Victims of truck accidents often suffer severe injuries that require extensive recovery. To fully recover, adequate compensation is necessary to cover medical expenses and lost wages.
If you have been injured in a truck accident in Fort Pierce, our team of lawyers is here to assist you. With numerous types of commercial trucks operating in the area, it is important to identify the specific truck that caused your injuries, as this will help determine who else might be held responsible. In some cases, the truck driver’s employer might also be liable for their negligence, and there could be other parties who share in the responsibility for the damages you have suffered.
Contact the Law Offices of David I. Fuchs, Injury & Accident Lawyer, P.A. at (954) 751-4258 for a free case review with our experienced truck accident lawyers.
Regulations Governing Truck Drivers and Trucking Companies in Fort Pierce
In Fort Pierce and all over Florida, trucking companies and drivers are required to adhere to safety regulations set by both state and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). These regulations are critical in ensuring the safety of trucks on the road and provide a framework for identifying and resolving potential issues before they result in accidents. Additionally, they establish a standard for identifying negligence in the event of legal action against a driver or trucking company.
Maintenance and Repair Guidelines
Maintaining and repairing trucks in accordance with FMCSA regulations is often neglected by trucking companies. It is mandatory for them to perform regular inspections and maintenance on their vehicles and to keep records of these tasks. Trucks must undergo routine inspections before departing. If a truck accident occurs, our firm is able to examine the trucking company’s records to determine when the truck was last serviced. In cases where maintenance and inspection logs are missing, we can argue that the company disregarded necessary precautions to ensure the truck’s safety, which ultimately led to the accident.
Hours of Service Guidelines
Truck drivers are only allowed to drive for a certain amount of time as per the hours of service regulations. Unfortunately, many choose to disregard these rules. The delivery industry is becoming more competitive with the increase in home delivery services. To keep up with demand, some drivers and companies push beyond the hours-of-service limits. Federal regulations mandate that drivers document their driving hours and restrict them to no more than 60 hours in a seven-day period. If a driver violates these regulations, we can obtain their driving logs to determine if they played a role in any accidents.
Cargo Securement Guidelines
Serious accidents can also occur if cargo securement regulations are broken. Truckers and trucking companies are given instructions on how to load and store cargo for transportation through these guidelines. Properly securing cargo with appropriately graded straps and tie-downs, and loading it in direct contact with other cargo, are essential to prevent shifting while driving. Failing to secure cargo can cause the truck driver to lose control of the vehicle, resulting in catastrophic accidents.
In the event of an accident caused by unsecured cargo, the trucking company or its driver can be held responsible. However, if a third party was responsible for loading the cargo, their negligence could have contributed to the accident and should be included in any legal action taken.
Steps to Take After Getting Injured in a Fort Pierce Truck Accident
If you have been injured in a truck accident, it is crucial to take the necessary precautions to protect your legal rights and obtain the compensation you deserve. Our highly skilled truck accident lawyers can utilize the information you collect to construct a solid case and strive for a positive resolution. Even small actions can greatly affect the verdict of your lawsuit. It is important to bear in mind that your case commences as soon as you sustain injuries, so time is of the essence.
Call 911
In the event of a truck accident in Fort Pierce, it is essential to involve law enforcement in the investigation. They will gather important evidence and speak to all parties involved at the scene. The investigating officer will then create a detailed police report that includes information about the negligent truck driver and their employer, as well as their contact and insurance details. Once we take on your case, our team can help you obtain a copy of the police report either online or by mail.
Gather Evidence at the Scene
After an accident, it is also crucial to document the scene by taking pictures of any damage to your vehicle and the surrounding area. These images could prove useful when filing an insurance claim or pursuing legal action against the driver responsible for the collision. It is also advisable to record as much information as possible about the incident while it is still fresh in your memory. Make a note of the driver’s identity, their origin, the events leading up to the accident, their speed, and whether they were using their phone. This way, you will not forget any critical details when speaking with an attorney or insurance adjuster.
If anyone saw what happened during your accident, it would be helpful to ask them if they can give a statement about it. This can help make things clearer for investigators and shed light on the details of what occurred and why, which can be important in determining the cause of your injuries.
Get Medical Treatment
Receiving timely medical attention following an accident is vital. It enables medical professionals to assess the severity of your injuries and determine if additional treatment is required. Additionally, the doctors’ assessment and documentation of your injuries are crucial in obtaining compensation down the road. Your medical records are instrumental in demonstrating the impact of the accident on your well-being.
Contact Our Firm
After your injuries have sufficiently healed, contact our firm for assistance on your next course of action. Our team can aid you in identifying the parties accountable for your injuries and gathering any necessary information. We will collaborate with you to draft your complaint and guarantee that it is submitted before the time limit.
Time Limit to File a Truck Accident Lawsuit in Fort Pierce
In 2023, a new law was signed by the governor of Florida, which had an immediate impact on the personal injury process in the state. One of the key changes was to the “statute of limitations,” which determines the time limit for filing a lawsuit. Previously, victims of truck accidents had four years to file a lawsuit, but this time limit has now been reduced to two years in Fort Pierce.
It is important to act quickly when it comes to your truck accident case. Delaying could be detrimental, as there is a limited amount of time to gather evidence and locate witnesses before potentially filing a lawsuit. You might not need to file a lawsuit for your injuries, but if you do, you should be aware that you have only two years to do so. After this time period, the defense attorney can request that the court dismiss your case.
Our Fort Pierce Truck Accident Lawyers Can Help
For a free case assessment with our truck accident attorneys, contact the Law Offices of David I. Fuchs, Injury & Accident Lawyer, P.A. at (954) 751-4258 today.