Florida Trucking Accident Lawyer Blog

Commercial trucks arrive on Miami streets every day, moving items from the port of Miami, bringing items to Miami stores and businesses, and taking care of business around Miami. Since Miami is such a large city with so many businesses and residents, it's not surprising that the city also sees quite a lot of truck traffic. Unfortunately, this can mean a higher risk of Miami truck accidents as well.

Being involved in a Miami car accident involving a large commercial trucks can be intimidating, to say the least. A fully loaded commercial tractor-trailer can weigh 80,000 pounds or more, and a collision between this type of vehicle and a passenger vehicle usually leads to serious injuries or fatalities. Each year, Miami spinal cord injury patients and brain injury patients are admitted to emergency rooms following truck accidents on Miami streets. These accidents result in lifelong injuries as well as devastated lives.

Unfortunately, getting justice after a Miami truck accident involving a commercial truck can be difficult. Commercial truck carriers have considerable insurance coverage and insurance companies have extensive legal resources in order to help ensure that they do not have to pay out too much in any insurance claim. Victims of Miami truck accidents often find themselves blamed for an accident or find that the insurance claim offers do not fully cover the cost of their injuries. In many cases, Miami truck accidents also involve trucks which are owned by state or federal governments. In these cases, there are even more restrictions and even more powerful insurance companies at play, affecting the victim's ability to claim recovery for the injuries.

Miami truck accident victims face substantial medical costs, lost income, and other expenses and costs. If they are unable to get a fair insurance offer, these expenses need to come out of their own pocket – and in many cases these expenses add up to hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars. For all these reasons, it is essential to speak to a Miami personal injury attorney if you have been in a serious truck accident involving a commercial vehicle. A qualified personal injury attorney has experience dealing with insurance companies, and can more effectively negotiate for a fair settlement offer or claim.

A Miami personal injury attorney can also do other things to ensure that you get the support and recovery you need. For example, a personal injury attorney can work with private investigators and accident reconstruction professionals to determine the true cause of your accident. This can be very important in convincing a commercial truck carrier to offer you a fair recovery. As well, personal injury attorneys can help find all liable parties after an accident. This can be very important, as multiple liable parties can ensure that you are able to recover a fair amount to cover all the costs of your injuries. As well, this is very important because determining liable parties after a commercial truck accident in Miami can be very difficult. For example, a commercial truck may be rented from one carrier, have a driver from another carrier, and may be carrying products for another company. Determining liability or responsible parties in this situation can be very difficult without a qualified attorney.

Continue reading " The Legal Issues with Commercial Truck Accidents in Miami " »

Many motorists in Homestead, Florida decide to purchase pickup trucks for convenience, business, or just because trucks can be fun. Pickup trucks are not subject to the same restrictions as commercial big rigs and tractor-trailers. However, they can still be quite dangerous for number of reasons:

1) Passengers. Many pickup trucks do not have extensive room for passengers, so that people are often tempted to ride in the bed of the pickup truck. Under Florida law, minors are not allowed to ride in the back of the pickup truck without age appropriate safety restraints. Those over 18 are allowed to ride in the bed of a pickup truck, but should be aware that there are additional risks to driving this way. If the truck driver has to brake suddenly, anyone who is in the pickup truck bed without proper safety belt belts will likely be thrown forward violently. This can easily lead to serious back injuries, head injuries, and even broken bones.

2) Load problems. Many people choose to get pickup trucks in order to carry materials, furniture, and other large items. While this is certainly an advantage of pickup trucks, it can also be a hazard. If you're going to be transporting anything in your pickup truck, it is your responsibility to ensure that the load is correctly secured and is not placing too much of a strain on your tires. If you overload your pickup truck, you could experience a tire blowout, brake malfunction, or other serious problem that can lead to a Homestead truck accident. You also need to ensure that your load is correctly secured so that it does not fly out into lanes of traffic, causing a danger for other drivers.

3) Blind spots. Trucks do have more blind spots than the average passenger vehicle. Truck drivers who drive this type of vehicle need to be aware of the blind spots and need to check them carefully before backing up, turning, or changing lanes. Unfortunately, many Homestead car accidents occur simply because drivers do not take the time to check their blind spots.

4) Driving issues. Pickup trucks handle differently than passenger cars and may take longer to break as well. New drivers, especially, need to give themselves time to get used to the larger vehicle.

Being in a Homestead traffic accident is devastating, and in many cases you can avoid an accident with some precautions. Being aware of the dangers of pickup trucks at taking steps to minimize the risks can ensure that you can enjoy your truck while staying safe.

Continue reading " Pick-up Truck Accidents in Homestead " »

Miami truck accidents happen virtually every day, and they range from smaller accidents to the serious truck rollovers that affect traffic for hours. While Miami truck accidents are devastating to everyone involved, they also have many secondary dangers that all pedestrians and motorists need to be aware of:

1) Rubbernecking. Unfortunately, Miami truck accidents usually draw a large crowd. When people stop to take a look at an accident, they may inadvertently contribute to secondary accidents. Drivers who slow down to take a look may also contribute to problems such as fender benders, traffic problems, and other problems. If you see a Miami truck accident, it is best to proceed slowly and to keep your eyes on the road. If there are already emergency personnel on the road, be sure to follow their directions in order to get to your destination safely.

2) Secondary accidents. People who swerve to avoid a Miami truck accident may collide with other objects or motorists, causing additional accidents.

3) Spills and fires. Large commercial trucks often carry flammable or toxic materials. In a truck accident, these can easily spill, causing a blaze or creating a toxic environment for everyone around. A commercial truck that is fully loaded with flammable material and bursts into flames can create an inferno, shooting flames into the air for dozens of feet. If you see a commercial truck accident, it is important to get out of the way as quickly and as safely as you can, in case the truck is carrying something hazardous. If you see a truck on fire, contact emergency personnel and keep your distance.

4) Disabled trucks can block the road or lanes of traffic. Trucks that have flipped on their side or are otherwise un-drivable can block an entire road or several lanes of traffic. Oncoming vehicles that are not aware of this can easily collide with each other or with the truck itself, causing additional accidents. Truck drivers are required to set up warning signs where possible after an accident. However a truck driver may be too injured in order to do this. The hazards are especially pronounced in poor visibility conditions, such as fog or rain. Disabled trucks that are blocking lanes of traffic can also cause congestion throughout an entire area of the city as motorists look for alternate routes to get to their destination.

5) Property damage. The impact of an 80,000 pound commercial truck flipping over or lighting on fire is enough to do serious damage to roads, traffic signs, and other city property. In cases where the roads and traffic systems are not fixed immediately, other motorists may be in danger of Miami car accidents due to the damage.

Continue reading " The Secondary Dangers of a Miami Truck Accident " »

In many cases, Miami truck accidents involve accidents between trucks and other motor vehicles. However, every year people are injured while walking too close to trucks. Miami pedestrian accidents involving trucks are far more common than many people think. Miami has high pedestrian traffic as well as high truck traffic, due to the size and vibrancy of the city. Unfortunately, Miami pedestrian accidents involving trucks usually lead to serious injuries or fatalities. A pedestrian has virtually no chance against a large 80,000 pound commercial vehicle.

Unfortunately, emergency medical personnel see Miami truck accidents involving pedestrians all the time. It is an unfortunate fact that there are many places where trucks and pedestrians share the same space, increasing the risk of an accident. For example, in many commercial parking lots – including mall parking lots – trucks deliver goods in the same areas where pedestrians are walking to their cars. As well, large trucks put out fires, deliver our mail, and pick up our garbage. These everyday larger vehicles can also pose a serious hazard for pedestrians. Fortunately, there are things that pedestrians can do to avoid becoming involved in a truck accident:

1) Teach children to stay away from trucks. One of the most tragic things about Miami pedestrian accidents involving trucks is that they often do involve small children. Small children are naturally drawn to trucks, and may not realize the dangers. Children are also so small that truck drivers simply cannot see them, especially if a child wanders into the blind spot of a truck. Parents need to be especially vigilant when a child is playing outdoors or is walking in parking lots where trucks may be sharing the area with pedestrians.

2) Don't walk where truck drivers are not expecting pedestrian traffic. Staying on designated pedestrian areas ensures that drivers are more likely to see you. Popping out between cars, walking in the path of a truck, and sharing the space where a truck is driving are poor choices that can lead to an accident.

3) Stay visible. If you like walking at night or in poor weather, make sure that you are wearing highly visible clothing, so that all motorists can see you.

4) Assume that truck drivers cannot see you. Truck drivers may not be looking for pedestrians in all areas, and the blind spots on commercial trucks, especially, can be significant. It is always safest to assume that truck drivers cannot see you until you make eye contact with the truck driver. If you cannot see the truck driver, he or she cannot see you.

5) Keep in mind that trucks make frequent stops and starts. Trucks that are delivering goods or picking up garbage may make frequent stops and may back up suddenly. Approach such vehicles with caution and give them a wide berth.

6) Be cautious of trucks turning. Trucks with wide loads can easily crush a pedestrian who is caught in the way. Truck drivers also usually cannot see a pedestrian walking up alongside a truck in this situation, so give the truck lots of space and wait until it drives off before continuing your walk.

Continue reading " Miami Pedestrian Accidents Involving Large Trucks " »

Miami is filled with green spaces, trails, beaches, and many other outdoor areas that are perfect for recreation. There many joggers and bicyclists in Miami who choose to exercise outdoors. If you are one of them, keep in mind that you need to stay safe. While Miami has lots of pedestrians, it also has a higher than normal level of truck traffic. Since Miami is a port city and a major commercial area, thousands of trucks pour into the city every day. This increases the risk of Miami pedestrian accidents and serious accidents for those who choose to exercise outdoors. In order to stay safe, make sure that you:

1) Avoid exercising or jogging alone. Whether you are taking a bicycle ride or jogging, consider taking friends with you. Friends not only make exercising more fun, but they can also ensure that you are less of a target. If you are in a Miami truck accident or pedestrian accident while jogging or bicycling, your friends can also help you call for emergency medical personnel. If you cannot find friends to work out with, at least have a planned route, a cell phone, and let someone know where and when you will be exercising.

2) Choose your exercise routes carefully. Avoid exercising outside at the same time and location every day. As well, select safe, well lit areas for jogging and bicycling.

3) Make sure that truck drivers and motorists can see you easily. If you are jogging, wear reflective clothing. If you are on a bicycle, make sure that your bicycle has reflective tape and working lights. The more visible you are to drivers, the less likely you are to be in a Miami pedestrian accident. Visibility does not guarantee that you won’t be in an accident, but it does reduce your risk.

4) Carry a cell phone with you. Make sure that your cell phone is turned off, as distracted jogging or bicycling makes you more prone to a Miami bicycle accident or pedestrian accident. However, if you are in an accident, a cell phone can help you call for help quickly.

5) Carry your personal identification, including emergency contact numbers and any allergies you have or medications you are taking, with you when you are exercising. If you are severely injured, this information can help paramedics save your life.

6) Consider jogging or bicycling in areas that do not have truck or car traffic. Miami has a number of parks and beaches where vehicles are not allowed. These can be safer areas for walking, jogging, and bicycling, especially if you stay on them during daylight hours.

7) Avoid bicycling or walking distracted. Avoid listening to music, texting, or otherwise distracting yourself while you work out. Staying alert allows you to notice what is going on around you, and allows you to notice traffic as well as any warning signs that can help you prevent an accident.

Continue reading " Do you Exercise Outdoors in Miami? Here is How to Stay Safe " »

Miami drivers share the roads with bicyclists, motorcyclists, pedestrians, and all sorts of vehicles – including large commercial trucks. Commercial trucks can weigh 80 000 pounds when fully loads and most passenger vehicles do not stand a chance against a vehicle of that size. Each year, Miami car accidents involving trucks cause fatalities as well as serious injuries. Do not become part of that statistic. Learn how to drive safe around trucks:

1) Avoid a truck’s blind spots. Truck drivers can only see so much around the vehicle, so if you are following immediately behind a truck or are driving along the side of a truck, the truck driver cannot see you. In fact, any time that you cannot see the truck driver in the driver’s mirrors, he or she cannot see you. This means that he can swipe your vehicle or back up into you if you are driving too close.

2) Give a truck extra space when traveling behind a truck. Again, a truck driver cannot see you if you are directly behind the truck. Leaving an extra space ensures that the truck can see you. As well, if the truck has to stop suddenly – and many delivery trucks and other commercial trucks make frequent stops – you will have enough time to stop. If the truck needs to back up suddenly, that extra space can ensure that your vehicle is not hit.

3) If a truck is following too close behind you, get out of the way. When you can move over so that they can pass. Trucks take much longer to stop than passenger vehicles, so a truck tailgating you is a significant problem. If the truck driver needs to stop suddenly, he or she will rear end you if there is not enough room between vehicles.

4) Make lane changes carefully when sharing the road with trucks. Changing lanes rapidly is a risk, because trucks do not respond as quickly as passenger vehicles. When sharing the road with trucks, leave lots of space, use your signal lights well ahead of time, and avoid making sudden moves.

5) Do not engage an aggressive truck driver. While most truck drivers have extensive training and do their best to drive safely, any aggressive truck drivers can be an especial menace. You do not have a chance against an 80 000 pound commercial truck. If you see a truck driver behaving or driving erratically or dangerously, get out of the way and to safety. Then call authorities.

Unfortunately, even if you share the road safely, negligence or recklessness on the part of other drivers or on the part of truck drivers can make the road unsafe for you. If you are injured in a Miami truck accident, get immediate medical help and then call a qualified Miami personal injury attorney. The medical and financial outcomes of a truck accident can be devastating, and you deserve legal advice as well as support as you pursue a fair outcome.

Continue reading " How Miami Drivers Can Stay Safe When Sharing the Road with Large Trucks " »

A new initiative from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles could help prevent Homestead truck accidents – as well as traffic accidents throughout Florida. If you live in Homestead or anywhere in South Florida and own a truck, consider these safety tips to drive safely:

1) Keep an eye on your vehicle and yourself. While all drivers on the road have a responsibility to keep other motorists safe, truckers have an especial responsibility as their vehicles can cause even more damage in a Homestead car accident. Ensure that your truck is maintained regularly and responds as needed to help you avoid collisions. As well, ensure that you are in good physical shape to drive. Being well-rested, calm, and fit ensures that you can put your whole focus on the road.

2) Stay distraction-free. Distracted driving is a danger for all motorists, but light trucks have more blind spots, so drivers of these vehicles need to concentrate even harder on the roadway to stay safe.

3) Watch your no-zones. Be aware that your larger truck has more blind spots, and check your blind spots more often. Do not count on other motorists to stay out of your blind spots – many drivers are not aware of how many blind spots trucks have.

4) Drive sober. Homestead drunk driving accidents claim far too many lives. Never drive under the influence, and be sure to check over the counter and prescription medications for side effects; anything that may cause drowsiness is unsafe to use.

5) Leave lots of room. Trucks have more height and are therefore at an advantage when braking. Nevertheless, leave plenty of room for the car in front of you. If the motorist in front of you needs to brake suddenly, the extra room can help you avoid a rear-end collision.

6) Use caution in construction and work zones. Follow signs and slow down. Leave yourself extra room; with the blind spots on a light truck, you may need the extra cushion space.

7) Stay aware of road conditions. Check conditions before you leave, so that you can anticipate problems and hazards. If you see any problems on the roads, report the problem when you can. It is free to do so from your mobile device if you dial *FHP (that is,*347).

8) Give smaller vehicles plenty of room. Homestead bicycle accidents, motorcycle accidents, and pedestrian accidents are often fatal, especially when trucks are involved. Give pedestrians and bikers extra room, and be aware that riders and walkers can move and maneuver more easily than a truck. An extra cushion of room protects you and gives you a chance to maneuver if a rider or pedestrian makes a move that is unexpected.

Continue reading " Truck Tips from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles " »

A number of complaints have been filed in South Florida pertaining to tow truck operators. In some cases, drivers have complained that tow truck operators have towed their vehicles to far-off lots, have towed their vehicles from legal parking spots, or have charged exorbitant fees. The Broward County consumer affairs department has seen 102 such complaints filed against towing companies since 2009.

Local police in Broward County enforce Florida laws which govern where tow zone signs can be placed and where tow trucks can place cars for storage. Broward County also has specific rules which require towing companies to file a business tax receipt locally. Unlike other counties in Florida, Broward County does not require badges or background checks for tow truck operators.

In Broward County, there are non-consent towing fees. This means that if a driver is parked illegally in a place where they can be towed, Broward County permits tow truck operators to tow that car and charge a flat $100 towing fee. However, some motorists in Broward County have complained about tow truck operators charging additional fees or higher fees. Broward County has reclaimed towing fees in 35 cases where consumers complained about excess fees. Refunds ranged from less than a dollar to $350 in extra fees in each case.

Additional towing charges and being towed from a spot that is not clearly marked as a towing zone is frustrating for motorists. However, it can also be potentially dangerous. Tow trucks who ignore County regulations and tow cars to distant locations for storage in order to collect extra fees spend more time on the road and can increase the risk of truck accidents.

As well, unnecessary towing could potentially be a risk for increased Broward County truck accidents. When tow truck operators tow a vehicle, they can slow down traffic. The process of towing can also create a risk of an accident. While in some cases towing is necessary, in cases where it is not necessary it could be contributing to road congestion and the risk of accidents.

Tow truck operators perform an invaluable service in Broward County. They help motorists whose cars have broken down and they keep tow-away zones clear for emergency vehicles and other important traffic. However, it is important that tow truck operators obey all County laws to ensure that no unnecessary risks are taken. Every step taken to prevent Miami car accidents -- and accidents across Florida -- is a step worth taking.

Continue reading " Could Towing Irregularities Cause Broward County Trucking Accidents? " »