Lakeland Truck Accident Lawyer

Why Choose Jack Bernstein, Injury Attorneys, for Your Lakeland Truck Accident Case?

Are you searching for a semi-truck accident lawyer in Lakeland that you can trust? At Jack Bernstein, Injury Attorneys, we have a robust group of around 40 legal professionals ready to assist you through even the most complicated cases.

Claims involving commercial vehicles require dealing with corporate trucking insurers that use aggressive tactics. We use a trial-ready approach and aren’t afraid to take your case to court in Polk County. Our team also has extensive resources to investigate your crash and gather important evidence.

We know how difficult the aftermath of these accidents can be. You’ll already be dealing with injuries and bills. You shouldn’t have to worry about legal paperwork and negotiations with insurers, too. Our team provides the compassionate support you need, while you focus on healing.

Why Commercial Trucking Accidents Are More Complex Than Car Crashes

One of the challenges that commercial trucking accidents pose compared to car crashes is that these vehicles are governed by strict Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations. These cases require experienced attorneys who know how to investigate compliance.

The FMCA has hours of service regulations, for example, that state how long a trucker can operate the vehicle before being required to rest. There are also maintenance regulations and strict weight limits that drivers must abide by.

Commercial trucks usually have massive insurance coverage as well. Because of the amount of money involved, you can expect the insurer to do everything possible to minimize what happened. One way they do this is by rapidly deploying a defense team to make low offers or find ways of discrediting your claim.

Additionally, there is evidence unique to these cases. You’ll need access to the “black box” electronic control module (ECM), as well as driver logbooks.

Who Can Be Held Liable After a Lakeland Truck Accident?

So, who may be held liable in a truck accident? Unlike most car accidents, these crashes typically involve more than two parties. The truck driver is often one of the liable parties. If they displayed negligence, like intoxication, distracted driving, or fatigued driving, then they can be held responsible.

But what about the trucking company? They may also be liable if they had negligent hiring practices or if a doctrine called vicarious liability applies. Vicarious liability refers to the principal (the trucking company) being responsible for the actions of its agents (the truckers).

In some cases, cargo loaders could also be blamed if they overloaded the truck or didn’t secure the cargo correctly. Additionally, when a truck part is defective or not maintained, manufacturers or repair people could be blamed. This could include brakes or tire failure.

Common Causes of Lakeland Truck Accidents

Many truck accidents in Lakeland involve driver errors. Driving while fatigued happens all too often. Truckers may violate the federal hours of service to meet deadlines or speed to make faster times. Intoxication and reckless driving are also frequent issues.

Mechanical failures cause accidents, too. Everything from blown tires to malfunctioning brakes can lead the trucker to lose control of the vehicle. Not getting proper inspections can cause such issues to go unnoticed until they cause a crash.

To make things worse, Lakeland’s heavy traffic patterns make maneuvering these large vehicles difficult. Drivers may make unsafe lane changes or fail to maintain safe following distances.

Severe Injuries Resulting From Semi-Truck Collisions

A key reason why catastrophic injuries happen in these collisions is the sheer force that a loaded truck exerts on a passenger vehicle. We handle a range of injuries from these collisions, such as:

• Spinal cord damage, including paralysis
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
• Internal organ damage
• Wrongful death

These kinds of injuries can mean needing a lifetime of medical care and could prevent you from working. Obtaining full compensation is vital.

Compensation Available to Truck Accident Victims in Florida

Just as a Lakeland car accident lawyer from our team would do after a passenger vehicle crash, our truck accident attorneys can help you fight for fair compensation after a truck collision. This includes economic damages.

Economic damages cover your medical expenses. If you need future medical care, this can also be addressed via economic damages.

Additionally, you might need to take time off from work to recover. In the most severe instances, you may not be able to return to your job at all. If that is the case, you can claim compensation for your loss of earning capacity. Your car can require extensive repairs, or you may need to replace it. Economic damages can cover property damage, too.

Non-economic damages address losses that aren’t as easy to quantify. These include pain and suffering, and your loss of enjoyment of life.

Florida has modified comparative negligence laws. You can be partly responsible for the collision, but your percentage of fault cannot exceed 50%. Your award, however, will be reduced by your liability. Additionally, keep in mind that the statute of limitations in Florida is only two years.

What To Do Immediately After a Commercial Truck Crash

After experiencing a commercial truck crash, make sure to take these steps:

• Call emergency services.
• Get medical care, even if you think you’re fine.
• Take photos of the vehicles and USDOT numbers if you’re able.
• Contact an attorney.

Don’t post anything about the crash on social media, since you can expect insurers to comb through your profiles to find ways of minimizing your claim. You should also not make any statements to the trucking insurance company.

Schedule Your Free Consultation With a Lakeland Truck Accident Lawyer

If you’ve been hurt in a truck accident, it’s time to contact us at Jack Bernstein, Injury Attorneys. Critical evidence, like black box data and truck dashcams, can be legally destroyed if not secured quickly.

Our Lakeland team is available 24/7 to provide the comprehensive support you need. You owe us nothing unless we recover maximum compensation, and our case evaluations are 100% free.

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