Truck Accident Lawyer Stuart, FL

Many factors may lead to large truck crashes depending on the circumstances at the time of the accident.

Some of the most common truck driver and truck-related causes of these types of personal injury accidents include:

• Speeding
• Driver distraction
• Improper securement of loads
• Drugs and alcohol
• Failures to obey traffic control signals
• Poorly maintained equipment
• Defective truck parts
• Texting while driving
• Improper lane changes

Florida is known for its sunshine, but anyone who has lived here long enough will talk about unpredictable precipitation and hurricane seasons that can make driving dangerous. Due to the size and mass of commercial trucks, when weather conditions affect visibility or stopping ability, things can quickly become dangerous.

While weather can be a factor in a truck accident case, liability still falls to the party whose negligence caused the crash. Truck drivers, like all motorists, hold a duty to be reasonably safe behind the wheel. This includes deciding not to drive in weather that could be deemed dangerous.

Florida operates under the rule of comparative negligence, so more than one party may bear responsibility for your truck accident claim. While the truck driver may be liable for negligent driving, other parties are frequently found liable for other reasons.

Other possible liable parties include:

• The Trucking Company: Liable in cases of overscheduling a driver, mechanical problems from lack of maintenance or safety checks, inexperienced drivers, negligent hiring, or disregard of trucking regulations. The trucking company may also share liability with the driver in some cases.
• The Loading Company: If the truck is improperly loaded, it could cause a rollover or lost-load accident. The loading company could be liable.
• The Truck Rental Company: If the truck was rented from another company and the crash occurred because of a maintenance issue, the rental company may be liable.
• The Manufacturer of the Trucks or Truck Parts: If the crash was caused by a defective part or mechanical failure, the manufacturer could be liable.

In Florida, victims of truck accidents have up to four years from the date the accident occurred to file a personal injury claim. Working with an experienced personal injury lawyer is important so you do not forfeit your legal right to pursue justice by missing the statute of limitations.

A statute of limitations is a legal term describing the period of time a person has to take legal action for a particular accident or crime. File your claim within this window to preserve your rights.

Truck accidents can result in injuries ranging from mild to severe. They may take a few weeks to years to heal, and for some, injuries may be chronic. The more severe the injury, the more damages you will incur.

The most common types of injuries caused by truck accidents include:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
• Spinal cord injuries
• Back and neck injuries
• Upper extremity injuries
• Lower extremity injuries
• Broken bones and fractures
• Cuts and bruises
• Burns
• Amputation
• Internal damage
• Soft tissue injuries

Damages are the losses you have experienced as a direct result of your injury. They can be monetary (economic) or abstract (non-economic).

Economic damages include medical bills, past and future care, physical therapy, emergency room or hospital visits, doctor and specialist visits, ambulance rides, surgery, medical equipment, modifications to your home (such as a wheelchair ramp or medical bed), lost wages, and lost earning capacity.

Non-economic damages include pain and suffering, loss of consortium, emotional distress, and disfigurement and scarring. We calculate economic damages by their monetary values, and non-economic damages by looking at the impact on your quality of life.

If your injuries are minor and you are able to stay at the scene, take the following steps.

1. Contact emergency services Call the police to report the accident and stick around to speak with the officer. If you were taken to the hospital, you may be contacted later to give your statement.
2. Take photos and videos Pictures and videos are a great way to showcase liability. Take pictures of your vehicle, the truck, and the surrounding area. We will also look into nearby security cameras.
3. Seek medical care Once you leave the scene, go immediately to the emergency room, hospital, or other treatment center. Some injuries may not present themselves right away, especially because of the adrenaline in your system.
4. Contact a Stuart truck accident lawyer After receiving medical attention, contact The Eberst Law Firm. Speaking with an attorney before the insurance company is vital so you do not accidentally damage your claim.