Fort Myers Semi-Truck Accident Lawyer
In a fraction of a second, an out-of-control semi-truck can cut a swath of destruction across a Florida highway. When a 40-ton commercial truck turns over or collides with another vehicle, the consequences are often devastating for innocent people caught in the wake. And while some accidents are truly nobody’s fault, more often than not there is some degree of negligence involved.
A Fort Myers semi-truck accident lawyer can help victims identify who is responsible and who should pay damages. At Cardinal Law, P.A., we have helped many accident victims obtain fair compensation for their injuries. If you, or someone in your family, has been hurt as the result of a semi-truck driver or trucking company’s reckless behavior, we can help you get to the bottom of it.
Who Is Liable for a Semi-Truck Accident in Florida?
In any motor vehicle accident the driver is often assumed to be at-fault. When it comes to a semi-truck accident, however, things are often more complicated than you might think. Indeed, there are often several parties who may be jointly or individually liable. These parties may include:
- the semi-truck driver;
- the company that owns the semi-truck;
- a third party responsible for loading or unloading the semi-truck’s cargo; and
- the manufacturer of the truck or any of its parts.
Another thing to consider is that commercial semi-trucks and their drivers are not just subject to Florida’s “rules of the road.” They also need to follow strict safety regulations enforced by the federal government. These regulations cover important issues like how long a driver can stay on the road without taking a break. We find that many semi-truck accidents are the result of ignoring or “cutting corners” with such rules, often in the name of meeting delivery schedules.
Of course, semi-truck accidents also occur for many of the same reasons as any other auto accident. If a driver is distracted by their smartphone or intoxicated due to excess alcohol consumption, that can cause a crash regardless of the type of vehicle involved. Similarly, a semi-truck driver who is speeding or makes an improper lane change can easily impact another vehicle.
Injured in a Semi-Truck Accident? Contact Cardinal Law Today
Semi-truck accidents often lead to severe, life-threatening injuries, such as broken bones, spinal cord damage, concussions, paralysis, severed limbs, and burns. Victims can seek compensation for all of these injuries, as well as other out-of-pocket losses caused by the accident such as lost wages and diminished future earning potential. Through a personal injury claim the victim can also demand non-economic damages for their pain and suffering and other losses that are impossible to precisely quantify.
An experienced Fort Myers semi-truck accident lawyer can assist you in preparing and pursuing such a lawsuit. And in many cases, it may be possible to negotiate a fair settlement with the negligent parties and their insurance companies. That is why it is always in your best interest to work with a knowledgeable lawyer. Contact Cardinal Law, P.A., today to schedule a free initial consultation with a member of our team.