Best Truck Accident Lawyers in Plantation, FL

FAQs

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

  954-797-2100 is the non-emergency number for the Plantation Police Department.

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

  To acquire an accident report, you need to complete the appropriate Motor Vehicle Accident Crash Report Request Form Affidavit. Copies will be available in five working days. Crash reports are also available 24/7 via the Florida Crash Portal, which costs $10.00 per report plus a $2.00 cost for each shopping cart. When visiting this site, the Google Chrome browser is suggested.

• How long do you have to make a claim for injuries from a truck accident in Plantation?

  Personal injury and wrongful death claims must be brought within four years in Florida. Hence, truck accident victims in Plantation must file their claims within four years of the date of injury or the date of discovery. Registering a claim as quickly as possible is essential, as the likelihood of a good decision increases if the claim is made promptly.

• Why do you need to obtain a copy of the trucker's driving log following a truck accident in Plantation?

  According to federal laws, truck drivers are only allowed to operate their vehicles for a certain number of hours per day before stopping to sleep. Unfortunately, many trucking businesses have unreasonable deadlines, pressuring drivers to go longer than the time limits. The driving log will be critical in determining how much the trucker contributed to the crash in Plantation when examining potential federal infractions.

• Where do truck accidents happen in Plantation?

  According to City-Data.com, accidents have occurred on Pine Island Road, West Broward Boulevard, Peters Road and 49th Avenue, State Road 91 Florida, and State Road 838 NW and 47th Avenue in Plantation. There were 15 people involved in the terrible event, and five of them lost their lives resulting from the accident.

• What are the leading causes of truck accidents in Plantation?

  In the city of Plantation, inadequately secured cargo leading to its spilling off of trucks is one of the most common causes of truck accidents. Jackknives, overrides, rollovers, runaway trucks, and underrides are other factors that usually contribute to the occurrence of truck accidents in the area.

• Can you file a lawsuit against the trucking company for your Plantation accident?

  When the truck driver is an employee of the trucking firm, the driver is an agent of the trucking company. It means that anything they conduct on the job is considered an act of the trucking company for liability purposes. The company is represented by its employees. As long as the truck driver's negligence occurred during their work, the corporation would be liable for their acts in Plantation.

• 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.