South Florida Injury Lawyer Blawg
Truck accidents can have devastating consequences for people in the smaller vehicle involved. If you or your loved one was injured in an underride accident, it is imperative to seek the help of a Miami truck accident attorney without delay. At the Law Offices of Robert Dixon, we can help you hold negligent parties accountable and recover the compensation you deserve for your harm. For years, we have vigorously advocated for South Florida victims and can do the same for you.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), more than 400 people die each year due to underride accidents. The NHTSA further estimates that more than 5,000 occupants of passenger vehicles sustain severe injuries in these types of crashes on an annual basis.
Underride accidents typically occur when a passenger vehicle collides with a truck and runs under it. Even at relatively low speeds, these accidents can lead to serious injuries and even death to drivers and passengers in the car. There are two types of truck underride accidents that may happen: side underride collisions and rear underride collisions. A side underride collision happens when a passenger car slams into the side of a truck and then slides under it. A rear underride collision occurs when a passenger vehicle runs under the rear of a truck or semi-trailer.
Depending on the situation, the driver of a car could have been at fault, or the blame could lie with the truck driver. For example, a car may have followed too quickly and failed to stop in time to avoid an accident. Alternatively, a truck could have changed lanes without signaling, causing a crash. The legal theory that is typically used to establish liability in truck accident cases is negligence. Negligence occurs when a person fails to use reasonable care behind the wheel, causing injuries or death to someone else. Reasonable care is defined as how a prudent or sensible person would act under the same or similar circumstances.
Establishing truck crash liability can be complicated because there may be more than one party at fault. Under the doctrine of vicarious liability, the truck driver’s employer may also be liable if the accident happened within the course and scope of the driver’s employment. There are other legal theories that can be used to seek recovery from the trucking company as well. An experienced attorney can help you identify the relevant parties in your case and proceed accordingly.
Truck accidents can leave victims with severe, long-term injuries. These injuries can be extremely costly to treat and create a huge financial burden on the accident victim and those close to him or her. Fortunately, Florida allows victims of truck accidents to collect damages to cover their medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, rehabilitation treatment, and other costs.
In the aftermath of a truck accident, you may have rights. If you have been injured in an underride accident, it is important to consult a Miami truck accident attorney who can assess the merits of your case. At the Law Offices of Robert Dixon, we are committed to helping our clients get the justice and compensation they deserve. For more information, call us at 1-877-499-HURT (4878) or contact us through our website.
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