Truck Accidents
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Truck Accidents In North Miami Beach
Believe it or not, big trucks such as 18 wheelers, tractor-trailers, and semi-trucks, are directly responsible for one out of every eight deaths in automobile accidents. When a truck driver or trucking company makes a costly mistake it tends to have devastating consequences for all other motorists involved. Unlike standard car accidents, the massive size and weight of large commercial trucks pose a serious risk to all other drivers on the roads. That’s exactly why there are federal and Florida state regulations that were created to make sure drivers follow a strict protocol to keep other motorists safe. Unfortunately, it’s all too common for truck drivers and the truck companies who employ them to continue to violate regulations, no matter how small. If you’ve been involved in a serious truck accident, it’s best to leave no stone left unturned when seeking who was at fault for the accident. By working with an experienced North Miami truck accident lawyer at Florida Legal, victims can rest assured that their rights and interests are protected. Our team is dedicated to helping injured victims throughout North Miami, including Miami Gardens, Miami Beach, Miami Shores, and others.
What To Do After A Truck Accident In Miami?
The direct moments after a truck crash are terrifying. But what many fail to consider is the aftermath of a truck accident can be just as dangerous as the initial impact. Impact with a large commercial vehicle can clog the roadway, leaving bystanders and accident victims less visible to other vehicles passing by. Blind spots on the road as well as bad weather conditions can make matters worse, especially for smaller vehicles like motorcycles.
First things first, make sure that you are safe, stay calm, and call 911. If possible, it’s recommended to find a safe space away from the roadway and wait for help to arrive. First Responders can help provide medical assistance and block oncoming traffic from causing additional injuries. As mentioned earlier, the scene of the accident may be unsafe. In fact, there are many reported examples of wrongful death cases of truck accident victims being struck by other passing motorists while waiting for first help to arrive. It’s also important to understand that anything you say after an accident could be used in court proceedings to establish your fault for the accident. It’s natural to want to say sorry after an accident, even if you’re unsure who was truly at fault, but saying the wrong thing could cause you to compromise any potential personal injury claims for injuries sustained. Once you’re removed from the accident and have been checked by medical professionals for any serious injuries, your next move should be to call a North Miami Beach truck accident lawyer right away.
Who Is At Fault In A Truck Accident?
An accident involving a large truck typically gets more than just the drivers of each vehicle legally involved. Depending on what caused the crash, other parties quickly become relevant to the potential case. Not only that, but each of the parties involved will have backing from their own insurance companies. They will also likely have their own legal representation fighting for them to minimize any settlements as much as possible. Due to the number of factors in these types of cases, the value of proper legal representation from a North Miami Beach truck accident lawyer is evident. A personal injury law firm that has worked countless similar cases and understands the complex intricacies and tricks involved from the other parties seeking a way out.
The Truck Driver
Most commonly, the truck driver in an accident is likely to have been the sole culprit if he or she is driving erratically, negligently, or impaired. Generally, these types of truck accident cases can be straightforward if neglect is clear; however, other cases will involve other parties who may have played a role in the crash as well.
The Trucking Company
The truck may have another owner or be owned by a company. It’s also possible that the driver’s insurance may be covered by the trucking company. When this is the case, the company’s legal team would then handle the details of the collision.
The Truck Manufacturer
Although not as common, trucks do experience mechanical failures from time to time. In the event of a mechanical failure, the accountability may shift to the manufacturer of the vehicle. One of the most common malfunctions that trucks experience are the air brakes not working correctly.
The Loading Company
If loose cargo turns into falling debris, that company can face liability if the truck was not packed correctly before departure. Falling debris from trucks is a phobia for many drivers, and rightfully so because these types of accidents happen fairly frequently.
Common Causes Of Truck Accidents In Florida
Negligence and reckless actions while operating a large vehicle are often the root causes of semi-truck accidents in Florida. More often than not, the truck driver is operating the vehicle in a way that they shouldn’t and jeopardizing the safety of others on the road. There is no room for negligence when driving a commercial. Those who demonstrate this type of recklessness must be held accountable by a North Miami semi-truck accident lawyer. Some of the more common causes of truck accidents in Florida include:
- Hazardous Road Conditions
- Oversized Loads
- Falling Debris
- Blind Spots
- Distracted Driving
- Reckless Driving
- Poorly Screened Drivers
- Impaired Driving
- Fatigued Driving
- Tailgating
Truck Accident Settlement
Seeking the needed medical care after a semi-truck accident is the first thing that you should do to protect your long-term health. However, this can lead to a mountain of medical bills that leave individuals and their families in dismay. In order to be able to afford these bills, truck accident victims have a tendency of accepting quick and low settlement offers from insurance companies. It’s crucial to remember that the insurance companies are looking to settle commercial vehicle accidents as quickly as possible to avoid attorneys getting involved and potentially requiring them to pay much more for the pain and suffering caused. As a victim, you have rights and are entitled to compensation when you have been wronged. Seeking counsel from a North Miami truck accident lawyer should be a top priority for anyone in a similar situation. Your attorney can help walk you through the legal process and give you the confidence you need to stay firm in negotiations to acquire maximum compensation.
Truck Accident Statistics
- A person involved in an accident with a tractor-trailer, semi-truck or 18-wheeler, sustains serious injuries or is killed every 16 minutes.
- The FMCSA’s Motor Carrier Management Information System (MCMIS) classifies a truck as large if its gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) exceeds 10,000 pounds.
- The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety reports that in crashes involving large trucks and other vehicles, 98% of the fatalities occur to the people in passenger vehicles.
- Contributing to the number of large truck accidents each year are defects including those to tires or wheels, brakes, engine/transmission, and steering wheel defects.
- About a quarter of all large truck drivers involved in fatal truck accidents in the United States had at least one prior speeding conviction compared to about a fifth of the passenger vehicle drivers involved in fatal crashes.
- Most fatal truck accidents occur in rural areas (68%) during the daytime (66%) and on weekdays (78%).
Contact A North Miami Truck Accident Lawyer Today
At Florida Legal our skilled team is committed to protecting your rights and helping you navigate the legal process. There are many complex issues involved when submitting a personal injury claim, including knowledge of traffic and trucking laws in Florida, vehicle regulations, and liability issues. If you’ve been involved in an accident with a semi truck our North Miami Beach truck accident lawyer will work on your behalf in order to maximize the compensation due to you. Contact Florida Legal today for a risk free case evaluation.