A collision with a commercial semi-truck or delivery vehicle is rarely a minor event. For residents and visitors in North Miami, heavily trafficked corridors like Interstate 95, Biscayne Boulevard, and Dixie Highway frequently see large commercial vehicles sharing the road with passenger cars. When a massive commercial truck collides with a standard vehicle, the resulting injuries can be life-altering. At the Altman Law Firm, attorney Jeffrey S. Altman understands the physical, emotional, and financial toll these crashes take on victims and their families. We are here to help you navigate the complicated legal landscape of commercial trucking crashes, investigate the causes, and pursue the financial recovery you need to rebuild your life.
Unlike standard car crashes, collisions involving commercial vehicles often involve intricate state and federal regulations. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sets strict rules regarding driver hours of service, vehicle maintenance, and cargo loading. When trucking companies or their drivers cut corners on these regulations to meet tight delivery deadlines, devastating accidents happen. Proving liability means looking beyond just the driver to trucking companies, maintenance contractors, and cargo loaders. We know how to investigate logbooks, electronic logging devices, and maintenance records to identify negligence.
North Miami's dense population and bustling commercial zones mean heavy truck traffic is a constant reality. Accidents frequently occur along NE 135th Street or near the busy intersections of Biscayne Boulevard due to driver fatigue, distracted driving, and improper lane changes. Large blind spots, also known as no-zones, make it difficult for truck drivers to see smaller vehicles, especially during heavy Miami-Dade County traffic. Furthermore, overloaded or improperly secured cargo can cause trucks to tip over or lose control, creating hazardous conditions for everyone on the road.
After a commercial truck crash, the trucking company's insurance adjusters and investigators are often dispatched immediately to protect their bottom line. It is crucial to have an advocate on your side. In Florida, personal injury claims are guided by comparative negligence laws, meaning your compensation could be reduced if you are found partially at fault. Additionally, Florida has strict statutes of limitations that dictate how long you have to file a claim. Taking prompt action helps ensure evidence is preserved, witnesses are interviewed, and your right to pursue compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering remains intact.
Under Florida law, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit has recently changed to two years from the date of the accident for most negligence claims. If the accident tragically resulted in a fatality, wrongful death claims also generally have a two-year time limit. Because investigating a truck crash takes significant time, it is advisable to consult a lawyer promptly.
Liability in trucking accidents can be shared among multiple parties. Depending on the circumstances of your crash in North Miami, responsible parties may include the truck driver, the trucking company, the owner of the cab or trailer, third-party maintenance providers, or even the company that loaded the cargo if an imbalance caused the crash.
It is generally best to avoid providing a recorded statement or signing any documents from the trucking company's insurance carrier without first speaking to an attorney. Their goal is often to minimize their payout. Attorney Jeffrey S. Altman can handle communications with the insurance companies on your behalf, protecting your rights throughout the process.
While every case is unique, compensation typically aims to cover economic damages like past and future medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, and lost income. You may also seek non-economic damages for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life resulting from your injuries.
Yes, you may still be able to recover compensation. Florida follows a modified comparative negligence standard. This means you can pursue a claim as long as you are not more than 50 percent at fault for the collision. However, any compensation you receive would be reduced by your percentage of fault.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a commercial truck collision, contact the Altman Law Firm today to discuss your legal options with attorney Jeffrey S. Altman. Call (305) 373-3730.