Truck accident injuries can have a devastating impact on your physical and mental health, and cause financial strain for you and your family. After an accident, insurance companies may try to deny your claims, downplay your injuries, or delay settling your case. Moreover, truck drivers and truck companies typically have their own defense team that will immediately begin working to limit their liability for your injuries.
Miami personal injury attorney Mike Redondo knows from experience – he spent years of his early career representing large corporations to limit their liability in personal injury lawsuits. He now brings that experience to bear for truck accident victims by helping them maximize their financial recoveries.
Though it may seem like the deck is stacked against you after a truck accident, you don’t have to face the insurance and truck companies alone. Even if you are unsure of whether you have a valid claim, a Miami truck accident lawyer at Redondo Law, P.A. is here to take your call, answer your questions, and help you pursue the justice you deserve.
Who is Responsible for Truck Accidents in Miami?
Truck drivers who cause a truck accident may be the obvious parties to hold accountable for your injuries after a truck accident, but other parties may be responsible as well.
In cases where the truck driver violated a traffic law, drove negligently or disregarded a trucking regulation, the driver himself or herself may be held personally responsible. In most cases, however, truck drivers are individuals who may not have sufficient insurance coverage or personal assets to pay for serious truck accident injuries. For that reason, truck accident victims commonly look to the trucking company for compensation. In many cases, trucking companies can be held vicariously liable for any accidents caused by their drivers while on the job.
For example, trucking companies are responsible for following certain federal and state trucking regulations. These companies may overload their trucks, use a damaged or defective truck, or fail to adequately inspect their trucks before they hit the road. In those cases, the trucking company itself is liable for any damages caused by an accident.
Then, there are cases in which trucking companies have encouraged their drivers to violate trucking regulations and committed their own active negligence. For example, a trucking company may require a driver to exceed the number of hours that he or she can drive at one time. In those cases, responsibility for damages caused by a truck accident would belong to the trucking company directly.
Types of Truck Accidents
Trucks may cause accidents in a number of different ways and vary in terms of severity. Regardless of the type of truck accident that occurs, the potential for grave injury is likely to result considering the physics involved.
Common types of truck accidents include:
- Rollovers due to high winds or sudden driving maneuvers
- Jackknifing when a truck trailer becomes unbalanced
- Overriding or rear-ending
- Underriding due to sudden stop or improperly changed lanes
- Cargo spills caused by improperly loaded cargo
- Runaway trucks when a driver is unable to slow or stop their vehicle
Common Causes of Truck Accidents
Truck accidents in Miami can be caused by a number of factors: driver negligence, poor road maintenance, bad weather, equipment failure or improper cargo loading. However, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration reported that driver error causes the majority of truck accidents. Below are just a few examples of negligence committed by truck drivers.
- Distracted driving
- Driving while fatigued
- Driving under the influence
- Speeding
- Tailgating
- Violations of traffic laws
- Improper securing or loading cargo
Of course, there may be countless other ways in which a driver’s negligence could lead to a truck accident. Determining the cause of truck accident injuries is important to a successful resolution of a truck accident case. An experienced can look at the facts surrounding the accident and determine the best legal strategy moving forward.
Common Truck Accident Injuries
Following a truck accident, it is critical to document your injuries if you want to recover the full value of your case. You can take photos of your injuries, but more importantly, you should seek immediate medical attention. Below are common injuries caused by a truck accident.
Traumatic Brain Injury
Brain and head injuries resulting from a truck accident can range from a concussion to traumatic brain injury, depending on the nature of the crash. Brain injuries caused by truck accidents are nearly impossible to self-diagnose. Seeking a medical evaluation immediately following an accident is critical to treating potential brain damage.
Cuts and Lacerations
Truck accidents can also cause cuts and lacerations. Sharp edges may be exposed upon impact, and glass may shatter.
Broken Bones
Broken bones are also common in truck accidents, considering the size and weight of trucks on the road. Forceful impact with the interior components of the car (as well as the truck itself) can cause broken wrists, arms, legs, and ribs.
Spinal Cord Injury
Injury to the spine, neck, and back can also occur in an auto accident. In the worst truck accident cases, spinal cord injuries may also lead to paralysis – even death. Those suffering from pain in their spine, neck or back after a car accident should seek immediate emergency care for proper treatment.
Wrongful Death
Unfortunately, truck accidents can even lead to death. In fact, tractor-trailer accidents are 10 times more likely to kill motorists than car accidents. While no amount of money can replace the loss of a loved one, the truck driver and company responsible for any death on the road should be held responsible.
What Kind Of Damages Can You Recover From A Truck Accident?
As in an auto accident, there are two types of damages that a truck accident victim can recover: economic damages and non-economic damages.
Economic Damages
You may have medical bills, lost wages and other costs as a result of a truck accident. These types of losses are called economic damages. If you are injured in a truck accident in Miami, you are entitled to seek compensation for these losses in order to make a full financial recovery.
Non-Economic Damages
In addition to economic damages, you may also be eligible to claim non-economic damages for your truck accident injury as well. Non-economic damages include things such as pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life and emotional trauma. Non-economic damages can be hard to calculate. An experienced Miami truck accident attorney can help you determine the true value of your non-economic loss.
Contact A Miami Truck Accident Attorney
You may have questions about your truck accident injuries. Who is responsible? Who will pay my medical bills? Do I have a valid personal injury claim? Can I afford an auto accident lawyer?
Don’t delay consulting with an attorney. In Miami, truck accident victims only have four years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. The answers to your questions are just a free consultation away.
Call Miami personal injury attorney Mike Redondo at Redondo Law, P.A. today to find out if you have a truck accident case today.