Plantation, FL Fatal Truck Accident Lawyers Who Demand Justice
Our attorneys fight for grieving families and hold trucking companies accountable
Due to their sheer size and weight, commercial trucks are often involved in accidents with smaller passenger vehicles, and the consequences are often catastrophic. These truck accidents can result in fatalities, leaving families to deal with profound grief and the complexities of legal and financial issues that can follow.
If you lost a loved one in a collision, the Plantation fatal truck accident attorneys at Feingold Posner Draizin can help. Nothing can bring back your loved one, but taking legal action can help you get answers and a sense of justice. We fight to hold negligent parties accountable and recover financial compensation for your family.
What causes fatal truck accidents?
There are many different factors that can cause a truck accident resulting in fatal injuries. Some common examples include:
- Driver fatigue – Truck drivers often work long hours, and despite regulations, fatigue remains a significant issue. Fatigued drivers have slower reaction times and are more likely to make critical mistakes, such as drifting out of their lane or failing to notice changes in traffic conditions.
- Speeding – Trucks require more time and distance to stop compared to passenger vehicles, and speeding reduces the driver’s ability to control the vehicle, especially in adverse conditions.
- Distracted driving – Distractions such as texting, using a GPS, or eating while driving can take a truck driver’s attention off the road. Even a momentary lapse in attention can have disastrous consequences, particularly in heavy traffic or at high speeds.
- Impaired driving – Driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or certain medications impairs a driver’s judgment, reaction time, and motor skills.
- Mechanical failures – Mechanical issues, such as brake failures, tire blowouts, or steering malfunctions, can lead to loss of control over the truck. Regular maintenance and inspections are crucial.
- Overloaded or improperly loaded cargo – Trucks that are overloaded or have improperly secured cargo can become unstable, leading to rollovers or the cargo shifting and causing the driver to lose control.
- Inexperience – Truck drivers who lack proper training or experience may not be fully prepared to handle the challenges of operating a large vehicle, especially in complex traffic situations or on unfamiliar routes.
Who can sue after a fatal truck accident?
In Florida, the personal representative (also known as the executor) of a deceased person’s estate can file a wrongful death lawsuit on behalf of the estate and survivors. These survivors can include:
- The person’s spouse
- Children
- Parents
- Other relatives who depended on the deceased for support.
Economic damages that can be recovered include medical and funeral expenses, loss of income, loss of benefits, and the value of lost household services. Non-economic damages include pain and suffering of the survivors, loss of companionship, protection, guidance, and mental anguish.
Which parties can be held accountable?
After a fatal truck accident, several parties can potentially be held accountable depending on the circumstances surrounding the crash. These parties can include:
- The truck driver – The driver may have been speeding, driving under the influence, distracted, or driving aggressively.
- The trucking company – An employer can be held responsible for the actions of their employees if the employee was acting within the scope of their employment. A trucking company can also be held accountable if they failed to properly vet, train, or supervise their drivers, or neglected to properly maintain the truck.
- A truck or parts manufacturer – If a defect in the truck or one of its components (such as brakes, tires, or the steering system) contributed to the accident, the manufacturer could be held responsible.
- Cargo loaders – If the cargo was improperly loaded or secured, leading to a shift in the load that caused the truck to become unstable and crash, the company or individuals responsible for loading the cargo could be held liable.
Our lawyers can guide you through the legal process
Pursuing a wrongful death lawsuit can be lengthy and involved. We can handle everything so you can focus on your family during this difficult time. As your attorneys, we’ll:
- Investigate and gather evidence – This involves collecting evidence such as accident reports, witness statements, traffic camera footage, and data from the truck’s black box (event data recorder).
- Identify responsible parties – We’ll identify all potential defendants to ensure that your family receives full compensation.
- Deal with insurance companies – We’ll handle all communications with adjusters and other insurance company representatives.
- Negotiate a settlement – We’ll fight for a settlement that provides compensation for all of the damages your family and loved one suffered.
Our attorneys will keep you informed on the progress of your case. If you ever have questions or concerns, you can call your lawyer directly. When you call us, you get us.
If you lost a loved one in a fatal truck accident in Plantation or anywhere in Broward County, we are ready to help. Contact us to schedule a free consultation to learn more.