Florida Truck Accident Attorneys

Injured in a Truck Accident in FL?

Burnetti, P.A. is always standing by to provide trusted legal counsel for anyone in Florida who has been in a truck accident. We know that even a “minor” truck accident often leaves people with life-changing injuries, so we give each case our full attention and resources. The trucking company probably won’t want to admit to any wrongdoing, either, which is why we also prepare each case for trial, even when we think a settlement might be possible.

Other reasons why you should choose our Florida truck accident lawyers are:

• 30+ years of experience fighting for injured clients
• Millions of dollars secured through settlements and awards
• High praise from past clients who in situations like yours
• Professional recognitions from Super Lawyers®, Martindale-Hubbell®, and more

For a free virtual consultationwith our legal team, call (888) 444-8508now.

Common Types of Truck Accidents in Florida

The highways of Florida are constantly crisscrossed by large commercial trucks, big rigs, 18-wheelers, and more. Thousands of truck accidents happen each year across the state, many of them serious. Our law firm has been working on truck accident cases for decades, so we’ve seen virtually every type of truck accident type there is.

We can work on claims involving these types of truck accidents and more:

• Rear-end collisions
• Rollovers
• Tire blowouts
• Loose cargo
• Underrides
• Jackknifes
• Detached trailers
• Head-on collisions

Common Injuries Suffered in Truck Accidents

The average commercial truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds before the trucking company violates Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations, which some do anyway. With so much weight behind it, a truck moving at highway speeds carries a terrifying amount of force, much more than smaller vehicles on the road. For this reason, truck accidents are much more likely to result in catastrophic injuries than crashes involving smaller vehicles at the same speed.

If you were seriously injured in a truck accident, we will want to fully understand the injury and how it will impact your life, possibly for years to come or permanently. In complex cases, we can use our reputation and resources to work with trusted third-party medical experts who can shine more light on your condition.

Severe injuries usually reported in truck accidents are:

• Amputations
• Brain injuries (TBIs)
• Broken bones
• Burn injuries
• Permanent disfigurements
• Soft tissue injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Whiplash

Common Reasons Why Truck Accidents Happen

What are the most common causes of truck accidents? It can be difficult to know exact figures, but safety groups like the National Safety Council (NSC) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) collect data and crash reports to get more information about why truck accidents tend to occur. At the root of most truck accidents is one problem: negligence. The exact type of negligence varies, though.

Negligent actions that can cause a truck accident include the following and more:

• Driving while fatigued or exhausted
• Driving while distracted or texting
• Driving while intoxicated or impaired
• Driving a truck with improperly loaded cargo
• Driving a truck that has not been properly maintained
• Breaking the speed limit
• Not following traffic laws and rules
• Not yielding the right of way

Who is Liable for Your Truck Accident?

Who caused your truck accident, and who should be liable for your losses? Sometimes, the answers to these questions aren’t exactly the same due to complications with Florida liability laws, as well as how a truck accident happens. Our Florida truck accident attorneys can investigate the circumstances leading up to your crash to figure out who should be named as the defendant in your claim. Keep in mind that multiple parties can be liable for your losses, not necessarily just one.

Defendants or liable parties in a truck accident claim can include:

• Truck driver
• Trucking company
• Truck maintenance company
• Truck manufacturer

Oftentimes, the trucking company is the primary defendant or is found the most liable for a truck accident. Laws that make employers responsible for the negligence of their employees may allow you to sue or bring a claim against the trucking company.

Proving Negligence in a Truck Accident

Unfortunately, you can’t blame a truck driver or trucking company for your injuries after a truck accident and expect to get the compensation you need right away. More than likely, the defendant or defendants will refute your claim and make you work to prove that they should be liable for your damages and losses that occurred due to the crash. If you hire our Florida truck accident lawyers, you don’t have to worry about this complicated and stressful process, though. We know where to look for convincing evidence to use in your claim, which may sway the opinions of the defendant during negotiations or the court during litigation.

Types of evidence that could prove negligence in your truck accident case may include:

• Dashcam footage
• Electronic onboard records (EOBRs)
• Eyewitness statements
• Police reports
• Truck driver's history of unsafe driving
• Trucking company's history of poor safety protocols

Take These Steps After a Truck Accident

If you’ve been in a truck accident, try to follow these steps:

1. Call 911 and get to safety. Truck accidents usually result in serious injuries and/or large sections of vehicular debris, so calling 911 is always recommended.
2. Report the accident to the police. If you called 911, the police will already be on their way, so you won’t have to call them separately.
3. Do what you can to safely gather evidence, such as taking pictures of the truck accident scene. The more pictures you can take, the better.
4. Write down all information you can get from the truck driver, including basic contact information, insurance details, and information about their trucking company.
5. Record the information of anyone who stops to help and wants to give a statement about what they witnessed.
6. Seek medical attention if you were not already seen by medical professionals at the crash site. You should always get at least a checkup the same day as a truck accident, even if you feel okay.
7. Talk with our attorneys once you have been medically treated. You should discuss the crash with us right away. If you hire our firm soon enough, we can even initially notify your insurance company for you.

Florida Statute of Limitations for Truck Accident Claims

Due to a recent legal amendment, most truck accident claims in Florida are held to a two-year statute of limitations. Starting on the day of the accident, you have two years to bring a claim against the liable parties. If you don’t, you may likely lose the right to demand compensation through a claim or lawsuit.

Please be aware that the statute of limitations for your case could be much shorter than two years due to uncommon but potential circumstances. To avoid complications, you should talk with our attorneys shortly after a truck accident.

Compensation Through a Truck Accident Claim

The purpose of a truck accident claim is primarily to get you the financial compensation you deserve after suffering losses and injuries due to a truck driver’s mistakes or a trucking company’s negligence. How much compensation could be available in your case? It will depend on the details that make your case unique, but we always fight for every dollar possible.

Compensation through a successful truck accident claim in Florida could help pay for:

• Past and future medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Reduced future income earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Lost independence or disabilities
• Lessened enjoyment of life

What Makes Truck Accident Claims Different from Car Accident Claims?

Truck accident claims are often more complex than car accident cases due to the severity of the injuries, the involvement of commercial entities, and the extensive regulations governing the trucking industry. Trucks are subject to federal and state laws that may affect liability, and companies often have powerful legal teams. Additionally, the damages in truck accidents tend to be much higher, making these cases more contentious and detailed in nature.

Do I Need a Lawyer for a Truck Accident Claim?

While you are not legally required to hire a lawyer, having an experienced attorney is highly recommended due to the complexity of truck accident cases. These cases often involve federal regulations, multiple liable parties, and large insurance companies. Our Florida truck accident attorney can handle the investigation, gather evidence, negotiate with insurers, and represent your best interests in court if necessary. This significantly increases your chances of receiving fair compensation.

We’re Ready to Lend a Hand – Call Today

Don’t wonder for one more day about what you can do after a truck accident changed your life. Discover your legal options with the help of Burnetti, P.A., with truck accident lawyers serving all of Florida. We are ready to go over your options and help you understand what you should do next. Your pursuits of justice and compensation are our top priorities!

To request a free virtual case consultation, please dial (888) 444-8508now.