Panel trucks refer to windowless cargo vans often used for deliveries of consumer goods. Although these trucks are somewhat smaller than traditional tractor-trailers, their structure and size still require more care for operation. Additionally, due to the lack of windows, a driver’s visibility regarding surrounding motorists, pedestrians, and other road users is significantly less than with most other vehicles. Panel truck accidents may cause devastating, life-changing injuries to people affected by them. The Miami truck accidents at the Law Offices of Robert Dixon help victims pursue proper legal action against parties responsible for causing their harm. With vast litigation experience, our firm offers dedicated, personalized legal guidance to victims trying to cope with the aftermath of a traumatic crash. If you or a family member has been injured in a collision involving a careless driver, contact our office today to schedule a free consultation to learn more about your legal rights and options.
Common Causes of Panel Truck AccidentsPanel trucks are becoming much more common as daily local and national delivery services expand. Companies like Amazon, Blue Apron, and other consumer providers utilize these types of vehicles as opposed to larger delivery trucks in order to conduct their businesses more efficiently. Under pressure to make deliveries on time, or simply unfamiliar with the movements of a cumbersome vehicle, panel truck drivers may act carelessly and cause a severe accident. Common situations associated with panel truck accidents include:
One or a few of these factors may contribute to an accident, and depending on the situation, a driver, the truck’s owner, or an employer company may be found liable for a collision. Injuries that result from truck accidents often include bone fractures, neck and back injuries, spinal cord damage, and brain injuries. Recovering from any of these injuries may be lengthy and expensive.
Proving Liability for Injuries Sustained in a Panel Truck AccidentWhen a panel truck driver engages in negligent behavior, they may be held liable in a personal injury claim. Negligence occurs when a driver breaches the duty owed to others on the road to act as a reasonable and prudent person would act in a certain situation. That breach must be shown to have been a proximate cause of the victim’s injuries, and damages must have been sustained as a result. If a driver was acting as an employee, and they were within the scope of their employment during the time of the collision, the employer may also be accountable under the legal theory of vicarious liability. This standard does not, however, apply to independent contractors with considerable power over how they do their jobs. Additionally, if another party owns the panel truck involved, and an accident was due to a malfunction or another maintenance issue, the owner might be accountable for failing to engage in adequate inspections to ensure the vehicle’s safety. If liability is established, victims generally can receive compensation for past and future medical costs, lost income and earning capacity, and pain and suffering.
Seek Guidance for Your Motor Vehicle Collision Case from a Miami AttorneyIf you have been injured in an accident involving a panel truck, or you have lost a loved one in a devastating crash, the Miami lawyers at the Law Offices of Robert Dixon can help make sure that the appropriate parties are pursued and held accountable for the harm that they have caused. Call 877.499.4878 or contact us online to set up a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your case and learn more about our legal services. Our motor vehicle collisions represent people who have been injured in an accident involving a panel truck throughout Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach Counties, including in Miami, and West Palm Beach.