Truck Accident Attorney
Truck Accident Attorney
Proud to Continue a 70-Year Tradition of Delivering Important Verdicts for Our Clients
At Schlesinger Law Offices, we have secured more than 75 verdicts exceeding $1 million, with many surpassing $10 million. Additionally, we have achieved over 100 settlements above $1 million across the nation. Few firms in the country can claim this many significant verdicts. While many firms settle for less to avoid going to court, the attorneys at Schlesinger Law Offices are committed to getting the compensation you and your family need to rebuild your lives after a tragic accident. Furthermore, our firm has extensive experience handling complex truck accident cases nationwide. We have successfully represented victims in cases involving a range of commercial vehicles, including garbage trucks, delivery vehicles, and tractor-trailers. Notably, we secured a $14.5 million jury verdict for a client who was severely injured in a highway collision caused by an 18-wheeler. Additionally, we obtained a $1.25 million award for the family of a victim who was tragically hit head-on by a truck. Our proven track record highlights our unwavering commitment to help you and your family secure the justice and compensation you deserve.
Were You Seriously Injured by a Semi-Truck in Florida? Call (954) 467-8800
Below is a partial list of truck accident verdicts and settlements secured by Schlesinger Law Offices:
- $7 million verdict: For a woman whose car was crushed by a supermarket 18-wheeler.
- $6.8 million verdict: For the family of a person who died after a FedEx tractor-trailer forced another vehicle into their van.
- $1 million verdict: For a person injured when they collided with a flower delivery van that cut in front of them.
- $2 million verdict: For the family of a man who died after being broadsided by a garbage truck.
- $400,000 settlement: For the family of a man who was run over by a tree service truck.
- $625,000 settlement: For the family of a woman whose car was hit head-on by a tractor-trailer.
- $485,000 verdict: For the family of a man who died after his car was struck by an emergency vehicle.
You May Be Entitled to Compensatory Damages After a Truck Accident
Truck accidents often result in life-changing injuries and even death. Even in cases where the truck driver is clearly at fault, trucking companies often train their drivers on what to say following an accident in order to avoid blame. Insurance companies also have a vested interest in shifting the blame away from their customers, making it incredibly important to hire an experienced Fort Lauderdale truck accident attorney. Schlesinger Law Offices in South Florida is here to help you file your claim and fight to secure the compensation you are owed.
If you were seriously injured by a reckless or negligent truck driver in Florida, you may be able to file a lawsuit and fight for the compensation you need to cover your medical bills and any other damages you may have incurred.
Your truck accident claim may consist of economic, non-economic, and punitive damages, including:
- Hospital bills and doctor visited
- Missed time at work and loss of potential earnings
- Damage to your vehicle
- Pain, suffering, and mental anguish
- Loss of companionship and quality of life
Injured in a Truck Accident? We Can Help
Our Fort Lauderdale truck accident attorneys have worked with thousands of victims since we first opened our doors, and we are ready and waiting to use the experience we’ve gained to help you prepare a plan of action that best suits your needs. Call (954) 467-8800 today to learn more about what we can do for you.
Is it Worth Hiring a Lawyer After a Truck Accident?
An experienced personal injury lawyer in Fort Lauderdale understands the unique challenges posed by these cases. Unlike passenger car accidents, commercial truck accidents can involve multiple parties including the car driver, truck driver, and trucking company. In addition, federal regulations apply to the trucking industry, which can make these cases even more complex. As a result, it is important to have an experienced lawyer on your side who can navigate the legal system and fight for your rights.
Our truck accident attorneys in Fort Lauderdale can handle all the work related to your truck accident case so that you can focus on your recovery. We will investigate the accident, gather evidence, interview witnesses, and negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf. Our legal team has a deep understanding of the law and knows how to build a strong case to get you the compensation you deserve. If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident in Fort Lauderdale, don’t hesitate to contact our personal injury lawyers today.
What Are the Most Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Florida?
Truck drivers receive training and certifications to operate their trucks. Due to the training and certification involved, truckers tend to be held to a higher standard than most drivers. It is still very common for truck accidents to occur. Some truck accidents are unavoidable, but most come down to the negligence of either the driver or the truck maintenance crew.
According to the Federal Motor Car Carrier Safety Administration the most common causes of truck accidents are:
- The driver veering into other lanes
- Loss of control
- Illegal turns
- Speeding
- Tailgating
- Brake failure
- Tire blowouts
- Driver fatigue
How Dangerous Are Semi-Trucks?
While any type of motor vehicle accident is a threat to other drivers on the road, accidents involving trucks are exponentially more dangerous due to the sheer size of the vehicles involved. These trucks, whether it’s an 18-wheeler or a semi-truck, can weigh as much as 80,000 pounds and are more to steer, take considerably longer to come to a complete stop, and have much larger blind spots than a typical passenger car. In the event of a crash, the truck can also flip over and scatter its cargo across the road, creating additional hazards.
Determining Who Was At Fault for Your Injuries After a Fort Lauderdale Truck Accident
Truck drivers and the companies that employ them must adhere to strict federal safety standards. Violating any one of these regulations is an act of negligence that can cause serious harm to other drivers on the road. Some truck accidents are unavoidable, but most come down to negligence.
Some of the potential causes of your accident could be:
- The truck driver was distracted, talking on the phone
- The truck driver violated hours of service and was overtired
- The truck driver was under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- The trucking company failed to maintain the vehicle
- The trucking company hired a driver with a bad record
- The truck was built with defective parts
Only an attorney experienced in trucking accident claims can fully investigate your crash and create an irrefutable case. At Schlesinger Law Offices, P.A., our Fort Lauderdale truck accident lawyers have dedicated their careers to providing injured victims with the experienced and passionate representation they deserve in their time of need. Ever since we first opened our doors more than 70 years ago, we have helped our clients recover hundreds of millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements.
Truck Accident FAQ
How long do I have to file a claim after a truck accident in Fort Lauderdale, FL?
In Fort Lauderdale, FL, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim after a truck accident is four years from the date of the accident.
It is important to note that while four years may seem like a long time, it is important to take action as soon as possible after the accident. This will help ensure that evidence is preserved and witnesses can be located and interviewed while their memories are still fresh. It is also important to consult with an experienced truck accident attorney who can guide you through the legal process and help you understand your rights and options.
What evidence should I gather after a truck accident?
If you are involved in a truck accident, it is important to gather as much evidence as possible to help support your injury claim. Here are some types of evidence that our team will help you to gather:
- Contact information: You will need the contact information of the other driver, as well as any witnesses who may have seen the accident.
- Photos and videos: You should take photos and videos of the accident scene, the damage to the vehicles, any injuries sustained, and any other important details.
- Police report: You will need to get a copy of the police report, which will contain important details about the accident, including the cause, the time and location, and the parties involved.
- Medical records: You should keep copies of all medical records and bills related to any injuries sustained in the accident.
- Maintenance records: If the accident was caused by a mechanical failure or other issue with the truck, we will work to obtain any maintenance or inspection records for the vehicle.
- Driver log books: We will request copies of the driver’s logbooks to determine whether they were in compliance with federal and state regulations regarding hours of service.
- Black box data: Many commercial trucks are equipped with event data recorders, which can provide valuable information about the speed of the truck, whether the brakes were applied, and other factors that may have contributed to the accident. This is something our team will work to obtain.