Being involved in a motor vehicle accident with an 18-wheeler or another commercial truck can be devastating. If you’ve sustained an injury in such an accident due to no fault of your own, please don’t hesitate to contact the dedicated Manatee County truck accident lawyers here at Becker & Lindauer, LLC for help today.
Truck Accident Lawyer | Representing Injured Motorists in Florida
Becker & Lindauer, LLC is a staunch legal advocate for all those who’ve been harmed due to the negligence of others. If you’re a truck accident victim, please don’t hesitate to turn to our skilled Manatee County auto accident lawyers so we can get started fighting for the full and fair compensation to which you are entitled.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents
Truck accidents can occur for a multitude of reasons. That said, unfortunately, they are very often a result of negligence. Some of the most common causes of truck accidents that our firm sees are as follows:
- Driver Fatigue: One of the most common causes of truck accidents is driver fatigue. The long and irregular working hours, often exceeding the legally mandated limits, significantly impair a driver’s reaction time and judgment. For example, a truck driver pushing through a 14-hour shift might not react quickly enough to a sudden stop in traffic, leading to a severe rear-end collision.
- Equipment Failure: Poor maintenance of trucks can lead to critical equipment failures, such as brake failure or tire blowouts, resulting in uncontrollable vehicles on the road. For instance, a truck with worn-out brakes descending a steep road may find it impossible to stop, causing a catastrophic accident.
- Improper Loading: The way a truck is loaded can greatly affect its handling. Overloading or unevenly distributing cargo can make the vehicle unstable, leading to rollovers or loss of control, especially on curves or during sudden maneuvers.
- Distracted Driving: With the rise of technology, distracted driving has become an increasing concern. Activities like using a smartphone, adjusting the radio, or using a navigation system can divert a driver’s attention, leading to severe accidents.
- Adverse Weather Conditions: Florida’s weather can be unpredictable and challenging for truck drivers. Heavy rain, hurricanes, and even fog can reduce visibility and road traction, increasing the risk of accidents.
- Speeding and Reckless Driving: In an attempt to meet tight delivery schedules, some truck drivers resort to speeding or engaging in reckless driving behaviors, significantly increasing the likelihood of accidents.
- Inadequate Training: Truck drivers who haven’t received proper training in vehicle operation and safety protocols are more likely to cause accidents due to their inexperience and unfamiliarity with best practices.
Parties Potentially Liable in Truck Accidents
Importantly, a wide range of parties may potentially be held liable for a truck accident, depending, of course, on the specific circumstances of the accident itself. Some of those are as follows:
- Truck Drivers: Direct actions of truck drivers, such as violating traffic laws, driving under the influence, or driving while fatigued, can render them liable.
- Trucking Companies: These entities can be held responsible for their driver’s actions, especially if they have encouraged unsafe practices or failed to enforce safety regulations.
- Cargo Loaders and Shippers: If improper loading contributes to an accident, the parties responsible for loading the truck could be held liable.
- Truck Manufacturers and Parts Suppliers: If an accident is caused by a vehicle defect or faulty part, the manufacturer or supplier of that part may be liable.
- Maintenance Companies: If improper maintenance or failure to address known issues leads to an accident, the company responsible for maintaining the truck could be held accountable.
- Government Entities and Contractors: Poor road design or inadequate maintenance of roadways can contribute to accidents, potentially making government entities or contractors responsible.
Compensation in Truck Accident Cases
If you and your attorney can satisfy the burden of proof in your personal injury claim, meaning you can prove that you were injured as a direct result of another party’s negligence, you should be entitled to financial compensation for the damages you’ve incurred. Some of those damages may include the following:
- Medical Expenses: Victims can seek compensation for all medical-related expenses, including emergency treatment, surgeries, hospital stays, medications, physical therapy, and any long-term healthcare needs.
- Lost Wages and Earning Capacity: This includes compensation for wages lost due to the inability to work post-accident and potential future earnings lost if the victim is unable to return to their previous employment.
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress experienced due to the accident. This might include anxiety, depression, loss of enjoyment of life, and trauma.
- Property Damage: Reimbursement for the repair or replacement of property damaged in the accident, typically a vehicle.
- Wrongful Death and Survivor Claims: In tragic circumstances where accidents result in fatalities, families of the deceased can seek compensation for funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and other damages related to the loss of a loved one.
Statute of Limitations for Truck Accident Claims
In Florida, the statute of limitations for truck accident injury claims is, typically, two years. This means that accident victims will only have two years from the date of their accident to file a personal injury claim. Don’t make the mistake of waiting–our truck accident lawyers stand ready to fight for you today.
Contact Our Florida Truck Accident Lawyers
Becker & Lindauer, LLC has decades of experience fighting for accident victims in Manatee County and throughout Florida, and we stand ready to put that experience to work for you. Contact our truck accident lawyers for a free initial consultation today.
