Experienced Plantation Florida Truck Accident Lawyer
Plantation Truck Accident Lawyer
Find out why we have some of the best Plantation Florida Truck Accident Lawyers.
Definition of Truck Accident?
A truck accident refers to a collision involving a large commercial truck, such as a semi-truck, tractor-trailer, or tanker truck, with another vehicle, pedestrian, or object.
Truck accidents can occur for various reasons, including driver error, mechanical failures, poor road conditions, and inclement weather. Goldberg & Loren’s truck accident lawyers help navigate the legal process, protect the rights of the victims, and pursue compensation for their damages and losses.
These accidents often result in significant property damage, personal injuries, and even fatalities due to the size and weight of the vehicles involved. According to the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FHSMV) administration, there were 32,778 accidents involving heavy trucks in Florida in 2020 [1]
In 2021, the number of fatalities in large truck crashes increased by 17 percent to a total of 4,714 deaths compared to 2020. [2]
How Can a Truck Accident Lawyer Help You?
The legal team of Goldberg & Loren can be a valuable resource when you find yourself dealing with the aftermath of a truck accident.
We will assist you by negotiating with insurance companies on your behalf. We work tirelessly to gather evidence and build a strong case to support your claim. This includes securing accident reports, gathering witness statements, and obtaining any necessary medical and financial records. By doing so, we demonstrate the negligence of the responsible party and increase your chances of obtaining the maximum compensation and a fair settlement.
Our truck accident lawyers can launch thorough investigations into the accident to uncover any hidden details or factors that may have contributed to the incident. We will also guide you through the process of filing a lawsuit, if necessary, and represent your best interests in court.
Types of Truck Accidents
Rear-end collisions
Rear-end collisions in truck accidents can have devastating consequences on smaller passenger vehicles. Due to the massive size and weight disparity between trucks and cars, the impact of such accidents can result in severe damage and injuries.
Truck accidents involving rear-end collisions often lead to multi-vehicle pile-ups. When a large truck collides with a smaller vehicle from behind, the force is transmitted to the vehicle in front, causing a chain reaction that can involve multiple cars. This can result in a significant number of injuries and extensive property damage.
Several factors contribute to rear-end collisions involving trucks. Heavy traffic conditions play a significant role, as congested roads can lead to sudden stops and limited reaction times. The frequent stops that trucks make to deliver cargo increase the chances of a rear-end collision occurring.
Head-on Collisions
Head-on Collisions in truck accidents occur when two vehicles traveling in opposite directions collide front-end to front-end.
Victims of head-on collisions involving trucks may face long and painful recovery processes. They often require extensive medical treatments, surgeries, and rehabilitation therapies. The financial burdens can be overwhelming, as medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses pile up.
Side Impact Collisions
Side Impact Collisions involving trucks are another common type of accident that can have devastating consequences. These accidents occur when a truck collides with the side of another vehicle, often while attempting to pass or change lanes.
One contributing factor to these accidents is the large blind spots that trucks have. These blind spots, also known as “no-zones,” are areas around the truck where the driver’s visibility is limited or completely obstructed.
When a truck driver is unaware of a vehicle in their blind spot, they may attempt to change lanes or pass, not realizing that another vehicle is already beside them.
Rollover/Underride Accidents
Rollover/Underride Accidents are two distinct types of truck accidents that can have devastating consequences. In a rollover accident, the truck tips over onto its side or roof, while in an under-ride accident, a smaller vehicle becomes trapped underneath the truck trailer.
These types of accidents often occur due to various factors. Sharp turns, especially when taken at high speeds, can cause a truck to lose balance and tip over. If a truck’s load is unbalanced or improperly secured, it can shift during a turn, leading to a loss of stability. Slippery road conditions, such as rain or ice, can further contribute to the risk of a rollover or underride accidents.
Jackknife Crashes
Jackknife Crashes are a common type of truck accident that occurs when the trailer of a big rig swings to the side or backward of the cab in a V-shaped angle. This dangerous situation usually happens when the truck suddenly stops and the trailer continues to move due to inertia.
Jackknife crashes often occur on highways, particularly when truck drivers are traveling at high speeds and don’t have enough time to slow down. The sudden braking or deceleration causes the trailer to swing out of control, creating a hazardous situation for both the truck driver and surrounding vehicles.
The potential damage that can be caused by a jackknife crash is substantial. The swinging trailer can collide with other vehicles in its path, resulting in severe property damage and injuries to the occupants.
Equipment failure accidents
Equipment failure accidents include tire blowouts or brake failures. These accidents occur when a tire suddenly bursts or loses air pressure, causing the driver to lose control of the vehicle.
Several factors can contribute to tire blowouts, including overloading, underinflation, and poor maintenance. When a vehicle is overloaded with excessive weight, it puts additional strain on the tires, increasing the risk of a blowout.
Underinflated tires can become overheated, leading to a blowout. Poor maintenance, such as failure to inspect and replace worn-out tires, can also make them more susceptible to a blowout.
The consequences of a tire blowout crash can be devastating. The loss of control can cause the vehicle to swerve, collide with other vehicles, or even roll over.
Table of Contents
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Definition of Truck Accident?
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How Can a Truck Accident Lawyer Help You?
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Types of Truck Accidents
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Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Plantation, Florida
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Common Injuries in Truck Accidents
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What Are the Appropriate Steps to Take Following a Truck Accident?
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Have You or a Loved One Recently Been Involved in a Devastating Truck Accident in Plantation, Florida?
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Sources:
Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Plantation, Florida
- Driver Fatigue: Long hours on the road, strict deadlines, and pressure to meet delivery targets can lead to truck drivers experiencing fatigue. Fatigue impairs alertness, slows reaction time, and affects decision-making abilities, making it a leading cause of truck accidents in Plantation, Florida.
- Poor Vehicle Maintenance: Failing to properly maintain commercial vehicles can significantly increase the risk of accidents. Faulty brakes, worn-out tires, and malfunctioning lights can all contribute to a loss of control and increase the chances of a collision.
- Distracted Driving: Distractions such as texting, using GPS navigation systems, eating, or talking on the phone can divert a truck driver's attention from the road. This lack of focus poses a serious risk of accidents on the busy roads of Plantation, Florida.
- Improper Loading and Securing of Cargo: Overloading a truck or improperly securing the cargo can result in unbalanced weight distribution, leading to an increased likelihood of rollovers or loss of control.
- Driving Under the Influence: Operating a commercial truck under the influence of alcohol or drugs is not only illegal but also extremely dangerous. Impaired judgment and decreased motor skills significantly increase the chances of a catastrophic accident.
- Adverse Weather Conditions: Plantation, Florida, is no stranger to inclement weather, including heavy rain, strong winds, and tropical storms. These weather conditions can make driving more challenging and increase the risk of truck accidents.
- Speeding & aggressive driving: Exceeding the speed limit or driving too fast for the current road conditions can compromise the driver's ability to control the vehicle and react to unexpected situations.
- Driver negligence: Negligence plays a significant role in truck accidents and determines the liability of the parties involved. A negligent truck driver fails to exercise reasonable care while operating their vehicle, leading to accidents and subsequent damages.
In a truck accident, the negligent party (whether it be the driver or the trucking company) can be held liable for the damages, injuries, and losses suffered by the victims. It is essential for accident victims to seek legal representation to pursue compensation and hold the negligent driver accountable for their actions.
Common Injuries in Truck Accidents
Truck accidents can result in a range of injuries, varying in severity depending on the circumstances of the crash. Some common injuries that can occur in truck accidents include:
- Whiplash: Whiplash is a common injury caused by the sudden back-and-forth motion of the head and neck. It can lead to neck pain, stiffness, headaches, and dizziness.
- Fractures: The impact of a truck accident can cause bone fractures, such as broken arms, legs, ribs, or hips. Fractures may require surgery, immobilization, and extensive rehabilitation.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Severe truck accidents can result in spinal cord injuries, including paralysis or loss of sensation. These injuries can have long-term or permanent effects on a person's mobility and overall quality of life.
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): A truck accident can lead to head injuries, ranging from mild concussions to more severe traumatic brain injuries. TBIs can cause cognitive impairments, memory loss, mood changes, and even permanent disability.
- Internal Organ Damage: The force of a truck collision can cause internal injuries, such as internal bleeding or damage to organs like the liver, spleen, or kidneys. These injuries may require emergency medical intervention and surgery.
- Soft Tissue Injuries: Soft tissue injuries, such as bruises, sprains, strains, and muscle tears, are common in truck accidents. These injuries can cause pain, swelling, and reduced mobility. They may require physical therapy for recovery.
- Burns: Truck accidents involving fire or hazardous materials can lead to severe burn injuries. Burns can cause excruciating pain, scarring, disfigurement, and potential complications like infection.
What Are the Appropriate Steps to Take Following a Truck Accident?
After a truck accident, it is important to take several steps to protect your rights and ensure a fair resolution to your case. Here’s what you should do after a truck accident:
- Seek immediate medical attention: Ensure that everyone involved in the accident receives prompt medical care. Even if you don't feel injured initially, some symptoms may appear later.
- Call the police: Contact the police immediately, regardless of the accident's severity. A police report will be necessary for insurance claims and legal purposes.
- Exchange information: Obtain the truck driver's contact information, license number, and commercial truck accident insurance details. Also, collect contact information from any witnesses present at the scene.
- Take photos: Document the accident scene, damaged vehicles, and any visible injuries. These photos can serve as valuable evidence during the claims process.
- Write down details: Write down all relevant details about the accident while they are fresh in your memory. Include the time, date, location, road conditions, weather conditions, and any other relevant factors.
- Keep all medical receipts: Keep records of all medical expenses related to the accident, including hospital bills, rehabilitation costs, and medication expenses. These will be important for determining your compensation.
- Obtain legal counsel: Consulting with a personal injury attorney from Goldberg & Loren after a truck accident ensures that you have qualified attorneys who specialize in handling truck accident cases handling your truck accident claim. We will navigate the complexities of the legal process, protect your rights, and help you seek fair financial compensation.
Have You or a Loved One Recently Been Involved in a Devastating Truck Accident in Plantation, Florida?
Goldberg & Loren, the leading truck accident lawyers in Plantation, Florida, are here to help you navigate through this difficult time. With 30 years of experience and a proven track record of success, our team is dedicated to fighting for the justice and compensation you deserve.
We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll that a truck accident can have on your life. By choosing Goldberg & Loren, you can rest assured that you have a team of experienced attorneys on your side, ready to advocate for your rights and hold the responsible parties accountable for their actions.
Our truck accident attorneys will review your case for free and, if we determine that you have a valid claim, provide you with options to pursue legal action for proper compensation.
Contact Goldberg & Loren law firm today for a free consultation. Don’t wait any longer to seek the legal guidance and support you need. Let us fight for you and help you reclaim your life after a truck accident.
Sources:
[1] Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. (n.d.). Retrieved January 29, 2021, from https://www.flhsmv.gov/pdf/crashreports/crash_facts_2020.pdf
[2] Fatality Facts 2021: Large trucks. (n.d.). IIHS-HLDI Crash Testing and Highway Safety. https://www.iihs.org/topics/fatality-statistics/detail/large-trucks
Goldberg & Loren Personal Injury Attorneys
1776 N Pine Island Rd #224,
Plantation, FL 33322
(954) 727-3571
Have you recently been involved in a semi-truck accident in Plantation, Florida? If so, contact us for a free consultation. We'll build a strong case for you and lead you to get the compensation you deserve.
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