Florida 18 Wheeler Trucking Accident Attorneys

Florida 18 Wheeler Trucking Accident Lawsuits | Law Offices of Jason Turchin

Florida’s highways are frequently traveled by large commercial trucks, including 18-wheelers. While these vehicles are essential for transporting goods, they also pose a serious risk to other drivers on the road. Due to their size and weight, accidents involving 18-wheelers can lead to devastating injuries, significant property damage, and even fatalities. If you or a loved one has been injured in a trucking accident in Florida, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and other losses.

At the Law Offices of Jason Turchin, we are dedicated to helping victims of 18-wheeler accidents navigate the legal process and fight for the compensation they deserve. If you’ve been injured in a trucking accident in Florida, contact us at 800-337-7755 for a free consultation, or use our live chat feature to speak with an agent. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you won’t pay any legal fees unless we win or settle your case.

Common Causes of 18-Wheeler Trucking Accidents in Florida

Trucking accidents can happen for a variety of reasons, many of which involve negligence or unsafe driving practices. Some common causes of 18-wheeler accidents in Florida include:

• Driver Fatigue: Truck drivers often work long hours and may be fatigued while driving. Federal regulations limit the number of hours truckers can drive without rest, but violations of these regulations are not uncommon.
• Distracted Driving: Like other drivers, truck drivers can be distracted by cell phones, GPS devices, or other distractions while driving. Given the size of these trucks, any momentary distraction can result in a serious accident.
• Speeding or Reckless Driving: Due to tight delivery schedules, some truck drivers may speed or drive recklessly to meet deadlines, which can result in accidents, especially on busy highways or in poor weather conditions.
• Improperly Loaded Cargo: When cargo is not properly secured or the truck is overloaded, the risk of a rollover or loss of control increases significantly.
• Mechanical Failures: Brake failures, tire blowouts, and other mechanical issues can lead to catastrophic accidents. Poor maintenance practices by the trucking company can also contribute to mechanical failures.
• Weather Conditions: Florida’s unpredictable weather, including sudden rainstorms, can make roads slick and hazardous, increasing the likelihood of an 18-wheeler losing control.

Common Injuries in 18-Wheeler Accidents

Due to the sheer size and weight of 18-wheelers, the injuries sustained in these accidents are often severe. Some of the most common injuries include:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Head injuries, including concussions and more severe brain trauma, can have long-lasting effects on cognitive function and quality of life.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: Damage to the spinal cord can result in partial or complete paralysis, requiring lifelong care and rehabilitation.
• Fractures and Broken Bones: Broken arms, legs, ribs, and other bones are common in trucking accidents and may require surgeries and extended recovery periods.
• Internal Injuries: The impact of a trucking accident can cause internal bleeding and damage to vital organs, which may not be immediately apparent but require urgent medical attention.
• Burn Injuries: In cases where the truck or vehicle catches fire, victims may suffer severe burns, which can lead to scarring, disfigurement, and a long recovery process.

Determining Liability in a Florida 18-Wheeler Accident

Trucking accidents often involve multiple parties, and determining liability can be complicated. The following parties may be held responsible for a trucking accident:

• Truck Driver: If the driver was negligent, such as by speeding, driving under the influence, or failing to follow federal regulations, they may be held liable for the accident.
• Trucking Company: The company that employs the driver may be held responsible for failing to properly train or supervise the driver, violating hours-of-service regulations, or failing to maintain the truck.
• Cargo Loader: If the cargo was improperly loaded or secured, causing the truck to become unbalanced or roll over, the company responsible for loading the truck may be liable.
• Manufacturer: If a mechanical failure, such as faulty brakes or tires, caused the accident, the manufacturer of the defective part may be held accountable.
• Other Drivers: In some cases, another vehicle may have caused the truck driver to lose control, resulting in a multi-vehicle accident.

Compensation for Victims of 18-Wheeler Accidents

If you’ve been injured in an 18-wheeler accident, you may be entitled to compensation for both economic and non-economic damages, including:

• Medical Expenses: Compensation for your current and future medical bills, including surgeries, hospital stays, physical therapy, and medications.
• Lost Wages: If your injuries prevent you from working, you may be compensated for lost wages, as well as any future loss of earning capacity.
• Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress you’ve experienced as a result of the accident and your injuries.
• Property Damage: Compensation for the repair or replacement of your vehicle and any other property damaged in the accident.
• Wrongful Death: If a loved one was killed in a trucking accident, their family may be entitled to compensation through a wrongful death claim, which can include funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and other damages.

Federal Trucking Regulations and Your Case

Truck drivers and trucking companies must comply with strict federal regulations designed to promote safety and reduce the risk of accidents. These regulations are enforced by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and include:

• Hours of Service Rules: These rules limit the number of hours a truck driver can be on the road without taking mandatory rest breaks to prevent driver fatigue.
• Vehicle Maintenance Requirements: Trucking companies must ensure that their trucks are regularly inspected and maintained to prevent mechanical failures that could lead to accidents.
• Cargo Securement Standards: Cargo must be properly loaded and secured to prevent it from shifting or falling off the truck during transit.

Violations of these regulations can be key evidence in proving negligence in your case.

Why You May Need an Experienced Florida Trucking Accident Lawyer

Trucking accident cases are more complex than standard car accident cases due to the involvement of federal regulations, multiple parties, and potentially catastrophic injuries. An experienced trucking accident lawyer can help you navigate the complexities of your case, gather evidence, and negotiate with insurance companies to ensure you receive fair compensation.

A trucking accident lawyer can assist with:

• Investigating the Accident: Collecting evidence such as driver logs, black box data, maintenance records, and witness statements to determine the cause of the accident and establish liability.
• Negotiating with Insurance Companies: Insurance companies may try to minimize their payouts, but a lawyer can negotiate on your behalf to ensure you receive the full compensation you deserve.
• Filing a Lawsuit: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, your lawyer can file a lawsuit and represent you in court to pursue the compensation you’re entitled to.

Contact Our Florida 18-Wheeler Trucking Accident Lawyers for Help

If you’ve been injured in an 18-wheeler accident in Florida, the Law Offices of Jason Turchin can help you recover the compensation you deserve. We have extensive experience handling complex trucking accident cases and will work tirelessly to hold the responsible parties accountable.

Call us today at 800-337-7755 for a free consultation, or use our live chat feature to speak with an agent. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you won’t pay any legal fees unless we win or settle your case. Let us help you get the justice and compensation you need after a serious trucking accident.