When you’re out and about in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, the last thing on your mind is the potential for a devastating truck accident. Yet, finding a dedicated Fort Lauderdale 18-wheeler accident lawyer becomes essential when life throws such unexpected challenges your way.
Imagine driving home on I-595 after cheering for your favorite team at the DRV PNK Stadium when out of nowhere, an 18-wheeler loses control due to brake failure and collides with your vehicle.
Or picture yourself leaving New River Middle School with your child in tow, only to be rear-ended by a speeding 18-wheeler as you merge onto I-95.
These situations aren’t mere worst-case scenarios; for some, they’re unfortunate realities. With their towering presence, trucks carry a potential for significant damage, especially when colliding with smaller vehicles. From large commercial trucks to box trucks, and from Uber drivers to pedestrians, the range of accidents and victims varies.
At Schilling & Silvers Property and Accident Attorneys, our 18-wheeler accident attorneys in Fort Lauderdale are here to guide and support you. Our friendly and professional approach ensures you’re not alone after a collision. We understand the trauma and challenges of such accidents and are committed to advocating for your rights every step of the way.
As 18-wheeler accident lawyers in Fort Lauderdale, we know that the trucking business is critical to Florida’s economy, acting as the backbone for various agricultural and manufacturing industries. Given its strategic location, Fort Lauderdale sees an increasing number of 18-wheelers traveling on its roadways, guaranteeing the seamless movement of products and commodities inside and beyond the state’s boundaries.
The state of Florida recognizes the importance of this industry and provides a host of resources to ensure its efficient operation. The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has dedicated a significant section of its website to trucking and motor carrier resources, reflecting the state’s commitment to fostering a safe and efficient environment for the industry.
Florida guarantees that the trucking sector runs under the highest standards, from safety rules to permitting, benefiting drivers and the general public. As the trucks full of cargo continue to make their way down Fort Lauderdale’s streets, it’s clear that the city’s relationship with the trucking sector is one of mutual growth and support.
As Fort Lauderdale 18-wheeler accident attorneys we are often asked how often these accidents occur.
We all know that 18-wheeler accidents, given the sheer size and weight of these vehicles, can result in some of the most devastating road incidents. But just how often do they happen?
In 2021, Florida provided some insightful statistics regarding trucks and commercial vehicles. According to the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) Crash Facts Report, there were 30 fatalities regarding drivers and passengers in medium or heavy truck accidents in 2021. There were also 148 incapacitating injuries due to these accidents and 560 non-incapacitating injuries. These incidents highlight the potential risks of these massive vehicles on the road.
Also, it’s worth noting that Florida’s challenges with truck-related accidents are not isolated. On a national scale, the state stood out with concerning numbers. In 2021, Florida had the third-highest number of fatal truck accidents in the country, as highlighted by the data from the National Safety Council.
These statistics underscore the importance of road safety awareness, not just for truck drivers but all road users. It’s a collective effort to ensure that roads remain safe for everyone, especially in regions with high commercial traffic like Florida.
These massive vehicles pose significant risks on the road, and understanding the causes behind these accidents can be the first step to prevention. So, why do so many 18-wheeler accidents occur in Fort Lauderdale? Our 18-wheeler accident attorneys in Fort Lauderdale take a look at the biggest contributors below.
Astonishingly, the driver is found to be responsible about 87% of the time in these incidents. Here’s a breakdown of the reasons:
The truck itself can sometimes be the culprit.
As Fort Lauderdale 18-wheeler accident lawyers we see that external factors can also contribute to the broad range of accidents in the city, and the most common factors include:
If you’ve been in an 18-wheeler accident in Fort Lauderdale, it’s crucial to navigate the complexities of identifying all responsible parties. An experienced 18-wheeler accident lawyer in Fort Lauderdale can be invaluable. Let’s see why:
In many cases, trucking companies can be held liable for their drivers’ actions, primarily if the incident occurred while the driver was on the job. This legal concept, in which an employer is held liable for its employee’s actions performed within the scope of their employment, can be critical in pursuing compensation through a personal injury claim following an accident.
Suppose the driver of an 18-wheeler gets caught texting or drinking while driving, resulting in a fatal accident. If that driver had a history of impaired driving, you or your Fort Lauderdale 18-wheeler accident lawyer could hold the trucking company liable by filing a wrongful death lawsuit. The logic here is that the company should be accountable for their employees’ actions, especially if they were aware of (or should have been aware of) such behavior. Additionally, you may be able to hold the trucking companies directly liable in several situations:
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has established extensive regulations designed to protect both truck drivers and the general public. Here’s a quick rundown of some of the most important rules:
At Schilling & Silvers Property and Accident Attorneys, we’re the dedicated 18-wheeler accident lawyers in Fort Lauderdale who have experience taking on a broad range of 18-wheeler cases, including the following:
It is illegal for truck drivers to drink alcohol 4 hours before operating a commercial vehicle. If significant damage requires towing after an accident, drivers must submit to an alcohol test. If the investigation does not get completed within 2 hours of the accident, the carrier must explain the delay in court. Failure to administer these tests may indicate cover-ups.
Truck drivers can only drive for 11 hours before taking a 10-hour break. They cannot work more than 14 hours in a row and must take a 30-minute break every 8 hours. Despite these regulations, some drivers, especially those under pressure, exceed these limits, resulting in fatigue-related accidents.
Commercial trucks have limited maneuverability due to their size and weight. If a truck driver attempts to clear a traffic light too quickly or fails to stop in time at an intersection, the risk of severe accidents, such as T-bone collisions, increases significantly.
Commercial trucks weighing up to 80,000 pounds require a longer distance to come to a complete stop. Instant stops are impossible despite their advanced braking systems. Truck drivers who misjudge distances or react late frequently cause devastating rear-end collisions.
In Florida, the concept of “pure comparative negligence” plays a crucial role in personal injury claims. But what exactly is it, and how might it affect your case?
Pure comparative negligence allows an injured party to recover damages even if they were partly at fault for the accident. However, the court will reduce the compensation awarded by the percentage of fault. For example, if the court finds you to be 30% responsible for an accident, you would be entitled to recover 70% of the total damages. Two key references govern this principle in Florida:
Understanding Florida’s pure comparative negligence system is critical when filing a personal injury claim. It enables a more in-depth approach to determining responsibility and compensation, ensuring that even if you were partially to blame, you could still receive a portion of the damages. Always ask for the advice of a Fort Lauderdale 18-wheeler accident lawyer to help you confront the complex nature of this system and maximize your potential recovery.
You must receive immediate and appropriate care if you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident in Fort Lauderdale, FL. Aside from immediate medical needs, your vehicle may also require attention. Fortunately, Fort Lauderdale has some excellent resources to help you, including:
At Schilling & Silvers Property and Accident Attorneys, we take pride in our extensive experience as Fort Lauderdale 18-wheeler accident lawyers. Our history in the area demonstrates our commitment and expertise in handling complex trucking accident cases. Schilling & Silvers offers outstanding legal representation when you need it the most, focusing on thoroughness and a commitment to our clients’ needs.
In addition to Fort Lauderdale, the experienced legal team at our law firm also serves Pompano Beach, Miami, Weston, Plantation, Hialeah, Sunrise, Davie, and more.
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Fort Lauderdale Office
1700 NW 64th St Suite 460
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309
(954) 712-8877
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2300 W 84th St Ste 213
Hialeah, FL 33016
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