Truck Accident Lawyer Coral Springs, FL

Drowsy driving is a leading cause of truck accidents across the U.S., and many victims seek help from our Coral Springs, FL truck accident lawyer in the aftermath. Truck drivers are put under immense pressure to meet deadlines, receive payment, and keep their jobs. However, this doesn’t mean that truckers should drive while so exhausted and risk falling asleep behind the wheel. If someone is drowsy while operating a 15-ton vehicle, the results can be devastating. People may suffer catastrophic injuries or lose their lives because of a drowsy truck driver.  Even if you live out of state but were injured in Florida, we can help. Attorney Andres Lopez is certified to practice law in Maryland and Florida. He built this firm based on high-quality, compassionate representation where clients feel like family. The Andres Lopez Law Firm is ready to speak with you if you are in need of compensation after a truck accident.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents

Truck accidents can have devastating impacts, often resulting in serious injuries or fatalities. Understanding the common causes of these accidents is vital for prevention and for knowing when to seek legal assistance.  We offer valuable insights into these causes and the necessary steps to take following a crash.

Driver Fatigue

One of the leading causes of truck accidents is driver fatigue. Truck drivers often face long hours on the road without adequate rest, leading to decreased alertness and reaction time. Fatigue can be as dangerous as driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Recognizing the signs of driver fatigue is essential, and if you’re involved in an accident where driver fatigue is suspected, consulting with our firm can provide the necessary guidance and support.

Poor Vehicle Maintenance

Trucks require regular maintenance to make certain that they are safe to operate. When maintenance is neglected, critical components like brakes, tires, and lights can fail, leading to accidents. If you’re involved in an accident caused by poor vehicle maintenance, we can help you understand your legal options and work through the circumstances of your case.

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is a growing concern in the trucking industry. Activities like using a mobile phone, eating, or adjusting the radio can divert a driver’s attention from the road. In the event of an accident caused by distracted driving, our team is ready to assist you in pursuing justice and compensation through a personal injury claim.

Inadequate Driver Training

Proper training is imperative for truck drivers. Inadequate training can result in poor decision-making and handling of the vehicle, especially in challenging driving conditions. If an accident occurs due to a driver’s lack of training, our firm will meticulously investigate the circumstances and advocate for your rights.

Speeding and Reckless Driving

Speeding and reckless driving are significant contributors to truck accidents. Trucks, due to their size and weight, require more time to stop and are less maneuverable than smaller vehicles. When a truck driver exceeds speed limits or drives recklessly, the risk of a severe accident increases exponentially. In such cases, our legal team is prepared to offer knowledgable legal advice and representation.

Hazardous Weather Conditions

Weather conditions like rain, snow, and fog can make driving a truck particularly challenging. These conditions demand extra caution and slower speeds. Accidents caused by a failure to adapt to hazardous weather conditions may necessitate legal intervention, and our experienced attorneys are here to help.

Improper Loading

The way a truck is loaded can greatly impact its stability and safety on the road. Overloading or uneven loading can lead to accidents, often with serious consequences. If improper loading leads to an accident, it’s important to seek legal advice to determine liability and pursue compensation.

Substance Abuse

Alcohol and drug use among truck drivers is a significant safety concern. Driving under the influence impairs a driver’s ability to operate a vehicle safely, increasing the risk of accidents. If you are involved in an accident with a driver under the influence, The Andres Lopez Law Firm will work tirelessly to protect your rights.

Truck Accidents And Florida Law

Truck accidents in the Sunshine State can lead to challenging legal issues, as our Coral Springs, truck accident lawyer knows. Understanding the specific laws related to truck accidents in Florida is vital for victims seeking justice and compensation. 

Truck Accident Liability In Florida

In the event of a truck accident in Florida, determining liability is a critical step in pursuing a motor vehicle accident claim. Florida follows a “no-fault” insurance system, which means that regardless of fault, each driver’s insurance is responsible for covering their medical expenses. However, when a truck accident results in serious injuries, the “no-fault” system may not fully address the financial burdens faced by victims. In such cases, pursuing a personal injury claim against the at-fault party becomes necessary.

Florida’s Statute Of Limitations

Florida law imposes a strict statute of limitations on personal injury claims, including those arising from truck accidents. Victims typically have four years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. It’s important to act promptly and consult with our experienced attorney so that your claim is filed within the prescribed time frame.

Commercial Trucking Regulations

Our truck accident attorney understands that commercial trucks are subject to specific regulations and laws in Florida. These regulations are designed to promote the safety of truck drivers and other road users. Key regulations include weight restrictions, hours of service limitations, and mandatory maintenance and inspection requirements. Violations of these regulations can significantly impact liability in a truck accident case, making it critical to thoroughly investigate the circumstances of the accident.

Comparative Negligence Law In Florida

Florida follows a comparative negligence system, which means that if multiple parties are found to be at fault for an accident, each party is assigned a percentage of liability. Victims can still pursue compensation even if they are partially at fault for the accident. However, the amount of compensation they receive is reduced by their percentage of fault. Understanding how comparative negligence applies to your case is essential for maximizing your potential compensation.

Evidence Collection and Preservation

In legal disputes, particularly in personal injury and accident cases, the collection and preservation of evidence is a critical step. We emphasize the importance of meticulous evidence collection and preservation to build a strong case for our clients. Our experience has shown that well-preserved evidence can be the deciding factor in the successful resolution of a case.

Evidence collection involves gathering physical, digital, and testimonial items that can support a legal claim. It is a systematic process aimed at compiling information that proves the elements of a case, such as liability, causation, and damages. Important types of evidence include:

• Physical Evidence. This includes tangible items like damaged property, clothing, or tools.
• Digital Evidence. Any telematic data stored electronically, such as emails, GPS data, and security camera footage.
• Documentary Evidence. Official documents like police reports, medical records, and employment records.
• Witness Testimony. Statements from people who witnessed the event or have relevant information.

Preserving evidence is a practice that avoids any alteration, loss, or destruction of evidence. This procedure makes sure that the evidence remains in its original state, retaining its authenticity and credibility. Some important methods of preservation include:

• Securing Physical Items. Storing in a safe, controlled environment.
• Digital Backups. Creating copies of electronic data and storing them securely.
• Document Handling. Keeping documents in their original form without any alterations.
• Recording Witness Information. Documenting witness statements and contact information as soon as possible.

Some evidence, like digital data, requires technical expertise to collect and interpret correctly. If you find yourself needing legal assistance, particularly in situations where evidence collection and preservation are essential, we are here to help.

Compensation for Truck Accident Victims

Understanding the types of compensation one can receive following an incident, such as an accident or a personal injury, is vital. Our firm is dedicated to making certain that you are fully aware of your rights and the potential avenues for compensation.

• Medical Expenses Compensation

One of the most immediate forms of compensation pertains to medical expenses. This includes the cost of emergency services, hospital stays, medical treatments, surgeries, medication, and any long-term healthcare needs like physical therapy or rehabilitation. We will work  diligently to make sure that all your current and future medical expenses related to your case are covered in the compensation.

• Lost Wages and Earning Capacity

If your incident has resulted in you being unable to work, either temporarily or permanently, you may be entitled to compensation for lost wages. This encompasses not just your immediate loss of income but also impacts on your future earning capacity. We can help you calculate and claim compensation for lost wages, so that your financial stability is not compromised due to the incident.

• Pain and Suffering

Compensation for pain and suffering is more subjective and covers the physical and emotional distress caused by the incident. This includes compensation for any ongoing pain, mental anguish, loss of enjoyment of life, and other emotional traumas.  We understand the challenges of quantifying pain and suffering and work tirelessly so that your compensation reflects the true extent of your distress.

• Property Damage

If the incident resulted in damage to your property, such as a vehicle in a car accident, you are entitled to compensation for repairs or replacement. Our firm assists in accurately assessing the extent of property damage and helps you receive fair compensation to restore or replace your damaged property.

• Punitive Damages

In cases where the defendant’s actions were particularly egregious or reckless, punitive damages might be awarded. These are intended to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar conduct in the future. Although not awarded in every case, our team is skilled in identifying when punitive damages are applicable and advocating for their inclusion in your compensation.

• Loss of Consortium

For those who have lost a loved one or whose family member has been severely impacted by an incident, compensation for loss of consortium may be available. This covers the loss of companionship, affection, and support that results from the incident. Our compassionate team is dedicated to helping you pursue these claims with the sensitivity and respect they deserve.

• Miscellaneous Expenses

There are often miscellaneous expenses that arise following an incident, such as travel costs to medical appointments, home modifications for accessibility, and other unforeseen expenditures. We consider these additional costs in your compensation package. In understanding and claiming the compensation you deserve, professional legal assistance is paramount. We invite you to reach out to us for a comprehensive evaluation of your truck accident case. Our team is committed to providing personalized and effective legal representation, guiding you through all avenues for compensation.

Coral Springs Truck Accident Infographic

Coral Springs Truck Accident Statistics

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, a total of 4,714 people died in large truck crashes in 2021, a 17% increase compared with 2020. Sixteen percent of these deaths were truck occupants, 68% were occupants of cars and other passenger vehicles, and 15% were pedestrians, bicyclists, or motorcyclists.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, states that large vehicles are involved in an average of 5,000 fatal crashes each year in the United States. The most common type of truck accident is a rear-end collision. Due to the massive size and weight of these vehicles, truck accidents are more likely to be fatal than car accidents.

If you or a loved one has been injured, contact our truck accident lawyer to find out what type of financial compensation you may be entitled to.

Coral Springs Truck Accident FAQs

What Makes Truck Accidents Different From Regular Car Accidents?

Our Coral Springs truck accident lawyer knows how truck accidents can differ from car crashes. Given the massive size and weight of most trucks, the damage and injuries sustained are often more severe. Additionally, the laws governing commercial trucks are more complicated, involving federal regulations and specific standards for drivers and companies. This makes pursuing compensation in truck accidents a specialized area of law, necessitating guidance from professionals, such our personal injury lawyer. The laws for trucking are detailed, and without specialized knowledge, one might overlook vital aspects.

If I’ve Been In A Truck Accident, What Should Be My Immediate Steps?

After confirming your safety and receiving necessary medical attention, you should gather as much information at the scene as possible. This includes the truck driver’s details, contact information for any witnesses, photographs of the scene, and any other relevant evidence. If you do not know what your immediate steps should be, you should contact our lawyer to review your case so that you can understand your rights and explore your legal options. Time can be of the essence, so acting promptly will help preserve all relevant evidence and protect your rights.

Who Can Be Held Responsible In A Truck Accident Case?

Depending on the unique circumstances of your truck accident case, there can be multiple parties who can be liable in a crash so it would be helpful to have our lawyer gather the evidence and case information. These may include the truck driver, the trucking company, manufacturers of faulty truck parts, or even entities responsible for maintaining safe road conditions. A thorough investigation by our knowledgeable auto accident attorney can help identify all potential defendants and determine the best course of action. Accountability is not only essential for victims but also promotes safer practices in the trucking industry.

How Is Compensation Determined In Truck Accident Cases?

Compensation in a truck accident case is determined by reviewing several different factors, and there are many types of damages accident victims are able to recover. These can include medical bills, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, and more. If a loved one has lost their life in a truck accident, compensation for wrongful death can also be pursued. Every case is unique, and the value of a claim will depend on the specific details and damages incurred.

Do I Need A Lawyer If I’ve Been Involved In A Truck Accident?

Absolutely. Given the complications of truck accident law and the numerous potential defendants, having legal representation is imperative. Our attorney can conduct a thorough investigation, represent your interests against insurance companies and other parties, and advocate for the maximum compensation you deserve. Without legal counsel, you risk missing out on essential financial recovery or being unfairly treated.

The Andres Lopez Law Firm, Coral Springs Truck Accident Attorney

7351 Wiles Rd # 101, Coral Springs, FL 33067

Contact Our Coral Springs Truck Accident Lawyer Today

Truck accidents in Florida demand a comprehensive understanding of state laws and regulations. If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck crash in Florida, don’t hesitate to reach out to The Andres Lopez Law Firm. We are here to guide you through the legal process, protect your rights, and help you secure the compensation you deserve. Your path to justice begins with a call to our experienced attorneys. Contact our Coral Springs truck accident lawyer today for a free consultation and take the first step toward a brighter future after a collision.