The aftermath of a collision with a commercial truck or semi-trailer is often life-altering. On the busy thoroughfares of Coral Springs, from University Drive to the Sawgrass Expressway, heavy traffic and high speeds can lead to devastating accidents. At Altman Law Firm, we understand the physical, emotional, and financial burdens these incidents place on families. Jeffrey S. Altman provides personalized legal guidance to help residents of Broward County navigate the complexities of the legal system following a serious trucking accident.
Commercial trucking is governed by a strict set of rules established by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and Florida state laws. These regulations cover everything from the number of hours a driver can spend behind the wheel to the specific maintenance schedules for the vehicle. When a crash occurs in Coral Springs, identifying violations—such as logbook falsification or improper cargo loading—is a critical component of building a case. Our firm looks closely at these regulatory requirements to determine if negligence played a role in your accident.
Coral Springs sees significant commercial traffic, particularly near industrial areas and major intersections like Sample Road and Coral Springs Drive. Truck accidents often stem from factors unique to large vehicles, such as extended braking distances and significant blind spots. Driver fatigue, distracted driving, and mechanical failures are also frequent contributors. Because these vehicles carry much more mass than a standard passenger car, the resulting injuries are often severe, requiring a thorough investigation into the actions of both the driver and the trucking company.
In Florida, personal injury cases are governed by a modified comparative negligence system. This means that if you are found to be partially at fault for the accident, your recovery may be reduced by your percentage of fault. However, if you are more than 50% responsible for the collision, you may be barred from recovering any damages under state law. Additionally, it is important to be mindful of the statute of limitations. In Florida, the timeframe to file a negligence-based lawsuit is generally two years from the date of the accident. Acting promptly helps ensure that evidence, such as electronic logging device data, is preserved.
One of the most complex aspects of a truck accident case is determining who is responsible. Unlike a typical car accident, liability may extend beyond the individual driver to include the trucking company, the vehicle owner, or even the manufacturer of a defective part. In some instances, the party responsible for loading the trailer may be held accountable if an unbalanced load caused the driver to lose control. We work to identify all potential parties to ensure that the legal process addresses every entity that contributed to your injuries.
Your first priority should always be seeking medical attention for any injuries. Once you are safe, it is helpful to contact local law enforcement to file an official report. If possible, take photographs of the scene, the vehicles involved, and any visible road hazards. Avoid discussing the details of the accident with insurance adjusters until you have sought legal counsel.
Under current Florida law, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims based on negligence is typically two years from the date of the incident. For cases involving wrongful death, the timeline is also generally two years. Failing to file within these windows can result in the loss of your right to seek compensation.
Yes. Many commercial trucks traveling through Coral Springs are owned by companies based outside of Florida. These cases often involve federal regulations and may be handled in federal court depending on the circumstances. Our firm is equipped to handle the jurisdictional complexities that arise when a defendant is an out-of-state entity.
Truck accidents involve a different set of laws, higher insurance policy limits, and often multiple defendants. Additionally, trucking companies often have rapid-response teams that begin investigating the scene immediately. Having legal representation helps balance the scales by ensuring your interests are protected during the evidence-gathering phase.
Critical evidence often includes the truck’s 'black box' or Electronic Control Module (ECM), which records speed and braking data. We also look for the driver’s hours-of-service logs, the company’s hiring and training records, and maintenance reports for the vehicle involved in the collision.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a commercial vehicle accident, contact Altman Law Firm to discuss your legal options during a consultation. Call (305) 373-3730.