Miami Lakes Truck Accident Lawyer

Types of Truck Accidents in Miami Lakes and Miami-Dade County

It’s crucial for truck drivers and other motorists to be aware of the various types of truck accidents and to actively take steps to prevent them. 

• Rear-End Collisions – Rear-end collisions occur when one vehicle hits the back of another vehicle. When a truck is involved in a rear-end collision, the damage can be severe, and injuries can be life-threatening. In many cases, rear-end collisions happen when a truck driver fails to maintain a safe following distance or when they are distracted.
• Head-On Collisions – Head-on collisions are some of the most severe types of truck accidents. These accidents occur when two vehicles collide head-on, usually because one of the drivers has crossed the center line or is driving the wrong way. When a truck is involved in a head-on collision, the impact can be devastating and can lead to fatalities.
• Jackknife Truck Accidents – Jackknife accidents occur when a truck driver brakes too hard or too suddenly, causing the trailer to swing out to the side, creating a 90-degree angle with the cab of the truck. These accidents are incredibly dangerous because the trailer can hit other vehicles on the road, leading to significant injuries and property damage.
• Rollover Truck Accidents – Rollover accidents occur when a truck tips over onto its side. These accidents can happen when a driver takes a turn too fast or when the load on the truck is not distributed correctly. Rollover accidents are dangerous because the truck can slide across the road, hitting other vehicles and causing significant damage.
• Underride Accidents – Underride accidents occur when a smaller vehicle collides with the back of a truck, and the car slides underneath the trailer. These accidents are incredibly dangerous because the top of the car can be crushed, leading to fatalities or severe injuries

It’s important to understand the common causes involving trucks. By addressing common causes of Truck accidents in Miami Lakes, we can work together to ensure that the roads in Miami Lakes and throughout Florida remain safe.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Florida and Miami Lakes

While the Florida Statutes provide important protections for victims of truck accidents in Miami Lakes, it’s essential to understand the common causes of such accidents to prevent them from happening in the first place. The following are some of the most common causes of truck accidents in Florida and Miami Lakes:

Driver Fatigue/Error: Driver fatigue is a leading cause of truck accidents in Florida and Miami Lakes. Truck drivers often work long hours, leading to fatigue and reduced reaction time. When a fatigued driver is behind the wheel of a large commercial vehicle, the risk of an accident increases significantly.

To address this issue, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has implemented hours of service regulations that limit the number of hours a truck driver can work in a day or week. These regulations help to ensure that drivers get enough rest and reduce the risk of accidents due to driver fatigue.

Improper Loading: Improper loading is another common cause of truck accidents in Florida and Miami Lakes. When a truck is overloaded or improperly loaded, it can affect the vehicle’s balance and stability, making it more difficult to control. This can result in rollovers or other types of accidents that cause serious injuries or fatalities.

To prevent accidents due to improper loading, truck drivers and carriers must follow the weight and length limits set forth by the Florida Statutes. They must also ensure that the cargo is properly secured and evenly distributed within the vehicle.

Distracted Driving: Distracted driving is a leading cause of all types of accidents in Florida, and truck accidents are no exception. When a truck driver is distracted by their phone, GPS, or other electronic devices, they may not be paying attention to the road, leading to an increased risk of accidents.

To prevent accidents due to distracted driving, the FMCSA has implemented regulations that prohibit truck drivers from using hand-held devices while driving. Drivers must also be trained to avoid other distractions, such as eating, drinking, or adjusting the radio while driving.

Poor Maintenance: Poor maintenance of commercial vehicles is another common cause of truck accidents in Florida and Miami Lakes. When a truck is not properly maintained, it can experience mechanical failures, such as brake failure or tire blowouts, which can lead to serious accidents.

To prevent accidents due to poor maintenance, the FMCSA has implemented regulations that require truck drivers and carriers to conduct regular inspections and maintenance of their vehicles. They must also keep detailed records of all inspections and repairs.

Speeding: Speeding is a common cause of all types of accidents in Florida, including truck accidents. When a truck driver exceeds the speed limit, they may not be able to react in time to avoid an accident, especially if the road conditions are poor.

To prevent accidents due to speeding, the FMCSA has implemented regulations that limit the speed of commercial vehicles on certain roads and highways. Drivers must also be trained to drive at a safe speed based on the current road and weather conditions.

Truck Accidents in Miami Lakes: Understanding Florida Statutes

Truck accidents are unfortunately common on the roads of Miami-Dade County and Miami Lakes is not an exception to these types of traffic accidents. Florida Statutes provide a framework for understanding truck accidents and how to handle them legally. 

If you or someone you know has been involved in a truck accident in Miami Lakes, it is crucial to seek legal guidance from an experienced attorney who understands Florida Statutes. Here are some of the most important Florida Statutes related to truck accidents in Miami Lakes, their implications, and how they can protect your legal rights.

Florida Statute 316.302 – defines commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) as any vehicle that is used or intended to be used to transport passengers or property and:

• Has a gross vehicle weight rating of 10,001 pounds or more
• Is designed to transport 16 or more passengers, including the driver
• Is used in transporting hazardous materials and is required to be placarded in accordance with federal regulations

This statute is important in truck accident cases because it establishes the legal definition of a commercial vehicle. If a truck meets any of the above criteria, it is considered a CMV and is subject to the regulations that apply to these vehicles. This includes requirements for licensing, insurance, and other safety standards.

Florida Statute 316.3025 – Mandatory Inspection of Commercial Motor Vehicles

Florida Statute 316.3025 – requires that CMVs be inspected annually by a certified inspector. These inspections are designed to ensure that CMVs are in compliance with federal and state safety regulations. The statute also requires that CMVs be inspected before they are operated on the highways of Miami Lakes. In the event of a truck accident in Miami Lakes, the results of the most recent inspection can be used as evidence in a legal case. If the inspection report indicates that the truck was not in compliance with safety regulations, this can be used to establish liability on the part of the truck driver or the trucking company.

Florida Statute 316.303 – Careless Driving

Florida Statute 316.303 defines careless driving as the operation of a vehicle in a careless or negligent manner that endangers the safety of persons or property. Careless driving can include a variety of behaviors, including:

• Distracted driving 
• Speeding 
• Failure to Yield 
• Reckless driving 

Florida Statute 316.515 – Following Too Closely 

Florida Statute 316.515 prohibits drivers from following too closely behind other vehicles on the road. This is often referred to as tailgating and is a common cause of truck accidents in Miami Lakes. The statute establishes a minimum safe distance that drivers must maintain between their vehicle and the vehicle in front of them. If a truck driver in Miami Lakes is found to have been following too closely and caused an accident as a result, they can be held liable for any damages that result from the accident.

What Damages Can the Ward Law Group Help Me Recover in a Truck Accident Claim?

• Medical Expenses: If you’ve been injured in a truck accident, you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, including hospital bills, doctor’s visits, medication, and physical therapy. This includes both past and future medical expenses related to the accident.
• Property Damage” If your vehicle or any other property was damaged in the accident, you may be entitled to compensation for the cost of repairs or the fair market value of the property.
• Lost Wages: If you were unable to work because of your injuries, you may be entitled to compensation for lost wages. This includes both past and future lost wages.
• Pain and Suffering: You may also be entitled to compensation for pain and suffering, which includes physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident. This is often calculated based on the severity of your injuries and how they have impacted your life.
• Loss of Consortium: If you’re unable to maintain a normal relationship with your spouse or partner because of your injuries, they may be entitled to compensation for the loss of consortium.

Why Hire a Miami Lakes Truck Accident Attorney?

Hiring an experienced personal injury attorney at The Ward Law Group can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. A Miami Lakes truck accident attorney can provide valuable knowledge and experience, investigate the accident, negotiate with insurance companies, represent you in court, provide objective advice, and increase your chances of success.

The Ward Law Group’s experienced team of qualified accident attorneys can walk you step by step through your claim process, negotiate with insurance companies, negotiate the maximum settlement possible for your case, and pursue legal action if necessary. 

If you’ve been injured in a truck accident, contact us today to discuss your legal rights and options. Call us at 855-DOLOR-55. See our over 2000 Google reviews here!