Causes of Truck Accidents

Some of the most catastrophic injuries occur as results of accidents involving a truck. These collisions are often due to a driver’s failure to act with proper care, given the conditions on the road. Sometimes these crashes are caused by a fatigued driver, or they may be caused by someone who is untrained or under the influence of alcohol or medication. The Miami truck accident attorneys at the Law Offices of Robert Dixon are familiar with the causes of truck accidents. We help victims of these types of crashes identify what caused the collision and pursue the responsible parties for compensation for the harm that resulted. The team represent people injured in truck accidents throughout Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach Counties, including in Miami, and West Palm Beach.

Most often, it is a truck driver’s negligent actions that cause an accident on the road. In these instances, victims may take legal action against a negligent defendant via a personal injury lawsuit. Negligence is established by showing that the defendant’s actions created a breach of their duty to act as a reasonable driver would act under the circumstances, resulting in the plaintiff’s injuries and related damages. Some indicators of a truck driver’s negligence include distractions such as texting or phone use, excessive fatigue affecting reaction time, being under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and other reckless behavior.

Sometimes there are other issues that may contribute to a truck crash. Trucking companies are subject to certain state and federal regulations, and they are expected to adhere to specific rules when it comes to hiring and supervising their drivers. When these companies fail to conduct proper background checks or do not take reasonable actions upon finding evidence of a driver’s careless road behavior, they may be held liable for negligent hiring or supervision. Drivers are also required by law to take a certain amount of rest breaks and log these breaks, as well as the maintenance of their vehicles, in logbooks. Trucking companies are supposed to keep track of these logbooks to ensure the safe operation of their trucks. Unfortunately, sometimes trucking companies neglect to check logbooks or encourage drivers to falsify their records in efforts to drive profits or avoid liability.

A defective part or entire vehicle may also lead to a truck crash. When a mechanical issue is found, a manufacturer may be held strictly liable if it put a dangerous product into commerce with a design or manufacturing defect.

It is vital to make sure that you have an experienced advocate on your side following a truck accident who can evaluate each of the various parties that may have been responsible and bring all of the appropriate defendants into the litigation.

Because of the significant investigation that may be necessary to figure out the cause of a truck accident and the devastating injuries or even fatalities that may result, it is important to consult a knowledgeable attorney as soon as possible. The Miami lawyers at the Law Offices of Robert Dixon provide compassionate and seasoned legal guidance for truck accident victims and their families. If you need assistance with a claim associated with truck accident injuries, call 877.499.4878 or contact us online to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your legal options with a motor vehicle collision.