Truck accidents can often be one of the most dangerous and severe incidents to occur on the roads in Florida. The sheer size and heavyweight of the truck can often mean devastating damage and injury occur as a result of a collision, which can often have life-changing consequences. According to The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, around 400,000 truck accidents occur every year in Florida, with over 3000 of those leading to fatalities.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident in Bradenton, then it is likely that you will have sustained damage and injury, at least to a certain extent. As a result, you are likely to be entitled to compensation, and therefore it is strongly recommended to seek legal advice from an experienced truck accident attorney as soon as possible after the accident.
At The Law Place, we have a highly skilled team of personal injury lawyers with over 75 years of collective experience in successfully handling cases similar to yours. We understand how traumatic and life-changing a truck accident can be, which is why our adept Bradenton truck accident attorneys will be there to support you every step of the way and guide you through the legal process.
Our Florida phone lines are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, so you can call us at a time that suits you best and relax in the knowledge that a competent truck accident attorney will be on hand to help. Call us today at (941) 444-4444, and arrange a free consultation today.
Florida Speeding Laws
Speed limits in Florida are set according to the type of road or highway. The exact speed limit of each individual road in Florida is signposted clearly at the side of the road. As a basic rule, speed limits are usually set at 70 miles per hour or less for a highway and 30 miles per hour or less for a residential or commercialized area.
Florida’s Basic Speeding Law also highlights that drivers must use their best judgment when it comes to choosing a speed to drive at that is safe and reasonable. For example, in bad weather conditions, where visibility is poor, whilst the signposted speed limits will remain the same, more often than not, drivers will look to reduce their speed in accordance with the conditions of the road.
Speed limits may also be reduced when:
- Approaching a blind corner.
- Driving along a narrow or winding road.
- Approaching a sharp bend in the road.
- At a crossing or intersection.
What Are the Most Common Causes for Bradenton Truck Accidents?
There are a number of reasons why truck accidents occur in Florida. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration website lists some of the most common reasons for truck accidents. These reasons can be split into three categories:
Driver Related
- Fatigued truck drivers.
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs (DUI)
- Driving over the posted speed limit.
- Driver negligence, such as not paying attention to the road and their surroundings or misjudging a situation, such as the braking speed.
- Illegal maneuvering.
Vehicle-Related
- Issues with the vehicle’s brakes.
- Tire problems such as worn tires.
- Poorly loaded cargo, which can make a truck increasingly hard to maneuver.
Environmental Factors
- The conditions of the road.
- Weather conditions.
- External hazards.
Contact The Law Place to get started with your case today. Our Bradenton truck accident attorneys have an abundance of experience in dealing with the Florida legal system. They will work their best to ensure you receive the compensation that you are entitled to.
What Should You Do Following a Serious Truck Accident in Bradenton, FL?
If you are unfortunate enough to find yourself involved in a truck accident in Bradenton, then there are a number of steps you can take to ensure the safety of yourself and others. Steps can also be taken at the scene of the accident to help with the understanding of how the accident was caused, as well as establishing liability and gathering evidence that may be used to support you with your case.
Immediately after a truck accident, the most important first step to take is to make sure all those involved in the accident are as safe as possible. This may mean moving away from the scene of the accident, or away from oncoming traffic, or a damaged vehicle. It is also important to check yourself for any injuries before checking on any others that were involved in the collision. It is worthwhile noting that offering assistance to others following an accident is a legal requirement. Call the police and medical services if possible and await their arrival.
Once the authorities are at the scene and anyone that is injured is being cared for by the appropriate party, you can then begin gathering evidence from the scene of the accident. Such evidence may include:
- Taking photos from the scene of the accident, including the vehicles involved, the weather and road conditions, as well as any skid markings.
- Details of the truck’s vehicle registration, make, and model.
- Details of the truck driver, including their name, address, insurance provider, as well as the name of the trucking company that they work for.
- Note down details of any witnesses to the scene of the accident, including their names and contact details.
- Note down the name and badge number of the police officer that arrived at the scene of the accident. If you are in need of an accident report, the details of the police officer at the scene may be advantageous in helping you to locate it faster.
- Anything else that can be used as evidence or that may indicate the cause of the accident.
After you have gathered evidence and have been treated for any injuries caused as a result of the accident, it is then strongly recommended to seek the guidance of an accident attorney as soon as possible. A highly skilled truck accident lawyer will be able to assess the evidence and will work to build a powerful claim that may increase the chances of you receiving compensation.
What Damages May You Be Able to Claim Following a Trucking Accident?
As with every road collision, depending on the circumstances surrounding the incident, there are often a number of damages that you may be able to claim. Such damages may include:
- Medical expenses from past, present, and future bills – This includes any expenses incurred from traveling to and from medical appointments.
- Loss of income or any potential loss of income – If your injuries have prevented you from returning to work, then you may be eligible for compensation.
- Property damage – This includes any damage to your vehicle as well as any personal belongings that were destroyed or damage as a result of the accident.
- Wrongful death – If you are unfortunate to lose a loved one as a result of the truck accident, then you will be entitled to compensation that covers funeral expenses and loss of consortium.
In addition to economic damages, you may also be deserving of compensation if you have suffered emotional distress and trauma following the truck accident. This is also known as pain and suffering.
Establishing Liability for a Commercial Truck Accident in Bradenton, FL.
Establishing liability for a road collision is an important step in any legal case. However, establishing liability for truck accidents can often be increasingly complex as sometimes there is more than one party that can be held liable for the incident. Depending on the circumstances surrounding the truck accident, any of the following parties may be found to be liable:
- The driver of the truck.
- The trucking company.
- The truck manufacturer.
- The parts manufacturer.
- Third-party providers.
It is also worthwhile noting that Florida operates under a comparative negligence scheme. This means that if there is more than one party found to be liable for the truck accident, then they will be liable to pay for the damages according to the percentage that they were found to be at fault. As an example, if the driver of the truck is found to be 40% liable, then they will be required to pay for 40% of the damages. However, the party that is found to be more then 50% at fault then they will not be able to claim anything.
At The Law Place, we have a highly skilled team of Bradenton truck accident attorneys, who have an abundance of experience in handling cases similar to yours, and dealing with the Florida legal system. Call us today to arrange a free consultation with an adept personal injury lawyer.
How The Law Place Can Assist After a Speeding Truck Accident
In the wake of a speeding truck accident, victims often find themselves facing not only physical injuries but also the daunting task of navigating the legal system to seek justice and compensation. The Law Place is equipped with a team of dedicated attorneys who bring a wealth of knowledge and experience in handling such complex cases. Here’s how we can support you through this challenging time:
Free Case Evaluation
From the moment you reach out to us, we begin by offering a free, no obligation evaluation of your case. Understanding the specifics of your accident allows us to tailor our approach, ensuring that we address all aspects of your claim, from investigating the cause of the accident to assessing the full extent of your damages.
Aggressive Representation Against Trucking Companies
Speeding truck accidents often involve going up against large trucking companies and their insurers. Our attorneys are not deterred by the size or resources of these companies. We are committed to holding them accountable for their role in the accident, leveraging our negotiation skills and readiness to proceed to trial if necessary to secure the best outcome for you.
Maximizing Your Compensation
Our primary goal is to ensure that you receive the maximum compensation possible for your injuries and losses. This includes medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. We meticulously document all aspects of your claim to build a compelling case for the compensation you deserve.
Personalized Legal Guidance
At The Law Place, we believe in a personalized approach to legal representation. We understand that every case is unique, and we dedicate ourselves to providing individualized guidance and support throughout the legal process. Our attorneys are accessible and communicative, ensuring that you are informed and involved every step of the way.
Assistance with All Aspects of Your Claim
Our support extends beyond the courtroom. We assist with all aspects of your claim, from filing paperwork to representing you in negotiations with insurance companies. Our aim is to alleviate the stress of the legal process, allowing you to focus on your recovery.
No Upfront Costs
We offer our services on a contingency fee basis, meaning you owe us nothing unless we win your case. This arrangement ensures that our interests are fully aligned with yours and allows you to seek the legal representation you need without financial worry.
Bradenton Speeding Truck Accident Lawyer, FAQ
What should I do if I’m involved in an accident with a speeding truck driver?
If you’re involved in an accident with a truck driver who was speeding, prioritize your safety and seek medical attention immediately for any injuries. Report the accident to the authorities and document the scene as much as possible. Then, contact a Bradenton truck accident attorney to discuss your truck accident claim and explore your legal options.
How can a truck accident law firm help me with my case?
A truck accident law firm can provide comprehensive support by investigating the details of your accident, gathering evidence, negotiating with trucking companies and their insurance providers, and representing you in court if necessary. Their goal is to secure fair compensation for your injuries and losses.
What types of compensation are available for truck accident victims?
Victims of commercial truck accidents may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. In cases involving serious truck accidents that result in traumatic brain injuries or other severe injuries, additional compensation may be available to cover long-term care and rehabilitation costs.
Are commercial trucks regulated differently than other vehicles?
Yes, commercial motor vehicles, including commercial trucks, are subject to stricter regulations and standards than passenger vehicles. These regulations cover aspects such as speed limits, driver working hours, and vehicle maintenance. A skilled truck accident attorney can help navigate these regulations in your truck accident case.
What makes trucking companies liable in commercial truck accidents?
Trucking companies can be held liable in commercial truck accidents for reasons such as negligent hiring practices, inadequate driver training, failure to maintain vehicles, and pushing drivers to exceed legal speed limits or hours of service. Proving negligence on the part of the trucking company is crucial for a successful truck accident claim.
How are fatal injuries handled in truck accident cases?
In truck accident cases involving fatal injuries, the surviving family members may pursue a wrongful death claim against the responsible parties, including the truck driver and the trucking company. A Bradenton truck accident attorney can guide families through this process, seeking compensation for funeral expenses, loss of income, and loss of companionship.
Why is it important to choose a skilled truck accident attorney in Bradenton?
Choosing a skilled truck accident attorney in Bradenton is important because they have the experience and knowledge necessary to handle the complexities of truck accident cases. They understand the unique challenges posed by commercial truck accidents and are equipped to fight for the rights of truck accident victims, ensuring they receive the compensation they deserve.
Can truck accident victims recover compensation even if they were partially at fault?
Yes, under Florida’s comparative negligence laws, truck accident victims can still recover compensation even if they were partially at fault for the accident. However, their compensation may be reduced by their percentage of fault and they will not be able to claim anything if they are more than 50% at fault. An experienced truck accident lawyer can help minimize your fault percentage and maximize your recovery.
Speak to One of Our Bradenton Truck Accident Lawyers Today
If you or a loved one has been unfortunate enough to be involved in a truck accident that wasn’t your fault, then it is highly likely that you may be deserving of compensation. At The Law Place, we have a team of adept accident lawyers with over 75 years of combined experience in handling a variety of cases.
We understand how traumatic and stressful a truck accident can be, which is why our team of attorneys will be there to support you every step of the way. At our law firm, we pride ourselves on developing trusting attorney-client relationships built on transparency and honesty. A competent Bradenton truck accident lawyer will be there to support you through the legal process and will work to ensure you receive the best possible outcome for your case. Many of our attorneys are AVVO rated 10.0, which is the best possible ranking. This rating is awarded based on trial skills, length of service, and awards, as well as client testimonials and reviews.
Our Bradenton phone lines are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, so you can call us at any time of day, and rest assured, an experienced personal injury lawyer will be on hand to help. Contact us at (941) 444-4444, and arrange a free consultation with a skilled personal injury lawyer today.