Best Truck Accident Lawyers in Coral Springs, FL

FAQs

• What factors do lawyers consider when determining truck owners' liability in Coral Springs truck accidents?

  Employers of Coral Springs truck drivers may be held liable for negligence if they do not thoroughly screen drivers for fitness, including their driving record and criminal past, which may include DUIs. They can also be considered negligent if they do not have mechanisms in place to limit drivers' time on the road and monitor them as they finish routes, or if they do not manage safe vehicle fleets.

• What are the common causes of truck accidents in Coral Springs?

  Among the leading causes of truck accidents in Coral Springs are drowsy or distracted driving, such as when drivers use their phones or eat while on the road; failure to properly maintain the truck; and aggressive driving. Another common issue is poor cargo loading. When a truck company negligently packs cargo and a truck subsequently triggers an accident, the firm should be held liable for the damage sustained by others.

• How do event data recorders help in investigating Coral Springs truck accidents?

  The event data recorder (EDR), sometimes known as "black box," records information about the vehicle's performance. It tells the account of what transpired before, during, and after the truck collision. As you might expect, it is a critical source of evidence. It can determine if the collision was caused by the driver's carelessness or by an equipment malfunction. In addition, your Coral Springs attorney can acquire corporate records to determine whether improper vehicle maintenance contributed to your accident.

• How long do you have to file a truck accident claim in Coral Springs?

  Florida's "statute of limitations"—the legal time restrictions imposed by each state for pursuing a claim in the civil court system—for personal injury claims, such as a truck accident, is four years from when the event occurred. You may need the assistance of a qualified lawyer in Coral Springs to help you gather evidence and file claims for fair compensation of your damages.

• Can one still file claims even if he or she is partly at fault for the truck accident in Coral Springs?

  If you were partly to blame for a truck accident in Coral Springs, you may still be able to obtain damages for your injuries but your compensation may be reduced. The amount you would get under Florida's "pure comparative negligence fault" law would be lowered by an amount reflecting your level of responsibility for the accident. Suppose you are entitled to $10,000 in compensation for your injuries, but you are found 20% liable, your payout is reduced by 20%, which amounts to $2000 for a total of $8,000.

• 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.