Plantation Truck Accident Attorneys

Recovering Compensation for 18 Wheeler Accidents in Plantation, FL

If you or someone you love has been involved in a truck accident, it is important to reach out to an experienced Plantation truck accident attorney as soon as possible. Trucking companies and their teams of insurance investigators will begin working immediately to minimize the amount of money they have to pay you—do not let them get a head start. 

Tractor trailer accidents are often catastrophic. The structure of a modern passenger vehicle is simply no match for a large truck. In 2018, well over 4,100 trucks were involved in fatal traffic accidents, and nearly 120,000 trucks were involved in accidents that caused injury throughout the United States. While it may seem surprising, with more than 11 crashes per day nationally, these numbers have actually improved slightly over the past 20 years. Nevertheless, our law firm understands the devastation a truck accident can cause. As a team of Plantation truck accident lawyers, we are ready to help you through this challenging time and pursue maximum recovery on your behalf.

Contact us online today or call (954) 833-1440 to speak to a member of our team. Our truck accident lawyer in Plantation, FL, can advocate for you.

Truck Accident Statistics

As a driver, it is crucial to do everything possible to minimize your risk of colliding with a tractor trailer or 18-wheeler. However, sometimes your actions may not matter, and you may still find yourself catastrophically injured in an accident due to a negligent truck driver. 

Below, we have listed some truck accident statistics to help you better understand your risk of a trucking accident and what to expect if one occurs:

• Every 16 minutes, there is a truck accident.
• 1 out of every 8 fatal accidents is a truck collision.
• Trucks are involved in 1 out of 12 fatal accidents.

These numbers are probably much higher than you expected. At the Law Offices Cytryn & Velazquez, P.A., we know how devastating these accidents can be, and we understand the sadness and frustration that often accompany injuries caused by truck accidents in Plantation.

Steps to Take After a Truck Accident

If you’ve been involved in a commercial truck, tractor-trailer, or big rig accident in Plantation, the steps you take immediately after the crash can significantly impact your ability to recover compensation. Even if your injuries seem minor, it’s essential to act quickly and cautiously to protect both your health and your legal rights. 

Here's what you should do:

• Prioritize safety: If possible, move to a safe location and call 911. Your safety and the safety of others should always come first.
• Seek immediate medical attention: Get medical attention even if you feel fine. Early medical documentation is essential for both your health and any potential claim.
• Document the scene: If you’re able, take photos of the accident scene, including vehicle positions, damage, injuries, road signs, and hazardous conditions.
• Gather key information: Collect the names, addresses, driver’s license numbers, license plate numbers, and insurance details of all involved parties, including the truck driver.
• Avoid making official statements: Trucking companies may dispatch insurance adjusters quickly. Do not provide recorded statements or sign documents without legal guidance.
• Contact a Plantation truck accident lawyer early: A trusted attorney can help you preserve evidence, manage insurer communications, and avoid missteps that could hurt your claim.

Whether your accident occurred on the I-595 or State Road 84, our tractor-trailer accident attorney in Plantation can assist you. We understand the significant challenges you face and strive to alleviate them through dedicated legal assistance.

Who Is Liable in a Plantation Truck Accident?

Determining liability in a Plantation truck accident case requires careful investigation, as multiple parties may bear legal responsibility for your injuries or property damage. 

Possible responsible parties can include:

• The truck driver
• The trucking company
• The cargo loader
• Maintenance providers
• Manufacturers of defective vehicle components

This web of potential defendants is one reason why consulting a big rig accident attorney in Plantation is often critical for accident victims, as truck collision litigation is often more complex than typical car crash cases and requires a focused legal strategy. We take a comprehensive approach and don't overlook potential contributing factors. If you need a tractor trailer accident attorney in Plantation who can handle complex liability scenarios, our law firm is equipped to stand by your side.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Florida

With decades of experience, Steven M. Cytryn possesses in-depth knowledge of the many factors that cause truck accidents. He stands ready to move forward aggressively in your case and will not allow negligent truck drivers, trucking companies, or truck owners responsible for your accident to prevent you from pursuing the compensation you deserve for the damages you have suffered.

Causes of improper operation of large trucks may include:

• Software malfunction or failure
• Lack of driver training
• Insufficient maintenance causing equipment failure
• Speeding, reckless driving, or texting while driving
• Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol

When you are left stranded on the side of the road due to a mishandled truck, the cause of the accident may not matter to you immediately, because your primary concern is minimizing your losses. However, identifying how the truck driver negligently operated the vehicle is a necessary step to successfully pursuing claims against trucking corporations, truck owners, and other liable parties for misconduct. 

The party responsible for improper truck operation can be identified through information provided by the truck’s braking system, which helps determine:

• The vehicle’s speed at the time of the accident
• Whether, and when, the brakes were applied
• How hard and how long the brakes were used
• Whether the driver was possibly drowsy or fatigued

Brakes & Truck Accidents in Plantation

A vehicle’s brakes are crucial during any accident investigation. Drivers may claim brake failure; however, any truck operator driving in Florida who has experienced a brake failure will still be challenged to dispute one main point in an auto accident claim:

• Brake failures do not necessarily reduce the brake’s ability to stop the vehicle.
• Excessive speed is a leading cause of brake failure and related problems.
• Many commercial and semi-truck drivers may not comply with state and federal traffic regulations. Consequently, driving at low speeds due to a semi-truck accident can cause serious brake problems. In fact, repeatedly driving at low speeds can reduce the necessary pressure applied to the motor. Much of the damage caused by poor brake conditions may occur while the vehicle is moving slowly.

Contact Us for a Consultation with Our Plantation Truck Accident Lawyers

We understand you likely have many questions about your accident and the legal process ahead. Our truck accident attorneys in Plantation are prepared to provide you with the guidance and legal information necessary to move forward. As a family practice, we recognize the heartache that a serious injury brings, and we are committed to fighting passionately to protect your legal rights and help you pursue a fair trucking accident settlement. When you need a truck accident attorney in Plantation, do not hesitate to reach out.

Contact us online to schedule a consultation with our team today for friendly and effective counsel regarding your Plantation truck accident case. There is no obligation required to take this first step.

Frequently Asked Questions About Truck Accidents in Plantation

What Should I Do if the Trucking Company Contacts Me After an Accident in Plantation?

If you are contacted by a trucking company’s insurer or representatives after a truck accident in Plantation, approach the communication with caution. Insurance adjusters may appear friendly or concerned, but their primary duty is to protect their company's financial interests. Do not admit fault, provide detailed statements, or sign any paperwork without first consulting with a Plantation truck accident attorney. Anything you say could be used to minimize or deny your claim. 

How Long Do I Have to File a Truck Accident Lawsuit in Florida?

Under Florida law, you generally have two years from the date of a truck, tractor-trailer, or big rig accident to file a personal injury claim. This statute of limitations is strict; missing the deadline usually means losing your right to pursue compensation. Since building a strong case takes time, it’s important to act quickly. Some exceptions may apply, such as cases involving minors or government entities. To fully understand your legal options, consult an experienced Plantation tractor trailer accident lawyer as soon as possible.

What Makes Truck Accident Cases in Plantation More Complicated Than Car Accidents?

Truck accident cases in Plantation and across Florida are often more complex than standard car accidents. Due to the size and weight of commercial trucks, injuries are usually more severe, leading to higher financial stakes. These cases often involve multiple parties, each with its own legal team. Proving liability may require analyzing black box data, driver logs, and federal safety violations. Our firm brings decades of experience, local insight, and the resources needed to handle these challenging cases effectively.