Truck accidents are far too common in Miami. The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles reports that in 2023, 106 collisions involving medium or heavy trucks caused incapacitating injury, 439 collisions caused non-incapacitating injury, and 33 collisions were fatal.
These crashes are among the most dangerous on the roads because of the large size of commercial big rigs. In addition, when victims are harmed in one of these crashes, pursuing a claim for compensation can be complicated because the truck driver, the trucking company, or other contractors may be to blame.
In these situations, finding the right Miami truck accident lawyer is essential. At Aigen Injury Law, our truck accident lawyers have decades of experience in complex claims involving large trucking companies and their insurers. Give us a call or contact us today to learn more.
You Need a Truck Accident Lawyer With a Strong Record
Truck accident cases are different from normal car accident claims because of the complexity involved. You need an attorney who is familiar with:
- Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations: The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) establishes important safety rules, including limiting hours of service (how long truck drivers can go without a break), establishing guidelines for cargo loading and securement, and imposing specific vehicle maintenance requirements. Proving a violation of these regulations can mean that the truck driver or the trucking company is liable for your losses.
- Vicarious Liability Laws: Under Florida laws, trucking companies may also be held accountable for the actions of their drivers who are on the job. Trucking companies often have deep pockets and large insurance teams, so taking action against them requires a skilled and experienced truck accident lawyer.
At Aigen Injury Law, we know these regulations inside and out, and we’re prepared to stand up to big trucking companies on your behalf. To prove your case, we can handle:
- Gathering black box data from onboard recorders
- Gathering other evidence from the scene, including eyewitness testimony, security camera footage, and more
- Obtaining police reports, vehicle maintenance logs, driver logs showing hours on duty, and more
- Determining who the liable parties are
- Finding experts who can help prove the trucking company and driver were to blame, even as the trucking companies use their own investigators to cast doubt on your claim
Our goal is to build the strongest case possible so you get the justice you deserve after a truck accident forever changes your life or takes the life of your loved one.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Miami
Truck accidents can occur for many reasons, including problems with cargo loading or vehicle maintenance. However, driver negligence is often the culprit behind these devastating accidents. Some common driving behaviors that have caused truck accidents in Miami include:
- Drunk Driving: According to Miami Matters, 11.7% of driving deaths in Miami-Dade County involve alcohol impairment. Truck drivers are held to even lower BAC (Blood Alcohol Concentration) standards, as even consuming a little alcohol can impact safe truck driving.
- Distracted Driving: Distracted driving caused 3,275 deaths in 2023, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Truckers may be distracted by their phones or radios, by looking at a GPS, by eating while driving, or other multitasking behavior.
- Drowsy Driving: Although FMCSA hours of service regulations should limit time on the road, some truckers still drive when sleepy, with dire consequences.
- Failing to Brake: Because of their larger size, trucks have a longer braking distance. When a truck driver doesn’t brake in time, they can rear-end the vehicle in front.
- Not Checking Blind Spots: Trucks have large blind spots (“no zones”), and a failure to check these can result in a serious accident.
These risky behaviors can lead to many different types of truck accidents, including sideswipe accidents, rollover accidents, underride accidents, and jackknife accidents. Trained commercial truck drivers should not engage in these behaviors, but they do, every day. A Miami truck accident lawyer at Aigen Injury Law can help you get justice when these or other unsafe driver actions cause you harm.
Common Injuries from Truck Crashes
Truck crashes in Miami can cause catastrophic injuries due to the overwhelming force of impact. Some of the most common injuries from truck crashes include:
- Severe lacerations
- Broken bones and fractures
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal cord damage
- Crushed or amputated limbs
- Internal bleeding
- Organ damage
All of these injuries can be life-changing and extremely expensive to treat. In some cases, recovery is not possible, leaving you needing a lifetime of care that the truck driver and trucking company should be responsible for paying for.
What Will My Injury Compensation Cover?
When you’re hurt in a truck crash through no fault of your own, you should be entitled to compensation for all economic and non-economic losses. Your truck accident compensation should cover:
- Medical Bills: This includes past and future medical care costs. After a truck crash, you should seek prompt treatment and document your injuries so that all your care can be compensated.
There are many high-quality hospitals in Miami where you can seek treatment following a collision. Miami-Dade County has a helpful list of care facilities, including HCA Florida Mercy Hospital and Mount Sinai Medical Center. - Lost Wages: If you must miss work or if your ability to earn a living is affected by your truck accident injuries, you should be compensated for past and future income loss.
- Pain and Suffering: Because truck crashes can be so serious, you may experience significant and painful injuries. You deserve full compensation for the physical pain you endure.
- Emotional Distress: When you experience anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, or other mental health issues due to your truck crash, you should be compensated for the damage to your mental health.
Aigen Injury Law will help you prove the extent of your damages and fight for maximum compensation.
Contact Our Miami Truck Accident Lawyers
If you were hurt in a truck accident, don’t hesitate—reach out to a Miami truck accident lawyer today. At Aigen Injury Law, we have a track record of success and are ready to help you pursue justice. Contact our office now to set up a free consultation and learn how we can help.