Throughout Florida and South Florida, tractor-trailers 18-wheelers, smaller commercial trucks, city buses and school buses are among the most common – and dangerous – vehicles on the road.
Because of their sheer size and numbers, truck accidents are a frequent occurrence. In 2019, more than 5,000 large trucks involved in a fatal crash represented an increase of 43% since 2010. Large trucks, which include commercial and non-commercial vehicles accounted for 10% of all vehicles involved in fatal crashes, according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
Two years ago, accidents in Florida involving trucks from light duty to medium to heavy trucks accounted for over 30 fatalities and 150 people horribly injured.
Those harmed go far beyond innocent drivers and passengers in other vehicles. Thousands of pedestrians and bicyclists are harmed or killed nationally. Those who survive often suffer irreparable, permanent injuries and horrible mental trauma.
If an accident involving a truck or bus has left you injured or someone you know injured or killed, you have legal recourse.
Take these steps immediately
- Seek medical attention if you haven’t already.
- Keep records of all doctor’s visits and medical exams.
- Make sure to document the accident, if possible.
- Seek legal help.
These steps seem obvious, but you would be surprised how many people take weeks, months, even years to pursue legal action. In the State of Florida, you have four years to file a claim. Don’t delay.
Proving Your Case
Key to winning any personal injury case is proving negligence. When it comes to truck accidents, the first step is determining if anyone was at fault. Attorneys consider the following:
Duty of care: Did the party responsible have the duty to act reasonably and avoid injuring other people.
Breach of duty: In what way did the responsible party fail in their duty of care? Common failures include speeding, reckless or aggressive driving, or being under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and texting while driving.
Causation: Were your injuries caused by the responsible party’s actions? This is why seeking medical attention and keeping good records is essential to your case.
Damages: To receive damages for your injuries, you must show how your injuries impacted you and those around you. Medical expenses, lost wages and loss of property are examples of how injuries can have a negative impact on one’s life.
Notable Results
Winston Law has handled numerous truck accident cases, achieving great results for our clients. Take a look at some of our more notable wins.
