Trucking Accidents
Truck accidents can be life-changing. They often lead to severe injuries, high medical bills, lost wages, and long recovery times. Hiring an experienced truck accident lawyer is crucial to navigating the legal complexities and maximizing your compensation. If you’ve been hurt in a truck accident, the skilled team at Demesmin and Dover Law Firm is here to fight for your rights and help you get the compensation you need.
A Florida truck accident lawyer can provide specialized legal support to address the unique challenges of truck accident claims in Florida, ensuring you recover the compensation you deserve.
Get the Compensation You Need
If you’ve recently been in an accident with a semi-truck, tractor-trailer, or any other large truck, you might be eligible for compensation. Contact Demesmin and Dover Law Firm for expert help from our truck accident lawyer team. We are dedicated to standing up to powerful insurance companies and trucking firms to make sure you receive the compensation you deserve.
Navigating a truck accident claim requires experienced attorneys who can effectively handle the complexities of the legal process. We are well-known and have won many awards for our work in personal injury law. We’ve helped clients recover thousands of dollars and are ready to use our experience to help you.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Fort Lauderdale
Truck accidents can be very serious, and the trucking industry is heavily regulated to try to prevent them. Despite these rules, accidents still happen, resulting in catastrophic truck accident injuries due to the weight and size of trucks. In 2020, Florida saw hundreds of injuries and at least 29 deaths from truck accidents. For detailed statistics and safety data, visit the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
In cases of a fatal truck accident, legal proceedings and compensation recovery can be complex, as the unique circumstances surrounding each accident influence the potential damages that can be claimed by victims or their families.
Some common causes of truck accidents include:
- Speeding: Driving too fast for the road conditions.
- Fatigue: Truck drivers work too many hours without rest. Learn more about the effects of driver fatigue from the FMCSA.
- Distractions and Substance Abuse: Using phones or being under the influence of drugs or alcohol while driving.
- Traffic Issues: Difficulties navigating traffic or unfamiliar roads.
- Errors: Mistakes in merging, braking, or managing cargo.
- Vehicle Problems: Issues with truck maintenance or defects. Vehicle maintenance regulations are crucial for safety.
- Negligent Hiring: Hiring drivers without proper background checks or training.
Our Fort Lauderdale truck accident lawyer will thoroughly investigate your accident to find out what went wrong. This helps us identify who is responsible and seek compensation for your damages.
Who Can Be Held Responsible?
In Florida, several people or organizations might be responsible for a truck accident, including:
- The Truck Driver and Their Employer: The driver who caused the accident and the company that employs them.
- The Trucking Company or Freight Broker: The company that owns the truck or the middleman who arranged the transport.
- The Owner of the Truck or Trailer: The person or company who owns the vehicle involved in the accident.
- Maintenance Providers and Vehicle Manufacturers: The companies that maintain or make the truck. For information on vehicle defects and recalls, see the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Vehicle Recalls.
- Other Drivers and Pedestrians: Anyone else involved who might have contributed to the accident.
Trucking companies and their insurance providers often have significant responsibilities. Though challenging, our team is experienced in handling these cases and getting favorable results. For a complete review of your case and to make sure you get the compensation you deserve, contact our offices today.
Can I Still Get Compensation If I’m Partially at Fault?
In Florida, you might be blamed for some part of the accident. Florida uses a “pure comparative negligence” system, which means your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault, but you can still get money even if you are partially responsible. For more on comparative negligence, visit FindLaw’s Comparative Negligence Overview.
For example, if the total damages are $500,000 and you’re found to be 10% at fault, you can still recover $450,000. It’s important to fight against any unfair fault claims to ensure you don’t lose out on valuable compensation. Filing a truck accident lawsuit promptly is crucial, as collecting evidence quickly and adhering to changing statute limitations can significantly impact your case.
At Demesmin and Dover Law Firm, we are skilled at handling cases where the blame is being unfairly placed on victims. Our Fort Lauderdale truck accident lawyers will work to minimize or eliminate any fault that might be attributed to you.
How Can A Truck Accident Lawyer Help You
After a serious truck accident, your main focus should be on recovering, not dealing with complex legal issues. That’s where our experienced truck accident law lawyer comes in. Selecting a specialized law firm with extensive experience in handling truck accident cases is crucial. We have a strong record of winning significant settlements and judgments for our clients.
Here’s how our Fort Lauderdale truck accident lawyers will support you:
- Detailed Investigation: We gather important evidence from the scene, such as truck data recordings, driver logs, and maintenance records. Learn about the importance of data recording in truck accidents from the FMCSA.
- Ongoing Updates: We keep you informed about your case’s progress with regular updates.
- Witnesses and Experts: We find and interview witnesses and consult with experts to build a strong case.
- Negotiations and Court: We handle negotiations with insurers and trucking companies and, if needed, take your case to court.
Your initial case evaluation is free, so contact us to find out how we can help you get the compensation you deserve.
What Damages Can You Claim?
A truck accident can have serious physical, emotional, and financial effects. Truck accident cases often involve complexities and unique challenges, such as fault determination and liability of multiple parties. In Florida, if your injuries are severe, you can seek both economic and noneconomic damages.
Initial Steps:
- Personal Injury Protection (PIP): Florida’s no-fault insurance covers 80% of your medical expenses and 60% of lost wages up to $10,000. If your damages exceed these limits, you may need to file additional claims.
Further Claims:
- Economic Damages: Include medical bills, lost income, and costs for disability or rehabilitation.
- Noneconomic Damages: Cover pain and suffering, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life.
- Punitive Damages: May be awarded in cases of extreme negligence or intentional misconduct.
At Demesmin and Dover Law Firm, we work with experts to fully understand how the accident has impacted your life. This helps us fight effectively for the compensation you need.
How Much Is Your Case Worth?
The value of a truck accident case depends on various factors, including:
- Severity of Injuries: The types and seriousness of your injuries.
- Ability to Work: Whether you can continue working or if your earning ability has been affected.
- Impact on Life: How the accident has changed your daily life and well-being.
- Preexisting Conditions: If the accident has made any existing medical problems worse.
- Age: How your age affects your recovery and long-term health.
- Shared Fault: The degree to which you are responsible for the accident.
- Need for Ongoing Care: Whether you need temporary or permanent care.
After a truck accident in Florida, it is essential to take steps to protect your health and legal rights, such as gathering evidence, determining liability, and understanding the process of recovering damages. Hiring a qualified attorney can help you navigate these complexities.
To get the help you need, contact our office today for a free consultation. Let us help you navigate the complexities of your case and maximize your financial recovery.
Immediate Legal Support After a Truck Accident
You don’t have to face the aftermath of a truck accident alone. A Florida truck accident attorney plays a critical role in navigating the complexities of truck accident cases and advocating for victims’ rights. Don’t let trucking companies or their insurers control your claim. Contact Demesmin and Dover Law Firm to make sure your case is handled properly by our truck accident lawyer while you focus on recovering.
Our truck accident lawyers are experienced in fighting powerful corporations and getting the results our clients deserve. We work on a contingency basis, meaning you don’t pay any upfront costs—only when we win your case. Call us for a free consultation—our team is available 24/7 to provide the support and guidance you need.