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Miami Truck Accident Lawyer

If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident in Miami, you already know how devastating these collisions can be. Commercial trucks, including tractor-trailers, semis, and delivery vehicles, are massive compared to passenger cars. When accidents happen, they often result in catastrophic injuries, significant property damage, and emotional trauma that can last for years. At the Law Offices of Gonzalo Funes, PA, we understand what you are going through. Our team is here to help you make sense of the legal process, fight for your rights, and pursue the compensation you need to move forward with your life. Continue reading and contact a knowledgeable, seasoned Miami injury lawyer so we can help with your truck accident case.

Types of Truck Accidents

Truck accidents can happen in many different ways, and the specific type of crash often tells us a lot about what went wrong.

  • Jackknife Accidents: These are where the truck’s trailer swings out to form an angle with the cab, sometimes blocking multiple lanes of traffic and leading to multi-vehicle pileups.
  • Rollover Accidents: Where the truck tips onto its side or roof. Rollovers often happen when a driver takes a turn too fast or loses control on a slick road.
  • Underride Accidents: These are among the most deadly. These occur when a smaller vehicle slides underneath the rear or side of a truck, often with tragic results.
  • Blind Spot Accidents: These happen when a truck driver fails to see a vehicle in one of the large no-zones around their truck.
  • Wide Turn Accidents: These are particularly common in urban areas like Miami where space is tight. In these crashes, a truck may swing too far out while turning, striking vehicles or pedestrians in its path.
  • Lost Cargo Accidents: These accidents can happen when improperly secured loads spill onto the roadway, creating dangerous conditions for everyone nearby.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents

Most truck accidents are preventable and happen because someone failed to follow safety rules. One of the most common causes is driver fatigue. Despite strict hours-of-service regulations, truck drivers sometimes push past legal limits to meet tight delivery schedules, leading to dangerous levels of exhaustion. Another frequent issue is distracted driving, such as texting, eating, or even adjusting a GPS while behind the wheel. Any moment a trucker’s eyes are off the road can lead to disaster.

Speeding and aggressive driving are other major contributors to truck crashes. Large trucks require far more distance to stop than passenger cars, and when a trucker is driving too fast for conditions, they may not be able to stop in time to avoid a collision. Impaired driving, whether due to alcohol, illegal drugs, or even prescription medication, can also play a role in these crashes. Additionally, poor truck maintenance can be a factor. Worn brakes, bald tires, and broken lights are all examples of maintenance failures that can cause or contribute to a crash.

Finally, inexperienced or improperly trained drivers are sometimes to blame. Operating a commercial truck requires skill and knowledge, and when drivers are not adequately trained, the risk to the public increases significantly.

Proving Your Truck Accident Injury Claim

If you have been injured in a truck accident, it is not enough to simply say that the truck driver or company was at fault. You will need solid evidence to prove your claim and hold the responsible parties accountable. One of the most valuable pieces of evidence in truck accident cases is the truck’s black box data recorder. This device can provide crucial information about the truck’s speed, braking, and driver actions leading up to the crash.

Driver logbooks and hours-of-service records can also be key. These documents may reveal whether the driver was following federal regulations or if they were on the road longer than legally allowed. Additionally, maintenance and inspection reports can help show whether the trucking company kept the vehicle in safe working condition.

Eyewitness statements and accident scene photos can further support your case, as can surveillance footage from nearby businesses or traffic cameras. Sometimes, expert analysis is needed. Accident reconstruction specialists can help determine exactly how the crash occurred and who was at fault. The legal team at the Law Offices of Gonzalo Funes, PA will work to gather and preserve all available evidence to build the strongest case possible on your behalf.

Statute of Limitations

One of the most important things to know if you are considering filing a truck accident claim in Florida is that you do not have unlimited time to take legal action. Under Florida law, the statute of limitations for most personal injury claims, including those involving truck accidents, is generally two years from the date of the crash. This means you have two years to file a lawsuit against the at-fault party, or you may lose your right to seek compensation altogether.

There are some exceptions to this rule. For example, if the crash resulted in a wrongful death, the timeline for filing a claim may differ. Additionally, if the claim involves a government entity, such as a city or county vehicle, different notice requirements and deadlines could apply. This is why it is so important to speak with an experienced Miami truck accident lawyer as soon as possible. The sooner you get legal help, the better your chances of protecting your rights and preserving critical evidence.

Contact a Truck Accident Lawyer in Miami, Florida

At the Law Offices of Gonzalo Funes, PA, we are dedicated to helping truck accident victims in Miami and throughout South Florida. Our team knows how to take on trucking companies and their insurers, and we will not back down from a fight. If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, contact us today for a free consultation. Let us help you pursue the justice and compensation you deserve.

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