Trucking Accidents

Florida Trucking Accident Lawyers

The Trucking Industry has progressed tremendously over the past 60 years. What hasn’t changed is that a typical 18-wheeler is 30 times the size of your car. An accident with a truck will total your car and probably leave you injured. Sadly, accidents involving trucks often result in death. Obtaining compensation is necessary to pay for necessary medical treatment and physical therapy. It cannot guarantee a full recovery or make up for the loss of a loved one, but it can help pay for food, clothing, and housing as you recover. It’s important to contact an experienced truck accident lawyer to ensure you receive the guidance and representation you need to navigate the complexities of your case and maximize your chances of a favorable outcome.

Contact Us Today For a Free Consultation. We’re Good Lawyers Helping People!

The Importance of Legal Representation in Truck Accidents

Truck accidents are not only physically destructive but also legally complex. Unlike standard car accidents, truck accidents often involve multiple parties, including the truck driver, trucking company, and even manufacturers of truck parts. This complexity requires a deep understanding of both state and federal trucking regulations. An experienced trucking accident attorney plays a critical role in unraveling these complexities, holding the responsible parties accountable, and ensuring that victims receive the compensation they are entitled to.

Key Roles of a Truck Accident Lawyer:

• Investigation: A thorough investigation is essential to identify all contributing factors to the accident. This includes gathering evidence from the accident scene, obtaining truck maintenance records, and analyzing data from the truck’s black box and electronic logging devices (ELDs).
• Determining Liability: Liability in truck accidents can be spread across several parties. A skilled truck accident attorney will work to establish who is at fault, whether it’s the driver, the trucking company, or another entity.
• Negotiation: Insurance companies often attempt to settle truck accident claims quickly and for less than what victims deserve. Truck accident lawyers negotiate on behalf of their clients to ensure they receive fair compensation.
• Litigation: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, a truck accident attorney will take the case to court, presenting evidence and arguing for maximum compensation.

Having an experienced trucking accident attorney by your side is crucial in navigating the complexities of these cases. Truck accidents often involve multiple layers of liability, intricate federal and state regulations, and aggressive insurance companies. A skilled lawyer not only ensures a thorough investigation but also advocates for your rights, whether through negotiation or litigation. By holding the responsible parties accountable, your attorney plays a vital role in securing the full compensation you deserve, allowing you to focus on recovery while they handle the legal challenges.

Trucking Accidents Can Be Devastating

Envision the sheer force of a truck accident, not just in weight but the devastating impact it can have. This powerful image sets the stage for understanding the leading causes of trucking accidents. Factors such as distracted driving, fatigue, impaired driving, and speed contribute significantly to these catastrophic events. Each cause, from lack of experience and overloading to improper maintenance and failure to obey traffic rules, not only highlights the risks but underscores the importance of stringent safety measures and responsible driving practices to prevent such devastating outcomes.

Leading Causes of Trucking Accidents

Understanding the leading causes of trucking accidents is crucial in determining liability and securing compensation. Common causes include:

• Distracted Driving: This is a major cause of truck accidents, often involving drivers who are texting, using a GPS, or distracted by other in-cab activities.
• Driver Fatigue: Truck drivers often face tight delivery schedules, leading to fatigue, which significantly increases the risk of accidents.
• Impaired Driving: Driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or certain medications can impair a truck driver’s ability to operate their vehicle safely.
• Speeding: Trucks require a longer distance to stop, and speeding exacerbates the risk of a collision.
• Lack of Experience: Inexperienced drivers may not be adequately prepared to handle the challenges of operating a large truck, leading to mistakes that can cause accidents.
• Overloading: An overloaded truck can be harder to control and more prone to accidents due to the increased weight and altered balance.
• Improper Maintenance: Failure to maintain trucks properly can lead to mechanical failures, such as brake or tire blowouts, which can cause accidents.
• Failure to Obey Traffic Rules: Truck drivers who disregard traffic signals, speed limits, or other regulations are more likely to be involved in accidents.
• Poor Judgment: Split-second decisions made under pressure can lead to tragic outcomes on the road.

Truckers have to follow both state and federal regulations. Combined they are extensive and cover every area of operating the truck safely. Most truck accidents are the result of drivers not complying properly with these regulations and unsafe operation of their trucks.

Common Trucking Accidents Injuries

Trucking accidents are among the most catastrophic road incidents, often leading to severe, life-altering injuries for those involved. These accidents can result in a range of injuries from minor bruises to more severe conditions. Some of the most common injuries seen in truck accidents include:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): These are among the most severe injuries, often resulting in long-term cognitive and physical impairments.
• Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis: Truck accidents can lead to severe spinal injuries, resulting in partial or complete paralysis, which requires lifelong medical care and rehabilitation.
• Broken Bones: The impact of a truck accident often results in multiple fractures, leading to surgeries and extended recovery periods.
• Internal Organ Damage: The force of a collision can cause internal bleeding and damage to vital organs, requiring immediate and extensive medical intervention.
• Severe Burns: In cases where a truck accident results in a fire, victims may suffer from severe burns, leading to disfigurement and a lengthy recovery process.
• Amputations: The sheer force of a truck collision can result in the loss of limbs, drastically altering the victim’s life and mobility.
• Wrongful Death: Tragically, many truck accidents result in fatalities, leaving families devastated and facing significant emotional and financial challenges.

These injuries can have profound impacts on victims and their families, both physically and emotionally. Legal assistance from an experienced Florida truck accident attorney may be crucial in navigating the aftermath and securing compensation for recovery and loss.

Types of Truck Accidents We Handle

At Coffey McPharlin, our team of experienced truck accident attorneys handles a wide range of trucking accident cases, including:

• 18-Wheeler Accidents and Semi-Truck Accidents: The sheer size and weight of 18-wheelers make them particularly dangerous in collisions, often leading to catastrophic injuries.
• I-95 Truck Accidents and Florida Turnpike Truck Accidents: Florida’s major highways see a high volume of truck traffic, leading to severe accidents that often involve multiple vehicles.
• Tractor Trailer Accidents: These accidents can result from a variety of factors, including improper loading, driver fatigue, and equipment failure.
• Delivery Truck Accidents: Accidents involving delivery trucks are common, especially in urban areas where frequent stops and congested streets increase the risk of collisions.
• Garbage Truck Accidents: These large vehicles can pose significant dangers, particularly in residential areas where they share the road with smaller vehicles and pedestrians.
• UPS & FedEx Truck Accidents: Delivery giants like UPS and FedEx operate thousands of trucks daily, and accidents involving these vehicles can be complex due to the corporate structures behind them.
• Amazon Truck Accidents: As Amazon’s delivery fleet grows, so does the number of accidents involving their trucks. These cases often involve multiple layers of liability.

This list includes various truck accident types, each presenting unique challenges in claims and litigation. Whether it’s navigating the aftermath of a collision on busy highways like I-95 and the Florida Turnpike or dealing with accidents involving delivery giants like UPS, FedEx, and Amazon, understanding the nuances of each scenario is crucial for effective legal representation. Our Ft. Lauderdale truck accident lawyers are ready to fight for your rights and ensure you maximum compensation.

Truck Accident Lawsuits: Establishing Liability

One of the most complex aspects of a truck accident case is determining liability. Unlike standard car accidents, truck accident cases often involve multiple liable parties, each of whom may share some responsibility for the accident. A truck accident attorney plays a critical role in identifying these parties and establishing liability.

Potential Liable Parties in a Truck Accident:

• Truck Driver: The driver may be held liable if the accident was caused by negligence, such as distracted driving, speeding, or fatigue.
• Trucking Company: The company may be responsible if they failed to properly train the driver, pressured the driver to violate hours-of-service regulations, or neglected to maintain the vehicle.
• Truck Manufacturer: If a mechanical failure, such as a brake defect, contributed to the accident, the manufacturer might be liable.
• Cargo Loaders: If improper loading of cargo caused the truck to be unbalanced or overloaded, the party responsible for loading the truck could be held accountable.
• Maintenance Providers: Companies responsible for maintaining the truck can be liable if the accident was caused by poor maintenance or failure to repair known issues.

Role of a Trucking Accident Lawyer in Establishing Liability:

• Gathering Evidence: A trucking accident lawyer will collect crucial evidence, including accident scene photos, witness statements, truck maintenance records, and data from the truck’s black box.
• Expert Testimony: In complex cases, expert witnesses, such as accident reconstruction specialists or mechanical engineers, may be called to provide testimony supporting the victim’s claim.
• Proving Negligence: The lawyer will work to establish that the responsible party’s negligence directly caused the accident and the resulting injuries.

Navigating the Legal Process with a Truck Accident Lawyer

The legal process following a truck accident can be overwhelming, especially for victims dealing with serious injuries. A skilled truck accident lawyer provides invaluable guidance and representation throughout this process, ensuring that the victim’s rights are protected and that they receive the compensation they deserve.

Key Steps in a Truck Accident Case:

1. Initial Consultation: During the first meeting, the lawyer will evaluate the case, discuss the victim’s legal options, and begin formulating a strategy for moving forward.
2. Investigation: The lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation of the accident, gathering all relevant evidence and identifying the liable parties.
3. Filing a Claim: The lawyer will file claims with the insurance companies involved, detailing the damages the victim has suffered and demanding fair compensation.
4. Negotiation: Many truck accident cases are settled out of court through negotiations with the insurance companies. The lawyer will negotiate on behalf of the victim, aiming to secure a settlement that covers all damages.
5. Litigation: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, the lawyer will prepare to take the case to court. This involves filing a lawsuit, engaging in discovery (the exchange of evidence between parties), and representing the victim at trial.

Navigating the legal process after a truck accident with a skilled lawyer ensures that every step, from initial consultation to potential litigation, is handled with expertise and care. With a dedicated truck accident attorney by your side, you can focus on your recovery while they manage the legal complexities, fight for fair compensation, and protect your rights. This partnership not only alleviates the burden on victims but also significantly increases the chances of achieving a successful outcome in your case.

Compensation in Trucking Accidents: What You May Be Eligible For?

The compensation that victims of trucking accidents may be entitled to can vary significantly based on the specifics of the case. However, common types of compensation include:

• Medical Expenses: This includes coverage for all medical treatment related to the accident, including emergency care, surgeries, hospital stays, physical therapy, and future medical needs.
• Lost Wages: Victims may be compensated for income lost due to their inability to work as a result of their injuries.
• Loss of Earning Capacity: If the victim’s injuries prevent them from returning to their previous occupation or working at all, they may be entitled to compensation for the loss of future earnings.
• Pain and Suffering: This compensates victims for the physical pain and emotional distress they have endured as a result of the accident.
• Property Damage: Victims can recover the costs to repair or replace their vehicle and any other personal property damaged in the accident.
• Funeral Expenses: In cases of wrongful death, the victim’s family may be entitled to compensation for funeral and burial costs.

The goal of seeking compensation after a trucking accident is not just about addressing immediate financial needs; it’s about securing the victim’s future. This includes covering the cost of ongoing medical care, compensating for lost earnings due to the inability to work, and ensuring the victim has the necessary support to overcome the trauma and emotional distress caused by the accident. By addressing these aspects, compensation plays a crucial role in facilitating a comprehensive recovery journey, aiming to restore the victim’s quality of life as much as possible. Don’t wait, contact our trucking accident attorneys today for immediate assistance.

Holding a Trucking Company Liable For An Accident

Trucking accidents can involve vehicles from various companies, each presenting unique challenges in legal proceedings. At Coffey McPharlin, we handle cases involving a wide array of companies, including but not limited to:

USPS, Yellow Freight, DHL, Zephyr Hills, Waste Management, Uber Freight, Home Depot, Lowes, Publix, Whole Foods, Winn Dixie, Aldi, Target, Tesla, Mercedes Benz, BMW, Toyota, GM, Chevrolet, Ford, Kia, Audi, Honda, Jeep, Cadillac, Auto Nation, Carmax, Walmart, Sam’s Club, Costco, Kenan Transport, Delta Trucking, Southeastern Freight Lines, Penn Tank Lines, Eagle Transport, Old Dominion Freight, Atlantic Truck Lines, Lake Trucking Company, Exxon Mobil, Texaco, BP, Marathon Fuel, Shell Fuel, Port Consolidated, Chevron, Valero, Florida Power and Light, Cemex, Titan American, Ozinga, ABC Supply, Rinker and Greyhound.

Florida Truck Accident Lawyers Serving Key Cities

At Coffey McPharlin, we are committed to providing expert legal representation for truck accident victims across Florida. Our experienced truck accident lawyers serve clients in various key cities, ensuring that you receive the guidance and support you need, no matter where the accident occurred.

• Fort Lauderdale Truck Accident Lawyer
• Miami Truck Accident Lawyer
• West Palm Beach Truck Accident Lawyer
• Orlando Truck Accident Lawyer
• Tampa Truck Accident Lawyer
• Bradenton Truck Accident Lawyer
• Fort Myers Truck Accident Lawyer
• Jacksonville Truck Accident Lawyer

Notable Results: Successful Trucking Accident Cases

At Coffey McPharlin, our track record speaks for itself. We have successfully represented numerous victims of trucking accidents, securing substantial settlements that have helped our clients rebuild their lives.

• $950,000.00 Settlement: This case involved a trucking accident that resulted in traumatic brain injury and a leg fracture. Our team of experienced trucking accident lawyers worked tirelessly to secure this substantial settlement for our client, ensuring they had the financial resources needed for medical treatment and recovery.
• $600,000.00 Settlement: In another case, our client suffered neck and back injuries in a trucking accident involving a commercial vehicle. Our truck accident attorneys negotiated aggressively with the insurance companies, ultimately securing a settlement that provided our clients with the compensation necessary to cover their medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

​​These outcomes reflect our commitment to obtaining the best possible results for our clients, ensuring they receive the compensation they need to recover and move forward with their lives.

Protect Your Rights with Coffey McPharlin

Trucking accidents can have devastating consequences, but you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. At Coffey McPharlin, our experienced truck accident attorneys are dedicated to fighting for the rights of our clients. We understand the complexities of trucking accident cases and have a proven track record of securing substantial settlements for our clients. If you or a loved one has been involved in a trucking accident, contact us today. We are here to help you navigate the legal process, protect your rights, and secure the compensation you deserve. 

Call 954-289-6316. We are here to help 24/7.