WE HELP INJURED PEOPLE
Lauderdale Lakes Truck Accident Lawyers Fighting For Victims’ Rights
The severity of a truck accident can leave victims with lasting injuries and hefty medical expenses. Unfortunately, these accidents can involve unique legal issues that can be difficult for victims and their families to handle on their own. At Kurzman Law Group, our Lauderdale Lakes truck accident attorneys have extensive experience dealing with all aspects of truck crash litigation and the preparation necessary to successfully negotiate a settlement or take your lawsuit to trial. As a result of our background in this area, our personal injury attorney has an excellent track record of obtaining full compensation for our clients who have been injured in truck accidents.
What Should You Do After An Accident With A Truck?
- Contact the police so they can create an accident report.
- For all drivers involved, collect their insurance information, including the company’s name, policy number, and phone number.
- Record the truck driver’s name, the tractor-trailer number, the license plate number, and the name of the trucking company and its owner.
- Write down the names, phone numbers, and addresses of any witnesses, and ask them to stay to give a statement to the police, if possible.
- Use your phone to take photos and video of the accident scene.
- Call a trusted truck accident attorney Lauderdale Lakes who can begin handling the insurance claim and other aspects of your case.
- To protect your rights, do not discuss fault for the accident and never accept a settlement offer without consulting a knowledgeable personal injury attorney.
The best Lauderdale Lakes truck accident lawyer advice we can give victims is: always seek medical care after an accident. It is rare to escape a collision with a big rig unscathed, and having medical documentation of your injuries is crucial to the success of your claim. A prompt medical evaluation can also identify any injuries that may have been masked by adrenaline. These injuries can even be life-threatening and quick treatment can make a critical difference.
What Physical Damage Can A Truck Crash Cause?
- Broken bones and fractures
- Back, head, and neck injuries
- Burns
- Dislocations
- Head trauma, including traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and facial damage
- Lacerations, bruising, and puncture wounds
- Severed limbs
- Spinal injuries and paralysis
- Whiplash
Survivors of truck accidents often experience mental health challenges in the form of PTSD, nightmares, anxiety, phobias, and more. A compassionate Lauderdale Lakes semi truck accident lawyer can ensure you are getting the best possible care for your injuries and will make certain your settlement includes compensation for current and future medical treatment if needed. Sadly, some victims succumb to their truck accident injuries, leaving family and friends devastated. In these situations, wrongful death actions can help a family regain financial stability after losing their loved one
What Are The Responsibilities Of Truck Owners And Operators?
The trucking industry in the U.S. is a multi-billion dollar commercial enterprise that involves many entities. These entities are subject to federal laws that codify essential safety regulations. Any public or privately owned company with large trucks, commercial vehicles that can transport over nine passengers, or vehicles carrying hazardous materials are subject to Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations regarding:
- Drug and alcohol testing for commercial drivers license holders.
- Medical and other qualifications for drivers.
- Necessary parts and accessories are required for safe vehicle operation.
- Limits on driving hours for operators.
- Required inspection, repair, and maintenance schedules.
Why Do Truck Accidents Happen?
The American Trucking Association estimates that over 72% of the freight in the U.S. is transported by truck. This heavy demand for shipping can place truck drivers and their employers in situations where deadlines are tight. These circumstances can pressure drivers to operate their 18-wheelers when they are tired or unwell. Combined with the fact that many truck drivers travel on unfamiliar roads, often at night or in poor weather, it’s unsurprising that driver error is a factor in many truck accidents. However, there are many contributing components to most crashes, and sorting out faults can be complex because of all the parties involved, from the manufacturer of parts to freight loaders to the engineers who design the roads. An experienced commercial truck accident lawyer Lauderdale Lakes will consider all possible factors that may have led to the commercial truck accident, including:
- Use of drugs or alcohol by the truck driver.
- Distracted driving.
- Equipment failures, such as blown tires or defective brakes.
- Failure to drive appropriately for the road and weather conditions.
- Driving while tired or neglecting to take required breaks.
- Reckless behavior of nearby cars, pedestrians, or bicyclists.
- Incorrectly loaded or secured cargo.
- Speeding and other violations of the rules of the road.
- Negligent truck maintenance.
- Poorly designed roundabouts, off-ramps, or other hazardous road features.
What Damages Can Be Recovered In A Truck Accident Case?
- Economic damages: These monetary losses can include medical expenses, property damage replacement and repair, lost wages, loss of future earning capacity, and more.
- Non-economic damages: You are likely to experience harm from your injuries that are not easily translated into a dollar amount, such as mental anguish, pain and suffering, or the life-changing impacts of disfigurement and scarring. Formulas that consider the severity and extent of your injuries can be used to calculate a fair settlement amount for these damages.
- Punitive damages: If the driver or trucking company has a history of harmful accidents, intentionally tried to conceal negligent behavior, or behaved maliciously, punitive damages could be awarded by the court to punish them for their actions.
How Can Our Firm Help You?
Truck accident claims can quickly become complicated for victims. The insurance companies involved often have a vested interest in denying their clients’ liability for the accident because the damages experienced by the victims can be so costly. They frequently send their investigators and adjusters to the accident scene while victims are still in the hospital receiving treatment for their injuries. Enlisting the services of a dedicated truck accident lawyer Lauderdale Lakes from Kurzman Law Group can help you level the playing field. We will fight to protect your rights and secure the full compensation you deserve for your losses. For a free initial consultation, call 954-406-6464 today.
