Trusting Florida Semi-Truck Accident Lawyers
A semi-truck is the combination of a tractor unit and one or more semi-trailers used to carry freight. They are vital and common sights on interstate roads as they transport all manner of materials and products across the country. Unfortunately, they are also highly dangerous.
In 2019, in Florida, there were more than 33,000 accidents that involved trucks weighing more than 10,000 pounds. Semi-trucks fit into this category. Because of their size and power, collisions with semi-trucks can lead to severe injuries and even fatalities.
If you’ve been dealing with the aftermath of an accident with these powerful vehicles, turn to us at Coffey McPharlin. Our team of Broward County semi-truck accident attorneys is here to help.
Common Causes of Semi-Truck Accidents in South Florida
When you combine a semi-truck’s size with driver error or malfunctioning parts, you have disasters waiting to occur. From distracted driving to road issues, there are many reasons these kinds of accidents happen.
Distracted Driving
A driver who is doing anything else while driving is a danger on the road. These days, it’s common to see people using their phones while driving, taking a hand off the wheel to text, or looking away from the road to read a message.
Even if the inattention only lasts a second, it can lead to catastrophic accidents, especially when semi-trucks are involved.
Fatigued Driving
Commercial drivers have to take certain mandatory breaks to avoid driving while fatigued, but the problem still exists. Drowsy driving is a factor in 13% of truck crashes around the country. When a driver is tired, they’re slower to react to hazards and may even lose control of the vehicle.
Intoxicated Driving
Being under the influence of alcohol or drugs affects a driver’s reaction times and coordination. Although by law, truck drivers are only allowed to have a blood alcohol concentration below 0.04%, even a small amount of alcohol could be enough to cause serious accidents.
Truck Malfunctions
Sometimes, the accident is the result of a truck part not functioning as it should. All commercial trucks have to be inspected and maintained so that they’re safe to operate on the road, but if corners are cut, issues can arise while the driver is behind the wheel.
If a truck malfunctions because of maintenance issues, the company that performs the maintenance could be liable. In some instances, loading companies also do a negligent job of arranging the goods that have to be transported. If the goods shift during transport, they can imbalance the truck and cause it to tip or become unwieldy.
Road Conditions
Roads that have not been maintained correctly are a problem for large vehicles like semi-trucks. Hitting a pothole at significant speeds with a heavy vehicle could make the driver lose control. The same thing can occur if the road’s pavement is uneven.
Do You Need South Florida Semi-Truck Accident Lawyers?
Since Florida is a no-fault state, you may think that getting a lawyer to help you through a claim isn’t necessary. That decision could end up costing you the compensation you deserve.
Truck accidents can be complex since they often involve a number of parties who could all be liable. Why does that matter if you’ll be claiming compensation from your own insurance? It matters because your personal injury protection might not cover the losses you’ve suffered.
An accident involving a semi-truck can lead to catastrophic injuries, including traumatic brain injuries. These leave you with ongoing medical needs and sometimes the inability to return to work.
The only way to get compensation for these substantial losses is to sue the parties involved, and that means getting Florida semi-truck accident lawyers to help you. With a lawyer, you can effectively show that the other party was negligent.
To do this, your lawyer will have to prove that the party had a duty of care and breached it. For example, if the driver was intoxicated, they breached their duty to drive safely and follow all traffic laws. Then, you have to show that those actions led to the injuries you suffered and that you can be compensated for those losses.
You don’t want to tackle any of this on your own, so make sure to reach out to a semi-truck accident lawyer as soon as possible.
Turn to Coffey McPharlin for Help
The aftermath of a semi-truck accident is often devastating. You could have suffered injuries, significant property damage, and many other losses. If another party caused the crash, turn to Fort Lauderdale semi-truck accident lawyers for assistance.
At Coffey McPharlin, we provide the guidance you need to get fair compensation. We will help you gather the necessary evidence to prove the other party was negligent and handle the negotiations on your behalf. Get started today by calling us at (954) 289-6136.
