Florida Truck Accident Lawyers

Aggressive Counsel Following Serious Injuries

Large truck accidents happen far too often on Florida’s roadways. According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) there are more than 3,400 collisions every year in Palm Beach County alone involving semis, 18-wheelers, and other large commercial trucks.

The trucking industry is highly regulated with federal and state laws enacted to keep truckers and other motorists safe on the road. However, even with these laws, truck accidents are a serious problem. Tragically, truck accidents often result in severe and even fatal injuries.

Victims and their families typically suffer substantial economic losses due to astronomical medical expenses and lost wages associated with the inability to work. For these reasons, it is especially important for those who have been injured or lost a loved one in a truck accident to contact an experienced truck accident lawyer who can help them seek compensation for their losses.

Smith, Ball, Báez & Prather focus on personal injury cases, including truck accidents. Our Florida truck accident attorneys fight tirelessly for our clients and have helped them receive millions of dollars in compensation through settlements and trial verdicts. These results include a $6.5 million wrongful death settlement and a $4.5 million leg amputation settlement. These are just two examples of the results we have provided our clients.

Common Causes of Florida Truck Accidents

Florida truck accidents, like other types of accidents, can have a number of potential causes. These can include the following:

• Distracted driving
• Driver fatigue
• Speeding or driving too fast for conditions
• Medications
• Driver Confusion
• Failure to properly maintain the truck
• Impaired driving by drugs, alcohol, or over-the-counter
• Improperly loaded trailer or unbalanced cargo

Investigating Florida Truck Accidents

There is usually a great deal of evidence available after truck accidents. In fact, most trucking companies usually have an investigator present at the scene of the crash within hours of the crash occurring. This person is gathering evidence to defend the trucking company. Injured motorists need someone on their side to help collect evidence as quickly as possible as well.

In addition to physical evidence at the scene, trucks have a black box thats similar to the black box on an airplane. The black box provides detailed information regarding the drivers speed, hard stops, and hours on the road. This information can help your attorney determine the cause of the accident.

Other evidence includes dashcam video, the truckers logbooks, driving records, work history, and dispatch instructions. Your attorney might also use photographs, witness reports, traffic camera footage, and expert witness statements to build your case. Because much of this information is time-sensitive, you should contact an attorney immediately following the accident. If you wait, evidence could be altered or destroyed, making it more difficult to prove your claim.

Who Is Liable for Truck Accidents?

The team atSmith, Ball, Báez & Prather thoroughly investigates each truck accident claim to ensure that all responsible parties are held accountable. Depending on the circumstances, we might file a claim against one or more parties. Potentially liable parties include the driver, trucking company, truck owner, and cargo loader. We also might discover that mechanics, parts manufacturers, and other drivers are liable for the accident as well. By holding all responsible parties accountable, you can receive the maximum compensation for your claim.

How Much Is Your Claim Worth?

Smith, Ball, Báez & Prather must investigate your claim and evaluate your injuries before determining how much your claim is worth. The amount you can receive in damages is based on factors such as the severity of the injury and the length of recovery. Also, your damages are affected by the amount and type of medical treatment youll need and if you will have long-term or permanent injuries resulting from the accident. Also, if the defendant acted recklessly, your damages could increase. After evaluating your situation, your Florida truck accident attorney can begin to negotiate with the insurance company, so you can receive economic and non-economic damages.