If you spend time traveling the roads of Fort Lauderdale, you spend time driving near commercial trucks. Sharing the road with 18-wheelers can be intimidating, and if an accident occurs, it can be serious. Accident claims with a commercial truck are much different than with passenger vehicles. What makes car and truck accident claims different?
Three categories highlight the distinctions in 18-wheeler accident claims:
- Financial Liability
- Severity of Personal Injury
- Driver experience and Responsibility
If you have been involved in a commercial truck accident near Fort Lauderdale, Lisa Levine can help.
Who Can Be Held Liable in a Fort Lauderdale Truck Accident?
When the drivers of passenger vehicles have an accident, each party exchanges personal insurance information. In a commercial truck accident, both the driver and the trucking company can be held liable. If you were involved in an 18-wheeler crash, we can look at traffic reports, log books and equipment checks to determine if the driver, company or both are responsible for the crash.
Injury Victim
When a company fails to follow national regulations, their negligence should be punished. If a driver fails to abide by traffic laws, the driver should be held accountable. Both the company and driver may be at fault in your accident case. Negligence by commercial drivers and truck companies cause personal injury and death each year on Florida’s roadways. Lisa Levine will work to hold all parties responsible.
Severe Injuries in Car and Truck Accidents Claims
The physics in a commercial truck accident often leave the passenger car and occupants in a mess. The severity of injuries in trucking accidents can be far greater because of the size and weight of an 18-wheeler. Injuries to passenger car occupants include:
- Fractured and broken bones
- Back and neck strain
- Severe burns
- Internal bleeding
- Death
These injuries can result in long-term medical costs, high out of pocket expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. These can add to the compensation you deserve after a commercial truck accident.
Driver Experience and Responsibility
Another key component of what makes Fort Lauderdale car and truck accident claims different are the laws that govern commercial truck driving. Passenger car drivers have basic traffic laws to follow, but truck drivers and trucking companies must adhere to a plethora of regulation. Some of these regulations may have been broken in your accident case.
- Proper CDL license
- Drivers background and driving record
- The number of hours that can be driven each day
- Drug and alcohol testing
- State and federal regulations for trucker
- Weight of the truck and rig before and after cargo
Traditional driving hazards like weather, speed, and signaling can also have an effect on commercial trucks.
Frequently Asked Questions About Florida Truck Accidents
How Long Do I Have to File a Truck Accident Claim in Fort Lauderdale?
Generally, you have 4 years from the date of the accident to file a truck accident claim in Florida. After this time limit has passed, you lose the ability to seek damages.
What Compensation Can I Recover After a Broward County Truck Accident?
People injured in Broward County truck accidents may be able to seek compensation for:
– Medical expenses
– Lost wages
– Pain and suffering.
The exact amount of compensation you may be able to recover will depend on many variables that will be specific to each individual case, such as the extent of injuries, if there is any long-term impact on daily life, and many others.
Read more about the factors involved in determining truck accident compensation
Should I Call the Police After a Truck Accident in Florida?
Yes. It is always a good idea to the police after an accident with a big rig truck if it involves an injury or even relatively minor damage.
Get Help From Fort Lauderdale Truck Accident Attorney Lisa Levine
Have you been injured in a truck accident in Fort Lauderdale or surrounding areas? It’s important to have an experienced attorney on your side to protect your rights. Lisa Levine will look at all the details of your crash to determine the next step in holding the driver and trucking company responsible. Call 954-256-1820 today to schedule a free consultation with Florida personal injury lawyer Lisa Levine.
