Have you or your loved one been involved in a truck accident in West Palm Beach, FL? Are you wondering what to do after the truck accident? Are you wondering whether or not you will be compensated for the injuries suffered in the truck accident? Well, as you recuperate from a truck accident, you need to let the best truck accident lawyer in West Palm Beach at Steinberg Law handle everything else.
We have worked on numerous truck accident cases over the time we have been in business. Therefore, we are well equipped to handle your car accident case in West Palm Beach today. We are ready to ensure that you receive compensation for any losses suffered after a truck accident. Call us today at 877-783-4611 and let us handle the legal matters as you recover and recuperate peacefully.
What Are The Truck Accident Statistics In Florida?
In the Us, every 16 minutes a person dies after a collision with a large truck. In 2017, Florida alone reported 32,000 accidents resulting from a collision with a truck. Out of that number, 27 fatalities were reported with 57 incapacitating injuries and at least 1053 people suffering from other injuries. Most of the people affected after a truck accident are passenger vehicle occupants. This is due to the fact that trucks can be 20 times larger than smaller cars. Additionally, trucks have undercarriage clearance thereby a lot of smaller vehicles get trapped underneath.
What Should You Do After A Truck Accident In Florida?
If you or your loved one has been involved in a truck accident in West Palm Beach, FL, you need to take the following steps immediately.
Call 911
Start by calling 911 to report the accident and get emergency assistance immediately. It’s the best way to ensure that the accident has been reported through the right channels.
Help Other People
If you notice people asking for help after the accident, do everything possible to help them. Of course, make sure you don’t move anyone who has been seriously hurt unless there is medical personnel available to help.
Exchange Information With Witnesses
If there are witnesses to the truck accident, you need to exchange contact information. Remember, they will help make your case in the long run. Therefore, take the time to share contact information and make sure they are reachable when needed.
Document The Scene
Take as many photos and videos of the scene as possible. Speak to the witnesses too to get their account of their incident. Don’t forget to document everything.
Seek Medical Attention
If you are hurt, you need to seek medical attention after a truck accident. Make sure you get a copy of your medical report to aid in your compensation claim.
Contact An Attorney
Now it’s time to call Steinberg Law after a truck accident. We can help you gather evidence, contact witnesses, and file a compensation claim after a truck accident. We are here to make sure you recuperate as we handle your case.
What Are The Laws Regarding Truck Accident Liability In Florida?
Determining the person responsible for a truck accident in Florida may not be straightforward. Here is how to determine liability.
The Truck Driver
The driver is held liable for the accident if they are driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, broke traffic laws or are driving under certain health conditions or when drowsy. Additionally, if they were driving for more than 14 hours without rest, they may also be liable. Additionally, further investigation is required especially if the driver is self-employed or working for another company.
The Trucking Company
The trucking company will be held liable if they didn’t do thorough investigations or cut corners that increased delivery speed but increased the risk of the accident. Additionally, if the company pushed the drivers too hard with unrealistic expectations and deadlines, they may also be held liable. Most trucking companies have their own trucks but others may choose to hire. As such, proving liability will be tough if there are third-party truck owners involved.
The Truck Owner
If the truck accident was caused by the mechanical failure of the truck, it’s important to look out for the maintenance contracts between the trucking company and the truck owner. The truck owner may be the trucking company, the cargo shipper, or the vehicle manufacturer. The owner is responsible for the maintenance, even if they are a separate entity from the trucking company. The owner will be held liable if they didn’t provide routine and adequate maintenance on the vehicle.
The Truck Manufacturer
In some cases, liability may also extend to the manufacturer, especially if a defective part of the truck caused the accident. Note that, some defective truck parts may lead to brake failure, tire blowouts, and other malfunctions that may lead to serious accidents. As such, if it is uncovered that the negligence of the manufacturer led to the accident, they will be held liable.
How Can A Truck Accident Lawyer Help?
Steinberg Law is ready to help with any West Palm Beach truck accidents and compensation claims. We can help you in the following ways.
- Investigate the scene of the accident to identify who is liable for the accident.
- File a compensation claim in the proper manner to avoid any rejections due to missing documents.
- Negotiate with the insurance company to make sure you receive proper compensation after a truck accident.
- Finally, if your truck accident case ends up in court, we are ready to represent you in court.
Call us today and let us start working on your case immediately.
What Types Of Compensation Can I Receive In Florida?
After a truck accident in Florida, you can receive the following types of compensation.
- Economic compensation is where you will be compensated for monetary losses after the accident such as loss of salary and wages or medical costs associated with the accident.
- Non-economic compensation where you will be compensated for your pain and suffering after the accident
- Punitive damages in the event that the court determines the negligence of the liable party and wants to punish them for the actions leading to the accident.
Is There A Deadline For Filing A Truck Accident Claim In Florida?
Yes, you have 4 years from the date of the accident to file a compensation claim against the liable parties. If the statute of limitations expires, your claim is considered null and void unless there are extenuating circumstances that may force the court to extend the period. It’s prudent to contact the best West Palm Beach truck accident lawyers at Steinberg Law immediately to avoid any issues with the statute of limitations.
What Are The Common Causes Of Truck Accidents In Florida?
Truck accidents may be caused by the following conditions.
- If the driver is too fatigued and still on the road, especially those who have been driving for many hours without any rest.
- If the driver is driving when distracted such as using their mobile phones behind the wheel.
- If the driver is reckless when behind the wheel.
- If the driver is under the influence of drugs and alcohol.
- If the driver is hauling improperly secured or oversized freight, it may lead to a serious truck accident.
- If the driver is inexperienced or poorly trained.
- If the truck is poorly maintained thereby resulting in malfunctions while on the road.
- If there is equipment malfunction such as brake failure resulting in a serious accident.
- If the road conditions are poor such as poor weather resulting in poor visibility.
Whatever the cause of the truck accident, we are here to work with you and make sure you are compensated. We will investigate the case thoroughly to identify the party liable and file a compensation claim effortlessly. Call us today at Steinberg Law and work with the best West Palm Beach truck accident lawyers.
Call Our Truck Accident Lawyer in West Palm Beach Today For Help!
Working with a lawyer immediately after being involved in a truck accident is prudent to ensure the best outcome for your compensation claim. Well, regardless of the cause of your accident, we are here to help. At Steinberg Law, we have worked with a lot of truck accident victims and we can handle the legal issues as you recuperate.
We have a lot of experience and expertise when it comes to legal regulations regarding truck accidents. Additionally, we work on a contingency basis so we will only get paid once you are compensated. As such, we work diligently to make sure you are fully compensated after a truck accident. On the other hand, we have expertise when it comes to negotiating with insurance companies. We have worked with them for many years and know all their tactics.
Therefore, if you have been involved in a truck accident in West Palm Beach, you need to first contact us immediately. You don’t have to go through the hectic period of filing your own claim without any assistance. We are here to help and stand by you as you recover from the truck accident. Call us today and let us start working on your case immediately. We are here for you.
