Florida is home to some of the highest amounts of commercial trucking activity in the nation, and Fort Pierce is no exception. The high number of trucks on the road, unfortunately, means an increased risk of accidents with commercial vehicles.
If you have injuries from a collision with a commercial truck, a Fort Pierce personal injury lawyer from Blakeley Law Firm can assist. We have extensive experience with truck accident cases and are equipped to manage your claim effectively and compassionately. We have a passion for serving justice and will use every available strategy to hold negligent truckers and trucking companies accountable.
Contact our offices today to speak to a truck accident lawyer in Fort Pierce.
Why You Need an Experienced Attorney After a Truck Accident
Truck accidents are significantly more complex than typical car accidents, and there are unique challenges to pursuing truck accident claims. Truck accidents involve commercial entities that operate under different rules of liability. Trucking companies are also heavily regulated by the government, so federal trucking regulations can intersect with your case.
Our attorneys at Blakeley Law Firm have over four decades of combined legal experience and have overseen numerous successful truck accident claims. We understand issues regarding liability for commercial entities and have a thorough knowledge of regulations that can impact your claim.
Most importantly, we can go to bat for you and protect you from predatory insurance companies. If necessary, we will take bad faith insurers to court in formal litigation to force them to pay what they owe. We have gone up against numerous large insurers and walked away victorious, so you can rely on us to fight for your interests.
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Types of Truck Accidents in Fort Pierce We Manage
Because they are so much larger than passenger vehicles, truck crashes have different dynamics. Below are common truck accident types and their unique characteristics:
- Underride accidents. Underride accidents occur when a passenger vehicle becomes wedged underneath the tractor-trailer edge.
- Fishtail accidents. If the tractor-trailer loses traction on the road, it can swing side to side like a fishtail and strike nearby vehicles.
- Jackknife accidents. Jackknife accidents are when the trailer snaps forward, catching vehicles as it folds upward like a butterfly knife.
- Right-turn accidents. Trucks can get into accidents when they pull wide to make right turns at intersections.
- Cargo accidents. Unsecured cargo can fall from the back of semi-trucks, causing vehicles to swerve to avoid collisions.
Who is Liable for Truck Accidents in Fort Pierce
Several parties can be liable for a truck accident depending on the circumstances of the accident. If multiple parties are responsible, a Fort Pierce truck accident lawyer can help you take legal action against each party individually to recover your medical bills, lost work income, and pain and suffering.
Negligent Truckers
Most truck accidents are a result of truck driver negligence, which includes several behaviors, such as:
- Distracted driving
- Violating hours-of-service limitations
- Not inspecting vehicles
- Driving while intoxicated
- Aggressive driving
- Ignoring traffic signs
Trucking Companies
Trucking companies can also be directly liable if their negligence contributed to the accident. For example, hiring a truck driver with a history of DUIs or without a valid CDL would be a form of hiring negligence.
Loading Crews
If an accident happens due to loose or unsecured cargo, the loading crew or company can be responsible for any injuries it causes.
Truck Manufacturers
Many truck accidents happen due to mechanical defects with truck parts, like brakes, tires, lights, or steering columns. In these cases, the victim could file a product liability lawsuit against the truck manufacturer.
You Have Two Years to File a Truck Accident Lawsuit
Florida Statute § 95.11 gives you no more than two years to file a lawsuit for a truck accident. If you wait longer than two years from the accident date, you won’t be able to recover financial compensation through legal channels. If you try to file a lawsuit after two years, the courts will summarily reject your claim.
These time limits have very few exceptions, so you shouldn’t rely on them to preserve your claims. The best option is to contact a lawyer as soon as possible to start building your claim. The sooner you start, the lower the chance of payment delays or complications.
Call or text 800-602-5000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
Speak to a Fort Pierce Truck Accident Lawyer from Blakeley Law Firm Today
A single bad truck accident can alter your life forever, but there are options for relief and assistance. Blakeley Law Firm can be your trusted advocate and help you find stability and closure during your difficult times. For us, every case is a commitment and every win is personal.
Send us a message online or call today to speak to a knowledgeable Fort Pierce truck accident lawyer. Consultations are free, so there is no risk in getting in touch.
