Truck drivers and trucking companies are responsible for ensuring that their shipments do not cause significant risks and dangers to the other drivers on the road. Truck drivers are often responsible for auto accidents caused by the immense size and weight of 18-wheelers and semi-trucks, and the risks associated with drivers in this industry.
If you or a loved one was injured in an accident with a large truck in South Florida, contact Florida 18-wheeler and semi-truck accident lawyer Prosper Shaked to discuss your case. Prosper Shaked Accident Injury Attorneys PA may be able to represent you in lawsuits against the truck driver and the trucking company to get you the compensation you need for medical care, lost wages, and pain and suffering after a truck accident. Call our office today at (305) 694-2676 to schedule a free legal consultation on your case.
Common Causes of 18-Wheeler and Semi-Truck Accidents
Eighteen-wheelers and semi-trucks have increased safety risks that affect other drivers on the road. Their enormous size makes them harder to see around and makes it harder for drivers to stop or maneuver the truck in an emergency. The size and weight, if not managed properly, can also lead to jackknife accidents, increased risk of rollover, and other accidents. Truckers and trucking companies who fail to properly maintain their vehicles, violate the rules of the road, or permit dangerous drivers to operate semi-trucks can be held liable for the injuries they cause.
Equipment Malfunctions
Equipment malfunctions and dangers from improperly maintained vehicles can be a huge risk factor in causing 18-wheeler accidents. Truck tires are commonly repaired by being “retreaded” rather than being replaced when they are worn down. This can allow the tire to heat up incorrectly, leading to exploding tire accidents and shedding layers of rubber that can interfere with other drivers. Other problems with loading the trailer or maintaining the vehicle can also lead to serious accidents if parts fall off the vehicle or if an unstable truck trailer begins to sway or “fishtail.”
Traffic Violations
Truck drivers are often on the road for long hours, and they can lose focus over that time, potentially causing accidents through negligent driving habits. People who spend a lot of time on the road are less likely to properly follow the rules of the road to the exact letter of the law, especially when it comes to following speed limits, signaling during turns or lane changes, or driving while distracted. Truck drivers may fail in these aspects after a long shift on the road. They may also turn to entertainment from their cell phones, drug or alcohol use, or speeding through a route to avoid feeling tired on the road. These errors in judgment can cause serious traffic violations that lead to catastrophic truck accidents.
Negligent Hiring of Dangerous Drivers
Lastly, trucking companies often violate trucking regulations by putting dangerous drivers behind the wheel. If a driver has a history of severe traffic violations, drunk driving, or other dangers behind the road, putting them in an 18-wheeler puts everyone else on the road at risk. Drivers with serious health conditions may not be qualified to drive, and putting them on the road is a violation of federal trucking regulations. Many health conditions, such as sleep apnea, can increase the risk that a driver will fall asleep or lose focus behind the wheel and cause an accident because of drowsy or dangerous driving.
Seeking Compensation for Semi-Truck and 18-Wheeler Accidents in Florida
If you or a loved one was injured because of a negligent truck driver or a truck operated by a dangerous trucking company, you may be entitled to significant compensation for your case. The damage to your vehicle should be compensated, but the focus of the case should be the medical care, lost wages, and pain and suffering that you faced because of the accident. The negligent parties responsible for your crash should compensate you in full for these damages.
Filing through your auto insurance might not cover the full damages you face. Car insurance policies in Florida typically pay you regardless of who was at fault for the accident, but they may pay reduced damages or require deductibles before they will start paying damages. After a semi-truck crash, you may be entitled to take the negligent truck driver and their employer, the trucking company, to court to seek full damages.
Talk to an attorney about what your case might be worth. In many cases, you could be entitled to substantial compensation for serious injuries. In cases where a loved one was killed in an 18-wheeler accident, you might also be entitled to additional damages for your loss.
Call Our Florida Semi-Truck and 18-Wheeler Accident Attorney
After a serious accident involving a tractor-trailer in Florida, contact Florida semi-truck and 18-wheeler accident lawyer Prosper Shaked. Contact Prosper Shaked Accident Injury Attorneys PA at (305) 694-2676 to schedule a free legal consultation on your case and learn what your case might be worth. Your case might have filing deadlines you need to meet, so call as soon as possible.