Best Truck Accident Lawyers in Port St. Lucie

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Port St. Lucie, Florida?

  (772) 871-5000 is the non-emergency contact number for the Port St. Lucie Police Department.

• Where can you get a copy of the police report for the accident in Port St. Lucie, Florida?

  Copies of police reports for truck accidents in Port St. Lucie may be obtained from the Records Department of the Port St. Lucie Police Department, located at 121 SW Port St. Lucie Boulevard, Monday through Friday, from 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

• Can truck accident victims get compensation if they are blamed for a collision in Port St. Lucie?

  Residents of Port St. Lucie who are injured in truck accidents can still seek compensation for their injuries and losses under Florida's comparative fault laws. The shared fault does not automatically prevent victims from receiving compensation. However, their compensation may be reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to them.

• What distinguishes truck accident claims from other types of motor vehicle accident claims in Port St. Lucie?

  Truck accident claims in Port St. Lucie are typically worth significantly more than typical car accident claims because large commercial trucks cause more damage and fatal injuries. Truck accident cases are also more complicated because multiple parties, including the trucking company, cargo-loading firms, and defective truck equipment manufacturers, can be held liable for a single accident.

• Why are truck accidents becoming more common in Port St. Lucie?

  Truck accidents in Port St. Lucie are becoming more frequent because the city has a dense population. Residents rely on big trucks to deliver commercial products to grocery stores, sporting goods outlets, and clothing shops around the area. In addition, the truck driver shortage forces trucking companies to hire drivers who do not have the necessary skills to navigate the city’s streets. Afternoon thunderstorms also make it difficult for drivers to navigate safely.

• Which intersections in Port St. Lucie are the most dangerous?

  US-1 is the most dangerous highway in Florida and has some of the riskiest intersections in St. Lucie County. Motor vehicle crashes were recorded within a 200-foot radius of the US-1 and Prima Vista Boulevard intersection. W. Midway Road is the second-most dangerous spot in St. Lucie County.

• What is the timeline within which the parties in a truck accident case can file a lawsuit in Port St. Lucie?

  Under Florida's negligence statute of limitations, truck accident victims in Port St. Lucie have four years from the date of the accident to file claims against at-fault parties. The survivors of the deceased have two years from the date of death to file a lawsuit against negligent drivers. Failure to file a claim by the deadline may result in the case being dismissed.

• 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.