Hurt in a Semi-Truck Accident in Coral Gables? Contact Our Coral Gables Truck Accident Attorney and Miami Truck Accident Attorney Today for a Free Consultation
At Dolan Dobrinsky Rosenblum Bluestein, LLP, our Coral Gables tractor trailer accident attorney has the professional expertise that you can trust. We have the specialized experience needed to take on all types of truck accident cases. If you or your family member was hurt in an eighteen wheeler crash in Miami-Dade County, our experienced truck accident attorney is here to help. Contact us today for a free, no obligation consultation with a top-rated Coral Gables semi-truck accident attorney.
Steps to Take After a Commercial Truck Accident in Coral Gables, FL
Were you involved in a tractor trailer crash in Coral Gables? It is imperative that you know what to do after a collision. Here are five steps to take after an eighteen wheeler crash in Coral Gables:
- Stop Your Car and Exchange Information: After a crash with commercial motor vehicles, safely pull your vehicle to the side of the road—if it is operable—and turn on your hazard lights. You should exchange contact details, driver’s license numbers, insurance information, and vehicle registration with the truck driver and any other parties involved.
- Report the Truck Accident to Law Enforcement: Under Florida law, most truck accidents must be reported to the police—especially those involving injuries or significant damage. Call 911 and wait for officers to arrive at the scene to take a formal report. You should report the accident involving commercial vehicles to the Coral Gables Police Department or another law enforcement agency.
- Get Prompt Medical Care for Any Injuries: Even if your injuries seem minor, it is vital to get checked by a medical professional as soon as possible. Some serious injuries may not be immediately apparent but can worsen without timely treatment. For example, back injuries, whiplash, and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) all arise with a gradual onset in many cases. Injury victims need to notate your medical bills for your truck accident case.
- Notify Your Own PIP Insurance Provider: Florida is a no-fault auto accident state, including for truck accidents. To comply with the law, you must notify your own Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurer after an accident. You should make the report quickly—as PIP benefits may be limited if you delay notifying your carrier.
- Speak to a Coral Gables Truck Accident Attorney: Truck accident claims are complicated. You cannot rely on any insurance company—even your PIP provider—to look out for your best interests. Our experienced Coral Gables truck accident lawyer and Miami truck accident lawyers can help protect your rights, investigate the crash, and handle settlement negotiations.
Know the Law in Florida: Truck Accident Liability in Your Truck Accident Case
Florida follows a no-fault insurance system, including for eighteen wheeler crashes. It means that after most accidents—including many commercial truck accidents—you will initially turn to your own Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage for medical expenses and lost wages. To be clear, this is the case regardless of who caused the crash. All Florida drivers are required to carry PIP coverage. You need to carry at least $10,000 in PIP coverage. Though some drivers do carry more PIP insurance. A key point to know is that Florida’s no-fault insurance law applies to truck accidents.
With that being said, not all motor vehicle accident claims are no-fault claims. You can bring a fault-based claim after a serious truck accident in Coral Gables to our truck accident law firm. Because of the sheer size and force of commercial trucks, these accidents can lead to severe or even life-altering injuries. If you sustained a serious injury, Florida law gives you the right to step outside the no-fault system and bring a personal injury claim directly against the at-fault party—such as the truck driver, trucking company, or another negligent party. A careful investigation of a truck accident is a must for a truck accident lawsuit.
Under Florida law (Florida Statutes § 768.81), a modified comparative negligence standard applies to commercial truck accidents. Each party is held financially responsible in proportion to their share of the blame. For example, if you are found 20 percent at fault for a crash in Coral Gables, your total compensation will be reduced by 20 percent. If your sustained $100,000 in damages, you would be able to recover for $80,000. In Florida, the law bars recovery for those who are responsible for the majority of their own truck accidents.
When Commercial Truck Crashes Happen, the Consequences Can Be Catastrophic
Tractor trailers are massive. A fully loaded commercial truck in Miami-Dade County can weigh up to 80,000 pounds on many roads. The large size of tractor trailers makes them an inherent safety hazard. Indeed, when commercial truck crashes happen, the consequences can be truly catastrophic. The massive size and weight of semi-trucks can make them responsible for devastating damage in a collision—especially when smaller passenger vehicles are involved in large truck crashes. Victims may suffer severe or permanent injuries, including:
- Cuts/lacerations;
- Sprains and strains;
- Back injuries;
- Whiplash;
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs);
- Broken bones;
- Facial trauma;
- Spinal cord damage;
- Internal injuries; and
- Loss of limb.
Be Proactive: Two-Year Statute of Limitations to Recover Compensation
Under Florida law (Florida Statutes § 95.11), there is a two-year statute of limitations for truck accident injury claims. You should take immediate action after a serious crash for your Florida truck accident claim. Do not fall behind the truck company or its insurance carrier. A proactive approach is the best approach. Consult with a top-rated Coral Gables, FL semi-truck accident attorney right away after a major collision.
Recovering the Maximum Compensation for Truck Accident Victims
In Florida, tractor trailer accident victims have the right to seek compensation for both economic losses and non-economic losses. Unfortunately, you will not be able to rely on the trucking company, their insurance provider, or even your own PIP provider to look out for your best interests. Our Coral Gables, FL truck accident lawyers can help. We fight hard to help our clients secure every penny they deserve. Along with other things, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Property loss, including vehicle repairs;
- Emergency medical treatment;
- Hospital bills and other health care costs;
- Rehabilitative physical therapy;
- Loss wages and diminished earning power;
- Pain and suffering & emotional anguish;
- Disability, or disfigurement; and
- Wrongful death of a family member.
How Our Coral Gables, FL Truck Accident Lawyer From Our Law Firm Can Help Truck Crash Cases Against the Trucking Industry
Eighteen wheeler accident claims are complicated. You do not have to take on the trucking company or its commercial liability carrier alone. At Dolan Dobrinsky Rosenblum Bluestein, LLP, we put victims and families first. Our testimonials from clients demonstrate what our legal team can do. Along with other things, our Coral Gables semi-truck accident attorneys are prepared to:
- Conduct a free, no obligation review and evaluation of your case;
- Investigate your crash in Coral Gables—securing the evidence to prove fault;
- Handle settlement negotiations with the trucking company and all insurers; and
- Take aggressive legal action to help you secure the maximum financial compensation.
Fighting for Justice for Truck Accident Victims in Coral Gables
Our case results show what we can do for victims and families. Our firm understands that you need the maximum compensation after a serious truck accident. We have recovered more than $1 billion in settlements/verdicts for clients across our practice areas, including in semi-truck accident cases. As an example, we secured a $10 million financial recovery from a major trucking company whose driver drove on the sidewalk and fatally struck a bicyclist in Florida.
Tractor Trailer Accident Cases in Coral Gables: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do I Need a Coral Gables Truck Accident Attorney for My Case?
Yes. Trying to navigate a truck accident claim on your own could be a very big mistake—especially after a serious collision. For that reason, it is highly recommended that you consult with an experienced Coral Gables truck accident attorney. Truck accident claims are often far more complex than standard car accidents. They may involve multiple defendants, severe injuries, and both state and federal regulations. Our Coral Gables, FL truck accident lawyer can help you get justice.
Does a No-Fault Claim Come First for a Car Accident and Truck Accident in Florida?
Yes. A key point to remember that is Florida’s no-fault insurance rules still apply to truck accidents. As a consequence, you will first file a Personal Injury Protection (PIP) claim with your own insurer. Your no-fault claim helps cover medical expenses and a portion of lost wages regardless of fault. However, if your injuries are serious or permanent, you may pursue a separate personal injury claim against the at-fault party. Not sure what you can file? Our Coral Gables, FL truck accident lawyers are standing by, ready to help.
What is Personal Injury Protection (PIP) Coverage?
Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage is mandatory auto insurance in Florida that pays for your own medical expenses and lost wages after a crash. Regardless of who caused the accident, PIP provides up to $10,000 in benefits for medical treatment and income replacement. It is the first source of compensation after a truck accident under Florida’s no-fault system. However, PIP benefits are limited. They do not cover non-economic damages like pain and suffering.
Do Federal Laws Matter for a Truck Accident Claim?
They absolutely can play a big role in your claim. Trucking companies and drivers must comply with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations. The federal safety rules govern things like hours of service, maintenance, and driver qualification. A violation of federal regulations can be used as evidence of negligence in a personal injury case. Your Coral Gables, FL truck accident attorney can help determine whether federal law violations contributed to your crash.
Are there Any Exceptions to the Statute of Limitations?
In Florida, there is a two-year statute of limitations for truck accident injury claims. That statute of limitations applies to the vast majority of tractor trailer crashes. However, certain exceptions may extend or shorten that deadline. For example, if the victim is a minor or if the at-fault party leaves the state, tolling rules may apply. Still, you should never rely on an exception unless it is absolutely necessary. The sooner you speak to a Coral Gables truck accident lawyer, the better.
Can I Sue the Truck Driver’s Employer for My Crash?
Yes. If you are bringing a fault-based truck accident claim in Florida, you can take action to hold a trucker’s employer accountable. Indeed, in many cases you can hold the truck driver’s employer legally responsible for the crash. Under the legal principle of “vicarious liability,” employers can be held liable for the actions of their employees if the driver was acting within the scope of employment. Beyond that , if the employer was negligent in hiring, training, or supervising the driver, you may also have a direct claim against them.
How Long Do Truck Accident Injury Claims Take in Florida?
It depends. Truck accident claims can vary quite widely in their timing. Some cases can be resolved within a month or two—particularly so if the victim’s injuries were modest. However, more serious accidents and/or more complex crashes can take longer to resolve. Some truck accidents in Coral Gables will take more than a year to be fully settled.
We Handle Truck Accident in Coral Gables On Contingency
How much does it cost to hire an attorney for a tractor trailer crash in Coral Gables? With Dolan Dobrinsky Rosenblum Bluestein, LLP, you never have to worry about any upfront fees or out-of-pocket costs. If you do not get paid, we do not get paid. The process is as simple as that. Our interests are fully aligned with your interests. Further, your initial case review with our Coral Gables semi-truck accident attorney is free, confidential, and comes with zero additional obligations.
Contact Our Coral Gables, FL Semi-Truck Accident Attorney Today
At Dolan Dobrinsky Rosenblum Bluestein, LLP, our Coral Gables, FL semi-truck accident attorney has the professional expertise that you can trust in even the most challenging of cases. If you have any questions about a tractor trailer crash case, we are here as a resource. Call us now or contact us online to arrange a no fee, no obligation case evaluation. We handle commercial truck accident cases in Coral Gables, Miami-Dade County, and communities beyond.
Our attorneys at Dolan Dobrinsky Rosenblum Bluestein, LLP representing clients in different personal injury cases are ready to serve you and support you in your legal trials.