Best Truck Accident Lawyers in Pembroke Pines

FAQs

• Where can you get a copy of the police report for the accident in Pembroke Pines, Florida?

  Copies of police reports for truck accidents in Pembroke Pines can be obtained from the Records Unit of the Pembroke Pines Police Department, located at 9500 Pines Boulevard, Monday through Thursday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. A police report costs $0.15 per page or $0.20 for a double-sided copy.

• What are the common causes of truck accidents in Pembroke Pines?

  Driver inexperience with local roads, road construction or maintenance, and the use of prescription or over-the-counter drugs to stay awake while driving, are the common causes of truck accidents in Pembroke Pines. Other contributing factors to accidents involving tractor-trailers, semi-trucks, and 18-wheelers are talking to a passenger, using a cellphone while driving, and sudden shifting from unsecured cargo.

• What percentage of personal injury lawsuits in Pembroke Pines are settled out of court?

  Roughly 95% of personal injury lawsuits in Pembroke Pines are settled out of court. In most cases, the initial settlement offer is less than half of the claim's established value. Truck accident attorneys negotiate with insurance providers for a compensatory amount as recompense for the victims' suffering, injuries, and losses.

• Where can Pembroke Pines truck accident victims file a crash report if they were unable to file a police report at the scene of the accident?

  Individuals injured in truck accidents in Pembroke Pines must file a crash report with the Department of Motor Vehicles within 10 days of the collision. A crash report establishes a link between the victims and the collision, which may be beneficial if they decide to file a lawsuit. It includes the victims' names and contact information, as well as the make and model of their vehicles.

• How long should Pembroke Pines truck accident victims have to file a truck accident lawsuit against at-fault parties?

  Truck accident victims in Pembroke Pines have four years from the date of the accident to file personal injury lawsuits, according to Florida Statutes 95.11(3)(a). Survivors of victims killed in truck accidents have two years under Florida Statutes 95.11(4)(d) to file wrongful death claims. Personal injury attorneys review conditions and file cases and the necessary paperwork within the statutory deadline.

• How do blind spots in trucks and other motor vehicles endanger drivers and passengers in Pembroke Pines?

  Blind spots play a role in truck accidents in Pembroke Pines because drivers compensate for them by turning around briefly in their seats before changing lanes. Blind spots in all vehicles are typically located behind and over the driver's right and left shoulders and are usually caused by the pillars that connect the vehicle's roof and body. Furthermore, objects or cargo in the truck, as well as passengers, can cause blind spots.

• What does a truck accident attorney do?

  A truck accident lawyer is a personal injury attorney specializing in truck accidents. These lawyers help their clients navigate the legally complex terrain of truck accident law by gathering evidence, sending demand letters, negotiating with insurance companies, and preparing the case for trial.In most cases, they are personal injury lawyers who specialize in this particular type of claim.

• Who can be sued in a truck accident case?

  Truck accident liability is a notoriously complex area. In car accidents, liability is typically shared by one or more drivers, but that’s not always the case with truck collisions. These are just a few of the parties that may be responsible for truck accidents and subsequent injuries:

  • Equipment owners, including leasing companies
  • Truck drivers who are reckless, intoxicated, or make mistakes
  • Trucking companies accountable for hiring and keeping records
  • Maintenance providers who are negligent or fail to perform routine tasks
  • Loading personnel in accidents caused by shifting loads
  • Third-party drivers, especially in multi-vehicle collisions
  • Equipment manufacturers that sell defective parts

• What do I need to know about truck accident cases in court?

  In truck accident cases, as in all personal injury cases, the burden of proof rests on the plaintiff or party filing the lawsuit. To prevail in court, the plaintiff must prove four things:

  • The plaintiff must show that the defendant owed him or her a duty of care, such as having a legal responsibility to hire qualified drivers and maintain safe equipment.
  • In negligence claims, the plaintiff must prove that the defendant breached this duty.
  • The plaintiff must show that they suffered damages or experienced harm.
  • Finally, the plaintiff must prove that these losses were a direct result of the defendant’s breach.

  
  

• What are the common causes of truck accidents?

  Driver error is the single most common cause of motor vehicle accidents, but a variety of factors come into play on busy highways and secondary roads. Other potential causes of truck accidents include the following:

  • Inadequate or improper driver training
  • Severe weather, including rain, sleet, ice, and fog
  • Dangerous roadways, potholes, and construction zones
  • Improper loading, excess weight, and shifting cargo
  • Reckless driving involving intoxication or distractions
  • Faulty equipment, such as failing brakes

  
  

• Can I sue if I was hit by a truck owned by a big company?

  Yes, all trucking companies are responsible for hiring qualified drivers and maintaining safe equipment. However, a lengthy investigation may be required to document the scene, establish contributing factors, and hold the company responsible. Personal injury attorneys generally focus on the following points during the investigation:

  • Checking the truck driver’s record
  • Securing phone records to prove distracted driving
  • Photographing skid marks and road conditions
  • Verifying the truck’s weight and maintenance history
  • Establishing the driver’s physical and mental health
  • Reviewing logbooks to identify times of service violations
  • Checking for previous violations to establish a pattern of misconduct

  
  

• How many semi truck accidents are there per year?

  In the U.S., it's estimated that there are 500,000 large truck accidents per year with an average of nearly 1,400 per day, according to data collected from police reports. Of those 500,000 accidents, approximately 4,000 result in a death. The majority of semi truck accidents are caused by mechanical defects and driver fatigue.

• Can I sue for being hit by a semi truck?

  If you have been injured in an accident with a semi truck that is not your fault, you are entitled to compensation for the damages to your vehicle as well as for your medical bills, time missed from work, and other damages suffered. You can sue if the person or company refuses to offer fair compensation.

• What should I do after a truck accident?

  The most important thing to do after a serious accident is to seek medical attention. You should also collect witness information, photographs of the accident scene, a copy of the police report, and contact information from the driver of the truck. Gather all of your paperwork related to the accident, including copies of your medical bills. Avoid posting about the accident on social media or speaking to the driver's insurance company before seeking legal advice, because anything you say can be used against you and affect your compensation.

• How long does an 18-wheeler lawsuit take?

  Most lawsuits are settled without going to court, so reaching a settlement can happen at any point that both parties agree on fair compensation. However, in most states, once an agreement has been reached, it cannot be changed, so it's a good idea to wait long enough to ensure that there are no additional injuries before settling.

• Do semi truck accidents go to trial?

  Litigation for semi truck accidents is similar to auto accidents, but it's usually more complicated because any number of parties may ultimately be responsible for the accident, including the company that handles the truck's maintenance or repairs. If attempts at negotiating a settlement with the responsible party are unsuccessful, the lawsuit may proceed to trial. In some cases, more than one party is responsible and one of the parties may fight the lawsuit and claim no responsibility. For these reasons, it's important to seek legal help from an attorney with experience in litigating semi truck accidents.