Miami Truck Accident Attorneys

South Florida Trial Law Firm with a Worldwide Reach

When a car is involved in an accident with a tractor-trailer, the outcome is often a catastrophic injury or wrongful death. Although similar to car accidents, the truth is that wrecks involving big rigs are significantly more dangerous. All too often, these accidents are caused by drivers and trucking companies that fail to adhere to a variety of regulations designed to promote and ensure the safe operation of their big rigs. Some common sense regulations pertain to the drivers of these trucks and include the amount of time on the road, number of breaks, and weight of their load.

Truck drivers work long hours and are often pressured by their employer to complete their tasks by any means necessary. That results in shortcuts that amount to negligence and devastating accidents. When a trucking company or its drivers violate these regulations or disobey the laws of the road, they should be held accountable.

Since 1984, we have investigated and successfully pursued numerous truck accidents in Miami, throughout Florida, and across the nation. We have the experience, specialized knowledge, and network of trucking industry experts to ensure that any accident-causing shortcuts are uncovered and that those responsible are held accountable. We are not afraid to take on the major trucking companies and insurance companies and fight for our clients. Our Miami personal injury law firm has recovered hundreds of millions on behalf of our clients in the U.S., France, Peru, the Bahamas, and worldwide.

If you or a loved one has been injured, please call (305) 783-2464 for a free case evaluation!

Capably Handling Truck Accident Cases

Numerous safety measures are in place to prevent accidents. Logbooks, federal regulations, and strict company measures are in place to encourage safe driving. Unfortunately, these are often circumvented to save time or make money.

We are capable of handling a wide variety of truck accident cases, including the following:

• Alcohol-Related Crashes

Truck regulations are strict regarding the use of alcohol before or during a trucking operation. In fact, a truck driver is not allowed to use alcohol within 4 hours of being in control of a commercial vehicle. Additionally, a driver must be tested for alcohol usage if he or she causes a motor vehicle accident where the car sustains enough damage to result in a towing.

This alcohol test must be taken as soon as practicable after the crash.

If a motor carrier did not test their driver for alcohol when he or she caused an accident that resulted in the towing of a car, this could be used as evidence that they were covering up the use of alcohol. An alcohol test must be administered within two hours of an accident; if this does not happen, a motor carrier must specify in court why the test was not conducted within two hours. All truck drivers are legally obligated to take alcohol tests when asked by their motor carrier.

• Drowsy Driving Crashes

Federal regulations dictate that a driver can only drive 11 hours before he or she must be given 10 consecutive hours off-duty. Truck drivers may not drive when they have been on duty (driving and not driving) for more than 14 hours straight hours. Truck drivers must also take a 30-minute break for every 8 hours they drive. While broken regulations can result in fines or worse for a trucking company, truck drivers have historically been proven to be pressured to work over their allotted time. This can lead to overworked truck drivers who are drowsy while behind the wheel.

• Intersection Accidents

Truck accidents are just like other motor vehicle accidents with one exception: the vehicle damage caused by commercial trucks is much more severe. Commercial trucks cannot make the same driving maneuvers that smaller vehicles can. If a truck driver is trying to rush through a yellow light, the driver will likely have a hard time slowing down or stopping for another vehicle in case of emergency. If a commercial truck runs a red light, the possibility of it T-boning another car is highly likely since trucks cannot stop as quickly as a typical vehicle. Regardless of the type of crash, the outcome of an intersection accident involving a commercial truck is usually catastrophic.

• Rear-End Collisions

Commercial trucks can weigh anywhere from 6,000 to 80,000 pounds. Now, imagine how much force it takes to stop 80,000 pounds moving at 40 mph. The brakes on commercial vehicles must be able to slow their loads at the drop of a hat. However, no matter how powerful the brakes, a vehicle will never go from 40 to 0 mph instantaneously—especially when they weigh so much. This means truck drivers must slow more efficiently than others. Their reactions need to be faster. Their timing more precise. While truck driving demands that a trucker be calculating in their stops, not every driver will be perfect. Truckers can try to correct their mistake by jamming on the brakes, but will sometimes end up ramming into the back of a car anyway. When truck drivers make distance mistakes, rear-end collisions are usually the result.

Our skilled Miami truck accident attorneys can uncover the cause of the crash and hold the guilty parties liable for any injuries, damaged possessions, or other losses you sustained.

Trust Our Seasoned Florida Truck Accident Attorneys

With more than 150 years of combined legal experience, we represent truck accident victims nationwide. Our law firm purposefully limits our caseloads to provide each client with the time, energy, and resources needed to put them in the best possible position for success and fair compensation. In addition, we focus on developing a genuine relationship with our clients, working collaboratively toward a successful outcome. Because of our success in the field of personal injury, we were rated "Best Law Firms" by U.S. News for personal injury. We represent clients in Florida and nationwide!

With hundreds of millions won, you can trust our truck accident attorneys' approach to your case. To take the first step with a free consultation, give us a call at (305) 783-2464!