Some of the most devastating road accidents are the ones that involve commercial trucks. In many cases, the injuries sustained by victims are severe and long-lasting. Truck accidents occur every day on South Florida’s congested highways. If you’ve been hurt in a truck accident, you should know who is liable and whether the truck driver or the trucking company is legally responsible for your injuries.
Did the Truck Driver Disregard State or Federal Laws?
Truck drivers are required to follow both state and federal laws when driving. If a driver doesn’t obey all of those laws while working, they can be held liable for injuring others in an accident.
One way a truck driver can violate the law is to lack proper licensing. There is also a weight limit for how much drivers can transport on their trucks. If the cargo loaded on the truck is heavier than the maximum allowed, the trucking company can be held liable. Truck drivers must also follow regulations for transporting any hazardous materials. The company could be held responsible for injuries sustained by anyone involved in an accident with the truck if it violated those regulations.
Did a Defect cause the Accident in the Truck?
If the accident was due to a manufacturing or repair defect in the commercial truck, or if the truck has a component determined to be defective, the injured party has the right to file a personal injury claim against the trucking company, repairer or manufacturer.
It’s essential for a person who is involved in a severe accident with a commercial truck to consult an experienced Fort Lauderdale truck accident attorney to discuss the value of their potential claim and their options for compensation.
Proving Liability in Truck Accident Cases
Truck drivers have a duty of care to other motorists to follow regulations. When they breach that duty and hurt someone, that is grounds for a personal injury lawsuit. To pursue a successful claim, your lawyer must show that the negligence of the truck driver, trucking company, or any other party involved in the crash directly caused your injuries.
These types of accident cases can be highly complex because of all the potential parties that may be liable for damages. To make the most of your claim, retain a skilled personal injury lawyer with Salpeter Gitkin, LLP. Contact us for a free consultation.
