Miami 18-Wheeler Trucking Accident Lawsuits

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

Commercial trucks and 18-wheelers travel Miami’s busy roads and highways every day. These vehicles transport goods to and from the city’s active ports and thriving businesses. Unfortunately, the presence of these large trucks also increases the risk of serious accidents. Accidents involving 18-wheelers often result in severe injuries or fatalities due to the massive size and weight of these vehicles. If you or a loved one was injured in an 18-wheeler accident in Miami, you may be entitled to compensation for your losses. You have the right to pursue a legal claim for your injuries and other losses.

At the Law Offices of Jason Turchin, we understand the complexities of trucking accident cases and are dedicated to helping victims recover the compensation they deserve. If you’ve been injured in a trucking accident in Miami, call us at 800-337-7755 for a free consultation. You can also use our live chat to speak with an agent immediately. We work on a contingency fee basis, so you won’t pay any legal fees or costs unless we win or settle your case.

Common Causes of 18-Wheeler Trucking Accidents in Miami

There are many factors that can contribute to 18-wheeler accidents, especially in a busy urban area like Miami. Some of the most common causes of trucking accidents include:

• Driver Fatigue: Tight delivery schedules often push truck drivers to spend long hours on the road without enough rest. Fatigued drivers are more likely to make mistakes or fall asleep at the wheel, resulting in serious accidents.
• Distracted Driving: Like other drivers, truck drivers can become distracted by cell phones, GPS systems, or other devices while driving. Even a momentary distraction can cause a catastrophic accident, particularly when driving an 18-wheeler.
• Speeding and Reckless Driving: Due to the size and weight of commercial trucks, speeding and reckless driving significantly increase the risk of accidents. Large trucks require more time and distance to come to a stop, making speeding particularly dangerous.
• Improperly Loaded Cargo: Trucks that are improperly loaded or carrying an uneven load are at a higher risk of rolling over or losing control. This is especially dangerous in busy areas like Miami, where the potential for multi-vehicle accidents is high.
• Mechanical Failures: Trucking companies must typically ensure their vehicles are properly maintained. However, failing to perform regular maintenance can cause brake failures, tire blowouts, or other mechanical issues. These problems can ultimately lead to serious accidents.

Common Injuries in Miami 18 Wheeler Accidents

Accidents involving 18-wheelers often result in more severe injuries than typical car accidents due to the sheer size of the truck. Some common injuries include:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Head injuries can range from mild concussions to severe traumatic brain injuries. These injuries may have long-term impacts on cognitive function and overall quality of life.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: Spinal cord damage can cause partial or complete paralysis. This often requires long-term medical treatment and rehabilitation.
• Fractures and Broken Bones: Victims of 18-wheeler accidents often suffer broken bones, particularly in the arms, legs, and ribs.
• Internal Injuries: The force of a collision with an 18-wheeler can cause internal bleeding and damage to vital organs, which may require emergency surgery.
• Burns: In the event of a fire or explosion, victims may suffer severe burns, which can lead to permanent scarring and disfigurement.

Determining Liability in a Miami Trucking Accident

Trucking accidents are often more complex than typical car accidents because they usually involve multiple responsible parties. Depending on the circumstances, you may be able to hold one or more of the following parties liable:

• Truck Driver: If the truck driver was negligent—by driving while fatigued, distracted, or under the influence of drugs or alcohol—you may be able to hold them liable for the accident.
• Trucking Company: The company that owns the truck or employs the driver may be held liable. This can happen if they failed to maintain the truck, broke federal regulations, or hired an unqualified driver.
• Cargo Loaders: If the truck was improperly loaded or overloaded, the company or individuals responsible for loading the cargo may be held liable.
• Manufacturers: If a mechanical failure, such as a brake failure or tire blowout, caused the accident, the manufacturer of the defective part may be held accountable.
• Other Drivers: In some cases, another vehicle may cause the truck driver to lose control. This can result in a serious multi-vehicle accident. The other driver may be legally responsible for the accident.

Compensation for Victims of Miami 18-Wheeler Accidents

If you’ve been injured in an 18-wheeler accident, you may be entitled to compensation for several types of damages, including:

• Medical Expenses: Compensation for current and future medical bills related to your injuries, including hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, and medication.
• Lost Wages: If your injuries keep you from working, you may be entitled to compensation for lost wages and 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 trucking accident killed your loved one, your family may be entitled to compensation through a wrongful death claim.

Federal Regulations for 18-Wheelers

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) heavily regulates the trucking industry and sets strict guidelines for truck drivers and companies. These regulations aim to prevent accidents and protect the safety of everyone on the road. Some of the most important regulations include:

• Hours of Service Rules: These rules generally limit the number of hours a truck driver can operate without rest to prevent driver fatigue.
• Maintenance Requirements: Trucking companies must generally perform regular inspections and maintenance to ensure their vehicles are safe to operate.
• Cargo Securement Standards: Truck operators must generally properly load and secure cargo to prevent it from shifting or falling off during transport.

You can use violations of federal regulations as evidence of negligence in a trucking accident lawsuit.

Why You Need an Experienced Miami 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyer

Trucking accident cases are often complex due to multiple liable parties, federal regulations, and the serious nature of the injuries involved. An experienced Miami trucking accident lawyer can guide your case from start to finish and fight to secure the full compensation you deserve.

A lawyer can assist with:

• Investigating the Accident: Gathering evidence is crucial to determining the cause of the accident and establishing liability. This may include driver logs, black box data, and maintenance records.
• Negotiating with Insurance Companies: Insurance companies often try to minimize their payouts, but a lawyer can negotiate on your behalf to ensure you receive fair compensation.
• Filing a Lawsuit: If negotiations fail to produce a fair settlement, your lawyer can file a lawsuit and represent you in court to pursue the compensation you deserve.

Contact Our Miami 18-Wheeler Trucking Accident Lawyers for Help

If an 18-wheeler accident in Miami injured you, the Law Offices of Jason Turchin can help you recover the compensation you deserve. We have extensive experience handling trucking accident cases and can 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. That means you won’t pay any legal fees or costs unless we win or settle your case. Let us help you get the justice and compensation you need after a serious trucking accident in Miami.