Truck accidents are a serious matter. If you’ve been in a collision with a truck, then you understand how traumatic an experience it can be. Truck accidents often result in serious injuries including broken ribs, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injuries and/or even death.
Florida has specific laws that pertain to trucks. Truck owners and operators must follow strict guidelines when it comes to maintaining their vehicles. The size and mass of trucks coupled with high speeds make it difficult for it to suddenly stop or even slow down. Consequently, when a truck collides with another vehicle, the results can be devastating.
In 2010, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that 276,000 large trucks were involved in automobile accidents killing 3,675 people and injuring 80,000. Florida is no exception to the deadly truck accidents that occur nationwide. Each year, thousands of people are killed and injured in truck accidents. To make things worse, many are left with heavy financial burdens to deal with in the aftermath of the accident.
If you or someone you know has been injured from a trucking accident, then you should act quickly in reaching out to an experienced South Florida attorney who will work tirelessly for your rights.
Causes of Truck Accidents
Although each accident is different, some common causes of truck accidents are as follows:
- Driver fatigue
- Faulty brakes
- Improper maintenance
- Excessive speed
- Improper lane change
Who is Responsible?
Depending on the nature and circumstances of your accident, there are a number of parties who may be responsible for the collision. In some cases, multiple parties will be responsible. The following list illustrates who you can sue for a trucking accident under Florida law.
- The Truck Driver – the truck driver can be held liable for the truck accident if they are shown to be negligent while driving. Negligence can be shown in a variety of ways, some of which include speeding, inattentiveness to the road and/or distracted driving.
- The Truck Driver’s Employer – Under the theory of vicarious liability, if a truck driver gets into an accident while acting within the scope of employment then the employer may be vicariously liable for the accident caused by their driver. It is important to remember, however, that if the driver gets into an accident while he is on a personal detour unrelated to his employment then the employer will not be vicariously liable for the accident.
- The Manufacturer – You may be able to sue the manufacturer of the truck if you were injured as a result of a defective truck part. In order to sue the manufacturer, it would need to be shown that the faulty party caused or contributed to the accident.
- A Car Repair Shop – A car maintenance or repair facility may be held liable if the accident was caused because of negligent or inadequate repairs on which the driver relied.
- Government Agencies – In limited circumstances, you may be able to sue the government if the accident was caused by a road condition that the government was responsible for. For example, if the road was improperly maintained by a government agency then you may have a claim.
South Florida Lawyer Helping You for Your Injuries
If you’ve been injured in a car accident then you may be entitled to compensation to cover the expenses you occurred as a result of the accident including medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional distress and other economic costs. Miami personal injury attorney Robert Dixon is committed to helping his clients get the representation they deserve. Contact us online or call us today at 1-877-499-HURT (4878) for a free, no obligation consultation.