Best Truck Accident Lawyers in Fort Lauderdale, FL

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Fort Lauderdale, Florida?

  (954) 764-4357 is the non-emergency contact number of the Fort Lauderdale Police Department.

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

  The Fort Lauderdale Police Department can provide you with a copy of the police report for your accident. To request a copy via email, send a letter to PublicRecords@fortlauderdale.gov. To obtain a copy in person, go to the Records Division at 1300 West Broward Blvd. To contact the Records Division by phone, dial 954-828-5465.

• What are the typical causes of truck accidents in Fort Lauderdale?

  The most common reasons for truck accidents in Fort Lauderdale are driver fatigue, distracted driving, drunk driving, speeding, failure to check other drivers, and failure to obey traffic signs or signals. Defective vehicle parts, traffic congestion, lack of driver training, improper cargo loading, lack of truck maintenance, and impairment by prescription of over-the-counter drugs are also cited as typical causes of truck accidents.

• Who is liable in a truck accident in Fort Lauderdale?

  A variety of parties may be held liable for truck accidents in Fort Lauderdale, including the driver of the truck, the driver's trucking company, the truck manufacturer, the loader or shipper of truck cargo, the government agency responsible for poor road conditions, the maintenance or inspection company, or auto repair shops.

• What is the most dangerous highway for truck drivers in Fort Lauderdale?

  I-95 is considered the most dangerous highway in Fort Lauderdale. Some of the factors that contribute to I-95 being the most dangerous road include (1) congestion in traffic (I-95 is the primary interstate highway along the East Coast; (2) excessive speed (on I-95, most drivers disregard the speed limit); and (3) driving under the influence (I-95 has the second highest rate of fatal drunk-driving accidents. Over five years, 266 fatal accidents involving drunk drivers occurred on I-95, according to ValuePenguin research).

• How common are truck accidents in Fort Lauderdale?

  Because large trucks and 18-wheelers are standard on Fort Lauderdale's roads, truck accidents are more likely to happen. According to statistical data, 4,862 large trucks were involved in fatal motor vehicle accidents within a one-year period. These figures are unsurprising because a loaded tractor-trailer or commercial truck can weigh up to 80,000 tons. When a large truck hits a smaller passenger vehicle, the consequences are often disastrous for the passengers in the smaller vehicle.

• How can Fort Lauderdale personal injury lawyers assist truck accident victims?

  A truck accident lawyer in Fort Lauderdale can help victims by determining who was at fault and what caused the accident, obtaining the evidence required to hold the negligent party accountable, and handling interactions with the truck driver, trucking company, vehicle manufacturers, and owner of the truck's cargo. They also negotiate with insurance companies involved and ensure that relevant deadlines are met to preserve the claims.

• 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.