Truck Accidents

Litigating Truck Accident Cases in South Florida Truck Accident

Traveling the long highways of Florida can often lead to trucking accidents and serious injuries. Victims of a truck crash could have another long road to travel through the complicated legal process associated with such collisions. The Miami truck accident attorneys at The Law Offices of Robert Dixon can help you navigate that legal road. Our attorneys serve clients in Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach Counties, as well as elsewhere in Florida. We are familiar with the federal and state laws regarding trucking accidents, and we are on hand to aid injured victims in seeking the compensation they deserve.

Federal and State Regulation of the Trucking Industry

Unlike typical car accidents, trucking accidents involve complex federal and state laws. The Florida Highway Patrol Office of Commercial Vehicle Enforcement regulates state trucking, while the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration regulates interstate truck drivers, trucking companies, and others involved in the industry. State and federal regulations cover an array of topics to ensure safety on the roads, including:

  • Medical requirements, hours on the road, and drug and alcohol testing to qualify drivers for commercial licenses
  • Carrier requirements related to transport of hazardous materials, equipment providers, and weight limitations
  • Special permit requirements for overweight or over-dimensional vehicles

Truck accidents require a thorough investigation to determine which party or parties may be at fault, including whether they have violated any federal or state regulations.

Multiple Parties May Be Liable in Truck Crashes

Depending on the circumstances, a victim injured in a truck crash could recover damages from the driver, the driver’s employer, the truck’s owner, and companies or individuals involved in leasing arrangements. It is important to contact a knowledgeable attorney who can assess what parties may be involved and proceed accordingly.

Often, negligence is the basis for truck accident claims. To show negligence, the victim of a crash must prove that one of the defendants had a legal duty to the victim to exercise reasonable care. The victim also must prove that the defendant breached that duty and that the breach resulted in the victim’s injury. For example, a driver who spends too much time on the road without taking the appropriate breaks could be found negligent.

Additionally, the truck company employing the driver may be found vicariously liable for failing to ensure that its drivers observe the applicable standard of care. Other parties that could be held accountable include insurance companies. In some instances, such as a technical malfunction, you may have a product liability claim against a manufacturer.

Investigation and Spoliation After Accidents

Once a truck crash occurs, all parties involved immediately conduct their own investigations to determine who may be at fault. Sometimes they will try to protect themselves by taking matters into their own hands. “Spoliation” of the evidence occurs when key evidence is altered, destroyed, or simply lost in an effort to hinder a party’s claim. Florida courts often issue sanctions when spoliation has occurred. These sanctions might extend to entering default judgment against the offending party, striking the pleadings, or even dismissing a claim.

Therefore, a prompt and thorough investigation into the facts, causes, and other issues related to a truck accident is an important aspect of protecting your rights as a victim. Attorneys familiar with such crashes can help sort through the evidence and avoid mistakes that may impede a claim.

Compensation and Damages Recoverable for Truck Crash Injuries

Damages to a victim of a trucking accident may cover past and future medical expenses, lost income, loss of earning capacity, and pain and suffering. Moreover, if a loved one was killed as a result of such a crash, you may be able to pursue a wrongful death claim. It is important to act quickly to preserve any claim associated with a truck crash. The time period for filing legal action in a personal injury case is four years, while a wrongful death action must be filed within two years.

Legal Representation For Victims of South Florida Truck Accidents

The 18-wheeler accidents at The Law Offices of Robert Dixon are here to help you travel the legal road following a trucking accident in Fort Lauderdale, Palm Beach, or anywhere else in South Florida. We have the experience to investigate such claims on your behalf, and determine what compensation you may be entitled to receive. Please call 877.499.4878 or contact us online for a no-cost initial consultation.

Client Reviews
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"Thank you to Robert Dixon & Kristopher Torres for an amazing experience handling with my first injury lawsuit. Very much hassle-free and down to earth experience working with this law firm. I would definitely use them again! My case was settled and I am satisfied with the results! Glad to have them fighting on my behalf." Diamond Epps
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"This firm goes out of there way to make sure all of your needs are met. They are wonderful and within a year, my settlement was reached. In addition, I never waited more than a couple hours for someone to get back with me. I highly suggest this firm." Melissa Ellis
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"I had the pleasure of working with attorney Torres when I was involved in a car accident last year. He was always checking up on me, always making sure that I was getting the proper treatment that I needed. Whenever I called the office everyone was so nice and willing to help me. I'm glad he was my attorney and thank you for such a wonderful service from you and your firm." Natalie J.
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"I'd like to say that the Law Office of Robert Dixon has been great to work with since the inception of my case back in 2016. Robert and team made me feel rest assured that patience would constitute a much larger settlement and that truly was the case. ... I highly recommend this law firm for anyone needing help from a very compassionate team of hard workers. Thanks again everyone for this positive experience as this was my first time ever dealing with the courts or a law firm...." Paul Carlson
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"Jodie, Jennifer and the WHOLE Team are AWESOME! Everyone I have spoken to, have been very professional, patient and kind. The ladies take their time to ensure you understand everything that is happening every step of the way. Each time I would have a question, they were available via e-mail or a quick phone call." Nathalie Perez