Every day increasing numbers of consumers are choosing to make purchases online. As a result, commercial companies such as DHL, are sending more and more delivery trucks onto Florida highways each day to meet demand.
Whilst still less frequent than car accidents, accidents involving trucks are becoming increasingly common and can often have tragic consequences. Due to the sheer size, height, and weight of the vehicle, accidents involving trucks can cause severe injuries and vehicle damage.
If you or a loved one have been unfortunate enough to experience a trucking accident, then you could be deserving of compensation. At The Law Place, our lawyers have experience and knowledge in dealing with truck accidents like yours. At our law firm, all our lawyers are committed to developing a positive attorney-client relationship and will fight to win the compensation you are entitled to. Contact us today on (941) 444-4444 and receive a free consultation.
DHL Trucking Company Statistics
Whilst originally founded in the United States, DHL now operates internationally, with 380,000 members of staff delivering over 1.3 billion parcels each year. Although these impressive figures highlight the success of the company, the high numbers of delivery trucks on the road make company accidents increasingly likely.
What Should You Do if You Find Yourself in an Accident With a DHL Truck in Fort Myers?
If you or a loved one are unfortunate enough to find yourself involved in a truck accident in Fort Myers, then it is strongly advised to pursue legal advice as soon as possible after the accident.
Although Florida Law Statue 95.11 allows 4 years from the date of an accident for it to be reported, the quicker that an accident is reported, the easier it is for an accident lawyer to gather supporting information and evidence for your case, and so the stronger your claim will be.
Additionally, large trucking companies such as DHL will most likely have dealt with these sorts of cases before and will have a strong legal team on hand to support them. This legal team will be highly skilled in minimizing claims from accident victims. Therefore, it is best if you seek legal advice as soon as possible after the incident.
By law, all trucks must be fitted with a black box, otherwise known as an Event Data Recorder (EDR). These devices record data about the vehicle and can provide critical information with regards to what the truck was doing before, during, and after the accident. This can provide accident lawyers with essential information that may be used to establish which party is at fault and is therefore liable for the accident.
In addition to looking at EDR evidence, an accident lawyer is likely to investigate the scene of the accident and look for any road markings or signs that may help with the investigation. They will also look to gather statements from any witnesses. Altogether, this evidence can strengthen your case and put you in a strong position to receive the compensation that you deserve.
Identifying Liability for a Trucking Accident
With a trucking accident, often there are several parties that may be found liable for the accident. Depending on the circumstances of the accident, liability can be placed on any of the following:
- The driver of the truck.
- The trucking company, DHL, for example.
- The truck manufacturer.
- The parts manufacturer.
- The insurance provider.
- Third-party companies.
Under Florida Law statue 768.81, Florida operates under a comparative negligence scheme. This comparative negligence scheme means that each party found to be liable for an accident is held accountable for the damages. For example, if the driver of the truck was found to be 50% liable, and the parts manufacturer is also found to be 50% liable for the incident, then they would both be held accountable to pay for 50% of the damages each.
We understand how complex establishing liability can be, particularly for trucking accidents. At The Law Place, our personal injury lawyers will guide you through this process and ensure you have all the necessary information to go forward with your case.
The Most Common Causes of Truck Accidents
The cause of a truck incident will vary greatly from case to case. Some of the most common causes are:
- Truck driver negligence.
- Driver fatigue.
- Drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Truck company negligence.
- Poorly loaded or overloaded cargo.
- Defective vehicle parts.
- Poor maintenance of the vehicle.
More often than not, accidents involving trucks occur due to the truck driver’s negligence. Truck drivers are used to being behind the wheel and often drive the same roads each day. As a result, drivers sometimes become lazy and stop paying as much attention to the road as they should, making the chances of an accident increasingly likely.
On occasion, the trucking company can also be found to be liable for the accident. Sometimes, trucking companies neglect the maintenance of their vehicles to cut costs and maximize profits.
At The Law Place, our team of injury lawyers is committed to investigating your incident to ensure the liable party is held accountable. We will do our utmost to ensure you receive the compensation that you are entitled to.
The Most Common Injuries as a Result of a Trucking Accident
The injuries sustained as a result of a trucking accident are often very serious and sometimes life-changing due to the large size and weight of the truck. Some of the most common injuries sustained are as follows:
- Burns, cuts, and lacerations.
- Head, neck, or back injury.
- Emotional pain and suffering.
- Fractured or broken bones.
- Internal bleeding.
- Organ failure.
- Wrongful death.
If you have sustained an injury as the result of a truck accident, and are now left facing huge medical bills, then we highly recommend that you seek the advice of an experienced lawyer. At The Law Place, we understand how stressful and traumatic the experience can be, which is why we are here to guide you through your case and support you every step of the way.
What Damages Can You Claim For?
Depending on the circumstances of your incident, our law firm will be able to identify what damages you may be able to claim. Some of the most common claims for damages are as follows:
- Past, present, and future medical bills, including any costs incurred from traveling to and from medical appointments.
- Loss of income and loss of earning capacity.
- Pain and suffering, including any emotional distress and trauma.
- Wrongful death. This includes any funeral expenses, loss of income, loss of companionship, and any changes to your lifestyle.
- Any other additional costs, such as childcare or travel expenses, if you have been unable to drive due to injury.
Our law firm completely understands that no price or amount of compensation will ever make up for the pain and suffering caused. We want to make the legal side of your case as stress-free and easy for you as possible, which is why we are here to guide you every step of the way. We will fight for the compensation that you are entitled to.
How a Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help You
At The Law Place in Fort Myers, we have dealt with many truck accidents in the past, and fully understand how traumatic and distressing the experience can be. At The Law Place, you can be assured that our lawyers will be there to offer support and guidance whenever you need, and will do their utmost to fight for your rights to compensation.
It is useful to know that all our lawyers in Fort Myers operate on a contingency basis, meaning any legal fees will only be deducted once you receive your settlement. This means that, if for any reason, your case is unsuccessful, you won’t have to pay us anything.
Contact The Law Place Today
If you have found yourself involved in a truck incident, then contact our law firm today to get started with your claim. At The Law Place, our team of lawyers has over 75 years of knowledge and experience in dealing with truck accident cases similar to yours. Our phone lines are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, so we can be on hand to offer advice and support when you need it most.
Contact us today on (941) 444-4444 and arrange a free no-obligation consultation with one of our experienced attorneys.