Miami Truck Accident Attorney
Significant truck accidents can cause serious injuries. You may have suffered significant losses, including medical bills, income loss, pain, and suffering, as well as financial hardship. A Miami truck accident lawyer will help you get the proper compensation for your losses.
All traffic accidents can result in serious injuries and accidents, but accidents involving large commercial trucks may cause more severe damage. The average vehicle weighs about 3,500 pounds. However, commercial trucks can be larger than regular passenger cars and weigh up to 80,000 pounds. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), collisions with large trucks resulted in nearly 4,000 deaths and 104,000 injuries. You may have been in a serious trucking accident. Read on to find out how you can get legal compensation from Vaval Law, skilled Florida personal injuries attorneys.
What causes truck accidents?
Truck accidents that involve semi-truck drivers are most often caused by semi-truck driver error. The FMCSA conducted a study that found truck accidents are ten times more likely due to driver error than other factors. Professional truck drivers must undergo special training to obtain a commercial driver’s license. They should also be aware of the dangers of large semi-trucks on the roads. Professional truck drivers must be held to a higher standard than regular passenger vehicle operators because of the increased risk of injury in truck accidents. Truck drivers are often negligent and do not follow their safety rules.
These are some examples of truck driver negligence that can lead to severe accidents:
- Driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs
- Driving while tired or in violation of FMCSA Hours Of Service regulations
- Driving while suffering from a severe medical condition such as epilepsy or heart disease is illegal
- Distractions such as eating, grooming, and using a mobile phone to communicate with others are acceptable.
- Failure to complete all pre-trip inspections
- Aggressive driving includes speeding, following too closely, or intimidating other motorists.
- Too many turns
- Blind spots are not being adequately addressed
- Commercial vehicle driving without a license or training
- De-powering the brakes at the front of the truck
- Violation of traffic laws or FMCSA regulations
Truck drivers who cause injuries or accidents should be held accountable for all losses victims suffer. It can be challenging to identify driver negligence because drivers are not likely to admit they made an error. A Miami truck accident lawyer is an expert who can investigate the driver’s actions to determine negligence and help victims recover.
Why are truck accidents so deadly?
Truck accidents are among the most severe motor vehicle accidents. The truck’s dimensions are the main factor. A truck can weigh as much as 20-30 times that of a passenger vehicle. Trucks are taller and have higher ground clearance. This can impact the truck’s maneuverability and driving ability.
- Increased stopping distance: When stopped on dry roads, loaded tractor-trailers can take up to 40% longer to stop. This distance increases as you speed or on icy roads.
- High center of gravity: Because the truck has a higher center of gravity, it is more likely to roll over when approaching corners at high speed or during accident avoidance maneuvers.
- Wide turns: Because the truck is so long, it takes a lot of space for a turn. This can harm other drivers and pedestrians in nearby turn lanes.
- Blind spots: Trucks are known for having significant blind spots on each side. These blind spots can cause accidents for passenger cars if they are not visible to the driver when they attempt to change lanes. Similar blind spots exist for Tow Trucks.
- Underride: A tractor-trailer’s high ground clearance can lead to passenger cars sliding underneath it in an accident.
What if I don’t have an attorney to help me settle my truck accident case?
Although you technically can settle a legal case without an attorney, it is almost always a bad idea. An attorney has much experience and legal knowledge in truck accident cases. This usually results in a higher settlement than you could get on your own. Your lawyer will also be familiar with the court filing requirements and the time limits. Additionally, they can access other experts, including those knowledgeable about medical conditions and accident reconstruction, that can significantly assist your case.
The truck driver and company will likely rely on their lawyers and the insurance carrier. It would help if you trusted an attorney to help you navigate the process and fight for your rights.
