Florida has one of the biggest trucking industries in the United States, so 18-wheelers are a common sight on the roads in Port Saint Lucie. Unfortunately, this high degree of truck activity means a high rate of 18-wheeler crashes with passenger vehicles.
If you’ve been injured in an 18-wheeler truck crash, you need to speak to a truck accident lawyer in Port Saint Lucie about your rights and options. Blakeley Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers can help you pursue monetary redress for any losses caused by the accident.
We have recovered over $250 million for deserving clients and have a high degree of familiarity with litigating truck accident cases. Fill out our contact form below to schedule an evaluation with an 18-wheeler truck accident lawyer in Port Saint Lucie.
Why 18-Wheeler Accidents are So Deadly
18-wheelers are the largest type of commercial vehicles and regularly weigh over 30,000 pounds. Given their incredible mass, 18-wheelers have a large stopping distance, and the force of a crash can cause extreme damage. Even at low speeds, a collision with an 18-wheeler is much more likely to cause fatal injuries than collisions with passenger vehicles.
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Liability for 18-Wheeler Accidents
The most important part of any 18-wheeler accident claim is finding the responsible party. A Port Saint Lucie personal injury lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation of the accident scene and gather evidence to determine fault and liability. Below are some common parties who are liable in truck accident cases:
Truck Drivers
Truck drivers bear responsibility for accidents due to negligent truck driving. Truck drivers must follow strict rules regarding truck operations and are limited in how many hours per day they can drive. Distracted driving, fatigued driving, and speeding are all common behaviors that greatly increase the risk of an accident with passenger vehicles.
Trucking Companies
Trucking companies have a duty to vet their drivers and to operate in ways that minimize risks to others. As such, they can be liable for accidents caused by unsafe business practices. For instance, a company that hired an unqualified truck driver could be responsible if that driver caused a crash.
Loading Crews
Loading crews may be liable for an accident due to unsafe or unsecured cargo. Many truck companies outsource loading services to third parties, and these contractors must load truck cargo so they are balanced and restrained. If an unbalanced load causes an accident, you could potentially sue the loading company.
Other Third Parties
Any other third party that contributes to the accident can be a party in an 18-wheeler accident lawsuit. A common example is road construction crews. These crews can be liable if they don’t properly divert traffic and an accident happens.
Compensation We Can Help You Recover After an 18-Wheeler Accident
Your losses after an 18-wheeler truck accident can be great and extend to more than just your finances. Through a lawsuit, a Port Saint Lucie 18-wheeler truck accident lawyer from our firm can help you recover financial compensation for the following types of losses:
- Emergency medical bills and continuing medical expenses
- Lost work income and other forms of employment compensation
- Reductions in your lifetime earning potential due to permanent disability
- Miscellaneous injury-related expenses, such as childcare or housekeeping
- Pain and suffering, emotional distress, and mental anguish
- Loss of enjoyment or capacity to engage in hobbies
- Discomfort and inconvenience from scarring or disfigurement
We understand the long-term impacts that a truck accident can cause, and we will calculate a demand figure that reflects the magnitude of your losses. Our goal is to recover compensation sufficient to provide you with stability as you heal and move forward.
There is a Time Limit on Suing for Your Injuries
According to FL Statutes § 95.11, Florida’s personal injury statute of limitations gives you not more than two years to file an action for injuries after an 18-wheeler truck accident. That time limit starts from the accident date or, in the case of hidden injuries, the date you discovered your condition.
Once the two-year time expires, you’ll lose your chance to recover compensation, so it’s important to act quickly. Delays will make it harder to gather evidence and connect your injuries to the accident scene. The sooner you talk to a lawyer, the sooner you can submit a claim and avoid denials.
Call or text 800-602-5000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
Contact a Port Saint Lucie 18-Wheeler Truck Accident Lawyer
A single bad truck accident can change your life forever. It may seem like you are alone, but help is available, and you have options. The team at Blakeley Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers can be your legal advocate and hold negligent parties accountable for your losses.
With over 40 years of combined experience, our attorneys can be counted on for competent legal representation. Contact a Port Saint Lucie 18-wheeler truck accident lawyer from our firm today to discuss your case. Consultations are free, so there is no risk to getting in touch.
