When truck drivers and trucking companies fail to follow traffic laws or disregard motor carrier regulations, serious accidents may result. If you suffered injuries in a recent truck accident, speak with experienced legal counsel right away about your options.
The Fort Lauderdale truck accident lawyers at the Russo Firm can gather important documentation, including a copy of the police report, and investigate your accident circumstances right away. We can then file a claim or lawsuit on your behalf, seeking the compensation you deserve for your accident-related losses.
For a free case evaluation and legal consultation with an experienced Fort Lauderdale trucking accident attorney, please contact our team directly.
Why Choose Our Fort Lauderdale Trucking Accident Lawyers?
If you recently suffered injuries in a truck accident that a negligent truck driver or trucking company caused, you want a skilled legal team on your side that fights for you.
At the Russo Firm, our knowledgeable lawyers will thoroughly investigate your accident circumstances and file a timely personal injury claim on your behalf. Our lawyers know the tricks and tactics that insurance companies routinely use to deny or undervalue claims, and we are not afraid to litigate your case in the court system if that step becomes necessary.
You can view some of our most recent case results by clicking here.
Our office is conveniently located at 110 East Broward Boulevard, Suite 1700, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301. Let us help you recover the damages you need for your truck-accident injuries.
How Much Is a Truck Accident Claim Worth in Fort Lauderdale?
The worth of a trucking accident case in Fort Lauderdale depends on the extent of injuries and other losses that the accident victim suffered.
In third-party trucking accident claims, victims may recover compensation to recover their losses, including:
- Medical Expenses – Victims of Fort Lauderdale trucking accidents may incur significant medical expenses for emergency care, hospitalization, surgeries, medication, rehabilitation therapy, and ongoing medical treatment for their injuries. Compensation for medical expenses covers these costs and ensures that victims receive the necessary medical care to fully recover from their injuries.
- Lost Income – Trucking accidents can also result in temporary or permanent disability, preventing victims from working and earning income. Compensation for lost income aims to replace the income that the victim would have earned if not for the accident, including missed workdays, reduced earning capacity, and future lost income due to disability or impairment.
- Pain and Suffering – Victims of trucking accidents often endure physical pain, emotional distress, and psychological trauma because of their injuries. Compensation for pain and suffering seeks to provide financial relief for the physical discomfort, mental anguish, and emotional distress that the victim experienced.
- Loss of Consortium – Family members of trucking accident victims may also suffer as a result of the victim’s injuries, experiencing a loss of companionship and fellowship. Compensation for loss of consortium seeks to provide financial support for the emotional and practical challenges that the victim’s loved ones face.
- Punitive Damages – In cases involving intentional misconduct or gross negligence, victims of trucking accidents may receive punitive damages. Punitive damages punish the at-fault party instead of compensating for specific losses.
The worth of a trucking accident case in Fort Lauderdale can vary depending on the specific circumstances of the accident, the severity of injuries, and other factors. At the Russo Firm, we can explain your legal rights and options for pursuing the compensation you deserve.
What are the Most Common Locations for Trucking Accidents in Fort Lauderdale?
In Fort Lauderdale, trucking accidents can occur in various locations, but certain areas are more prone to these incidents due to factors such as heavy traffic, narrow lanes, construction zones, and high-speed limits.
Some of the most common locations for trucking accidents in Fort Lauderdale include:
- Interstate 95 (I-95) – As one of the major highways running through Fort Lauderdale, I-95 is a common site for trucking accidents. The high volume of traffic, frequent lane changes, and merging ramps can increase the risk of collisions involving large commercial trucks.
- Florida’s Turnpike – Another major roadway in Fort Lauderdale – the Florida Turnpike – sees its fair share of trucking accidents. Similar to I-95, the high-speed limits and heavy traffic on the Turnpike can lead to dangerous conditions for truck drivers and other motorists.
- State Road 84 (SR 84) – SR 84 is a busy thoroughfare that connects Fort Lauderdale with neighboring cities and serves as a major route for commercial trucking traffic. The mix of commercial vehicles, passenger cars, and pedestrians can create hazardous conditions – particularly during peak travel times.
- Downtown Fort Lauderdale – The densely populated downtown area of Fort Lauderdale can be a hotspot for trucking accidents, especially during rush hours and when navigating narrow city streets with pedestrians, cyclists, and parked cars.
- Port Everglades Expressway – This roadway provides access to Port Everglades, one of the busiest seaports in Florida. The heavy flow of commercial trucks transporting goods to and from the port can increase the risk of trucking accidents, particularly at interchange ramps and congested areas.
- Construction Zones – Fort Lauderdale’s ongoing construction projects and road maintenance can create hazardous conditions for truck drivers and other motorists. Construction zones often have reduced speed limits, lane closures, and narrow lanes, increasing the likelihood of accidents – especially involving large trucks.
- Traffic Intersections – Trucking accidents frequently occur at busy traffic intersections throughout Fort Lauderdale, where multiple lanes of traffic converge, and drivers may turn or change lanes. Truck drivers navigating their large vehicles through congested areas make busy intersections particularly dangerous.
Common Types of Fort Lauderdale Trucking Accidents
Trucking accidents in Fort Lauderdale can occur due to:
- Driver Fatigue – Truck drivers often face demanding schedules and long hours on the road, leading to fatigue and drowsiness. Fatigued driving can impair a driver’s ability to react quickly and make safe decisions, increasing the risk of accidents due to falling asleep at the wheel or decreased alertness.
- Distracted Driving – Distractions such as using cellular phones, eating, adjusting the radio, or reading maps can divert a truck driver’s attention away from the road and increase the likelihood of accidents. Distracted driving can lead to rear-end collisions, side-swipe accidents, or a failure to notice hazards in the road.
- Speeding – Speeding is a common cause of trucking accidents in Fort Lauderdale and can result from pressure to meet tight delivery deadlines or aggressive driving behavior. Excessive speed reduces the driver’s ability to control the vehicle, increases stopping distances, and makes accidents more severe when they occur.
- Improper Loading or Failing to Secure Cargo – Trucking companies and drivers are responsible for properly loading and securing cargo to prevent shifting or falling during transit. Improper loading or improperly securing cargo can lead to accidents such as rollovers, jackknifes, or spilled cargo on the roadway, posing dangers to other motorists.
- Mechanical Failures – Negligent maintenance or failure to address mechanical issues can result in equipment failures such as brake failures, tire blowouts, or steering malfunctions, leading to loss of control and roadway accidents.
- Negligent Hiring or Training – Trucking companies have a duty to hire qualified drivers with proper training and experience. Negligent hiring or training practices can result in accidents due to inexperienced or unqualified drivers who lack the skills or knowledge to operate commercial vehicles safely.
- Violation of Hours-of-Service Regulations – Federal regulations limit the number of consecutive hours a truck driver can operate a commercial vehicle without taking rest breaks. Violations of hours-of-service regulations can lead to driver fatigue and increase the risk of accidents due to impaired driving performance.
At the Russo Firm, we can thoroughly investigate your truck accident circumstances and take the necessary steps to hold all potentially responsible parties accountable for their actions.
Most Common Injuries in a Fort Lauderdale Trucking Accident
Trucking accidents in Fort Lauderdale can result in a wide range of injuries for victims, both physical and mental, due to the sheer size and weight of the commercial trucks involved.
Some of the most common injuries that truck accident victims may suffer include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal cord damage
- Complete and incomplete paralysis
- Whiplash and neck injuries
- Fractures and broken bones
- Internal bleeding or organ damage
- Psychological trauma
- Soft tissue injuries
At the Russo Firm, we can handle the legal components of your truck accident claim while you focus on recovering fully from your injuries.
Fighting the Insurance Company after a Trucking Accident in Fort Lauderdale
Following a trucking accident in Fort Lauderdale, victims may pursue various types of insurance claims to seek compensation for their losses.
Those claims include:
- Personal Injury Protection (PIP) Claims – Florida is a no-fault state, meaning that victims of trucking accidents can file PIP claims with their own insurance company, regardless of who was at fault. PIP coverage typically provides benefits for medical expenses and lost income up to the policy limit.
- Third-Party Claims – In addition to PIP claims, victims may pursue third-party claims against the at-fault party’s insurance company to seek additional compensation for their injuries under certain circumstances. This may include compensation for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and other losses not covered by PIP benefits.
- Uninsured or Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) Claims – If the at-fault party is uninsured or lacks sufficient insurance coverage to fully compensate the victim, then the victim may file a UM/UIM claim with their own insurance company. UM/UIM coverage can provide benefits for medical expenses, lost income, and other damages in the event of an uninsured or underinsured trucking accident.
Dealing with insurance companies that may prioritize their own interests over yours can make navigating insurance claims following a Fort Lauderdale trucking accident complex and challenging.
Therefore, at the Russo Firm, we can:
- Review Insurance Policies – We can review your insurance policies, including PIP, third-party liability, and UM/UIM coverage, to determine the available benefits and coverage limits in your case.
- File Claims – We can also file the appropriate insurance claims on your behalf, ensuring that all required documentation is submitted accurately and timely to maximize your chances of a successful claim.
- Negotiate with Insurance Companies – Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts to victims by offering low settlements or disputing claims. We can aggressively negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf to pursue just compensation for your losses.
- Litigate Your Claim, if Necessary – If insurance negotiations fail to result in a fair settlement, we can pursue litigation by filing a lawsuit against the at-fault party and their insurance company to seek compensation through the court system.
Essential Steps to Take After a Fort Lauderdale Trucking Accident
After a Fort Lauderdale trucking accident, to protect your rights and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve:
- Collect Evidence – Collect as much evidence as possible from the accident scene, including photographs of the vehicles involved, damage to property, road conditions, skid marks, and any other relevant factors. Obtain contact information from witnesses who may have observed your accident.
- Preserve Records – Keep thorough records of all medical treatment related to your injuries, including doctor’s appointments, diagnostic tests, medications, and rehabilitation therapy. Also, keep records of any expenses you incurred as a result of the accident, such as vehicle repairs, towing fees, rental car costs, and lost income.
- Consult an Experienced Fort Lauderdale Trucking Accident Lawyer – At the Russo Firm, we can provide valuable guidance, negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf, and pursue maximum compensation for your injuries.
- Follow Medical Advice – Attend all scheduled medical appointments and follow the treatment plans that your healthcare providers prescribe. Failing to comply with medical recommendations could jeopardize your claim for compensation.
- Document Your Recovery – Keep a journal documenting your physical symptoms, emotional distress, and daily activities as you recover from your injuries. This documentation can provide valuable evidence of the effect the accident has had on your life and well-being.
By taking these important steps after a Fort Lauderdale trucking accident, you can protect your legal rights and increase your chances of obtaining fair compensation for your losses.
Contact an Experienced Fort Lauderdale Trucking Accident Lawyer Today
If you recently sustained injuries in a Fort Lauderdale trucking accident, you need to obtain the legal help you need as quickly as possible.
At the Russo Firm, our team will aggressively advocate for your rights and work to maximize the compensation you ultimately receive for your accident-related losses.
For a free case evaluation and legal consultation with a skilled Fort Lauderdale personal injury attorney, please contact us today at (954) 767-0676.
The Russo Firm – Fort Lauderdale
110 E Broward Blvd #1700
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
P: (954) 767-0676