Truck Accident Lawyer Coral Springs, FL
Drowsy driving is a leading cause of truck accidents across the U.S., and many victims seek help from a Coral Springs, FL truck accident lawyer in the aftermath. Truck drivers are put under immense pressure to meet deadlines, receive payment, and keep their jobs. However, this doesn’t mean that truckers should drive while so exhausted that they risk falling asleep behind the wheel. If someone is drowsy while operating a 15-ton vehicle, the results can be devastating. People may suffer catastrophic injuries or lose their lives because of a drowsy truck driver. The Andres Lopez Law Firm is ready to speak with you if you are in need of compensation after a truck accident.
Regulations For Truckers
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration regulates the trucking industry, such as how many hours drivers are allowed to drive their vehicles on a daily and weekly routine. Regulations on a state and federal level are what help keep truckers and those around them safer, however, if a trucker violates these rules then they could be liable for any accident that ensues. In 2020, more rules were finalized in an attempt to increase truck driver flexibility while improving safety for others on the road. These rules include:
- A truck driver has an 11-hour daily driving maximum
- A truck driver cannot exceed a 70 hour work week, which must be followed by 34 hours of being off duty
- A break of 30 minutes after 8 consistent hours of driving is required (the break may be taken as an off duty, on duty, or not driving status)
The trucking industry is competitive and these regulations may not be enough to keep drowsy truckers off the road. Trucking companies often prioritize deliveries and not the safety of their drivers or the public. As your Coral Springs truck accident lawyer can explain, trucking companies could be liable for their part in rushing or pressuring a driver to meet strict deadlines that caused them to violate regulations and cause an accident. Drowsy driving is dangerous because a driver is more likely to react slowly, collide with other cars or objects, improperly brake, fail to stay in designated lanes, fail to use turn signals, fail to merge safely, fail to notice speed limits, and potentially fall asleep behind the wheel.
Navigating Recovery with a Truck Accident Lawyer
Truck accidents can have devastating consequences, but a Coral Springs, FL truck accident lawyer can help you on the road to recovery.
Recovery from a truck accident can be challenging, but with the right care and support, you can get some much-needed financial support. In this section, we’ll explore the seriousness of truck accidents, common injuries, the importance of proper care for recovery, and the role of a truck accident lawyer in securing the compensation you need to focus on healing.
Read on to get started, and get in touch with The Andres Lopez Law Firm to see how we can help.
The Seriousness Of Truck Accidents
Truck accidents are not to be taken lightly. Collisions involving large commercial trucks can cause severe damage to smaller vehicles and lead to life-altering injuries. As a result, these accidents often require comprehensive medical attention and long-term care.
Understanding Truck Accident Injuries
The injuries sustained in truck accidents can vary widely, and every accident is unique. Common car accident injuries include whiplash, neck and back injuries, burns, broken bones, and traumatic brain injuries (concussions). These injuries can range from mild to severe, but they’ll all necessitate different treatment approaches for each case.
The Importance Of Proper Care For Recovery
Recovering from a truck accident requires proper care and medical attention. While the road to recovery might be challenging, seeking the right medical care can significantly improve your chances of making a full recovery. However, such care can be expensive, and the bills can quickly pile up. All the more reason to get in touch with a Coral Springs truck accident lawyer.
Dealing With Financial Burdens
After a truck accident, you may face not only medical expenses but also lost wages due to your injuries. This financial strain can be overwhelming, especially if you were dependent on paychecks to meet various financial obligations such as rent, car payments, and other bills. It’s essential to prioritize your recovery without the added stress of financial burdens.
The Role Of A Truck Accident Lawyer
In this difficult situation, a qualified truck accident lawyer can be a valuable ally. Your legal team will fight on your behalf and ensure that insurance companies provide the compensation you need for your recovery. With their expertise, you can focus on healing and rebuilding your life while your lawyer handles the legal complexities and negotiations.
Help Is Available
Truck accidents can be life-altering events, leaving victims with serious injuries and financial burdens. However, with proper care and support, a full recovery is possible. Don’t hesitate to seek legal assistance to get you moving forward.
A skilled lawyer from The Andres Lopez Law Firm can navigate the complexities of insurance claims and ensure you receive the compensation you need. Our dedication allows you to focus on what matters most: your recovery and rebuilding your life after the accident.
Remember, you don’t have to face the aftermath of a truck accident alone. Get in touch with us today, and see how a Coral Springs truck accident lawyer from our office can help.
Contact a Lawyer Today
If you notice a trucker driving unsafely, notify police right away. Common signs of trucker fatigue include difficulty focusing, heavy eyelids, missing exits, repeated yawning, drifting into other lanes or onto the shoulder, and frequent blinking. A drowsy trucker is someone that could cause serious harm and damage to those around them, so calling the police can save your life or someone else’s. If you were already in an accident with a commercial truck and need help getting compensation for medical bills, monetary loss, and property damage, call a Coral Springs truck accident lawyer as soon as you can. The team at The Andres Lopez Law Firm is ready to assist you.
Understanding the Top Causes of Truck Accidents
A Coral Springs, FL truck accident lawyer knows that truck accidents can have catastrophic consequences due to the sheer size and weight of these vehicles. Understanding the common reasons behind truck accidents is essential for improving road safety. Here are five prevalent causes of truck accidents:
Driver Fatigue
One of the leading causes of truck accidents is driver fatigue. Truck drivers often work long hours and may struggle to get adequate rest, leading to drowsy driving. Fatigued drivers have slower reaction times, impaired judgment, and decreased alertness. Federal regulations mandate hours-of-service limits for truck drivers to combat fatigue, but violations and non-compliance remain significant issues.
Solutions: Trucking companies can implement strict adherence to rest and work hour limits, and drivers should prioritize rest and take breaks to combat fatigue.
Speeding
Excessive speed is a major contributor to truck accidents. Commercial trucks are much larger and heavier than passenger vehicles, making it difficult for them to stop quickly in emergency situations. When truck drivers exceed speed limits or drive too fast for road conditions, they increase the likelihood of accidents and make it challenging to avoid collisions.
Solutions: Drivers and trucking companies must adhere to speed limits and adjust their speed according to weather and traffic conditions.
Distracted Driving
A Coral Springs truck accident lawyer knows that just like with any other type of vehicle, distracted driving is a significant cause of truck accidents. Distractions such as texting, using a GPS, or eating while driving divert a truck driver’s attention away from the road. Given the long hours truckers spend on the road, they may be tempted to engage in distracting activities.
Solutions: Strict enforcement of no texting and hands-free device laws, along with education and training, can help combat distracted driving among truckers.
Improperly Maintained Vehicles
Poorly maintained trucks are more likely to experience mechanical failures on the road. Brake system malfunctions, tire blowouts, and other vehicle issues can lead to catastrophic accidents. Trucking companies and drivers are responsible for ensuring their vehicles are regularly inspected, maintained, and in good working condition.
Solutions: Regular vehicle maintenance schedules and thorough pre-trip inspections should be standard practices for trucking companies and their drivers.
Inadequate Training
Inexperienced or inadequately trained truck drivers can pose significant risks on the road. Operating a commercial truck requires specialized skills, including knowledge of safe driving practices, load securement, and handling various road conditions. When drivers lack proper training, they may struggle to react appropriately in challenging situations.
Solutions: Comprehensive training programs for new drivers and ongoing professional development for experienced ones can improve their knowledge and skills.
Contact a Personal Injury Law Firm
Truck accidents are a serious public safety concern, and addressing the underlying causes requires a multi-faceted approach involving drivers, trucking companies, regulators, and the public. Reducing the frequency and severity of truck accidents is paramount to improving road safety for everyone.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, contact a Coral Springs truck accident lawyer from The Andres Lopez Law Firm to schedule a free consultation.