Major Tractor Trailer Overturn Accident Reported in Coconut Creek
According to a report from CBS News, a major eighteen wheeler crash dramatically disrupted highway traffic in Coconut Creek. The overturned truck on Florida’s Turnpike spilled lumber across the highway. The good news is that there were no major injuries reported in the incident. Truck overturn accidents have the potential to be extremely dangerous. In this article, our West Palm Beach truck accident attorney discusses the risks.
Rollover Semi-Truck Accidents are Exceptionally Dangerous
A rollover semi-truck accident can cause catastrophic harm because the truck’s weight, height, and cargo all work against the people nearby. A fully loaded tractor-trailer may weigh up to 80,000 pounds. When it rolls, it can crush smaller vehicles, spill cargo across multiple lanes, cause secondary collisions, or release hazardous materials. Victims may suffer traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, crush injuries, amputations, burns, internal bleeding, or even death.
Florida’s No-Fault System Still Applies After Many Truck Accidents
Florida’s no-fault insurance system can still affect a rollover semi-truck accident claim, at least at the beginning. Under Fla. Stat. § 627.736, an injured victim generally must first look to their own personal injury protection (PIP) coverage for initial medical expenses and a portion of lost wages, regardless of who caused the crash. Strict deadlines apply. An injured victim must seek medical treatment within 14 days after the accident to preserve PIP benefits. However, PIP rarely comes close to covering the full losses from a serious rollover truck accident. When the injuries meet Florida’s serious injury threshold under Fla. Stat. § 627.737, the victim may pursue a fault-based claim against the truck driver, trucking company, or another liable party.
Parties Other than the Truck Driver May Be Liable
In a fault-based rollover truck accident claim in Florida, a full investigation is a must. The truck driver may be liable for speeding, distracted driving, aggressive steering, unsafe lane changes, fatigue, or taking a curve too fast. A trucking company may also bear responsibility if it hired an unsafe driver, failed to train the driver, ignored hours-of-service risks, delayed repairs, or pushed unrealistic delivery schedules. Other parties may also enter the case as well, such as a cargo loading company, a maintenance contractor, or a manufacturer.
Recovering the Maximum Compensation for a Rollover Truck Accident
A rollover truck accident can cause devastating, even catastrophic injuries. A top-rated West Palm Beach truck accident lawyer can help you seek compensation for the full extent of your damages if you suffered a serious injury, including for vehicle repairs, medical bills, rehabilitative care, loss of current and future wages, and pain and suffering.
Call Our West Palm Beach Truck Accident Lawyer for a Free Case Review
At Pike & Lustig, LLP, our West Palm Beach eighteen wheeler accident attorney is an aggressive advocate for victims. If you were hurt in a crash with a negligent trucker or trucking company, we can help. Call us now or contact us online for a free case review. Our firm handles truck accident injury claims throughout South Florida.
Source:
cbsnews.com/miami/video/major-crash-on-turnpike-in-coconut-creek-causes-traffic-jam-debris-spill/
