Pensacola Truck Accident Lawyer

Fighting for Truck Accident Victims in Florida

Were you injured in a trucking accident? Under Florida personal injury law, you may be entitled to compensation for monetary damages, past medical expenses, wage loss, inconvenience, out-of-pocket expenses, and pain and suffering. The Watson Firm, PLLC represents clients injured in trucking accidents in Pensacola, Fort Walton, Cantonment, and surrounding communities.

Contact The Watson Firm, PLLC by calling (850) 607-2929 today to schedule a consultation with our truck accident attorney in Pensacola.

Who Is Liable for a Trucking Accident in Pensacola?

Trucking accident claims tend to be more complicated than car accidents, mainly due to the number of potentially liable parties. Because these incidents involve commercial vehicles, as well as drivers and companies who are held to stricter standards than ordinary motorists, trucking accidents can have multiple liable parties.

Depending on the circumstances of the accident, any of the following parties may be responsible:

• The truck driver
• The company that owns or leases the truck
• The shipping company
• The manufacturer of the vehicle
• The supervisor on duty

At The Watson Firm, PLLC, we work to hold the liable parties accountable for your injuries. Trucking accidents often have devastating consequences due to the sheer size and weight of these massive vehicles. Often, collisions with passenger vehicles can lead to severe injuries, including catastrophic injuries and death. If you’re dealing with mounting medical bills, pain and suffering, lost income, or even the loss of your loved one, our firm can help.

Our experienced truck accident lawyers stand ready to pursue justice and compensation for your injuries. Call now to get started.

Truck Driver Regulations & Safety Standards

Because of the serious risk commercial trucks pose to other drivers in the event of an accident, truck drivers are heavily regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). The FMCSA regulates many aspects of the trucking industry — one of these important regulations is the “Hours of Service” regulations. Since tired drivers are much more likely to get in an accident while driving, these rules are crucial to protecting other motorists on the road.

According to this rule, truck drivers must adhere to these parameters:

• Drivers can work up to 14 hours in a given day. However, in this time period, they can only drive for 11 hours. The remaining three hours must be spent on meal or rest breaks.
• After the 14-hour workday is over, drivers must rest for at least 10 hours before returning to work.
• Drivers must take days off work at regular intervals. If a trucking company is open seven days a week, a driver is only allowed to work 70 hours in an eight-day period before taking at least 34 consecutive hours off. If a trucking company is open less than seven days a week, then a driver is only allowed to work 60 hours in a seven-day period before taking 34 hours off.

Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for truckers to break these rules, either by their own volition or with the encouragement of the company. In rarer circumstances, the Hours of Service regulations are modified in times of national emergency to help get supplies where they need to go faster, such as during the COVID-19 crisis. No matter the case, the result is the same: More tired truck drivers and more accidents.

Understanding Common Causes of Truck Accidents

Every trucking accident is unique and has its own combination of causes, though many collisions share certain underlying factors.

Some of the most common causes of truck accidents include:

• Truck driver intoxication
• Speeding or driving too fast for road conditions
• Truck driver fatigue
• Illegal roadway maneuvers
• Truck driver inattention or distraction
• Aggressive driving
• Following too closely
• Poor truck maintenance
• Overloaded or improperly secured cargo
• Insufficient truck driver training

All of these actions can be considered forms of negligence and could be used as the basis of a personal injury claim against the responsible party. In cases involving a defective truck part or improper maintenance, such as a tire blowout caused by vehicle neglect, liability may extend past the truck driver and include the trucking company, a mechanic who serviced the vehicle, or even the manufacturer of the defective part. In other cases, a shipping company may be found negligent if they violated proper cargo loading procedures, leading to a collision.

Common Truck Accident Injuries & Their Impact

When an 80,000-pound 18-wheeler collides with a 4,000-pound sedan, the resulting damage and injuries can be catastrophic. In many cases, truck accidents lead to the deaths of motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians involved. For those who survive, the injuries they suffer are often life-changing.

Here are just a handful of injuries that may be sustained in a trucking accident:

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Amputation and disfigurement
• Broken bones
• Severe lacerations
• Severe burns
• Puncture wounds
• Dental damage
• Internal injuries

Aside from the immediate physical injuries, victims often endure long-term complications and disabilities that require extensive rehabilitation and adaptive strategies for daily living. The psychological impact of such traumatic events can also be profound, requiring dedicated psychological support and counseling to address potential conditions like PTSD. Understanding these implications helps us advocate thoroughly for adequate compensation that truly reflects the long-term effects on an individual’s quality of life.

Essential Steps to Take Immediately After an Accident

The first thing you should do after a truck accident is to seek medical attention at the hospital, urgent care clinic, or with your doctor. Truck accidents involve extreme forces, but an increase in adrenaline immediately following the accident can mask serious injuries. It is always best to get checked by a medical professional to make sure you are okay.

The next thing to do is contact law enforcement immediately and gather and preserve evidence. This includes getting the name and contact information of any witnesses and taking pictures of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and any other evidence.

What Damages Could Be Recovered in a Truck Accident Claim?

Some of the potential damages that could be recovered include:

• Medical Expenses: Truck accident injuries often result in extensive medical care, including emergency treatment, surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing therapy. Compensation can cover both past and forthcoming medical costs.
• Lost Wages: If your injuries stop you from working, you could be qualified for compensation for the wages you have lost as well as future lost earning capacity if you are unable to return to work at the same level.
• Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain and emotional suffering is common in personal injury claims. Truck accidents can cause long-term emotional trauma, including anxiety, depression, and PTSD, in addition to physical pain.
• Property Damage: You can also pursue compensation for the damage to your vehicle or any other personal property affected by the accident.
• Disability or Disfigurement: In serious truck accidents, victims could suffer life-altering injuries that lead to permanent disability or disfigurement.
• Loss of Consortium: If your injuries affect your relationship with your spouse or family members, you could be qualified for compensation for loss of consortium or companionship.
• Punitive Damages: In instances where the truck driver or trucking company's conduct was especially reckless or egregious, the court may grant punitive damages. These are meant to penalize the wrongdoer and deter similar conduct in the future.

Contact Our Truck Accident Lawyer in Pensacola Today

Recovering proper compensation after a truck accident without the help of an experienced truck accident attorney can be very difficult. Trucking companies are often backed by top-of-the-line attorneys who are hired essentially to keep you from recovering the compensation you deserve. The attorney at The Watson Firm, PLLC, is experienced in handling truck accident claims and can walk you through the entire claims process. Call us today to learn more about how we can help you.

Learn more about your rights under Florida law during a free consultation with our Pensacola truck accident lawyer. Call (850) 607-2929 for an appointment.

Commonly Asked Questions

Can Bad Weather Conditions Be a Factor in My Truck Accident Claim?

Bad weather conditions can indeed play a significant role in truck accident claims. In Florida, weather patterns like sudden rainstorms and fog can make driving hazardous, significantly increasing stopping distances and reducing visibility for large trucks. However, drivers are expected to adjust their driving to weather conditions. If the truck driver failed to do so, contributing to the accident, it could be grounds for liability. At The Watson Firm, PLLC, we explore all environmental factors surrounding an accident to build a comprehensive case in pursuit of compensation for our clients.

What Role Does Truck Maintenance Play in Accident Liability?

Regular maintenance is critical for the safe operation of commercial trucks. If a trucking company or driver fails to maintain the vehicle adequately, and this lack of maintenance leads to a malfunction, the company can be held liable. Common areas of oversight include brake systems, tire condition, and lighting. When a maintenance deficiency results in accident conditions, it adds another dimension to proving negligence, which is a key focus during our claims assessment and investigation process. Our team at The Watson Firm, PLLC has the experience to scrutinize maintenance logs to determine liability effectively.

Why should I choose The Watson Firm, PLLC for my wrongful death case? 

Choosing The Watson Firm, PLLC for your truck accident case means you can receive compassionate and dedicated legal support during one of the most challenging times in your life. Our team understands the physical, emotional, and financial toll a truck accident can take, especially when it’s caused by someone else's negligence. We are committed to thoroughly investigating your case, advocating for your rights, and negotiating with insurance companies to pursue fair compensation. With our experience in handling truck accident claims in Pensacola, we strive to alleviate the burden on your family while pursuing justice on your behalf.

How long do I have to file a truck accident claim in Florida? 

In Florida, the statute of limitations for filing a truck accident lawsuit is two years from the date of the accident. It is crucial to adhere to this timeline, as failing to file within this period may result in the court dismissing the claim. There are limited circumstances under which this deadline may be extended, but these situations are rare. Therefore, it is advisable to consult with a legal professional as soon as possible to ensure your rights are protected and pursue the compensation you deserve.