A routine commute can turn catastrophic because of a truck accident. A passenger vehicle generally weighs between 4,000 and 5,000 pounds, compared to a semi-truck, which can weigh as much as 80,000 pounds fully loaded. A crash may cause severe injuries and wrongful death.
The experienced Hollywood, Florida, truck accident lawyers at Kaiser Romanello are skilled at investigating a truck accident scene and working with trucking companies to gather evidence to establish liability.
Truck accident cases are more complicated because of the federal regulations surrounding commercial truck operations, and truck crashes often involve multiple vehicles and insurance companies. Additionally, truck crashes usually involve more serious injuries and sometimes wrongful death. An experienced truck accident lawyer can help navigate these complex cases to protect our clients.
We have assisted truck accident victims throughout Florida with a special focus on the Hollywood, Boca Raton, and West Palm Beach areas. Call us today at (844) 877-8679.
Why Choose Kaiser Romanello for Your Hollywood Truck Accident Claim?
When considering Kaiser Romanello for your Hollywood truck accident claim, you benefit from our extensive experience and dedicated legal team. We focus on personal injury cases, including truck accidents, and have a proven track record of successful outcomes. With our commitment to client support, we will compassionately guide you through the process.
Our legal team has handled hundreds of personal injury and wrongful death cases from truck accidents in the Hollywood area. We have in-depth knowledge of state and federal laws and regulations that govern the trucking industry. If you or someone you love was seriously injured or killed in a truck crash due to someone else’s negligence, we can help.
There is no cost or obligation to talk to one of our truck accident attorneys. Contact us today for a free consultation and evaluation of your case.
Our Hollywood Office Location and Headquarters
Kaiser Romanello P.A. is located at 11555 Heron Bay Boulevard in Broward County, Florida, approximately 23 miles north of Miami and 42 miles south of Palm Beach. You can call us at (844) 877-8679 to meet with one of our personal injury attorneys to discuss your claim.
Hollywood Truck Accident Statistics
The National Safety Council found an average annual rate of 5,788 deaths in the United States attributed to traffic crashes involving large trucks. Florida accounted for 373 deaths and had the third-highest rate of deaths connected to large truck accidents.
Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) records accident statistics on its Florida Crash Dashboard. The most recent report tallied 276,492 crashes in the state, which accounted for 2,331 deaths and 176,029 injuries.
In its annual Large Trucks data report, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) noted that, on average, 8.9 percent of all vehicles involved in fatal crashes were large trucks. Florida had the second-highest number of large truck occupant fatalities, at 45, and was among the top three states for fatalities among non-large truck occupants, with more than 50 deaths.
Types of Truck Accidents
In Hollywood, Florida, several common types of truck accidents include rear-end collisions, jackknife accidents, and sideswipe collisions. These accidents often result from distracted driving, speed, or adverse weather conditions.
The sheer mass of an 18-wheeler makes it capable of causing catastrophic damage and injuries in the event of a collision with a smaller and lighter passenger vehicle.
The most seen types of truck accidents are:
- Rear-End Collisions: When a heavy truck collides with the vehicle in front of it, often due to inadequate braking distance.
- Jackknife Accidents: This occurs when the truck’s trailer swings out to form a V shape with the cab, often due to loss of control or sudden braking.
- Roll-Over Accidents: Heavy trucks are susceptible to tipping over, usually due to excessive speed, poor road conditions, or improper cargo distribution.
- Underride Accidents: These involve a smaller vehicle getting trapped under the rear or side of a heavy truck, often resulting in severe injuries. Rear underride accidents occur in a rear-end accident when a smaller vehicle collides with the back of a truck and slides underneath it.
Side underride accidents happen when a smaller vehicle collides with the side of a truck and slides underneath it. These accidents can occur when a truck makes a wide turn, changes lanes without seeing the smaller vehicle, or if the smaller vehicle tries to pass the truck on the side.
Both of these types of accidents can be deadly for the passenger vehicle’s occupants.
- Blind Spot Accidents: Heavy trucks have substantial blind spots, which can lead to accidents when other vehicles are not seen during lane changes or turns.
- Tire Blowouts: Sudden tire failures on a heavy truck can lead to loss of control and accidents.
- Wide Turn Accidents: Trucks require more space to make turns, and other vehicles may get caught in the turning path.
Federal regulations require tractor-trailers to have rear underride guards that meet a minimum standard for safety to prevent smaller vehicles from going under a truck. An experienced truck accident attorney will be able to evaluate the crash to determine if the truck driver, trucking company, and other potentially liable parties were adhering to state and federal regulations for safe operation.
In any truck accident with serious injury, a personal injury lawyer familiar with truck accident claims is a valuable ally to have on your team.
Who May You Hold Liable for a Truck Accident?
In Hollywood, Florida, liability for a truck accident can extend to several parties, including:
- Truck Driver: The driver may be liable if their negligence contributed to the crash. This might include driving recklessly, being fatigued, or being distracted.
- Trucking Company: The trucking company can be held responsible if they encouraged violations of safety regulations, pushed drivers to exceed hours-of-service (HOS) limits, or failed to properly maintain their vehicles.
- Vehicle Manufacturer: If a defect in the truck’s design or manufacturing contributed to the accident, the manufacturer could be liable.
- Cargo Loaders: Those responsible for loading the truck can be liable if improper loading leads to an accident. Improperly loaded cargo may shift during transportation, making the trailer unstable.
- Maintenance and Repair Providers: If inadequate maintenance or repair work on the truck played a role in the accident, the service providers may be held responsible.
- Government Entities: In cases where road conditions or signage contributed to the accident, government entities responsible for road maintenance may bear liability.
How Can a Lawyer Help Me After a Truck Accident in Hollywood, Florida?
Truck accident cases are often more complex, with higher stakes and more parties involved.
An experienced attorney who understands the nuances of this kind of case evaluating liability in a trucking accident will consider various facts, including:
- Driver’s Conduct: They will assess the truck driver’s actions, such as speeding, distracted driving, impairment, or violation of traffic laws, to determine if negligence was a factor.
- Hours of Service: Lawyers will examine the driver’s logbooks and work history to ensure compliance with federal and state regulations governing hours of service to prevent driver fatigue.
- Vehicle Maintenance: The truck’s maintenance records will be scrutinized to identify any mechanical failures or defects that may have contributed to the accident.
- Cargo Loading: If the accident resulted from improper loading, the lawyer would investigate whether the cargo was secured correctly and within weight limits.
- Black Box Data: Many trucks are equipped with event data recorders (EDRs), which can provide critical information about the vehicle’s speed, braking, and other factors leading up to the accident. A lawyer will be able to review this information.
- Witness Statements: Statements from witnesses and other drivers involved in the accident can help establish the sequence of events and liability.
- Weather and Road Conditions: The lawyer will consider the weather and road conditions at the time of the accident, as these factors may be relevant to liability.
- Driver Training and Qualifications: The lawyer will assess the driver’s qualifications and training to determine if they were adequately prepared for the job.
- Regulatory Compliance: They will verify if the trucking company and driver complied with all relevant federal and state regulations.
- Surveillance Footage: If available, surveillance footage from nearby cameras can be used as evidence to reconstruct the accident.
- Expert Opinions: Lawyers may consult accident reconstruction experts and medical professionals to provide expert opinions on liability.
- Police Reports: The lawyer will review the police accident report for details and any initial determinations of fault.
These facts will help the lawyer build a case and determine liability in a trucking accident.
Florida also has state laws designed to regulate and ensure the safe operation of commercial vehicles, including trucks. These state laws work in conjunction with federal regulations established by agencies like the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to promote safety in commercial trucking. Trucking companies and drivers operating in Florida must comply with state and federal regulations.
An experienced attorney who specializes in personal injury and truck accident cases can provide a thorough evaluation of your specific situation.
In addition to understanding the complex legal nature of a truck accident claim, an attorney can provide peace of mind. A compassionate, skillful lawyer can take the weight off the truck accident victim or their family, allowing them to concentrate on moving forward. A truck accident lawyer will work for compensation to help victims heal and recover from their losses.
Filing a Wrongful Death Claim
Handling a wrongful death claim is complex and emotionally challenging. An experienced lawyer can help navigate the legal complexities and protect your family’s interests during this difficult time. Lawyers offer compassionate support to grieving family members during a challenging legal process.
Your attorney will assess whether your case qualifies as a wrongful death claim under state laws. They will determine who you can hold responsible, such as the truck driver, trucking company, or other entities, and assess their liability.
Lawyers will negotiate with insurance companies and at-fault parties to seek a fair settlement on your behalf. They will document the economic and non-economic damages the deceased and their survivors suffered, including medical bills, funeral expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering. Your attorney will act as your advocate, protecting your rights and securing the compensation you deserve.
If a fair settlement cannot be reached, your lawyer will file a lawsuit and represent your interests in court. In the event of a trial, your lawyer will represent your interests in court, presenting your case and seeking justice.
If a settlement is reached, your lawyer can assist in structuring it to best serve the needs of surviving family members, such as setting up trusts or annuities.
Lawyers will ensure that all necessary documents are filed within statutory deadlines, preventing your claim from being dismissed.
Florida’s statute of limitations for a personal injury claim is typically two years. Your lawyer will be able to advise you on how this applies to your claim.
Your lawyer can handle the appeals process if needed, should a verdict or settlement be challenged.
Ultimately, the lawyer’s goal is to secure fair compensation for the surviving family members and bring a sense of closure to the legal process.
How Much Is My Hollywood, Florida, Truck Accident Claim Worth?
The worth of a truck accident claim can vary widely depending on several factors, including the specific circumstances of the accident, the severity of injuries, and local laws. Here’s a breakdown of the types of damages involved:
Economic Damages
These are quantifiable losses and expenses resulting from the accident.
They may include:
- Medical Bills: Costs of hospitalization, surgery, rehabilitation, medication, and future medical expenses.
- Lost Income: Compensation for time off work due to injuries, including future lost earning capacity.
- Property Damage: Repair or replacement costs for damaged vehicles or personal property.
- Funeral Expenses: In the case of a wrongful death, the costs associated with the funeral and burial.
Non-Economic Damages
These are less-tangible losses that are challenging to quantify, including:
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident and injuries.
- Loss of Consortium: Damages awarded to a spouse for the loss of companionship, support, and intimacy due to the injury or death of their partner.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Compensation for the inability to participate in activities or enjoy life as before the accident.
- Mental Anguish: Damages for emotional trauma, anxiety, and stress resulting from the accident.
The value of a truck accident claim depends on the unique circumstances. To estimate the worth of your claim, an experienced personal injury attorney can consider all the factors relevant to your case, including liability, the extent of injuries, insurance coverage, and local laws.
Florida is a no-fault state when it comes to auto insurance, meaning that drivers are required to have Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage to pay for their own medical bills and related expenses after an accident, regardless of fault.
Florida follows a modified comparative negligence rule that allows for the allocation of fault in personal injury cases, where each party’s level of fault is determined, and damages are adjusted accordingly.
Additionally, Florida has statutory limits on non-economic damages in some instances, which can impact the final value of the claim.
An attorney can provide a more accurate assessment of how state laws apply based on the specifics of your case.
How Much Does a Hollywood, Florida, Personal Injury Lawyer Cost?
Kaiser Romanello works with clients on a contingency fee basis, meaning fees depend on the case’s successful outcome. There are no upfront costs to you. The attorney only gets paid if we obtain a favorable settlement or win the case in court.
Contingency fee arrangements level the playing field, making it possible for individuals to obtain fair compensation from a big insurance company and its team of lawyers.
Contact Kaiser Romanello Today
If you or a loved one has suffered a severe personal injury or wrongful death due to a truck accident, contact the experienced team of Hollywood, Florida, personal injury lawyers at Kaiser Romanello today.
Our firm has over 20 years of combined experience handling truck accidents in Hollywood, Florida, and throughout South Florida. We are comfortable navigating the complex rules and regulations affecting these cases. We offer a no-cost, no-obligation consultation with our lawyers to evaluate your potential claim.
Let us handle the details. We will be by your side every step of the way as we negotiate to secure the maximum compensation for your losses. Call us today at (844) 877-8679 or fill out the contact form on our website to meet with us.
