Truck accidents are some of the most dangerous accidents on the road. Unfortunately, these accidents routinely impact people in Florida and across the United States. If you or a loved one has been involved in an accident involving a tractor-trailer, you might have the right to recover damages for your medical bills and other losses. With extensive experience in Florida personal injury law, our Miami truck accident attorneys have the skill, experience and compassion to handle your case.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), while roadway fatalities decreased 2 percent year-over-year in 2017, that trend was not true for occupants of large trucks. In fact, NHTSA data shows that truck occupant deaths jumped 16 percent from 2016 to 2017 – from 725 to 841 deaths with approximately 40 percent of these occupants not wearing seat belts even though there has been an ongoing effort to educate on the issue. As it stands, there are no precise reasons that were identified for the rise in deaths.
Establishing Fault in Truck Accident Cases
Truck drivers have a legal obligation to operate their vehicles and to adhere to all state and federal trucking regulations behind the wheel. When truck drivers make careless mistakes that lead to serious accidents, those drivers as well as the truck operators can be liable for the resulting harm under the legal theory of negligence. Negligence can come in many forms including, but not limited to:
- Driving more consecutive hours than allowed by law;
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs;
- Driving without the necessary experience or training;
- Driving while tired, drowsy or fatigued;
- Driving too fast;
- Driving while texting or being distracted behind the wheel;
- Failing to inspect and maintain the truck properly;
- Failing to secure cargo on the truck properly.
Under the rule of respondent superior, trucking companies can be liable for the negligent conduct of their employees. This rule essentially says that employers are liable for the negligent actions of their employees when those actions take place within the course and scope of employment.
Recovering Damages After a Truck Accident Case
Truck accidents can be devastating experiences for everyone involved. Individuals who are injured in these accidents can recover compensation for their losses including medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, property damage, loss of future earning capacity and cost of future medical care. Calculating damages is not easy but you can rest assured that we will investigate your case and come up with an appropriate dollar amount in your case.
Skilled Miami Truck Accident Lawyers
Truck accidents often lead to serious injury, even death. If you or someone close to you has been injured in a truck accident, our highly skilled Miami truck accident attorneys can help you pursue full and fair compensation for your harm. At the Law Office of Robert Dixon, we are committed to providing effective legal counsel throughout the entire legal process. We are here to answer your questions and address your concerns. To schedule a free, confidential consultation, please call us at 1-877-499-HURT (4878) or contact us online.
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AI Could Help Respond to Auto Accidents in Florida and Throughout the Country, South Florida Injury Lawyer Blawg, October 11, 2018
Florida has 13 of the Top 200 Safest Driving Cities in the U.S., South Florida Injury Lawyer Blawg, October 11, 2018
Florida Man Dies in Single Vehicle Accident, South Florida Injury Lawyer Blawg, October 11, 2018