Even minor vehicle accidents can have long-term consequences for those involved. However, when one of those vehicles is a large truck, filled to the brim with cargo, barrelling down the road into other vehicles? The consequences can be disastrous. If you were injured in one of thousands of truck accidents in Florida, you should reach out to a local personal injury attorney to discover your options.
Truck Accidents in Florida
Truck accidents in Florida are notably frequent and often result in severe consequences. The size and weight of large trucks make truck accidents particularly devastating to smaller vehicles, and the likelihood of severe injuries or fatalities for their occupants increases when trucks enter the picture. Some common causes of Florida truck accidents include:
- Driver Fatigue: Truck drivers work long hours, sometimes without adequate rest, leading to impaired judgment and slower reaction times.
- Speeding: Excessive speed increases the impact force in a collision, escalating the risk of severe injuries.
- Mechanical Defects: Poorly maintained trucks can suffer from brake failures, tire blowouts, or other mechanical issues that can lead to accidents.
The Role of Negligence in Truck Accidents
The concept of negligence will play a significant role in determining liability in your truck accident case. Unlike typical car accidents, truck accidents can involve multiple parties, each with varying degrees of responsibility. Understanding negligence and its impact on your case is important for staying informed on your options and avenues for compensation.
Negligence in law refers to the failure to exercise the level of care that a reasonable person would under similar circumstances. In the context of truck accidents, this could mean anything from a truck driver’s failure to adhere to speed limits to a trucking company’s neglect in maintaining their fleet.
Who Might Be Liable:
- Truck Driver: The truck driver is the most obvious party that could be held liable. Factors like speeding, fatigue, or driving under the influence can all point to clear driver negligence.
- Trucking Company: The company that owns the truck can also be held responsible, especially if it can be proven that they failed to maintain their vehicles adequately, or if they pushed drivers to meet unrealistic deadlines, leading to fatigue.
- Cargo Loaders: Incorrectly loaded or overloaded cargo can make a truck unstable, contributing to an accident. The parties responsible for loading the truck could be held liable in such cases.
- Vehicle Manufacturer: If a defect in the truck contributed to the accident, the vehicle’s manufacturer might be held responsible.
- Maintenance Providers: Companies or individuals responsible for maintaining the truck can also be liable if poor maintenance leads to an accident.
- Other Drivers: Sometimes, the actions of other drivers can contribute to a truck accident. For example, a car cutting off a truck too closely may cause the truck driver to swerve and lose control.
If you’ve been involved in a truck accident, consulting a personal injury attorney in a free consultation is the next logical step. An experienced attorney can estimate the strength of your case and the chances you receive just compensation. If you hire them on a contingency fee, they will immediately get to work gathering vital evidence, such as accident reports, camera footage, and witness statements, to build a strong case against the negligent party.
Additionally, an attorney can negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf to secure a fair settlement covering medical expenses, property damage, and other losses. If a settlement cannot be reached, they can represent you in court, presenting a compelling case to the jury.
At Probinsky & Cole, we never get paid unless we win your case. Contact us today to learn how we can help you with your truck accident case and fight for the compensation you deserve.
