TRUCK ACCIDENT ATTORNEY IN BOCA RATON, FLORIDA

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), in 2018, there were approximately 176,000 injuries and 5,184 fatalities in traffic crashes involving large trucks and buses in the United States. Accidents involving semi-trucks, trucks, and 18-wheelers are usually severe and result in significant injury or death.

If you were hurt in a truck accident or if you believe that the negligent actions of a truck driver were responsible for the death of a loved one, you may be eligible to recover damages. Attorney Steven J. Litvack is committed to providing experienced legal services and compassionate representation to truck accident victims and their family members. As an experienced Florida personal injury attorney, I will fight vigorously to protect your rights and help you pursue rightful compensation for your injuries, damages, or loss.

Attorney Steven J. Litvack proudly serves clients throughout Boca Raton, Florida, and surrounding communities of Palm Beach County, Boynton Beach, Delray Beach, Deerfield Beach, and Coral Springs.

FLORIDA LAWS AFFECTING TRUCK ACCIDENTS

Under Florida laws, in the event of a truck accident, the truck driver has the responsibility to stop and provide "reasonable assistance" to the accident victims. The truck accident must also be reported to the nearest police station or law enforcement office. Truck drivers who leave the accident scene without doing any of these could be facing second-degree or third-degree felony charges.

STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS

Pursuant to Florida Statutes Section 95.11(3)(a), an action founded on negligence must be filed within four years from the date the incident occurred. Likewise, an action for wrongful death must be filed within two years of the date the death occurred (Florida Statutes section 95.11(4)(d)).

REPORTING REQUIREMENTS

In Florida, drivers involved in traffic crashes, whether there were injuries, death, property damages, or not, must report the incident to a law enforcement agency or submit a written crash report to the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.

VICARIOUS LIABILITY OF TRUCKING COMPANY

A trucking company may be vicariously liable for injuries or damages caused by its driver, provided that, at the time the incident occurred, the driver was acting within the jurisdiction of his or her employment.

ASSESSING LIABILITY IN A FLORIDA TRUCK ACCIDENT

Depending on the events leading to the truck accident, there are a number of different people who may be held responsible for an accident, including:

Truck Driver

The truck driver may be held liable for an accident when he or she was found to be speeding, driving while fatigued, committing a traffic offense, or due to improper training.

Truck Company

The truck company who hired the truck driver may be held liable for a truck accident that occurred due to mistakes such as hiring an unqualified driver, setting unrealistic expectations, or an inadequate safety inspection.

Truck Manufacturer

Although, the trucking company and truck driver are usually accused of recklessness after a truck accident. However, the truck manufacturer or parts manufacturer may likewise be held responsible if the crash occurred due to a defective part, such as faulty brakes or mechanical failure.

Person Who Loaded the Cargo

Some truck accidents may occur due to unsecured or loose cargo. During shipping, boxes or equipment may shift, fall off the truck, and cause an accident. In a situation like this, the cargo loader may be held responsible for failure to properly secure, balance, or inspect the cargo.

Maintenance Personnel

Maintenance personnel may also be held liable for a truck accident if the accident occurred due to oversights in performing routine maintenance, expected safety checks, or inspecting the engine, electronic systems, brakes, and fluids.

WHAT STEPS SHOULD I TAKE NEXT?

The period following a truck accident can be emotional and unsettling. However, the steps you take after the accident could significantly affect the outcome of your personal injury claim. If you've been involved in a truck accident, here's what to do next:

• Get to safety, and help others to safety.

• Call 911 and seek emergency medical help for your injuries.

• Report the truck accident to the nearest law enforcement office.

• Get important information such as the truck driver's name, phone number, license number, name of the trucking company, and insurance information.

• Obtain a police report, witness statements, and accident scene photos,

• Document all of your medical expenses, medical treatments, doctor's appointments, personal account of the event, and effects on your day-to-day life.

• Notify your insurance company about the accident

• Retain an experienced truck accident attorney to negotiate a fair settlement with the insurer or file an injury lawsuit.

It is important that you act sooner rather than later because as time passes, those involved can easily forget important details, information, or misplace reports.

WORK WITH AN EXPERIENCED TRUCK
ACCIDENT ATTORNEY IN BOCA RATON, FLORIDA

Unfortunately, being involved in a truck accident or losing a loved one can be a devastating and heartbreaking experience. Such an accident can have significant, long-lasting ramifications on your financial, physical, and emotional health. However, you don't have to go through it alone. It is important to retain a knowledgeable Florida personal injury attorney immediately to protect your rights and help pursue your deserved compensation.

I have dedicated my career to protecting the rights of truck accident victims and offering compassionate representation in wrongful death and personal injury matters. As your legal counsel, I can:

• Review and investigate the details of your case thoroughly

• Gather all necessary pieces of evidence, required information, and documentation

• Prove fault and establish liability

• Determine and estimate case-value

• Negotiate a fair settlement with the insurance company

• File a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit, where applicable

• Fight to ensure the right people are held accountable   

Attorney Steven J. Litvack will fight vigorously to represent your best interest and help pursue fair financial compensation to cover medical costs, lost wages, future medical treatment, pain and suffering, or loss. Having me on your side can improve your chances of getting a favorable outcome in your personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit.