Truck Accidents: Who’s Responsible?
Commercial Truck Accidents can be Extremely Costly
Any type of vehicle crash can cause serious injury and leave you with mountains of legal costs and insurance headaches. Truck accidents in particular are treated differently than a standard automobile collision. That’s because driver negligence may be to blame.
Depending on the evidence provided, the driver, the trucking company, or even the trucking manufacturer may be held responsible for damages. Unfortunately, many people involved in a truck accident miss the opportunity to sue for legal compensation.
In Boca Raton and other cities in Florida, commercial truck drivers must adhere to strict laws that govern vehicle operation and maintenance. Accidents involving commercial vehicles such as 18-wheelers have a much greater potential for serious injury. Even if your insurance policy fails to cover the damages, you may still have a case. An experienced Florida personal injury attorney can help you fight back against negligence and get the compensation you deserve.
Truck Driver Rules and Regulations
Recent amendments to federal commercial motor vehicle laws limit how long truck drivers can stay on the road without taking a break. Truck drivers must also obey specific consumption laws, cargo specifications, and rules governing operation. For example, a commercial truck hauling heavy cargo can exceed 25 tons and cause massive damage and serious injury or death to drivers of smaller cars. A dedicated Florida personal injury attorney can check whether the driver or the trucking company complied with the federal laws and bring them to justice.
Recorded Evidence
Certain commercial vehicles must be equipped with a black box recording device. Sudden changes in the movement of the truck trigger the black box to record data about the vehicle, including:
- RPM
- Speed during various time intervals
- Location of the vehicle
- Brake application
Black boxes may also record reckless actions such as rapid acceleration, swerving, sharp turns, slamming on the brakes, and failure to signal. This information can serve as vital evidence against the driver and help you win your claim.
Vehicle Documentation Laws
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires commercial truck drivers to keep documents proving their vehicle has passed regular inspections. Truck accident claims in Florida require the truck driver to present inspection documents that state the condition of the truck at specific times. If the truck ever failed inspection, the driver must provide proof of repair and maintenance work that brought the truck up to standards.
In the event of non-compliance, the truck driver, the trucking company, or even the trucking manufacturer may be at fault. An experienced accident attorney can leverage vehicle documentation or lack thereof to prove your claim in the event of an accident involving suspected driver negligence.
If you or a loved one have suffered injuries or death due to truck driver negligence, you deserve an attorney you can trust. The time to make a claim is now. Under federal law, commercial truck drivers can dispose of inspection reports after a certain amount of time has passed.
When that happens, you may no longer be able to claim compensation. Specialized Florida accident attorneys can analyze your case and ensure that the responsible party pays your rightful compensation.
Get The Help & Fight for Your Rights
If you or a loved one is injured in an accident, contact Top Personal Injury Lawyer in Boca Raton, Florida at Glotzer & Kobren, P.A. at 561-361-8677 to discuss your rights. Serving Boca Raton, Delray Beach, Boynton Beach, Deerfield Beach & throughout Florida.
