Truck accidents are unfortunately common in Port St. Lucie, and they can result in significant costs for those who are injured. If you have been hurt due to the negligence of a truck driver, you have the right to pursue legal action to recover damages.
Truck drivers and companies are required to follow safety regulations, but some may choose to disregard them in order to gain an advantage. It is important to understand that you are not responsible for the dangerous actions of a truck driver or company. If you have been injured on account of a trucker or trucking company’s negligence, you deserve to have your damages covered.
Contact The Law Offices of David I. Fuchs, Injury & Accident Lawyer, P.A. at (954) 751-4258 for a free review of your case with our truck accident attorneys.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Truck Accident in Port St. Lucie
Figuring out who to blame for a truck accident can be complicated since several parties might have a share of the responsibility. Although the truck driver is usually held most accountable, the company that employed the driver might also be held responsible. However, in certain situations, legal action might need to be taken against a different party to gain compensation for any damages. The following are the most common parties sued for injuries in Port St. Lucie truck accidents:
The Truck Driver
Truck accidents are a common occurrence, often caused by the driver’s neglectful behavior. This neglect can take many forms, such as driving while distracted, being fatigued, or exceeding the speed limit. The driver might be found to have violated state or federal trucking regulations, which might limit the amount of time they can drive within a specific period. Both the driver and the company that employs them might be held accountable for any negligence on the driver’s part.
The Trucking Company
If a truck driver causes an accident due to negligence, the trucking company could be deemed responsible through “vicarious liability.” This legal principle means that if an employee was performing their regular duties when the accident occurred, their employer would typically be held accountable for any resulting injuries. For example, if a truck driver was speeding while making deliveries, both the driver and the trucking company could face legal action.
Trucking companies are fully accountable for any negligence on their part. They must prioritize the safety of their drivers and the public by providing sufficient training to all drivers. Additionally, thorough background checks must be conducted before hiring drivers to prevent reckless individuals from driving. Furthermore, trucking companies must adhere strictly to state and federal trucking regulations, which mandate regular inspections and maintenance of vehicles to ensure they are safe and roadworthy.
If the truck driver is classified as an independent contractor, the trucking company likely will not be responsible for any injuries resulting from their actions. Independent contractors are not considered regular employees for the purposes of a lawsuit. For example, Amazon delivery truck drivers are usually employed by a local delivery company rather than Amazon directly. In this case, Amazon would likely not be able to be sued, but the local delivery company could be held accountable for their driver’s negligence.
Other Third Parties
Injuries sustained in a truck accident might sometimes be caused by the negligence of another driver. For example, if a driver changes lanes without checking their surroundings, a truck driver might swerve to avoid a collision. However, the truck driver might also be found at fault if they were speeding at the time of the incident. Both parties should be held accountable and liable for damages.
Improper loading of cargo during transportation is often caused by the negligence and non-compliance of the loading company. Proper loading involves securing the cargo with appropriate straps and ensuring it is in direct contact with other cargo to prevent movement. This is crucial for safe transportation and to prevent accidents such as jackknifing or overturning.
Trucking accidents can also result from faulty or poorly designed parts. If a defective system, such as the brakes or steering, fails and causes an accident, the manufacturer or designer of the part might be held liable for any injuries sustained.
Common Injuries Suffered in Port St. Lucie Truck Accidents
Injuries resulting from vehicle accidents involving commercial trucks can be severe and life-changing for those in smaller passenger vehicles. Due to their weight, commercial trucks often outweigh passenger vehicles by tens of thousands of pounds. Our team of truck accident attorneys in Port St. Lucie might be able to assist you in obtaining compensation for medical expenses, including future treatments and necessary medical devices. Some of the most frequently occurring injuries in truck accidents in Port St. Lucie include the following:
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
Sustaining a traumatic brain injury can have a profound impact on a person’s life, causing a range of negative effects that can greatly diminish their independence. Depending on the location and severity of the injury within the brain, some of these effects might include amnesia, difficulty with balance, reduced mobility, and decreased sensation, among other potential consequences.
Back and Spinal Cord Injuries
The spine is made up of two intricate components: the spinal column, which offers stability and support, and the spinal cord, a group of nerves that transmit messages between the brain and body. In the event of an accident, damage to these structures can result in chronic pain, loss of tactile sensation, or paralysis for the victim.
Whiplash Injuries
A cervical sprain or cervical strain is commonly referred to as “Whiplash.” This injury is often a result of rear-end collisions that cause the neck to be rapidly jerked back and forth, causing the tissue to stretch beyond its normal limits. Regrettably, truck accident claims frequently report cases of whiplash injuries.
Bone Fractures
Fractures in slender bones like the clavicle and tiny phalanges of the fingers and toes are frequently sustained in truck accidents. Broken noses, arms and legs, and pelvic fractures are also common bone injuries in truck crashes. While these injuries can heal with the proper treatment, they can be incredibly painful and cause injuries to internal organs if significant enough.
Wrongful Death
When someone dies due to the negligence of another person, it is considered a wrongful death. In Port St. Lucie, drivers can cause fatal accidents with their trucks by driving carelessly or recklessly. This can include driving while fatigued and breaking shift limits, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, not checking for other vehicles in their side or rearview mirrors, and disregarding traffic laws.
Our Port St. Lucie Truck Accident Lawyers Can Help
For a free case evaluation with our truck accident lawyers, call The Law Offices of David I. Fuchs, Injury & Accident Lawyer today at (954) 751-4258.