If any of the above apply to you, a friend, or relative, CONTACT the Perazzo Law Firm in Miami NOW for a FREE initial consultation!
Even though truck drivers that operate tractor-trailers or very large vehicles are expected to apply the utmost caution when travelling along US highways and through city streets, trucking accidents are a common occurrence on Miami highways and roads. There are a number of factors that lead to trucking accidents in Miami despite the fact that tractor trailers should be the safest motor vehicles on the road given that they should be in perfect operating condition when taking to interstate travel and must strictly obey speed limits. Unfortunately, this is not a realistic notion as tractor trailers and big-rigs crash a lot, and when they do, there is most often serious personal injury, significant property damage, and lots of loss that the Perazzo Law Firm Truck Accident attorneys know all too well.
The Miami and North Miami Beach Truck Accident attorneys at the Perazzo Law firm understand best that truck drivers spend long hours behind the wheel, and not only face fatigue factors which can endanger other motorists while on route to their destination, but must also battle external elements such slippery roadways, poor highway conditions, and most importantly, other negligent drivers. Tractor trailers haul heavy cargo, which under the above mentioned conditions, makes a truck accident on a Florida highway or Miami street a very common occurrence, simply because these vehicles are hard to handle when the truck driver loses control. Unfortunately, there are devastating results and even death when these large vehicles crash.
A trucking accident involving a tractor trailer may include driver negligence due to his/her operating the vehicle while drowsy or under the influence of narcotics or alcohol. Cellphone use while operating a tractor trailer has also been the determining factor in many Miami truck accident cases handled by the Perazzo Law Firm. Poor tractor trailer maintenance may include bad brakes, bad tires, broken mirrors, or malfunctioning instrument panel, all of which can be determining factors in a tractor trailer accident, as well as excess cargo, slippery roads and streets, or poor highway conditions. The above mentioned factors may automatically hold the tractor trailer driver and/or tractor trailer owner liable for any injuries, damage, or loss inflicted on other motorists, pedestrians, or property owners. A truck driver or trucking company may be held liable if any of the above mentioned factors can de proven by a one of our personal injury lawyers in representation of their client's personal injury claims for compensation. As previously stated, a truck driver has a duty to operate the vehicle under the proper conditions and avoid negligence behind the wheel.
A trucking accident can be attributed to a number of factors but basically they fall into three main categories when it comes to fault.
These are:
In either of the cases, the personal injury accident victim of an accident involving a tractor trailer may legally present a legitimate claim for compensation for any bodily harm, property damage, or economic losses inflicted upon them.
If the driver of a tractor trailer, big rig, or any large moving vehicle used for commercial purposes is involved in a truck accident while either on duty or off-duty, or operating the vehicle for private purposes and the said driver is not the owner of the vehicle, then the owner of the vehicle can be still held legally liable for compensation claims brought forth by the victim's personal injury truck accident attorney. In this case, the trucking company's insurance provider may come into play. All truck drivers operating a tractor trailer or big rig for a company or private business must uphold the company's regulations and abide by state laws when on/off duty. If the driver is involved in a trucking accident while operating the vehicle, the vehicle owner (if other than the driver) may be held liable for the accident.
If there is a tractor trailer accident that occurs while the driver was operating the vehicle while on duty, then the vehicle's owner has a legal commitment to compensate accident victims resulting from the truck driver's negligence. The owner of the vehicle is responsible for making sure that those drivers that operate the company's vehicle meet the established standards for carrying out the task without jeopardizing the lives of other motorists, pedestrians or any other individuals or property found on US highways or city streets. It's important to point out that trucking companies most often have much higher insurance coverage than the truck driver, thus being involved in a trucking accident in which the trucking company is found liable, can lead to much greater compensation for the injured party's claim. Those who employ truck drivers must be sure to abide by state and federal laws when hiring drivers. Most often, employers must run background checks for any DUI related offences, as well as past driving records and appropriate license for operating tractor trailers on Florida interstate highways.
A tractor trailer must be in suitable operable condition when it takes to the road. This is both the responsibility of the vehicle owner as well as the driver. However, this has to be proven by a truck accident attorney in the event of an accident. Many times, truck accidents are caused by other negligent motorists that try to either overtake a slow moving tractor trailer on the highway or simply rear-end them because they were distracted by negligent cellphone use while driving. In all cases, fault must be proven to determine who is liable for personal injury compensation. Product Liability may also form part of a personal injury claim as a result of a truck accident in Miami. Faulty truck parts such as brakes, tires, electrical components, etc. may have led to an accident. It is the job our Personal Injury Trucking Accident Attorneys to determine the facts behind the truck accident case.
If you, a family member of loved one, has suffered personal injury, property damage or loss as a result of an accident involving a tractor trailer or large motor vehicle, the personal injury trucking accident attorneys at the Perazzo Law Firm urge you to contact us ONLINE or Call (786) LAWS-411 for a FREE initial consultation regarding your legal rights for compensation.