Miami Truck Accident Lawyer

It is understandable to be confused and uncertain about what to do after a truck crash that can leave you with pain and injuries you may not ever fully recover from. Obtaining assistance from our compassionate and caring Miami truck accident lawyers is vital because of the complexities of truck accident cases that involve federal regulations, multiple negligent parties, and aggressive tactics used by insurers. 

For over four decades, Bernstein & Maryanoff have helped truck accident victims in Miami secure the compensation they deserve for their medical costs, lost wages, emotional distress, and impacts on their livelihood. Ensure you protect your legal rights by requesting your free consultation today.

Steps To Follow if You Get Injured

1. Report the accident: Call 911 for emergency medical care and the police. Florida law requires that all accidents resulting in personal injuries and damages exceeding $500 be reported. 
2. Get medical attention: Seek immediate medical attention for your injuries, even if they seem minor, as you could have internal injuries that could become life-threatening if not treated quickly.
3. Document the accident: Take pictures and videos of the crash scene, including your injuries and all damages, exchange information with the truck driver, and obtain contact details from any witnesses. 
4. Avoid making statements: Do not make formal statements about the accident, other than to provide facts to the police. Never admit any level of fault, as it could hurt your claim. 
5. Keep all medical and expense records: Your medical records and expenses for medical treatment are valuable pieces of evidence for your injury claim. 
6. Do not speak to the insurance company alone: Insurance adjusters will use tactics and leading questions to attempt to get you to admit fault, which could result in a lower settlement or having your claim denied. 
7. Contact a truck accident lawyer: Do not delay in contacting a truck accident lawyer, as vital evidence needed to support your claim can get lost the longer you delay. The statute of limitations for truck accidents is only two years. 

Role of Florida Truck Accident Attorneys

The role of Florida semi-truck accident attorneys is to provide support, guidance, and represent your interests to obtain a favorable settlement, as follows:

• You heal, we handle everything: We handle everything from gathering evidence to filing your claim and securing your settlement, while you focus on healing and recovery. 
• We communicate with all parties: We provide regular updates to you about the status of your case. We also handle all communications with the defendant, their trucking company, and their insurance company.
• We investigate and prove fault: Our Miami truck accident attorneys gather the necessary evidence to build a strong case showing the other person was negligent and their actions caused your injuries. 
• We calculate all of your damages: We accurately evaluate all of your damages, from your medical expenses and lost wages to future financial impacts.  
• We negotiate with insurers for you: We handle all settlement negotiations with all insurers to secure the compensation you deserve. We are fully aware of all the tactics they use and aggressively advocate on your behalf. 
• We will go to court, if needed: Our Florida truck accident lawyers possess a depth of trial experience, and our legal staff have been trained under the best litigators in South Florida. If the insurance company refuses to settle, we are ready to take them to court. 

Common Causes of Miami Truck Accidents

• Distracted driving: Texting, using the GPS, eating, adjusting the radio, or drinking. 
• Driver fatigue: Driving for long hours and insufficient rest contribute to slower reaction times and impaired judgment.
• Construction zone accidents: Unexpected lane shifts, uneven payment, and poorly managed construction zones. 
• Reckless and aggressive driving: Tailgating, speeding, road rage, and improper lane changes.  
• Driving under the influence: Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol impairs cognitive functions and can result in slower reaction times and poor judgment. 
• Speeding: Driving too fast for conditions or faster than the posted speed limit makes it more difficult to maintain control of a semi-truck.  
• Vehicle defects: Mechanical failures, improper maintenance, defective parts, and other vehicle defects can be causes of semi-truck accidents. 
• Driver and trucking company negligence: Improper screening and monitoring, pressuring drivers to drive longer than allowed, improperly loaded cargo, and unsecured loads.
• Inadequate training: Inexperienced or inadequately trained drivers might lack the necessary skills to drive a semi-truck safely. 
• Miami congestion: Heavy traffic in Miami and other drivers’ poor driving behaviors can increase the risk of truck crashes. 

Common Truck Accident Injuries

• Whiplash: The sudden and forceful movement of the neck during impact.
• TBIs (traumatic brain injuries): Severe head trauma that affects cognitive functioning, vision, and memory.
• Spinal cord injuries: Damage to the spinal cord that could result in partial or complete paralysis.
• Herniated discs: The force of impact can cause discs in the spine to pop out of place and become herniated.
• Fractured and broken bones: Bones can fracture and break from the force of the impact.
• Internal injuries: The force of impact can cause internal bleeding and other injuries to the organs that are life-threatening.
• Catastrophic injuries: The force of impact with a semi-truck can cause catastrophic injuries, with long-term impacts on one’s livelihood.
• Scarring and disfigurement: Permanent scarring and disfigurement can occur based on the extent of injuries experienced.
• Burn injuries: Vehicle fires and chemical burns.
• Loss of limb injuries: Fingers, hands, arms, legs, feet, and toes could all be lost from crushing injuries. 
• Shoulder, neck, and back injuries: Vertebral and rotator cuff fractures, soft tissue injuries, and nerve damage.
• Soft tissue injuries: Sprains, strains, bruising, cuts, and lacerations.
• Psychological injuries: Emotional distress, anxiety, depression, and PTSD.
• Wrongful death: Fatalities can occur from the size and weight of a commercial truck and the force of impact.

Understanding Compensation 

The actual damages you can seek will depend on the extent of your injuries and the specific circumstances of your case. The types of compensation you could be entitled to after a truck accident in Miami include:

• Economic damages: Tangible, financial losses, such as medical bills, lost wages, rehabilitative costs, property damage, and necessary home modifications.
• Non-economic damages: Intangible losses that do not have a set dollar amount, including pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment, loss of consortium, and loss of companionship.
• Punitive damages: Exemplary damages awarded in some cases where the defendant’s behavior was reckless, malicious, or egregious, as a means to punish them and deter others from behaving similarly.  

Laws Regulating the Trucking Industry

The laws regulating the trucking industry in Florida follow both state and federal requirements, and are related to vehicle weights and sizes, driving hours, inspections, maintenance, and the use of alcohol and controlled substances. 

Other regulations Florida truck drivers need to be aware of include:

• ELDs (electronic logging devices): Florida law requires all truck drivers to use ELDs to track and record hours of service (HOS).
• Texting and using handheld devices: Truck drivers are prohibited from texting or using handheld devices while driving. 
• Fuel decals and registration: Trucks might require a fuel decal or be registered with the state. 

Both trucking companies and independent operators must comply with these regulations to help reduce and minimize the risk of truck accidents. Experienced Florida truck accident attorneys in Miami understand these regulations and can easily identify violations that contribute to truck accidents. 

Call Bernstain & Maryanoff, Injury Attorneys, To Discuss Your Options

After being injured in a truck accident, you should not have to face filing your injury claim and legal processes alone. At Bernstein & Maryanoff, our Miami truck accident lawyers are here to help you during this challenging time. 

Our lawyers have decades of experience, understand insurance company tactics, and help truck accident victims obtain the compensation they deserve for their injuries and losses. We manage all aspects of your case, allowing you to focus on healing and recovery. Contact us now to arrange your free consultation. 

FAQ