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 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.
If you have been injured or lost a loved one to a truck accident, take action by contacting us today.
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 that’s similar to the black box on an airplane. The black box provides detailed information regarding the driver’s 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 trucker’s 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 at Smith, Ball & Báez 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 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 you’ll 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.
There is no time to waste following an accident. Call our firm at (561) 500-HELP today to schedule your free initial consultation.
What Sets Us Apart
Committed to Fighting for Justice for the Injured-
Over $100 Million Recovered
Our results speak for themselves, and our team is dedicated to winning for you.
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AV-Rated With Martindale Hubbell
We are ranked by the most prestigious peer review rating an attorney can receive for high ethical standards and professional ability.
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Over 65 Years of Experience
With over 65 years of combined experience, our attorneys know what it takes to win for you while adhering to the highest ethical standards.
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Award-Winning Attorneys
Our attorneys are committed to excellence and are recognized for their hard work with many accolades from the legal community.
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We're Not Afraid to Litigate
We're trial lawyers at heart and don't shy away from the courtroom; we'll put our compassionate tenacity to work for you.
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A Florida Firm With Extensive Resources
No case is too big; we'll utilize our large network of experts, connections in the legal community, and deep well of resources to help you win.