Bradenton Truck Accident Lawyer
Every year, trucks are involved in 500,000 accidents, 100,000 serious injuries, and 5,000 deaths.
Virtually every product sold in and out of Florida is transported by the trucking industry, making trucks a necessity to the local and national economy. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) establishes rules and regulations that govern these commercial motor vehicles and the companies that operate them. These regulations are intended to keep the interstate highways safe; yet each year, thousands of accidents, injuries, and deaths occur as the result of unsafe truck driving and truck operation. In some cases, the truck driver has violated a rule of the road, and in others, common truck industry practices are to blame. Sometimes, it’s both.
According to the FMCSA, the leading cause of truck accidents is driver fatigue, which is why the “hours of service” that a truck driver may operate his or her commercial vehicle is limited by law. However, truck drivers often do not obey these laws to meet unrealistic delivery deadlines and increase profit. Other common causes of truck accidents include:
- Reckless or aggressive driving
- Speeding
- Swerving
- Making unsafe turns
- Failure to use turn signals
- Failure to yield
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Overloaded and oversized trucks
- Poorly maintained equipment
- Defective safety equipment, such as lights, signals, and warning systems
Truck accidents are much more likely to cause serious injury or death due to the difference in size and weight between a truck and a car.
A fully loaded 18-wheeler semi-truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, while the average sedan weighs approximately 3,000 pounds. As a law office with experience handling truck accident injury cases, our Bradenton truck accident lawyer have seen that a collision between a commercial truck and a car usually results in catastrophic injuries for the occupants of the car. You are entitled to compensation for these injuries—medical, financial, physical, and emotional.
Trucking companies have professionals on hand to help them defend accident claims.
If you or a loved one is hurt in a truck accident, it is important to know that as soon as a truck accident occurs, the trucking company will send out a trained truck accident investigator whose job is to represent the trucking company and determine how to minimize its liability for the accident. We highly recommend you do not give them any information or sign any paperwork prior to consulting with an experienced Florida truck accident lawyer.
Liability in Truck Accidents
In a truck accident case, there may be multiple parties responsible for the damages. While the truck driver may be at fault, the trucking company that employs the driver could also be held liable for unsafe policies or improper maintenance of the vehicle. Additionally, if a defect in the truck’s equipment—such as faulty brakes or worn tires—contributed to the accident, the manufacturer or maintenance company could share in the liability. Understanding the various parties involved is crucial to securing full compensation for your injuries.
Steps to Take After a Truck Accident
If you or a loved one is involved in a truck accident, it’s important to take immediate action to protect your rights. First and foremost, seek medical attention, even if you believe your injuries are minor. Document the accident scene by taking pictures of the vehicles, road conditions, and any visible injuries. If possible, gather contact information from witnesses and exchange information with the truck driver. It’s essential to contact an experienced truck accident lawyer as soon as possible, as trucking companies will begin building their defense immediately after the crash.
Call the law office of Steven G. Lavely to handle your truck accident case.
After a truck accident, a Bradenton truck accident lawyer at the Law Office of Steven G. Lavely can help you deal with the trucking company and their representatives. We provide knowledgeable and compassionate legal representation to victims of trucking accidents, and you pay no legal fees until we obtain compensation on your behalf.