance provider could also be held accountable.
- Gathering evidence: This is essential for building a strong case. This may include obtaining police reports, collecting witness statements, preserving physical evidence from the accident scene, and obtaining the truck’s maintenance and inspection records.
- Statute of Limitations: In Florida, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit, including those related to truck accidents, is typically four years from the date of the accident. It’s important to file your claim within this time frame to preserve your right to compensation.
Average Truck Accident Settlement
Several factors can impact the settlement amount in a truck accident case. These may include the severity of injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and the degree of negligence involved.
The average truck accident settlement in Florida can vary widely, ranging from tens of thousands to millions of dollars, depending on the specifics of the case.
Steps to Take After the Accident
If you’ve been involved in a truck accident, there are a few important steps to take to protect your health and your legal rights.
First, seek medical attention. Even if you don’t feel injured, it’s important to seek medical attention promptly. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent but could worsen over time.
Next, contact the police. Report the accident to the police and cooperate with their investigation. A police report can provide valuable documentation for your insurance claim or legal case.
During this time, you’ll want to collect as much evidence as possible from the accident scene, including photos, videos, and contact information for witnesses. This evidence can be crucial for proving liability and damages.
After you speak with the police and gather evidence, report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible. Provide them with all relevant information and cooperate with their investigation.
By understanding these legal aspects, settlements, and steps to take after a truck accident, you can better protect your rights and seek the compensation you deserve.
Hiring a Miami Truck Accident Lawyer
Hiring a Miami truck accident lawyer can provide several benefits, including:
- Explaining your rights. A lawyer will explain your legal rights and options, helping you make informed decisions about your case.
- Overall legal expertise. A lawyer who specializes in truck accident cases will have the knowledge and experience to handle your case effectively. They understand the complexities of truck accident laws, know the average truck accident settlement, and can navigate the legal process on your behalf.
- Investigation and evidence. A lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation into the accident, gathering evidence to support your claim. This may include obtaining accident reports, interviewing witnesses, and consulting with accident reconstruction experts.
- Negotiate with insurance companies: Insurance companies may try to offer you a low settlement or deny your claim altogether. A lawyer can negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf to ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries and damages.
- Litigation support: If your case goes to court, a lawyer will provide representation and advocacy on your behalf. They will present your case in court, cross-examine witnesses, and argue for your rights.
- Handle paperwork: There’s a significant amount of paperwork involved in a truck accident case. A lawyer will handle all paperwork, ensuring that deadlines are met and documents are filed correctly.
- Maximize your compensation: Ultimately, a lawyer’s goal is to help you receive the maximum compensation possible for your injuries and damages. They will fight for your rights and advocate for your best interests every step of the way.
Being involved in a truck accident can be a traumatic experience, but knowing your rights and legal options can help you navigate the aftermath.
If you’ve been injured in a truck accident, seeking legal advice from a qualified Miami truck accident lawyer is crucial. A lawyer can help you understand your rights, gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and advocate for your best interests.
Reach out to one of our experienced Miami truck accident lawyers for a free consultation– it could make all the difference in the outcome of your case.
If you or a loved one have been injured in a truck accident, contact us!
Attorney Alex Perkins has been a Miami personal injury lawyer for 15 years and has handled just about every type of personal injury case. If you or a loved one was injured as a result of someone else’s negligent or intentional acts, call Attorney Alex Perkins at 305-741-LAWS(5297) or email him at info@PerkinsLawOffices.com for a free confidential case review.