Truck Accident Lawyers in Hollywood, FL

Truck accident lawyers in Hollywood, FL work with people whose lives have been forever changed by a serious truck accident. The size and weight of a fully loaded cement truck, tanker, 18-wheeler, or any commercial truck can easily crush smaller vehicles such as passenger cars and motorcycles.

The injuries that result from Hollywood truck accidents are often devastating, which is why they often make the news. If you’re injured in a truck accident or any traffic collision in South Florida, don’t delay in finding out about your rights to compensation; contact Flaxman Law Group for a free consultation to discuss your situation with a truck accident lawyer in Hollywood, FL.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Hollywood Florida

Truck accidents can be caused by many factors, and it’s not uncommon for multiple issues to lead to a crash. The most common causes include:

• Driver fatigue. Long hours on the road can lead to drowsiness. Truck drivers are trained to stay alert and must abide by federal Hours of Service rules, which limit how long they can drive before they rest. Despite this, deadlines, medical conditions, and the pressures of the road can lead to fatigued driving.
• Mechanical failures. Brake failure and tire blowouts are two common causes of truck crashes. Poor truck design and poor maintenance can also create unsafe conditions.
• Adverse weather. While Florida doesn’t have to deal with snow and ice, heavy storms, flooding, and high winds can affect vehicle handling. Trucks, due to their size and top-heavy design, can be particularly vulnerable to slippery roads, poor visibility, and strong winds.
• Improper loading. Incorrectly secured cargo can shift during transit, affecting the truck’s balance. This can make it hard for a driver to control the vehicle.
• Driver distraction. Like any driver, truck drivers can be distracted by their phones, GPS systems, or even just daydreaming. Truck drivers also tend to drive new routes and may be dealing with dispatch or looking for specific addresses, which can increase distraction.
• Inadequate training. Operating a large truck requires specialized skills. Inadequate training or a lack of experience can impair a driver’s ability to handle the truck safely, and with a current truck driver shortage not all drivers are given the training they need.
• Road conditions. Poorly maintained roads, and signage, heavy traffic, and construction zones pose a problem for trucks because these larger vehicles need more space to maneuver.

No matter what causes your truck accident, it’s important to understand whether you have a claim. If you’re in a car accident or motorcycle accident involving a commercial truck, you might not know whether the driver was distracted or pressured into driving all night. Truck accident lawyers in Hollywood, FL have the investigator teams and resources needed to get you the answers you need for peace of mind.

Common Injuries From Truck Accidents

If you’re in a motorcycle accident, car accident, or other type of collision with a commercial truck, the smaller size of your vehicle can mean you’re less protected from injuries. While the driver of a big rig may walk away without a scratch, you may be at risk of:

• Whiplash and neck injuries.
• Back and spinal cord injuries, including serious spinal cord trauma that can lead to paralysis.
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs).
• Broken bones.
• Internal injuries and damage to your organs.
• Soft tissue injuries affecting your ligaments, muscles, and tendons.
• Trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Early diagnosis and treatment can make a significant difference in recovery. Please remember you’re not alone in this. If you’re in a car accident, seek medical attention at once and continue to seek a second opinion if you’re not getting the help you need.

What Should You Do After a Truck Accident?

Being in a truck accident can be terrifying, but there’s a lot to do to protect your life and your future finances. Here’s what you’ll want to do:

• Stay calm and think clearly. Give yourself a moment to take a deep breath.
• Take care of safety first. Your first priority is to ensure everyone's safety. If you can, move your vehicle to a safe location to avoid further accidents. Turn on your hazard lights and call emergency services if anyone needs urgent medical attention.
• See a qualified doctor. Even if you feel fine, visit an emergency room, urgent care center, or doctor’s office. You may be full of adrenaline or symptoms may not have developed yet, but that doesn’t mean you’re fine. Seeking medical treatment soon after your accident can save your life.
• Report the accident. Contact the police and your insurance company to report the accident. Keep copies of the police report and any insurance documentation you have, since these will be important as you seek compensation.
• Gather evidence. If it’s safe to do so and you don’t need immediate emergency attention, take lots of photographs of the accident scene, capturing vehicle damage, road conditions, and any visible injuries. Write down everything you can remember, as soon as you can. Get the contact information of anyone who might have seen the crash. When you get home, start keeping a record of all medical treatments, costs, and any communication about your injury.
• Exchange information. Exchange contact and insurance details with the truck driver and any other involved parties. Be sure to get the truck driver’s license plate number, their truck’s registration details, and the contact information for their insurance company.
• Consult with truck accident lawyers in Hollywood, FL. If the accident involved significant damage or injuries and it was caused by someone’s negligence, you may be eligible for significant compensation, which can help you recover financially from the collision. Your first consultation with a personal injury attorney is usually free, so it makes sense to at least find out how much your claim could be worth.
• Take care of yourself. Follow medical advice and return to your usual activities gradually. If you’re struggling, reach out to a support group, your doctor, and mental health professionals. You’re not alone and help is available if you need it.

There’s a lot to think about and tackle after a truck accident, and if you don’t know where to turn, you can always contact Flaxman Law Group for a free consultation. We have resources to help you through this process.

How Can a Hollywood, FL Truck Accident Lawyer Help?

You’re not legally required to work with truck accident lawyers in Hollywood, FL, but it can help. A personal injury attorney will assess the extent of your injuries, the impact on your life, and determine the strength of your case. Your lawyer will investigate the cause of your accident, answer your questions, and guide you through the process.

One crucial role of truck accident lawyers in Hollywood, FL is to speak to insurance companies on your behalf. When you talk to your insurance company, it’s simply too easy to say something the insurer can then use to minimize your claim. With a lawyer speaking for you, you don’t have to worry about that. You have a skilled negotiator seeking compensation for you.

A truck accident personal injury attorney is dedicated to protecting your interests. Your lawyer always acts in your best interests, seeking the best outcome in your case, so you get the compensation you should. An attorney takes care of the details of seeking a settlement or representing your case in court, if no settlement can be reached.

Compensation Types for Truck Accident Victims in Florida

After a truck accident, you can seek compensation for your losses. This can mean seeking recovery for:

• Medical expenses, including expected future medical expenses related to your injury.
• Lost wages, including potential future income losses caused by your injuries.
• Pain and suffering.
• Property damage, including damage to your car and any other assets damaged or lost in the crash.
• Additional costs, like the cost of personal care or transportation if you can’t drive or care for yourself due to your injuries.

In addition, if you tragically lose someone in a truck accident, you may have a wrongful death claim. This allows you to seek compensation for lost companionship, final medical bills, lost income contributions, and funeral expenses.

If you were driving a truck for work or were driving as part of your job when you were in a truck accident, you may also be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. These can pay all your medical bills and replace part of your wages. Speaking to a workers’ compensation attorney can help you determine whether you have a claim.

Statute of Limitations for Truck Accident Claims in Hollywood, FL

In Florida, the statute of limitations for filing a truck accident claim is usually four years from the date of the accident. While there are a few exceptions, if you don’t file within this time you’ll lose the right to seek compensation. The statute of limitations may be even shorter if your defendant is a government entity, such as a municipality that was negligent in maintaining the roads.

While you have up to four years, taking action sooner rather than later can be advantageous. It allows more time to gather evidence, interview witnesses, and build a strong case, which can significantly impact the outcome.

Consulting with an experienced attorney is recommended. A lawyer can ensure you meet all deadlines and requirements for filing a claim, improving your chances of securing compensation.

Determining Fault in Hollywood Truck Accidents

Another thing truck accident lawyers in Hollywood, FL can do is determine fault in your accident case. This is important because Florida follows a comparative negligence system, so fault can be shared among multiple parties, and each party is responsible for their percentage of the fault.

It’s important for your lawyer to accurately determine fault because this will be used in determining your compensation. For example, if you are found to be 10% at fault and you’re awarded $200,000 by a jury, you will receive 10% or $20,000 less. As you can see, if you’re found to be 20% at fault, you will receive tens of thousands of dollars less—money that may be necessary for your medical care. An experienced attorney will work tirelessly to investigate the causes of an accident and the negligence of other parties so you’re not assigned more of the blame.

Liability in Truck Accident Claims

In Florida, determining liability in truck accidents involves assessing who is legally responsible for the accident and resulting damages. This involves looking at all the details of the incident, such as how the accident occurred, the actions of the truck

The truck driver’s actions are a primary focus in this process. If the driver was speeding, driving under the influence, distracted, or otherwise negligent, they may be held liable.

In addition, your lawyer will look closely at the truck company, the maintenance of the truck, the truck manufacturer, the parties responsible for the roads, and any other liable parties to uncover anyone who may have played a role in your injuries—and who therefore may be expected to pay compensation.

Obviously, finding the right attorney is crucial if you want to make sure you find all liable parties and seek the compensation you deserve. Should you ever find yourself in a serious truck accident, contact Flaxman Law Group for a free consultation. You can always reach us for an honest evaluation of your case.

Flaxman Law Group is a boutique, family-run law firm where you get personalized attention from attorneys who have decades of experience with truck accident claims. In fact, our team has secured multiple multi-million-dollar verdicts and settlements for injured people just like you. We take on a range of cases, including traffic accidents, nursing home abuse claims, and more. Our attorneys also give you their personal cell phone numbers, so you can always stay in touch with your legal team. Contact us today for your free consultation.

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