A commercial truck accident can be one of the most life-threatening motor collisions in Bradenton, Florida. This danger only increases if the truck involved is carrying an oversized load. Even though Florida has strict laws in place for all large commercial trucks, it is still possible for laws to, unfortunately, be broken and for these accidents to occur. There are a number of factors that can affect the severity of a Bradenton truck accident caused by oversized loads. For instance, if the load is secure, the height of any stacked items, whether the load is balanced, and the total mass of the vehicle will all hinder how the truck performs, thus increasing the likelihood of a collision.
If you or a family member have been involved in a Bradenton truck accident that was not their fault, then you may be entitled to compensation. Here at The Law Place, our team boasts an impressive 75 years of combined experience in dealing with cases such as your own, so you can relax knowing your case will be in our adept hands. Contact The Law Place today to schedule a free consultation with our dedicated Bradenton truck accident lawyers in order to learn more about what we could specifically do for you and to have any tricky legal questions answered.
Call us today at (941) 444-4444. Phone lines are open 24 hours, 7 days a week for your convenience!
What Is an Oversized Load Truck?
An oversized load truck is, very simply, exactly what it sounds like! All roads in Bradenton, FL., will have specific rules regarding the limits on the size and weight of trucks. If a truck is over the set limit, then it will be classed as an oversized load truck. As well as these limits, there are also regulations regarding the weight each axle of a truck must bear. If the load exceeds the weight limit per axle, then this will also mean the truck is classed as having an oversized load.
There are a number of load restrictions for trucks in place all across the state, including Bradenton. A trucking company will also be legally required to have a permit for any truck drivers under their employment if this driver is driving an oversized load. As well as this, in an effort to prevent accidents, the State of Florida also has limits on the hours truck drivers can transport an oversized load. This will be dependent on the physical size of the contents. However, if the driver already has a permit for this load, they will be able to travel at all hours. There are many restrictions and laws in place in Florida, but unfortunately, they are not always abided by, and this is when an accident can occur.
What Causes Big Truck Accidents in Bradenton, FL?
A commercial truck accident in Bradenton can be caused by a large multitude of factors. Below is a list of some of the most commonly reported causes of oversized loads trucking accidents:
- Overloaded commercial vehicles.
- Fatigued truck driver. It is common for truck drivers to be traveling for extremely long hours, and this will consequently impair their ability to concentrate and drive safely.
- An untrained or/and inexperienced truck driver.
- Speeding. For example, if a driver goes around a corner too quickly in a tall semi-truck, then the crash or fallen debris could easily cause an accident.
- Trucking companies being negligent. For example, if a trucking company breaches the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations, this could cause serious damage.
Regardless of what the specific cause of your truck accident was, if you received injuries and damage that was not your fault, then you may be entitled to compensation. Contact a Florida personal injury lawyer at our law firm today for a free consultation so that we can evaluate your case and decide whether or not you have a strong claim.
Damages Available Following a Truck Accident in Bradenton, Florida.
All accidents involving large trucks have the capability to cause an immense degree of financial and physical damage. Below are some of the most common claimable damages following an auto accident:
- Medical bills – If you have suffered any injuries that then required professional medical attention because of your truck accident, then any medical expenses can be claimed back. Any bills such as outpatient, surgery, or rehabilitation fees can all be considered in your final settlement, but remember to keep evidence of these costs. Similarly, if your injuries are sadly long-lasting or permanent, so they will require ongoing costs, any of these predicted future costs can also be included in your payout.
- Pain and suffering – Pain and suffering is a very complicated form of damages. It includes any physical or mental suffering you endured because of your truck accident, as well as any loss of enjoyment in life. An example of loss of enjoyment is being unable to play a sport you once enjoyed regularly, as a hobby, before your accident. It is recommended to have a Florida personal injury lawyer on your side if you wish to claim for this as it can be difficult to provide sufficient, relevant evidence for and to then translate your suffering into an appropriate settlement value.
- Lost wages – For any time you have to have off from work because of your truck accident, then you will be able to claim back these lost earnings in your final settlement. Additionally, if you are unable to return to work or have to change to a less demanding role because of your accident, you will also be able to claim back for a loss of earning potential.
- Property damage – If your passenger vehicle has been damaged in your crash, then you should be able to claim back any repair or replacement costs that you are billed. Remember to keep evidence of these expenses.
- Punitive damages – In some truck accidents, the at-fault party may have done something severely wrong. If they cause serious amounts of damage, or there is a history of similar incidents by the same truck driver or trucking company, then the Judge may assign additional damages to punish this party. This is, however, not common, so do not expect to be awarded this in your settlement.
- Wrongful death – If you have very sadly lost a loved one in a truck accident that was not their fault, then you will be able to file a Florida wrongful death lawsuit under the grounds of Florida Statute 768.21. This type of lawsuit should provide you with an appropriate amount of compensation that covers funeral expenses, loss of consortium, and any pain and suffering your loved one endured before their passing.
Contact us today to organize a free case evaluation with a truck accident lawyer at our law firm. We will be able to tell you what damages you could be owed and, if you choose us as your representation, will be able to build up evidence and a case to ensure you get the compensation you are owed.
How Is Liability Determined in a Bradenton Truck Accident?
A vast majority of large trucks in Florida are classified as commercial trucks, and because of this, the liability following truck accidents can go much further than simply lying with the driver. When you research the most common causes of truck accidents, it quickly becomes obvious that deciding who is at fault is never a simple task, so it is best to have an experienced truck accident lawyer on your side.
Every driver in Florida automatically owes a duty of care to all other drivers and pedestrians. This duty means that they are legally required to act as a reasonable person would and to ensure the safety of those around them. If a driver breaches this duty and this breach then leads to an accident, the fault will most likely lie with them.
Some parties that could be found liable after truck accidents include:
- The truck driver.
- The employer of the truck driver.
- Any trucking companies involved.
- The truck manufacturer or maintenance team.
- A government entity.
- A passenger vehicle driver.
Because of the immense difficulty surrounding accurately determining liability, it is highly recommended to hire a truck accident lawyer so that they can do this all for you. Here at The Law Place, our law firm is made up of experienced truck accident lawyers that will be able to take on your case and build up a strong enough case so that liability is assigned to the guilty party. Contact us today to organize a free consultation.
How Is a Bradenton Truck Accident Investigated?
Truck accident attorneys are highly recommended if you have been involved in a truck accident that was not your fault, so hiring one will be the first thing you should do. Here at our law firm, our dedicated truck accident attorneys are more than ready to carry out an in-depth investigation into your crash to ensure justice is achieved. Each truck accident lawyer is well experienced in piecing together the pieces of a case so that our clients are rightfully compensated.
Our truck accident attorneys will begin by carrying out an onsite investigation of the scene of the crash. If you have not already done so, a number of pictures will be taken as evidence. Additionally, our team will interview any eyewitnesses, check the site for any skid marks from the vehicles, look for any issues with the road signs, etc. All will act as vital evidence in your case.
Furthermore, Florida law requires all commercial trucks to have a black box installed, but it also states that attorneys are necessary to secure this as evidence. Any information recorded by these devices can be essential in your claim being successful or failing. They record a wide range of data such as driver’s speed, when the brakes are applied, etc. It is sadly common that trucking companies or drivers will tamper with or destroy this evidence, so it is vital you act quickly in hiring a lawyer so that this does not happen. Furthermore, maintenance records, records about the driver or company, the driver’s logbook, and any employment records could all be useful but be destroyed if you do not act quickly.
To prevent yourself from losing evidence integral to your case, then contact The Law Place to schedule a free case evaluation with our lawyers to better understand what our law firm can do for you. Our truck accident attorneys will not waste precious time and will act swiftly to gather the evidence necessary for your case.
How Much Will a Bradenton Truck Accident Attorney Cost Me?
Here at The Law Place, all of our truck accident attorneys operate on a strict contingency basis. This means that you will not be charged any upfront costs, and all necessary fees will instead be deducted from your settlement once your case has been won. In the unlikely scenario, your case does not succeed, then you will not be charged a thing – a no win no fee guarantee!
All contingency work is monitored by the State Bar Association of Florida. Our law firm follows all guidelines as these rules are set to ensure the fair treatment of our clients. If you chose to contact us, the fee system will be explained in detail in your initial free consultation so that you are fully aware of our costs.
The Clock Is Ticking!
If you have been involved in a truck accident that was not your fault, then it is imperative you act quickly and hire an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible. Florida Statute 95.11 sets out that there is a very strict time limit on how long a personal injury case will have before it is barred from court. After a truck accident, you will have four years from the date of your collision to present your case, or else you will not receive compensation. If you have unfortunately lost a loved one in a truck accident, then the statute of limitations on a wrongful death lawsuit is two years.
Additionally, Florida Statute 627.736 means that you must seek medical attention within two weeks of your accident, or else your settlement value could be affected. Contact a personal injury lawyer today to ensure you have met all the necessary deadlines!
Contact a Bradenton Truck Accident Attorney at The Law Place Today!
Truck accidents can completely tip your life upside down, so it is important you receive justice for any suffering. Contact The Law Place today if you believe you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries following a truck accident in Bradenton, FL. Our team of personal injury lawyers will dedicate their time and efforts to ensure you are fairly compensated.
Call us today to organize a free consultation at our law firm to see what we can do for you. Call us using our toll-free number, (941) 444-4444. Phone lines are open 24/7!
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