According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), large commercial trucks can weigh up to twenty tons and extend up to eight feet. Large commercial trucks also take 40 percent longer than a passenger car to come to a complete stop. The size and weight difference between a large commercial truck and a car, a truck can cause serious injury to motorists in surrounding passenger cars, especially if aggressive driving comes into play.
Accidents involving a truck can result in catastrophic and life-altering injuries and losses for the families involved.
If you suffered injuries or someone you love died in a truck accident caused by a negligent driver, you may qualify for compensation for your injuries. A Deerfield Beach truck accident lawyer can determine whether you have a credible case. Call Ben Crump Law, PLLC at (844) 430-1030 for a free, no-risk consultation.
Causes of Truck Accidents
Several factors can contribute to a large commercial truck accident, including:
Driver Fatigue
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), drowsy driving resulted in 795 fatalities in 2017. To combat tragedies caused by drowsy driving, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) implemented the hours of service regulations that require employees of truck companies to obtain rest and sleep between shifts.
Defective or Poorly Maintained Equipment
Large commercial trucks that have defective equipment may also lead to accidents. If a defect affects the brakes or steering the truck may rear-end or side-swipe other vehicles. Because of their enormous size, large commercial trucks require a much longer distance to stop.
Distracted Driving
Each day in the United States, accidents involving a distracted driver causes nine people to die and more than 1,000 to suffered injuries, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Distracted driving includes behaviors like eating while driving, changing the radio station, or even looking at the scenery while you drive. Because large commercial truck drivers spend up to 11 hours each day driving, they may feel tempted to use their phones while on the road, whether for communication or navigation. While texting and driving accounts for many accidents, CDC research shows that even using a hands-free device can slow your reaction time if there is a sudden change in traffic flow.
For a free legal consultation with a truck accidents lawyer serving Deerfield Beach, call (844) 430-1030
Types of Injuries Caused by Truck Accidents
Some of the primary injuries that occur in these types of accidents are:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs): A TBI occurs when a victim experiences a blow or jolt to the head that disrupts normal brain function. Vehicle collisions count for 20% of all TBI-related hospitalizations, according to the CDC.
- Broken bones: Broken bones may occur during accidents and can lead to some complications, such as infection, nerve or blood vessel damage, or arthritis.
- Internal bleeding: Internal bleeding proves particularly dangerous because victims do not always realize they are bleeding. Severe hemorrhaging can lead to seizures, coma, or even death.
- Spinal cord injuries: While some victims go on to live full lives after a spinal cord injury, the majority experience limited mobility or feeling. In severe cases, the victim remains paralyzed from the neck down. Most victims require assistive devices after an accident.
Keep in mind that not all injuries display symptoms immediately and may result in ongoing medical conditions. A Deerfield Beach truck accident lawyer can go over your legal options in an accident.
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Establishing Liability in a Deerfield Beach Truck Accident
Liability can complicate truck accident cases. While a driver obviously bears responsibility during an accident, other parties may share responsibility–even potentially more than the driver. Liable parties may include:
- The trucking company.
- The manufacturer of the vehicles.
- The maintenance company servicing the truck.
In order to determine who bears liability for the accident, you first need to investigate the accident to determine the primary cause(s). Once you know exactly what caused the accident, you can then determine who holds responsibility for your losses.
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Florida Laws That May Affect Your Claim
Two laws may come into play in your lawsuit: Florida’s statute of limitations and the tort law of comparative fault.
Statute of Limitations
According to Florida Statutes § 95.11, you must file your claim pursuing compensation for your losses within four years of the date of your accident. If you fail to do so, you may lose the ability to pursue any financial compensation for an accident.
Comparative Fault
Florida follows a pure comparative fault rule per Florida Statutes § 768. That means if you bear partial responsibility for causing an accident, your degree of responsibility will reduce any compensation you receive. For example, if the court determines that you hold 20% responsibility for an accident, you will only receive 80% of the total compensation for your losses.
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Types of Damages You May Recover after a Truck Accident Claim
Every accident differs. While we cannot estimate the exact damages you may recover after an accident, some types of damages victims do recover in cases like these include:
- Medical costs.
- Pain and suffering.
- Past and future wages.
- Disfigurement or dismemberment.
- Out-of-pocket expenses.
- Property damage.
Wrongful Death
If your loved one died in a Deerfield Beach truck accident, there are additional awards you may recover in a wrongful death claim. They include:
- Pain and suffering.
- Funeral and burial costs.
- Medical expenses left to the family to pay.
- Wages and benefits previously provided by the deceased.
- Loss of consortium.
- Loss of support and companionship.
A Deerfield Beach Truck Accident Lawyer Can Help You
If a Deerfield Beach truck accident has left you in pain and hurting, you have the right to hold the negligent party or parties responsible. A Deerfield Beach truck accident lawyer can protect your rights during a difficult period after a truck accident. To receive a free review of your case, Call Ben Crump Law, PLLC today at (844) 430-1030.
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