The Devastating Impact Of Truck Accidents

Accidents involving semi trucks, delivery trucks and other commercial vehicles can cause devastating and life-altering injuries. In many cases, the injuries sustained require extensive rehab, lead to lost wages and create expensive medical bills for victims. They can also cause tragic and untimely deaths.

Recent data compiled by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) suggests that accidents involving commercial vehicles have been in decline over the last decade. However, there are still more than 450,000 police-reported crashes involving large trucks each year. Approximately 1% of those crashes are fatal and 23% lead to injuries.

Work With An Experienced And Aggressive Advocate

If you or a loved one was involved in a truck accident, it is in your best interest to connect with an aggressive and proven attorney to navigate the many legal hurdles that stand between you and the full financial recovery you deserve. At the law office of Charles Injury Law, lawyer Steve Charles is prepared to fight for your right to receive maximum compensation for the injuries that you or your loved one sustained. He has a proven record of success in handling high-stakes injury cases such as truck accidents.

Steve has earned numerous awards for his hard work and dedication to clients. He is available 24/7 to address your concerns. Call 954-613-9108 today to get started with a free, no-obligation consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Truck Accidents

After a devastating truck accident has turned your life upside-down, you likely have questions. Below are answers to some common questions. However, this information is no substitute for individualized legal advice. Attorney Steve Charles can answer any questions you have specific to your situation.

What are some common causes of truck accidents?

In rare instances, accidents that involve large trucks are the fault of no one person. The vast majority of collisions occur because of the negligent actions of one or more of the drivers involved.

The common causes of truck accidents are similar to the reasons that lead to other types of car accidents. However, the consequences of a collision with a large commercial vehicle can be more severe and deadly. As a result, the legal implications are also more far-reaching.

Common causes of truck accidents include:

• Driver fatigue: Though the Department of Transportation (DOT) strictly regulates the amount of time that a truck driver is allowed to drive, fatigue still happens all too often. When a truck driver is fatigued, they are more likely to fall asleep at the wheel and/or make costly mistakes that endanger the lives of other drivers on the road.
• Alcohol and drug use: Some truck drivers drink alcohol when stopping for the night or take prescription medication that negatively affects their ability to safely operate a commercial vehicle. Both instances can lead to dire consequences for themselves and others on the road.
• Inadequate driver training or truck maintenance: Commercial vehicles are complex pieces of machinery that require extensive training and maintenance. When one or the other is lacking, it can be a recipe for disaster.
• Speeding or overtaking: Truck drivers are often tasked with reaching their destination within a specific amount of time. Many are offered incentives for early deliveries. This can cause a driver to make unsafe maneuvers that reduce their reaction time and create deadly conditions on the road.
• Distracted driving: Most commercial vehicles are laden with technology, gears and personal items, in addition to a driver’s cellphone. These can all lead to a driver being distracted. Even distractions that only last for a few seconds can lead to a lost life or a lifetime of pain and suffering for victims of truck accidents.

Other contributing factors may also be at play. Lawyer Steve Charles knows how to dig deep to ensure that critical evidence of wrongdoing doesn’t get overlooked.

What kind of injuries are common in truck accidents?

Injuries sustained in truck accidents can be severe due to the size of a commercial vehicle and the damage that it can inflict. Common injuries that truck accident victims suffer from include:

• Head and brain injuries (including traumatic brain injuries)
• Neck and back injuries
• Spinal cord injuries (potentially leading to paralysis)
• Broken bones and fractures
• Burn injuries
• Permanent disfigurement
• Loss of limbs
• Loss of life

Who can I sue for a truck accident?

In commercial vehicle accident cases, multiple parties are often liable beyond just the truck driver (which also means multiple insurance coverages). The truck driver’s employer is also on the hook. Other potential defendants include the shipping company, dispatcher, truck mechanic and other parties. Identifying all the liable parties is essential for getting the full compensation you deserve. That’s why it’s important to work with a lawyer like Steve who knows how to dig deep to pinpoint all the legally responsible parties.

Should I accept a settlement after a truck accident?

You should never accept a settlement offer without first consulting an attorney. The opposing party (or parties) and their insurance companies may pressure you with a lowball offer early on in the case to minimize their payout and avoid the expense of defending against a personal injury claim in court. These offers are rarely enough to adequately compensate you for all the harm you’ve suffered. You may not even know the full tally of your medical bills yet. It’s well worth it to first talk with a lawyer such as Steve and get an idea of the valuation of your case. Steve offers free consultations with no strings attached.

What kinds of compensation can I get for a truck accident?

Through a personal injury lawsuit, you can seek compensation (legally called “damages”) for all of your losses and harm stemming from the accident, including:

• Medical and rehab expenses (past, present and future)
• Lost earnings resulting from missed work
• Loss or reduction in your earning capacity
• Compensation for disfigurement and permanent injuries or disabilities
• Compensation for your pain, suffering and emotional distress

Additional damages are available in wrongful death claims and those involving extreme indifference to human life (such as drunk driving).

What is the deadline for filing a truck accident lawsuit?

As with other types of personal injury claims in Florida, the deadline (or statute of limitations) for truck accident cases is four years from the date of the accident. However, it’s never wise to wait until the last minute to pursue a claim. Truck accident cases are highly complex and take time to build. The sooner an attorney gets involved, the sooner they can start investigating and gathering the evidence needed to prove your case.

Don’t Let Powerful Opponents Take Advantage Of You | Work With A Proven Truck Accident Attorney

Have you recently been injured or lost a loved one as a result of a collision with a commercial vehicle? If so, talk to Steve sooner rather than later about your legal options. If you are already coping with injuries and rehab, negotiating with high-powered corporate insurance attorneys without appropriate representation can make your recovery process much more difficult. Additionally, it can be hard to gauge the worth of your case without the experience of a proven truck accident attorney such as Steve.

You do not have to fight for your right to be fairly compensated on your own. Give Charles Injury Law a call at 954-613-9108 and allow Steve to do the fighting for you. You can also contact him online to schedule your free, no-hassle, initial consultation. Headquartered in Plantation, he represents truck accident victims across Florida.