Miami Truck Driver Negligence Attorney
Operating a commercial semi-truck is a significant responsibility. A truck driver controls a vehicle that often weighs as much as 80,000 pounds while traveling down Miami’s public highways. So if that truck driver is reckless or negligent–even for a split-second–the result can be a catastrophic accident that affects many innocent lives.
The Miami truck driver negligence attorneys at Pike & Lustig, LLP, represent accident victims who seek financial compensation for their injuries. We know that in most commercial trucking accidents, negligence on the part of the driver is often the primary cause. That is why we make every effort to fully investigate the circumstances leading up to a truck accident to determine how the driver, and other parties, may be financially liable to the victims for their actions.
Understanding Common Forms of Truck Driver Negligence in Miami
“Negligence” is a legal term used to describe an action (or inaction) that violates the duty of care a reasonable person must exercise in a given situation. As it applies to truck accidents, negligence occurs when a truck driver fails to act with due consideration for the safety of other people on the road.
Basically, if a truck driver violates the “rules of the road,” or otherwise acts in a manner that the average person would consider dangerous or reckless, that is considered negligent. And when negligence leads to a truck accident, that driver can be required to compensate the victims for their medical bills and other losses.
Some of the more common forms of truck driver negligence that we see as experienced Miami personal injury attorneys include:
- Fatigue — Truck drivers spend long hours on the road hauling cargo. Federal law requires truckers to take periodic rest breaks. Yet many truck drivers negligently ignore these restrictions, and as a result are too tired to safely continue driving.
- Distraction — A truck driver must always keep their attention on the road. It is distracted driving, and thus negligent driving, if they divert their focus by using their cell phone or engage in other non-driving activities, such as eating, while on duty.
- Reckless Driving — As with any driver, a trucker can easily cause an accident by ignoring basic traffic laws, including speeding, tailgating, or executing an improper lane change.
- Drug or Alcohol Use — Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is not just negligent, it is also a criminal offense in the State of Florida. Indeed, truck accident victims may be entitled to seek significant punitive damages against a truck driver who caused an accident due to their use of alcohol or drugs while behind the wheel.
Our Miami Truck Driver Negligence Attorneys Are Here to Help
Negligent truck drivers, and the companies that employ them, may be on the hook for substantial damages if their actions lead to an accident. The Miami truck driver negligence attorneys at Pike & Lustig, LLP, are here to help ensure that victims receive fair compensation for such reckless behavior. Contact us today at (561) 291-8298 to schedule a consultation.
