18-Wheeler Accident Attorneys Fighting for Injured Clients’ Compensation Rights in Florida
A tractor-trailer is a unique type of vehicle, and the way that it is designed lends itself to involvement in a variety of severe types of accidents if the tractor-trailer is not properly maintained and operated. Tractor-trailers are significantly heavier and larger than most motor vehicles, and they may even contain hazardous cargo. Tractor-trailer drivers are, unfortunately, often under severe pressure to meet strict deadlines for delivering their cargo, meaning that they are often tired, distracted, and in a hurry on the roadways—a combination that steeply increases the likelihood that an accident will occur. Our Florida tractor-trailer accident lawyers can help you get the compensation you deserve.
The Florida truck accident attorneys at Gonzalez & Cartwright, P.A. understand the difficulties that you are facing after a serious accident involving a tractor-trailer, and we know that you may already be facing mounting medical bills and pressure from insurance adjusters to settle your case. Contact our attorneys today so that we can help you through this difficult time. We can go to work to begin negotiating a fair settlement agreement even while you are still recovering from your injuries. In fact, the earlier we begin negotiations, the better it is for you. Owners of large tractor-trailer companies employ teams of defense attorneys who begin their investigations immediately after the accident has occurred to limit their liability for damages. We have a combined 35 years of experience dealing with large corporations and insurance companies, and we are dedicated to helping you get back on your feet again–both literally and financially.
Tractor-Trailer Accidents Frequently Caused by Driver Negligence
Common causes of tractor-trailer accidents in Florida include situations where the vehicle driver was:
- Distracted
- Texting
- Speeding, tailgating, or otherwise violating traffic laws
- Overly fatigued
- Driving while using drugs or alcohol
- Improperly trained
- Negligent in failing to adequately secure the vehicle’s cargo
All of these potential causes of a tractor-trailer accident involve negligence claims against the driver, an employer of the driver, and their insurance companies. If any of these factors led to a tractor-trailer accident that caused injuries or damage, the victim may have a rightful claim to compensation.
Gonzalez & Cartwright, P.A. Supports Clients Who Have Been Injured in a Tractor-Trailer Accident
As experienced tractor-trailer accident lawyers, we will take steps to recreate the events of the accident by evaluating all available evidence, including the “black box” recording device that is found in most late-model tractor-trailers. Our Florida tractor-trailer accident lawyers will fight to obtain this black box, which often contains detailed evidence about:
- When the accident occurred.
- How fast the tractor-trailer was driving.
- Whether any warning lights were on.
- The force of the impact.
- Brake usage and steering angle.
All of this evidence can be useful in establishing whether the driver’s actions caused the accident in question and whether some type of vehicle malfunction also contributed to the accident. However, an expert analysis may be required in order for the information contained in the black box to be admissible as evidence in your tractor-trailer accident case.
Schedule a Free Consultation with Top Rated Florida Tractor-Trailer Accident Lawyers
At Gonzalez & Cartwright, P.A., we know that it can be intimidating for some members of the immigrant community to even contact an attorney. One of our top Florida tractor-trailer accident lawyers is an immigrant herself, and we provide a welcoming environment for all. In fact, we can even come to visit you in the hospital or at your home if you are not well enough to travel. We offer a free initial consultation to all of our clients so that we can evaluate whether and how you may recover compensation without pressure for your tractor-trailer accident injuries. Contact our offices at 561-533-0345, to schedule an appointment today. You can also fill out this online form, and one of our attorneys will contact you directly to discuss your tractor-trailer accident claim. We have our main office located at 813 Lucerne Ave, Lake Worth, FL 33460, as well as an office in Pompano Beach, Florida.
Florida Tractor-Trailer Accident Lawyers Answer Frequently Asked Questions About Florida Tractor-Trailer Accidents
Yes. Both federal and state regulations provide rules that tractor-trailer drivers must follow, including rules about how long the driver can be on the road and training requirements that must be satisfied. Accidents can also occur because the tractor-trailer driver or owner of the vehicle disobeyed weight limits and height restrictions on the vehicle.
A tractor-trailer is a type of semi-truck that you have probably seen on the roadways frequently. It is a large vehicle that contains both a “tractor,” where the driver sits, and a “trailer,” which has the vehicle’s cargo. It is typically an 18-wheeled vehicle where the tractor and the trailer are connected by a “coupling.” If the coupling malfunctions, the trailer can swing out from the tractor and cause an accident known as a “jackknife.”