Truck Accident & Injuries Are Different from Other Collisions
Accidents involving a commercial truck differ from the standard car crash because of the number of parties that can be held accountable. When filing a personal injury claim, a Fort Myers truck accident lawyer can pursue recoverable damages from the individual driver, the company the driver was working for, and/or the manufacturer of the truck itself. Because of how many parties can be found liable, this can add another layer of complexity to the legal process.
Operation of the Vehicle
The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) sets out the statutes that govern the safe transportation and operation of trucks, including the width, length, and height of the vehicle. Florida Highway Patrol also published a commercial motor vehicle manual outlining these rules and regulations. Additionally, there are regulations governing the transportation of hazardous waste.
It is imperative that truck drivers and their employers adhere to these regulations for the safety of other drivers. For instance, if a truck exceeds its weight, then it may fail to slow down in time. If the truck driver does not transport hazardous materials in accordance with regulations, this could expose other motorists to the risk of injury. These are all factors that can determine the severity of an accident.
Truck drivers are also required to keep logs of all the truck’s maintenance, miles traveled, destinations reached, and breaks. These logbooks can be essential in assigning accident liability and can be used as evidence when seeking compensation in a truck accident.
Gathering Evidence
In order to establish a link between yourself and the truck accident, you will need to provide the insurance company with documentation proving your involvement.
This can include:
- The police report made at the scene
- Medical statements
- Witness statements
- Any available traffic surveillance footage
- Photos or videos of the damages
After a truck accident, many people seek out the advice of a truck accident lawyer, as they take on the responsibility of collecting all necessary evidence. Additionally, make sure that your case falls within Florida’s statute of limitations guidelines.
Determining Liability in Truck Accident
Once a legal team has collected evidence and substantiated statements, it becomes easier to determine who is responsible. There are several reasons that can cause a truck driver to collide with another vehicle.
These can include:
- Distracted driving (such as texting or using a dispatch device)
- Driving under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or fatigue
- Speeding
- Exceeding the truck’s loading capacity
- Failing to brake in time
- Misjudging the distance of a car when choosing to overtake
A Fort Myers truck accident attorney can determine what circumstances caused your accident and how that will affect your claim.
Call Us Today for a Free Consultation
An accident involving a commercial truck can change your life in an instant. Thankfully, you do not have to go through the legal process of seeking compensation alone. The Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato have been fighting for victims’ right to compensation for the past 20 years. Once we learn about the circumstances of your accident, we will get to work determining who is responsible for your damages and help you recover the cost of your losses. We work on a contingency-fee-basis meaning that we do not get paid until we win your case. If we cannot reach an agreement regarding a settlement amount, we are ready and willing to represent you in court.
Our Fort Myers personal injury lawyer team is standing by to take your call. Get started now by calling (954) 633-8270.
We also help the victims of a truck accident in the following cities:
