Struck by an Object Falling from a Truck in Palm Beach Gardens: Can I Sue?

If you were struck by an object that fell from a truck, you might be wondering what happens next. How can you recover the compensation you need for medical expenses, missed wages, and emotional distress? How do you prove that the object in question came from a truck? What are your options if this object claimed the life of someone you love? These are all questions you can ask your Palm Beach Gardens  truck accident lawyer during an initial consultation.

Loose Objects Can Cause Catastrophic Injuries 

An object that falls or detaches from a semi-truck can easily cause catastrophic injuries to drivers on the roadways in Florida. Even if the object is relatively small or lightweight, subsequent impacts can be very serious. For example, a loose piece of scrap metal might fall from the back of a dump truck, impacting a windshield and striking the vehicle’s occupants.

Another common hazard involves detaching wheels.  A wheel might come loose from a semi-truck, rolling across a highway and impacting a vehicle. If the vehicle is traveling at a high rate of speed, an impact with a loose tire can easily become fatal. Many motorists have lost their lives under these circumstances.

Who Is at Fault for Loose Objects? 

If some kind of object falls from a semi-truck in Florida, the trucking company may be held liable for any subsequent injuries. These kinds of incidents are typically indicative of negligence, and this type of negligence may take various forms.

For example, a trucking company might be liable for injuries because they failed to properly maintain their fleet of vehicles. They may have failed to repair a tire or wheel. Perhaps they neglected to undergo a scheduled maintenance or required inspection. Whatever the case may be, wheels should not detach from vehicles that have been properly maintained or inspected.

Trucking companies may also be liable for objects that fall off trucks. For example, a trucking company might have improperly loaded cargo. This is especially relevant to certain types of trucks with open-topped trailers. This is a common setup for dump trucks, which fill their open-topped trailers with items, including debris. Other objects, such as logs, may fall from semi-trucks and cause devastating consequences for motorists in Florida.

In terms of your medical bills, Florida has a no-fault law wherein you can simply turn to your own auto insurance’s PIP coverage for compensation of your medical bills up to $10,000.00. However, you should also speak with your personal injury lawyer in Florida for more information about potential sources to compensate you for injuries and losses if you have been a victim of a truck accident.

Find an Experienced Truck Accident Lawyer in Palm Beach Gardens 

The lawyers at Smith, Ball, Báez & Prather have spent years assisting those hurt in trucking accidents, and we are committed to fighting for injured plaintiffs. We know how traumatic and life-altering a truck accident in Palm Beach Gardens can be, and we’re ready to guide you toward fair compensation.  A trucking company can be held responsible for loose objects that cause injuries. Reach out today to get started with an effective action plan.

Sources: 

fmcsa.dot.gov/regulations/cargo-securement/cargo-securement-rules

cvsa.org/inspections/all-inspection-levels/#:~:text=An%20inspection%20that%20includes%20examination,applicable)%3B%20brake%20systems%3B%20cargo