30+ Years of Truck Accident Results
Car Accident Lawyer Sarasota
Aggressive representation for injured automobile accident victims
The commercial trucking industry plays an important role in Florida’s economy, contributing billions of dollars of economic impact in a state with more than $1 trillion of gross domestic product (GDP). That said, truckers must comply with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations which set rules such as required truck driver training, speed management, cargo and the number of hours that drivers are allowed to drive consecutively. Truckers operate on demanding schedules and are known to violate these rules including driving more consecutive hours than permitted and overloading cargo to meet deadlines, increasing the potential of severe collisions. Due to the size and weight of these massive vehicles, tractor-trailer crashes are devastating, often leading to fatalities. Contact a dedicated personal injury attorney for assistance when you are hurt in a truck accident.
When negligent truckers and their companies overlook regulations designed to protect you, they can be held legally responsible; however, proving fault can be difficult when there is no clear cause or when the company classifies their driver as an independent contractor. A Sarasota truck accident lawyer could help you navigate the legal claims process and collect compensation to cover your medical expenses or lost income.
Common Types of Truck Accidents
Many different entities ship goods using commercial tractor-trailers. Sadly, many factors could cause truckers to collide with small passenger vehicles. Most truck crashes can be attributed to negligent drivers, shippers, trucking companies, or manufacturers. Determining who to sue can be challenging, depending on what caused the accident. Some of the common types of truck accidents include:
- Rollover truck accidents
- Jackknife collisions
- Overweight or overloaded cargo
- Distracted driving
- Runaway trucks
Truck accidents happen due to speeding, distracted and not rested drivers, drug or alcohol use, bad weather, brake issues, overweight or overloaded cargo, and driver fatigue. Federal law sets guidelines for trucking companies to prevent accidents limiting the number of hours a trucker can work in a day, as well as cargo restrictions.
Sadly, many trucking companies attempt to circumvent these guidelines to meet deadlines and maximize profits, putting other drivers at risk. A knowledgeable attorney in Sarasota could determine whether a trucking company violated the law and hold them accountable for a semi-truck wreck.
Filing a Claim for Truck Accident Injuries
Anyone injured in a tractor-trailer crash has two years to file a legal claim. Otherwise, they cannot pursue compensation for their injuries. Hiring an experienced attorney in Sarasota to handle a big rig accident claim could help ensure compliance with all deadlines.
Contact a Truck Crash Attorney in the Sarasota Area
Truck Accident Injury Lawyer in Sarasota
The number of accidents caused by commercial trucks continues to climb every year, with the majority caused by human error, driving under the influence, mechanical problems or failure of the trucking company to maintain current inspection standards for its vehicles. Trucking collisions leave victims seriously injured and their families financially devastated due to medical bills and loss of income. Successful recovery of compensation is vital to your ability to obtain quality medical care and financial security. The rest of your life and the lives of your family may depend on the compensation you receive now. If you have been involved in a car accident involving a semi-truck, an 18-wheeler or any other commercial vehicle, you need an experienced lawyer to represent your interests and help you secure compensation for your injuries, pain and losses. You are entitled to full compensation for not only medical bills and lost wages, but also for your injury, pain and suffering.
You have only one chance in court, and the compensation you receive at trial will depend upon the skill and experience of the law firm you choose. You need and are entitled to representation by a skilled and experienced lawyer who is committed solely to your needs. Our team has represented injured victims of trucking collisions in Sarasota for over 30 years. We promise to personally handle your case, diligently represent your interests — and only your interests — and give you his highest quality legal representation to secure all the compensation to which you are entitled. All truck accident cases are handled on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay no lawyer fee for our representation until you receive compensation for your injuries and damages. Call us today to learn more.
WHAT Our
Clients ARE SAYING
I was impressed with their commitment to achieving results in a timely manner. They kept me informed throughout the process and always responded promptly to my telephone calls. From the start, it was evident they were focused on securing the best possible outcome.
I wholeheartedly recommend Dannheisser Injury Law Firm to anyone in need of legal assistance. Their dedication to clients makes them an outstanding choice.
Sarasota Truck Accident
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to resolve a truck accident case?
The length of time it takes to resolve a truck accident case varies greatly depending on a number of factors, including but not limited to the following:
- Your physical and emotional recovery - we typically advise to wait until your medical treatment is complete or stabilized until seeking compensation as once you settle your case, you are typically prohibited from seeking additional compensation later down the line outside of a select few circumstances
- Length and complexity of the investigation – truck crashes often require substantial investigation into numerous potential liable parties
- Whether a lawsuit has to be filed – while we are able to settle some truck accident cases without needing to file a lawsuit, a vast majority of truck accidents in Sarasota and throughout Florida require lawsuits to recover the total value of your case. If we do not have to file a lawsuit, we may be able to resolve your case within a couple of months. If a lawsuit is required, as it typically is for truck accidents, resolving your case may take a couple of years
How are truck accidents different from car accidents?
Truck accidents differ from car accidents in several ways. First, tractor trailer accidents often cause more severe injuries and property damage due to the size and weight of commercial vehicles, which typically weigh 20-30 times as much as standard passenger vehicles and require 20-40% more distance than cars to stop according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Second, semi-trucks are governed by a series of complex state and federal regulations, oftentimes requiring in-depth investigation to determine the cause of truck accidents and who may be held liable. Third, commercial vehicles typically have much larger insurance policies, meaning that although there may be more money available in a possible lawsuit, there are more resources available to fight your claim for compensation. Because of these factors, it is essential to hire an experienced truck crash attorney to handle your claim.
Who can be held liable for a truck accident?
Due to a multitude of factors, including state and federal regulations as well as the overall size and complexity of operating and maintaining tractor trailers, there are multiple individuals or companies that may be solely or share responsibility for causing truck accidents. Possible parties that me held liable for your injuries if involved in an accident with a semi-truck include:
- The truck driver – a negligent driver who caused an accident due to fatigue, distraction, speeding, impairment, lack of training or other reckless driving
- The trucking company – likely the primary defendant in a truck accident lawsuit who carries the insurance coverage to compensate you for your injuries. The trucking company can be held liable either through vicarious liability or direct company negligence.
- The cargo loader and shipper – may be held liable for failing to follow safety protocols with regards to overloading, improper balance, unsecured cargo or violating hazardous material protocols
- Maintenance and repair entities – in-house maintenance crews or third-party repair shops failing to properly maintain the tractor trailer with regards to brakes, steering or otherwise could cause the maintenance and repair companies to be held liable for a truck accident
- Truck or parts manufacturers – if a part of the vehicle during design or manufacture breaks and subsequently causes a truck accident, the manufacturer may be held liable for the accident and damages.
- Government and other public entities – public entities may be held responsible for the injuries of a truck accident in several situations, including failure to maintain roadways (potholes, pavement, dropoffs on the sides of highways, etc.), malfunctioning traffic signals, and poor road design
How long do I have to file a truck accident lawsuit in Florida?
Similar to car accidents, Florida Statute § 95.11 allows two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit against the parties who may be liable in your truck accident. The same statute of limitations applies in the event of a wrongful death in a Florida truck accident, according to Florida Statute § 95.11(4)(d).
What evidence is needed in a truck accident case?
There is a significant amount of investigation and evidence to uncover in Florida truck accident cases, much more than is collected in a typical car accident. This evidence includes but is not limited to, police reports, eyewitness statements, photos and videos of the accident scene, electronic logging device (ELD) data, truck maintenance records, dashcam footage (if available), cargo loading and unloading reports, driver logs, traffic camera footage (if available), toxicology reports from the truck driver if there is a suspicion of impairment, truck driver’s cellphone records, and more. This evidence is then used to determine liability of the truck crash, sent to an accident reconstructionist and other expert witnesses, and used as the basis for your truck accident lawsuit.
What if I was partially at fault for the truck accident?
If you were partially responsible for the truck accident, you may still be able to recover compensation for your injuries in Florida. Under the modified comparative fault rule found in Florida Statutes § 768.81, you can still recover damages as long as you are 50% or less liable for the truck crash. However, your recovery is reduced in proportion to the percentage you are found at-fault for the accident. For example, if your damages are $1,000,000 but you are found to be 25% at-fault for the accident, your recovery is reduced to $750,000.
Call for a free consultation
Contact a Personal Injury Attorney
in Sarasota For Help
When you hire a legal representative, they take on the stress of a claim so you do not have to. Our attorneys conduct our own investigation to determine what caused your injuries and build a case accordingly. We understand how the compensation system works for personal injury victims and could help you obtain the money you need to recover.
When you have questions or concerns about injuries sustained in an accident caused by someone else’s negligence or wrongful conduct, contact a Sarasota personal injury lawyer.
