Fort Lauderdale Truck Accident Attorneys

Florida truck accident lawyers seek compensation for your injuries

Personal injury matters arising from truck accidents are usually more complicated than claims pertaining to passenger vehicles. One reason for this is that the size and weight of a big rig increases the probability of a catastrophic injury requiring long-term medical care. Moreover, commercial vehicle cases are more likely to have multiple defendants, which might include transportation companies and contractors, along with the at fault driver. This is why hiring a proven Florida truck accident attorney is so important. At Fazio, DiSalvo & Abers, P.A. in Fort Lauderdale, we know how to assess who is liable for a collision and use our decades of experience to secure fair compensation for victims who suffer injuries in crashes with commercial vehicles.

Types of trucks that often cause accidents in Fort Lauderdale

When a vehicle is carrying cargo, the injuries are more likely to be serious than in standard auto accidents. Our firm handles injury claims involving all types of commercial vehicles, such as:

• Semi-trucks — Also known as 18-wheelers or semi tractor-trailers, the size and weight of these commercial trucks pose the risk of extreme injury and fatalities when they are involved in collisions with smaller vehicles. They can pull one or more trailers, increasing the likelihood of jackknife accidents or other problems when merging or exiting a highway.
• Box trucks — Often confused with cargo vans, box trucks have cargo areas typically separate from the cab that sit on the frame. Smaller than semi-trucks, they can be difficult to maneuver — particularly by inexperienced drivers who can rent them without special licenses and without knowing how to safely load them. Sudden turns can cause them to tip over, and reduced visibility of the surrounding traffic can lead to any number of risks.
• Pickup trucks — These vehicles are typically no larger than passenger vehicles. They have open cargo areas where unsecured objects can easily fall onto the road, resulting in injuries to others.
• Garbage trucks — Frequent stops and workers focused on loading refuse quickly make garbage trucks a potential hazard to those around them.
• Tow trucks — When a vehicle is inoperable, a tow truck often must work in close proximity to high-speed traffic to get the car off the road. Once the disabled vehicle has been attached, the tow truck operator’s sightlines and ability to maneuver could be compromised.
• Landscaping trucks — Many Floridians rely on landscaping companies, but these trucks often carry a large amount of equipment and sometimes do not have a properly trained driver behind the wheel.
• Dump trucks — A dump truck is capable of hauling an enormous amount of weight, but sometimes is unable to avoid a collision due to its size and mass.
• Delivery trucks — Vehicles carrying packages for Amazon, FedEx, UPS and other delivery services are more common on the road than ever.

Whether you were hurt in a collision involving one of these vehicles or a different kind of truck, you can rely on us to pursue justice on your behalf.

Top causes of truck accidents in Fort Lauderdale

A range of factors can contribute to a serious truck accident, such as:

• Truck driver fatigue
• Speeding
• Drug or alcohol impairment
• Malfunction of a truck part
• Unsafe roads
• Overloaded or improperly loaded cargo
• Distractions, such as cell phone use
• Failure to adapt to road and/or weather conditions

Many different factors and parties can be somewhat responsible for a single truck accident. A thorough investigation is often the only way to identify exactly what happened and who caused the collision.

How our Fort Lauderdale truck accident lawyers determine fault

Most commercial vehicles now contain electronic data recorders, which provide detailed information on the truck’s operation and performance prior to the crash. We use this data along with physical evidence, eyewitness accounts and expert testimony to develop a thorough understanding of what led up to the collision. It is common to assume truck driver negligence causes the majority of trucking accidents, but any number of other parties can share varying degrees of liability, including:

• Trucking company or service
• Freight broker
• Owner of the tractor or trailer
• Truck maintenance company
• A motorist whose negligent driving caused the truck to strike you
• Manufacturer of a defective part
• Company that hired the truck for a job
• Government agencies responsible for an unsafe road condition

Our attorneys consult with investigative professionals who look into everything from the damaged vehicles to the details of loading the truck in order to pinpoint all parties who are liable for your injuries.

Fort Lauderdale truck accident compensation and settlement

Reaching a fair settlement in a truck accident case is often tougher than in matters involving passenger vehicles. Many big rigs are owned by large businesses who might make a weak offer in the hope that you give in due to financial pressure or the difficulty in taking on a powerful opponent. This is where our firm evens the odds for truck accident victims. Our thorough analysis of the case facts helps us determine what type of compensation you should receive for your medical bills, lost wages, rehabilitation costs, pain and suffering and other damages available under Florida laws. We are skillful negotiators who press for an appropriate settlement while demonstrating that we are prepared for trial.

Our Fort Lauderdale truck accident lawyers answer common questions

Is there a statute of limitations in Florida?

There is a two-year statute of limitations that applies to most Florida truck accident cases, but you should seek legal counsel right away if you’ve been hurt in a collision with a commercial vehicle. Evidence becomes harder to locate over time and truck crash cases are often complex, so it’s in your best interests to get started quickly to accelerate any payment you receive.

What can you do to make your legal claim stronger?

Knowing what to do following a crash could have a major impact on your ability to obtain the payment you deserve. Many truck accidents cause catastrophic injuries, so getting medical care for everyone who requires it is the most important thing. If you are able, once you have notified the policy, you can gather evidence in real time by taking photos and writing down contact information of people who saw what happened. Contact one of our lawyers as soon as possible, so we can handle the legal details and help you avoid being pressured by defense attorneys.

Contact a Broward County truck accident lawyer for a free consultation

At Fazio, DiSalvo & Abers, P.A. in Fort Lauderdale, you’ll have the benefit of working with a Board-certified trial lawyer during your truck accident claim. Our firm is always available by phone and we don’t collect attorney’s fees unless your matter is settled or won. Please call 954-463-0585 or contact us online at [email protected] today for an appointment at our Fort Lauderdale office. You can also meet with us in your home or hospital room.