Commercial trucking accidents are often catastrophic. The massive size of these big rigs is enough to destroy any other type of vehicle that crosses its path. If you’ve suffered severe injuries in a collision with a tractor-trailer, you may have grounds for an insurance or civil claims.
Explore your legal options by working with a Pompano Beach big rig truck accident lawyer at the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine. Learn more about what’s next for your case and how a personal injury lawyer can help during a free consultation today.
Types of Injuries Seen in Big Rig Truck Accidents in Pompano Beach
Collisions involving big rig trucks can produce catastrophic injuries. Since big rig trucks are so much larger than almost every other type of vehicle, they have the potential to annihilate other vehicles in the event of an accident.
There are virtually endless ways in which truck accident victims could suffer injuries. Some of the potential injuries in Pompano Beach big rig truck accidents include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Third-degree burns
- Spinal cord injuries
- Paralysis
- Loss of limbs
- Head injuries
- Whiplash
- Neck injuries
- Soft tissue injuries
- Internal bleeding
- Organ failure
- Broken bones and compound fractures
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
These are just a few of the types of potential injuries in Pompano Beach big rig truck accidents. If you’ve suffered another injury not listed above, you may still have grounds for a claim. The best way to find out is by contacting our office to discuss your case’s details.
Types of Accidents Involving Big Rig Trucks in Pompano Beach
One of your attorney’s most important responsibilities will be establishing fault. To do this, your Pompano Beach truck accident attorney must examine the type of truck accident you were involved in and how the accident occurred.
Some of the types of big rig truck accidents that may happen in Pompano Beach include:
- Rollover accidents
- T-bone accidents
- Tire blowouts
- Underride accidents
- Jackknife accidents
- Rear-end collisions
- Sideswipe accidents
- Highway accidents
- Accidents at intersections
- Distracted driving accidents
- Drunk driving accidents
- Drowsy driving accidents
- Head-on collisions
- Multivehicle accidents
- Single big rig truck accidents
These accidents may occur due to negligent driving, hazardous road conditions, and defective or malfunctioning motor vehicle parts.
An in-depth investigation into your Pompano Beach big rig truck accident will determine who is responsible for causing the accident and compensating you for your damages.
Liability for Pompano Beach Big Rig Truck Accidents
Proving liability will be critical. In fact, establishing fault may be one of the few ways injury victims can recover compensation for their damages both with the insurance company and in civil court.
The cause of your big rig truck accident in Pompano Beach will determine who is responsible for your injuries. For example, if a drowsy truck driver caused your accident, both the negligent truck driver and the trucking company could be responsible.
If the trucking company forced the truck driver to work hours beyond Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations, it could be responsible for your injuries. Other parties that could share fault for your big rig truck accident in Pompano Beach include:
- Government agencies
- Municipalities
- Cargo loaders
- The owner of the big rig
- Safety inspectors
- Big rig maintenance technicians
- Auto parts manufacturers/distributors
- Truck dealerships
- Other third parties
Florida Truck Accident Laws You Need to Know
As you prepare to move forward with your big rig truck accident claim in Pompano Beach, you should be aware of several Florida personal injury laws.
Some of the most important include pure comparative negligence, the statute of limitations, and no-fault insurance.
Pure Comparative Negligence
Some truck accident victims share fault for their injuries. It happens far more frequently than you might think. Even something as simple as not wearing your seatbelt can indicate you are partially at fault for your injuries.
However, do not be alarmed. Florida operates under a pure comparative negligence system, per Florida Statutes § 761.81. This means sharing liability will not bar you from recovering compensation for your damages. Instead, your injury settlement will simply reflect a shared fault deduction proportionate to your percentage of liability.
For example, let’s say you were not wearing your seatbelt when a drowsy truck driver struck you. The judge might find you 5% responsible for your injuries. If you were awarded $100,000 for your damages, your injury settlement would be reduced by 5%, leaving you with $95,000. If you have questions about how pure comparative negligence laws may impact your case, your attorney can discuss your concerns further.
The Statute of Limitations
The statute of limitations for big rig truck accident and personal injury claims is four years, per Florida Statutes § 95.11. You must file your claim before this statute of limitations expires if you hope to pursue your case in the Pompano Beach civil courts.
If you file your claim once the statute of limitations has passed, the defendant’s attorney will simply file a motion to dismiss your case. The judge will have no choice but to grant their motion.
No-Fault Insurance
Florida is a no-fault state, per Florida Statutes § 627.7407. This means you will file a claim with your insurance company after a car accident, no matter who was at fault. Florida requires drivers to carry personal injury protection (PIP) coverage, and this is the policy that covers you in an accident.
However, before you file a claim with your insurance company, review your case with your Pompano Beach big rig truck accident attorney to learn your options, as filing a claim with your insurance company could increase your auto insurance premiums.
Get Help from a Pompano Beach Big Rig Truck Accident Attorney Today
The truck accident claims process is often intimidating. Do not let your fear keep you from seeking the justice you deserve. With our firm backing you up, you can feel confident in your decision to hold the liable party accountable.
Schedule your no-cost, risk-free consultation with the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine today to get started on your case with a Pompano Beach big rig truck accident lawyer.
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