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Truck Accident Attorney Vero Beach, Florida

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Experienced Truck Accident Attorney in Vero Beach, FL: Keith Bregoff

Florida’s trucking industry contributes to a large part of our commerce, transporting goods across the country, increasing our financial equity, and employing thousands. At the Law Offices of Keith Bregoff, our Vero Beach, FL truck accident attorney knows that not all trucking companies are screening drivers with the scrutiny necessary to ensure public safety. In some cases, these practices are even illegal.

Large commercial trucks, school buses, and limousines are all capable of doing substantial amounts of harm if driven improperly. These large, heavy vehicles are multiple times heavier than the average sedan and require special licensing and training to drive safely. Not only should drivers be trained well, but they must also have safe driving records and records free from substance abuse. When companies hiring commercial drivers fail to ensure that their drivers meet these basic standards of safety, they may be putting other roadway occupants at risk.

Involved in a Truck Accident Due to Negligent in Vero Beach?

If you have been involved in a truck accident due to negligent hiring practices, our Vero Beach truck accident attorney can help you hold the driver and the trucking company responsible for their risky, dangerous, and unlawful behavior. We have successfully represented Florida residents in cases involving negligent truck driver hiring practices for over two decades and can help you recover fully, too.

Employers may be held legally responsible for hiring dangerous drivers

The legal concept of respondeat superior dictates that employers are legally responsible for what their employees do while they’re on the job. If a commercial truck driver causes a serious accident while driving drunk or at an unsafe speed, the company employing the driver can be held responsible for the losses that driver causes. However, even before a driver causes an accident, the companies that hire them have a duty to ensure that the driver is safe on the road, showing no likelihood of causing a major accident. If a post-crash investigation reveals that the driver had a history of alcohol abuse or a record of repeated involvement in accidents, this information could support a claim for negligent hiring against the company that employed the driver.

Aren’t Trucking Companies and Their Hiring Practices Federally Regulated?

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has created a detailed set of regulations governing the licensing and practices of commercial truck drivers and their employers. Among these regulations are rules mandating that carrier companies maintain detailed records on each of their drivers, noting any traffic citations they receive, arrests, or involvement in any accidents. When investigating a claim against a negligent truck driver, personal injury attorneys can use these records to prove that companies were negligent to keep a driver on staff who clearly posed a danger while behind the wheel of a massive vehicle.

Our Vero Beach personal injury lawyer has years of experience investigating and prosecuting claims against negligent trucking companies and dangerous drivers. Contact our Vero Beach truck accident law firm at (772) 492-8967 as soon as possible after a serious Florida truck accident to learn how you can pursue your claims against a dangerous truck driver.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, or FMSCA, regulates the standards required for trucking companies to hire and retain truck drivers.

These standards include:

Driver’s undergoing and passing medical evaluations
Driver’s undergoing and passing background checks
Regular driver drug testing procedures
Continuing education and testing mandates
Ensuring drivers have a proper commercial driving license or CDL
Provide or ensure proper certifications and training information has been completed
Checking the driver’s history for any past tickets, accidents, or criminal convictions for driving under the influence of alcohol or narcotics
Completion of federally mandated paperwork, including a valid Department of Transportation medical card
Proof of Social Security Number
Proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent resident status

Do All Trucking Companies Abide by The FMCSA Standards?

By law, trucking companies are required to abide by all FMCSA hiring standards. While it is not illegal to hire inexperienced or underqualified drivers, doing so poses a huge risk to the general public’s safety, and opens the doors for fines and reprimands from the FMSCA.

It is illegal for trucking companies to bypass any of the required standards listed above. If a driver is hired – and he or she did not meet the federally mandated criteria – the trucking company becomes responsible for any truck accident due to negligent hiring they are involved in.

How Can the Law Offices of Keith Bregoff Help?

Truck accidents due to negligent hiring can cause severe injury to those who become the victims of these unlawful employment tactics. The causes of these accidents are typically the result of trucking companies relaxing their hiring practices to keep their businesses running at an optimal level – creating serious dangers for other motorists in the paths of their negligently hired drivers.

If you have been hurt in an accident with a negligently hired truck driver, our Vero Beach truck accident attorney can help you recover by pursuing the trucking company for the damages related to your case.

These areas of recovery can include, but are not limited to:

Current and long-term medical care
Current and future lost wages
Property damage
Short and long-term disability

At The Law Offices of Keith Bregoff, our Vero Beach, Florida law firm focuses on the following practice areas:

Call Our Experienced Vero Beach Truck Accident Attorney Today to Schedule a Free Consultation

If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident due to negligent hiring, contact our Vero Beach, FL truck accident attorney today at 772-492-8967 to schedule a free consultation. We have nearly 25 years of experience in representing personal injury clients, and successfully acquiring a financial settlement on their behalf. Call us now to find out how we can help you.

Frequently Asked Questions for Truck Accidents in Vero Beach, Florida

What are the most common injuries after a truck accident?

The most common injuries after a truck accident include whiplash, head and brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, broken bones, internal organ damage, and lacerations.

What makes truck accidents so dangerous?

Truck accidents can be particularly dangerous due to the size and weight of commercial trucks. A fully loaded semi-truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, which is many times heavier than a passenger vehicle. This means that when a truck collides with a car, the impact can be devastating, often resulting in serious injuries or fatalities.

Do you need to file a police report after a truck accident in Florida?

Yes, if you are involved in a truck accident in Florida, you are required by law to report the accident to the police if the accident resulted in injury, death, or property damage exceeding $500. Failure to report the accident could result in fines or other legal consequences.

What should I take photos of after a truck accident?

After a truck accident, it is important to take photos of the damage to both vehicles, any injuries sustained by you or others involved in the accident, the surrounding scene (including skid marks or debris), and any traffic signs or signals in the area. These photos can be important evidence in any insurance or legal claims that may arise from the accident.

What if I lost my loved one to a truck accident?

If you lost a loved one to a truck accident, you may be able to file a wrongful death claim against the responsible party. A wrongful death claim seeks compensation for damages such as funeral and burial expenses, medical bills, lost wages and benefits, and pain and suffering.

What will my truck accident attorney need from me?

Your truck accident attorney will need as much information as possible about the accident and your injuries. This may include police reports, medical records, eyewitness accounts, and any other evidence that may help establish fault and damages. Your attorney may also ask you to provide a detailed account of the accident and any symptoms or injuries you have experienced as a result.

What is the most common cause for a truck accident?

The most common causes of truck accidents in Florida include driver error (such as distracted driving, speeding, or driving under the influence), mechanical failures (such as brake or tire failure), and weather conditions. Poor road conditions or construction zones can also contribute to truck accidents.

If I sought medical attention after a truck accident but wasn’t injured can I still ask for compensation to pay for the visit?

Yes, even if you were not injured in a truck accident, you may be able to seek compensation for medical expenses related to the accident. This could include the cost of medical evaluations, x-rays, or other diagnostic tests. It is important to keep records of all medical expenses related to the accident, as these may be included in any insurance or legal claims you make.

How long do you have to file a truck accident case in Florida?

In Florida, the statute of limitations for filing a truck accident case is generally four years from the date of the accident. However, there may be exceptions or circumstances that could affect the timeline, so it is important to consult with an attorney as soon as possible after the accident.

How long do truck accident settlements tend to take?

The duration of a truck accident settlement can vary depending on a number of factors, such as the complexity of the case, the extent of the injuries and damages, and the willingness of the parties to negotiate a settlement. Some cases may settle relatively quickly, within a few months or even weeks, while others may take several years to resolve.

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