West Palm Beach Truck Accident Attorney

No one enjoys the nerve-wracking experience of passing a semi-truck on the freeway as it sways in the wind. We’ve all encountered scary situations—whether it’s a trucker changing lanes without the right of way, drivers appearing to nod off or lose focus as their truck weaves dangerously between lanes, or the even more alarming sight of an aggressive driver in a massive rig. While not all truck drivers are reckless, and not every truck poses a danger, the sheer size disparity means that when collisions with large trucks do happen, the results are often catastrophic for the occupants of passenger vehicles. Contacting an experienced West Palm Beach truck accident attorney is key to your case’s success if you have been hit by a truck.

Many Parties May Be Held Liable in Truck Collisions

Recent statistics from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) indicate that in 2021, there were 5,788 fatalities resulting from large truck crashes, an increase from 4,945 in 2020. Despite comprising only about 8% of all vehicles on the road, large trucks are involved in approximately 11% of all fatal collisions. Additionally, while large trucks make up a small fraction of vehicles, they are disproportionately involved in fatal accidents, highlighting the significant risks they pose to other road users.

Why is this? Why are trucks responsible for so many crashes and so many fatalities? There are many reasons why large trucks cause such horrific traffic collisions, such as the driver’s poor visibility to the rear and sides of the truck, truck driver fatigue, careless lane changes, rollover, driver distraction from electronic devices, and speeding. Additionally, large trucks generally move at a different rate of speed, meaning that other traffic is forced to pass, which increases the risk of being side-swept.

Just as there are many causes of large truck crashes, there can generally be a great number of parties that may be responsible for the collision. If the driver is employed by a trucking company, and the driver is found to be at fault, the trucking company will be held liable, in which case the insurance finances at stake are usually quite large. If the driver was at fault and was an independent contractor, they, or most likely their personal insurance provider, will be responsible for the compensation. If the accident was a result of poor loading of cargo or faulty manufacturing of the truck, another party may be liable, which is termed third-party liability. With so many potential causes and so many potential parties involved, it is vital to have an experienced attorney at your side, like the professionals at Pike & Lustig, LLP.

Pike & Lustig, LLP: Truck Accident Attorneys

At Pike & Lustig, LLP, we take pride in our knowledge regarding semi-truck and tractor-trailer accidents. When hiring a West Palm Beach truck accident attorney for these types of accidents, it is imperative that the attorney has knowledge of the Department of Transportation (“DOT”) regulations and the responsibilities owed to the public by the powerful companies operating these large semi-trucks for substantial profit. These trucking and delivery companies are not only responsible for their driver’s negligence but each company is required to follow internal and external policies and procedures which, if not followed, may result in catastrophic accidents.

This includes maintaining a driver’s log, a vehicle inspection log, and a semi-truck maintenance log. These logs contain vital information such as the amount of “rest time” required prior to the driver operating the semi-truck, the maintenance history for the semi-truck, the unsafe driving history of the semi-truck operator, unsafe-load weights, wearing of tires, hydraulic-brake inspections, and whether the company had prior knowledge of the acts (or lack thereof) that contributed to the catastrophic accident. This information often becomes the link in the chain of evidence needed to assist in proving negligence on behalf of the driver and the company. Trucking accidents often involve the death of a loved one or lifelong permanent injuries and pain and suffering. Therefore, when hiring a West Palm Beach truck accident attorney to represent your interests, be sure the attorney is experienced in the law and with the administrative agencies governing the operation of these semi-trucks on Florida’s roadways.

Additionally, Pike & Lustig, LLP has access to a network of skilled accident reconstructionists across the United States. These experts help recreate the accident scene and identify the causes of the collision, including investigating whether the roadway was safe for both automobiles and semi-trucks. For instance, were there ongoing construction projects? Were construction crews present, and did the construction company comply with all required warnings and DOT regulations? Answering these questions is essential to building a strong case for you.

Contact Experienced West Palm Beach Truck Accident Attorneys

Recognizing that many trucking accidents happen during the early morning and late evening hours, Pike & Lustig, LLP offers a 24-hour hotline. Our experienced personal injury attorneys are always available to take your call and provide the support you need during this challenging time. Call us anytime at (561) 291-8298.