A truck colliding with a passenger vehicle will result in a catastrophic accident. The injuries sustained in this accident can be serious or life-threatening, especially if a truck crashed head-on into another vehicle. An accident like this would leave a victim dealing with several problems like expensive medical bills and an inability to continue working. If you or a family member was injured in a trucking accident, contact an experienced Miami head-on truck accident lawyer.
Prosper Shaked Accident Injury Attorneys PA recognize how a serious truck accident can impact a victim’s life, and we are dedicated to providing our clients with the legal representation needed to pursue compensation in Miami, Florida. To schedule a free legal consultation to discuss your claim, contact Prosper Shaked Accident Injury Attorneys PA at (305) 694-2676, or contact us online.
Common Causes of Trucking Accidents in Miami, FL
Trucking accidents are dangerous events that can occur for several reasons. When a trucking accident occurs, one of the most important questions that need to be answered is what circumstances caused the accident. Determining the cause of the accident can help a victim determine whether they wish to file a lawsuit against the parties responsible.
The following is a list of common causes of head-on trucking accidents in Miami, Florida.
Driver Fatigue
The hours of service for truck drivers are regulated heavily to ensure that drivers are not working while fatigued. Generally, truck drivers are restricted to working approximately 10 to 15 hours a day, depending on how much rest they received prior to their shift. However, some drivers or trucking companies may attempt to exceed these hours to ship more products and increase their profits.
When a driver gets behind the wheel while fatigued, they risk falling asleep or losing focus while driving. If this happens, a truck driver could easily veer into another lane and collide with another motorist. As a result, the truck driver and their employer could be held liable for the accident.
The reason an employer could also be held liable is because the accident occurred within the scope of their employee’s duties. This is also referred to as vicarious liability.
Driving Under the Influence
Whether a person is driving a passenger vehicle or a truck, driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs can make a driver inattentive and more prone to make mistakes. An intoxicated driver behind the wheel of a vehicle is capable of making a number of bad decisions, and entering the wrong lane or making a turn down the wrong street is not unforeseeable.
Speeding
Truck drivers often have to make several stops during the course of their shift. Arriving late for a shipment could negatively impact the profits of a trucking company. This could lead to a truck driver exceeding the speed limit to arrive at their destinations ahead of time.
When a speeding 18-wheeler or tractor-trailer collides head-on with a passenger vehicle, the result is usually a fatal accident. Due to weight and size of a commercial truck, a passenger vehicle could easily be destroyed in a head-on accident.
Vehicle Malfunction
As a truck driver is expected to drive hundreds of miles within a span of the regular workweek, it is expected that the vehicles they use will be adequately serviced to ensure they do not malfunction. For example, repairing or replacing worn out tires can help a truck driver avoid a tire blowout that would cause them to lose control over their vehicle.
Unfortunately, some companies may elect to cut corners when it comes to servicing the vehicles they use to ship items. As a result, there is an increased chance of an accident occurring that can cause a truck driver to lose control over their vehicle and strike another motorist head-on.
In some cases, a vehicle malfunction can also be attributed to a vehicle manufacturer. If this is the case, the manufacturer could also be held liable for a trucking accident.
Inadequate Training
To drive an 18-wheeler or another commercial vehicle, a driver should be required to undergo extensive training. However, some companies may opt to hire drivers that do not possess a large amount of experience operating tractor-trailers. As a result, it is foreseeable that an inexperienced truck driver could cause a head-on truck accident in Miami.
There are several other causes of head-on truck accidents. Our firm is available to help you explore your legal options if you were injured in a head-on truck crash.
Contact a Trusted Miami Head-On Truck Collision Attorney to Discuss Your Accident Claim
If you or a family member was the victim of a head-on truck accident, consult with an experienced Miami head-on truck accident attorney today. Car accident lawyer Prosper Shaked has years of experience litigating complex injury cases, and he is committed to fighting for his clients. To schedule a free case evaluation, contact Prosper Shaked Accident Injury Attorneys PA at (305) 694-2676.