If you’re involved in a crash with an 18-wheeler, the outcome may be catastrophic and end in a serious injury, or wrongful death. 18-wheeler accidents are similar to car accidents, but collisions with big rigs often turn out to be more dangerous.
When commercial vehicle accidents are caused by truck drivers and trucking companies that fail to adhere to a variety of regulations designed to promote and ensure the safe operation of their big rigs, then you may be entitled to financial compensation for your damages. A Florida truck accident lawyer from Fasig | Brooks will help you get the compensation that you deserve.
18-Wheeler Accidents
18-wheelers have regulations that pertain to the drivers of these trucks, which include the amount of time on the road, the number of breaks necessary, and the maximum weight allowed for their cargo. These rules were implemented to keep roads safe and reduce semi-truck accidents.
All too often, truck drivers work long hours and are pressured by their employers to complete their tasks without regard to the safety regulations in place. These negligent habits can result in devastating accidents. If a trucking company or its drivers violate these regulations, Florida personal injury lawyers can help hold them accountable.
Fasig | Brooks has the expertise, information, and community of trucking industry law specialists ready to ensure that those responsible for your Florida semi-truck accident are held accountable. Taking on major trucking companies can be a challenging task, but we are prepared to fight for you.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a catastrophic road accident with a commercial vehicle, please call Fasig | Brooks today for a free case evaluation! Our consultation is of no obligation to you. Our firm works contingently, so we don’t get paid unless you do. Read on for more information about protecting yourself in the wake of an 18-wheeler accident in Florida.
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How Do 18-Wheeler Accident Cases Differ?
U.S. and Florida lawmakers have put safety measures in place to prevent trucking accidents. Logbooks, federal regulations, and strict company measures are just a few examples of the initiatives in place to encourage safe driving. Unfortunately, these are often circumvented to save time or make money.
Fasig | Brooks is available to offer assistance in all different types of 18-wheeler collisions. Here are some examples of the differing types of commercial vehicle accidents our semi-truck lawyers are capable of handling:
Alcohol and Drug Related Wrecks
A big rig truck driver is not allowed to use alcohol within 4 hours of being in control of a commercial truck. Also, a driver must be tested for alcohol when they cause a motor vehicle accident resulting in injuries or damages.
Drowsy Driving
Federal law states that a driver can only drive 11 hours before they must be given ten consecutive hours off-duty. Big rig conductors must also take 30-minute breaks for every 8 hours they drive. Breaking these regulations can result in fines. Regularly doing so can lead to overworked commercial vehicle operators falling asleep behind the wheel.
Traffic Law Violations
When a commercial truck runs a red light or breaks other traffic laws, the possibility of causing a severe accident increases; when a truck driver acts negligently, breaks the law and causes an accident, injury victims are entitled to compensation. Our 18-wheeler accident attorneys can help you get fair and just compensation for your truck accident.
Common Florida 18-Wheeler Accident Causes
Over 80% of large truck crashes were caused by running out of the lane or off the road, loss of control due to speed, cargo shift, vehicle failure, poor road conditions, or rear-ending another vehicle.
Some of the most commonly associated factors that contribute to these types of 18-wheeler accidents in Florida often include:
- Brake issues
- External pressure from trucking companies
- Fatigue or illness
- Inadequate surveillance
- Prescription drug use
- Traveling too fast for conditions
Our Florida trucking accident law firm is known for investigating every level of your accident. We will use our investigation to uncover the answers that detail what caused your injuries, what happened in your accident, and why it happened to you. Contact Fasig | Brooks for a no-obligation consultation today.
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What Should I Do After an 18-Wheeler Truck Accident?
Your Florida semi-truck accident lawyer can help you to make the right decisions after your accident. Some tasks are necessary immediately after an accident to protect yourself and your claim. Speaking with Florida 18-wheeler truck accident lawyers after your accident is one of the safest ways to ensure that you’re taking the right steps.
Consider doing the following very quickly after any Florida trucking accident:
- Seeking medical treatment, whether your injuries are apparent or not
- Speak with an experienced attorney before issuing statements and discussing the incident publically
- Report your accident to your insurance company
- Submit a spoliation letter to any potentially liable parties
- File a lawsuit to preserve and obtain evidence
- Do not speak with other insurance or trucking company representatives without talking with your attorney
- Do not post anything online about your injuries or accident
- Start a pain journal detailing your accident recovery, pain, and the extent of your injuries over time
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How Much Compensation Could I Receive for an 18-Wheeler Truck Accident Claim?
Truck accident settlement values will vary since each accident is unique. The potential value will depend entirely on the severity of your injuries and damages. If your injuries are minor, then you won’t be entitled to as much as someone who’s suffered a temporary or permanent disability due to their injuries.
Severe injuries like numerous broken bones, traumatic brain injury, herniated discs, facial or bodily disfigurement, severe burns, paralysis, amputation, blindness, or even death can lead to large settlements.
However, since every case is different, you can’t know the factors that would affect your case value until you’ve discussed your options with a semi-truck accident lawyer at Fasig | Brooks.
Why Do I Need to Hire a Lawyer?
If you hire a truck accident attorney in Florida to help you collect damages for your claim, they can help you to prove negligence. This means you and your attorney will need to find crucial information that proves negligence on the part of the truck driver or the trucking company.
If you file an injury claim against the truck driver or another liable party, they’ll likely be represented by a lawyer. It’s crucial to hire a truck accident lawyer who can issue a subpoena to make the defendants hand over any evidence that could help your case.
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