Miami 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyer
Motor vehicle accidents involving commercial trucks are often catastrophic events. A jackknifed or overturned semi-truck can set off a chain reaction that injures dozens of innocent people. If you have been one of those people, the Miami 18-wheeler accident lawyers at Pike & Lustig, LLP, can represent you in seeking financial compensation from the truck driver, trucking company, and any other party who may be legally liable for your injuries.
Who Pays for an 18-Wheeler Accident in Florida?
If you already own or drive a car in Miami, then you probably know that Florida is a “no-fault” insurance state. This means that your vehicle must carry auto insurance with personal injury protection (PIP) coverage, which compensates you for some–but not all–of your medical expenses and lost income following an accident with another vehicle. Since the benefits are no-fault, it does not matter whether you or the other driver was to blame.
Florida’s no-fault insurance also covers 18-wheeler accidents. But critically, if you suffer what the law classifies as a “serious injury” in such an accident, you can legally step outside of the no-fault system and file a personal injury lawsuit against the negligent parties who caused your truck accident. This is crucial because a personal injury claim allows you to seek the full amount of your medical bills and lost income, as well as any other out-of-pocket losses.
In a personal injury case, you can also demand “non-economic damages” as compensation for your pain and suffering, lost enjoyment of life, and other psychological trauma. You cannot recover such non-economic damages through no-fault PIP coverage. Such compensation is only available through a personal injury claim in Florida.
As for who is responsible for paying you compensation, commercial truck accidents frequently involve multiple defendants. Our Miami 18-wheeler accident lawyers will carefully review all of the available evidence in your case and advise you on who is likely responsible for your losses. Some of the more common defendants include
- the person driving the 18-wheeler;
- the company that owns the truck itself, if the driver is not also an owner-operator;
- the companies responsible for handling or loading the truck’s cargo, which may have come loose or shifted during transport;
- any persons or companies responsible for inspecting and maintaining the 18-wheeler to ensure it meets all federal, state, and industry safety standards;
- the company that manufactured the truck or any of its component parts, if a defect in the design or manufacturing process played a role in the accident; and
- the State of Florida or Miami-Dade County, if improper road maintenance contributed to the accident.
Contact the Miami 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyers at Pike & Lustig Today
An accident involving a commercial semi-truck can quickly upend your entire life. In addition to a long and painful physical recovery process, you still need to deal with paying the bills and supporting your family. Our Miami 18-wheeler accident lawyers are committed to obtaining full and fair financial compensation for your losses. Contact Pike & Lustig, LLP, today at 561-291-8298 to schedule a consultation.
