Trucking Accident Attorneys Serving in Stuart, Florida
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, there is a higher volume of large trucks on the nation’s highways now than ever before. With an increased volume of traffic, there are more large truck accidents, resulting in the deaths of thousands of victims and injuring tens of thousands every year. In 2021 alone, the FMCSA reports that 5,904 fatal crashes involving large trucks occurred, bringing this number up 18 percent from the previous year. Another 119,000 trucks were involved in injury crashes.
Large commercial trucks can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. The sheer size and mass of these large vehicles pose much greater risks of catastrophic injuries and accidents when they have collisions with smaller vehicles because of the significant physical forces that are released during the crashes. The experienced Stuart personal injury lawyers at Eberst Law represent victims of truck crashes in Stuart, FL to help them recover the maximum possible damages for their injuries and losses.
How to Drive Safely Around Semi-Trucks in Stuart, Florida
Sometimes defensive driving can save your life in the event of a truck accident. Even if it does not entirely prevent the accident from occurring, you may be able to minimize your injuries by taking certain defensive precautions while driving.
To drive safely around large commercial vehicles and trucks, you should do the following:
- Give them plenty of space, never follow too closely or slam on your brakes when in front of a large truck
- Keep their blind spots in mind and try not to drive in them for too long
- Pass quickly and safely on the left side of the truck. Once you can see the entire truck in your rearview mirror, it’s safe to merge over into the right lane again
- Report any suspicious behavior. If you see a truck swerving or otherwise driving dangerously, report their behavior to emergency services immediately; you could save a life
If you have been harmed in an accident involving a large truck you have a right to pursue justice. To ensure you are able to file a strong personal injury claim, contact one of our experienced Stuart truck accident lawyers today.
What Are Common Causes of Truck Accidents in 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 the following:
- 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
All of these causes are preventable and may form the basis of liability. A trusted Stuart truck accident lawyer will collect all necessary evidence to help us understand what the cause of your accident was and who may be responsible for your losses.
Can Weather Conditions Affect Your Florida Truck Accident Case?
Florida is a state known for its abundance of sunshine. However, anyone who has lived here long enough will talk about the unpredictable precipitation and gnarly hurricane seasons that can make driving dangerous if caught in inclement weather. Due to the sheer size and mass of commercial trucks, when weather conditions are less than clear and affect visibility or one’s ability to stop the vehicle, things can quickly become dangerous.
While weather conditions can certainly be a factor in one’s truck accident case, it should be noted that the liability will still fall to the party whose negligence caused the crash. Truck drivers, as well as 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 and lead to an accident. If you were harmed in a truck accident during bad weather, contact one of our truck accident lawyers in Stuart today.
Holding Drivers and Trucking Carriers Liable After a Truck Accident in Stuart
The liable party is not always only the driver in the case of truck accidents. Because Florida operates under the rule of comparative negligence, there is the possibility that more than one party may bear responsibility for your truck accident claim. While the truck driver may be liable for accidents caused by their own negligence, such as distracted or drunk driving, other parties are frequently found liable for other reasons.
Other possible liable parties include:
- The Trucking Company: In the case of an accident caused by overscheduling a driver, mechanical problems due to lack of maintenance or safety checks, inexperienced drivers, negligent hiring, or disregard of trucking regulations, the trucking company may be liable. 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. In this case, the loading company could be liable.
- The Truck Rental Company: If the truck was rented from another company and an accident occurred because of a maintenance issue, the trucking company may be liable for failing to ensure the truck was safe to drive.
- The Manufacturer of the Trucks or Truck Parts: In the case of an accident caused by a defective part or mechanical failure, the company that manufactured that part could be liable.
When you retain the legal counsel of one of our trusted Stuart truck accident attorneys, we will launch a full investigation into the factors of your truck accident case to ensure we are able to determine who the liable party, or parties, is for your claim.
What Is the Statute of Limitations for Truck Accidents in Florida?
When a truck accident occurs, victims are often left with serious injuries and a long road to recovery. This can lead to costly expenses being incurred due to medical bills or lost wages. However, you should never have to pay for injuries caused by another party’s negligent actions. That is why it is crucial that you file a personal injury claim and pursue the damages you are owed.
While the idea of jumping into legal action following a truck accident can be overwhelming, it is crucial you file your claim within the state’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims. A statute of limitations is a legal term used to describe the period of time a person has to take legal action for a particular accident or crime. In Florida, victims of truck accidents have up to four years from the date the accident occurred to file your personal injury claim. Working with an experienced personal injury lawyer from our Stuart firm is highly important to ensure you do not forfeit your legal right to pursue justice by ensuring you file your claim within the parameters of the statute of limitations.
Types of Injuries Caused by Stuart Truck Accidents
Truck accidents can result in injuries ranging from mild to severe. They may take a few weeks to even years to heal. Unfortunately, for some, injuries may be chronic. Injuries can result in chronic pain, disability, disfigurement, or scarring. The more severe the injury and the more treatment required to treat it, 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
After suffering injuries due to a truck accident, you have the right to pursue justice for your losses by filing a claim. To ensure you are able to properly file a claim and recover the fair compensation you are owed, contact one of our Stuart truck accident lawyers today.
Types of Damages You Can Recover After a Truck Accident Injury
If you have been injured in a truck accident, you may be eligible to recover compensation for your damages. “Damages” are the losses you’ve experienced as a direct result of your injury. Damages can be both monetary (economic) or abstract (non-economic).
Economic Damages
Economic damages include the following:
- Medical bills
- Past and future care
- Physical therapy
- Emergency room or hospital visits
- Doctor/specialist visits
- Ambulance rides
- Surgery
- Medical equipment
- Modification to your home (for example, building a ramp to use a wheelchair or accommodating a medical bed)
- Lost wages
- Lost earning capacity
To learn more about the economic damages you may be eligible to collect, contact our Florida law firm today.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages are as follows:
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of consortium
- Emotional distress
- Disfigurement and scarring
While we calculate economic damages by using their associated monetary values, we calculate non-economic damages by looking at your quality of life. We may ask questions such as the following to determine the non-economic damages you may be eligible to recover:
- How much has it changed because of your injuries? Are you able to partake in the same tasks?
- Are you able to do the same things that used to bring you joy?
- Can you still work in the same industry?
Those facing a great change to their quality of life will receive higher compensation for non-economic damages than others. To ensure you are able to recover the best possible settlement for your truck accident, contact our team of trusted lawyers today.
Steps to Take After a Truck Accident
If you have been involved in a truck accident, it can be hard to know what steps to take next. In many cases, you will not have a chance to do anything at the scene of the accident. This is because most victims of truck accidents are taken away in an ambulance to receive immediate medical attention.
If your injuries are minor, and you are able to stick around at the scene, you should do the following:
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 by the police later to give your statement.
Take Photos and Videos
Pictures and videos are a great way to showcase liability. If you are able to stay at the scene, take pictures and videos of your vehicle, the truck, and the surrounding area. We will also look into any security cameras in the area to see if we can receive further documentation.
Seek Medical Care
Once you leave the scene of the accident, go immediately to the emergency room, hospital, or another treatment center. Even if you do not think you’re injured, it’s important to be examined. Some injuries may not present themselves immediately, especially because of all the adrenaline coursing through your system.
Contact a Stuart Truck Accident Lawyer
Once you have received medical attention, contact the Eberst Law Firm to speak with one of our talented attorneys. Speaking with a Stuart truck accident attorney before the insurance company is vital. We can help protect you from accidentally damaging your claim before it is too late. Insurance companies will try to get you to settle early for a little money. They will ask you to sign away your right to file in exchange for a few hundred to a few thousand dollars. Do not fall for it. Eberst Law can get you the settlement that you deserve.
Contact an Experienced Stuart Truck Accident Attorney Today!
Being harmed in a catastrophic accident like a truck crash can be devastating for victims. While your main priority should be your recovery, it is important you also take the time to pursue the justice you deserve for your injuries and losses. To ensure you are able to build a strong claim, contact our team of truck accident attorneys in Stuart today.
The Eberst Law Firm has the resources, experience, and determination needed to get you a proper truck accident settlement. Contact us online or by calling (772) 225-4900 today to learn more.
