Truck Accident Lawyer Broward County, FL

As one of the busiest port areas of the country, Broward County sees plenty of cargo leaving on semi-trucks, heading to destinations throughout the U.S., Canada, or Mexico. Although these large trucks are the lifeblood of trade and distribution of consumer goods, they’re also extremely dangerous. A fully-loaded semi weighs around 80,000 pounds, compared to the average passenger car or SUV, which weighs around 2,000-4,000 pounds. When one of these behemoths crashes into your much-smaller car, you and your passengers are often the most grievously injured.

Although we use the word “accident” when referring to a collision with a semi-truck, the truth is that many of these crimes are due to negligence and could, with reasonable caution and following the safety and operations requirements set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), be avoided. If you’ve been hurt in a truck collision, the help of an experienced Broward County, FL,  truck accident lawyer can be invaluable in securing the compensation you deserve. We have the experience dealing with complex truck accident claims and the resources to pursue fair compensation on your behalf. Contact The Andres Lopez Law Firm today for a free consultation.

What Does A Broward County Truck Accident Lawyer Do?

Truck accident attorneys are personal injury lawyers who support the rights of victims in semi-truck collisions. They help people like you who have been hurt and demand fair compassion for their losses, pain, and suffering.

At our firm, we use our knowledge of FMCSA regulations and Florida injury laws to pinpoint the instances or instances of negligence that led to the crash and your injuries. We gather our own evidence, interviewing witnesses and reviewing data from the truck’s Event Data Recorder (the “black box” in all newer semis) to determine what the driver was doing at the time of the crash. We then construct a strong claim of negligence against all liable parties and demand that you, the victim, receive the full amount of all your losses.

Truck Accidents Can Be Surprisingly Complex

Truck accidents tend to be trickier than car accidents between two private reasons, for a couple of reasons:

The injuries are more serious, meaning the claim value is higher. Insurance companies heavily scrutinize six- and seven-figure claims, so our case must be strong

There may be more than one liable party. It’s not unusual for the trucking carrier to set tight schedules for drivers or tacitly encourage them to operate outside the FMCSA driving hours or speed limits.

This means that we may need to make a case against multiple defendants and present it to an insurance carrier that’s determined not to pay a penny. When so much is on the line, you need a team of lawyers with the experience and resources to see your case through to its conclusion.

Finding Justice After A Devastating Truck Accident

Have you or someone you love been hurt in a truck accident? We want to help you! The skilled attorneys at The Andres Lopez Law Firm litigate claims like yours regularly, and we understand the commitment and resources a complicated truck accident case takes. We have a strong track record of successful settlements and jury awards. Want to add your name to our list? Call our offices today for a free consultation with an experienced Broward County truck accident lawyer.

Frequent Causes Of Truck Accidents

As a Broward County, FL truck accident lawyer knows all too well, truck accidents are often severe, given the size and weight of commercial vehicles. When these accidents occur, the results can be devastating, leading to serious injuries, property damage, and even fatalities. Understanding the common causes of truck accidents is key in assessing liability and determining the compensation available to injured parties. Truck accidents can happen due to various factors, some of which are preventable, and knowing how they occur can be valuable for both victims and attorneys.

One of the primary causes of truck accidents is driver fatigue. Long hours on the road, strict delivery schedules, and limited rest periods can result in drivers who are drowsy or not fully alert. This can impair reaction times and decision-making, increasing the likelihood of an accident. While federal regulations require drivers to take breaks and limit hours on the road, these rules are not always followed.

Other causes include distracted driving and speeding. When truck drivers are distracted by cell phones, GPS devices, or other in-cab technologies, they can easily lose focus, putting everyone on the road at risk. Speeding is also a concern, especially when drivers are under pressure to meet deadlines. Operating a large truck at high speeds makes it more difficult to stop quickly or maneuver safely, leading to dangerous situations. A lawyer will carefully evaluate evidence related to driver behavior to build a strong case. Our attorneys have done this for past clients, winning settlements as large as $174,500 in auto accidents.

Mechanical Failures And Maintenance Issues

Beyond driver-related causes, mechanical failures are a major factor in truck accidents. Trucks are complex vehicles that require regular maintenance to stay in safe operating condition. Brake failures, tire blowouts, and steering malfunctions can all lead to accidents if the truck is not properly maintained. Sometimes, these issues stem from a trucking company’s failure to carry out routine inspections or repairs. In such cases, the company may share liability for the accident.

Improperly loaded cargo is another common issue that can contribute to accidents. When cargo is not evenly distributed or secured, it can shift during transit, causing the truck to become unbalanced. This can lead to rollovers or make it difficult for the driver to control the vehicle, especially in bad weather or during sudden stops.

Types Of Damages Available

Truck accident cases often involve serious injuries and property damage, leading to significant compensation needs. The damages available in these cases generally fall into two main categories: economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages cover the actual costs incurred as a result of the accident, such as medical bills, lost wages, and property damage. In severe cases, victims may require long-term medical care, rehabilitation, or even home modifications to accommodate a disability. These costs can add up quickly, making it essential to pursue full compensation. In fact, our team has won settlements as large as $100,000 for soft tissue injuries that were sustained in an auto accident.

Non-economic damages refer to losses that don’t have a direct dollar value but are equally important. Pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life fall into this category. Truck accident victims may experience significant trauma and life changes, impacting their mental health and overall quality of life. One prime example are those that suffer from PTSD after an extremely traumatic accident — they are often unable to return to their normal lives due to this emotional distress.

In some truck accident cases, punitive damages may also be available. These damages are awarded to penalize particularly reckless or negligent behavior, such as a trucking company that ignored safety standards or a driver who was operating under the influence. While not applicable in every case, punitive damages are intended to discourage similar behavior in the future.

Liability And Seeking Compensation

Liability in truck accident cases can be complex, involving multiple parties, such as the truck driver, trucking company, and even third-party maintenance providers. Determining who is responsible requires a thorough investigation of the accident, including reviewing the truck’s maintenance records, driver logs, and any available video footage. By establishing clear liability, we can help ensure that our clients receive the compensation they deserve.

At The Andres Lopez Law Firm, we are dedicated to supporting clients through every step of the legal process after a truck accident. If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident, reach out to a Broward County truck accident lawyer who can provide guidance on your case. Contact us today to discuss your options and learn how we can work together to seek fair compensation.

5 Ways Truck Underride Collisions Shape Safety

Truck underride collisions occur when a smaller vehicle slides under a larger truck, often causing catastrophic injuries or fatalities. These accidents have significant implications for safety regulations and legal claims, pushing for changes to protect drivers and passengers. Below are five key ways these collisions influence safety measures and legal actions as shared by our Broward County, FL truck accident lawyer:

1. Development Of Stronger Rear Underride Guards: One major change driven by truck underride collisions is the push for better rear underride guards. These guards are designed to prevent vehicles from sliding under the back of a truck during a crash. Studies have shown that poorly designed or outdated guards fail in many scenarios, leading to severe injuries. In response, stronger regulations now mandate more durable and effective guards, helping to save lives. This means if you are in an accident with a truck that does not have proper guards, the liable parties can be held accountable.
2. Increased Focus On Side Underride Protection: While rear underride guards are more common, side underride protection has gained attention due to the risks posed by side-impact crashes with trucks. Without adequate protection, these collisions can be just as deadly. Advocates and legal cases with a Broward County truck accident lawyer have highlighted the need for improved side guards, leading to pilot programs and discussions about requiring them nationwide.
3. Enhanced Lighting And Visibility Standards: Underride collisions often occur because drivers cannot see a truck clearly, especially in low-light or poor weather conditions. Legal cases involving underride crashes frequently point to inadequate lighting or reflective markings as contributing factors. These claims have influenced regulations that require trucks to meet higher visibility standards, such as using reflective tape and brighter lights.
4. Liability In Negligent Maintenance Or Design Defects: Truck underride collisions also impact legal standards by holding trucking companies accountable for negligence in maintaining safety features. For example, poorly maintained or damaged underride guards can lead to lawsuits if they fail during an accident. Similarly, manufacturers of defective truck components face liability when their designs contribute to a collision. These cases push companies to prioritize safety in their vehicles. Remember, in a legal case multiple parties may be held liable so manufacturers, trucking companies, and even truckers themselves can all be held responsible.
5. Shaping Federal And State Safety Legislation: High-profile lawsuits involving truck underride collisions have played a major role in shaping safety laws. Advocates and families impacted by these tragedies often use the outcomes of these cases to push for stricter legislation. As a result, both federal and state governments continue to adopt measures aimed at reducing the likelihood of underride accidents.

Proven Results And Trial Experience

At The Andres Lopez Law Firm, we’ve seen how truck accidents can devastate individuals and families. In one notable case, we secured a $100,000 settlement for a client injured in an auto accident, reflecting our commitment to pursuing justice for those harmed by negligence. We work to achieve the best possible results for our clients.

Attorney Andres Lopez has earned recognition as one of South Florida’s top trial attorneys. His dedication to holding negligent parties accountable has made a difference for countless clients, including those affected by emotional distress after a truck accident.

Truck underride collisions leave lasting impacts, but they also drive important safety improvements that affect how you deal with insurance companies after an accident. If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, our team is here to help. Contact The Andres Lopez Law Firm today to speak with a trusted Broward County truck accident lawyer. We’re committed to pursuing the compensation you deserve.