Fort Lauderdale Truck Accident Lawyer
Truck accidents are among of the most devastating types of motor vehicle crashes, and statistics gathered by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles reveal that they are quite common in the Sunshine State. In 2016, 25 people were killed in accidents involving large trucks and 133 victims suffered life-threatening injuries. Plus, another 1,071 sustained injuries ranging from minor to serious.
If you or a loved one was hurt in a truck accident, Florida law does allow you seek compensation for your losses. However, there are considerable complications involved with these incidents, especially since trucking companies and their insurers have hefty legal budgets to fight your claim. A Fort Lauderdale truck accident lawyer can help you overcome these challenges, so please contact Leifer & Ramirez today to set up a free consultation.
Most Truck Accidents Occur Because of Negligence
Though weather, heavy loads, and complex semi-truck systems may be contributing factors, negligence is the root cause of truck accidents. In such a case, you must prove the essential elements of negligence, which are:
- The driver had a legal duty to exercise reasonable care in operating the truck;
- The operator breached this duty of care;
- You were injured in a truck accident due to the breach; and,
- You suffered losses from your injuries.
Factors Behind Truck Accidents
Though carelessness is generally to blame in truck accidents, there are some specific factors that point to negligence:
- Driver inexperience;
- Traffic violations;
- Improper loading of cargo onto the trailer;
- Distracted driving, such as texting or talking on the phone;
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs;
- Drowsiness or fatigue, especially considering the long service hours truck drivers keep;
- Speeding;
- Improper maintenance;
- Failure to inspect tires, brakes, and other systems; and,
- Many others.
Recover Damages for Your Truck Accident Injuries
Trucks outweigh passenger vehicles by up to 20 times the weight, depending on the cargo they carry. This means truck accident victims are at risk of more serious, life-threatening injuries as compared to crashes involving smaller cars. If you were hurt, you may seek compensation from:
- The truck driver and/or insurance company;
- The operator’s employer and/or business insurer;
- Any other entity bearing an agency or employment relationship with the driver;
- Educational or licensing facilities that did not properly train the truck’s operator; and,
- Other potential defendants, depending on the circumstances.
In filing a claim against any of these entities, you may be able to recover economic damages, such as the costs of medical care and lost wages from being out of work. You may also be entitled to non-economic damages, which include pain and suffering, emotional anguish, scarring and disfigurement, and related losses.
Consult with a Fort Lauderdale Truck Accident Lawyer About Your Claim
For more information on your rights as the victim of a truck accident, please contact Leifer & Ramirez by calling 561-660-9421 or visiting us online. We can schedule a free case evaluation with one of our experienced Fort Lauderdale truck accident attorneys who can review your circumstances and explain your legal options.
