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Key Biscayne Truck Accident Lawyer

Serving All of Key Biscayne's Residents

Get Help From a Top Key Biscayne Truck Accident Attorney and Miami Truck Accident Attorney Today

Semi Truck with Heavy Duty Platform Trailer on a Route. Transportation Industry.

At Dolan Dobrinsky Rosenblum Bluestein, LLP, our Key Biscayne semi-truck accident attorney is a strong advocate for justice. We hold negligent truckers and negligent truck companies accountable. If you or your loved one was hurt in a commercial truck crash, professional guidance is just a phone call away. Contact our Key Biscayne, FL tractor trailer accident lawyer today for a free, no obligation initial case review. 

The Steps to Take After a Car Accident or Truck Accident in Key Biscayne, Florida

American Semi Truck on the Nebraska Interstate Highway. Ground Shipping Transportation.

Hurt in a truck accident in Key Biscayne? You may have a ton of questions about your rights, your options, and exactly what you need to do next. Do not rely on any insurance company—even your own provider—for guidance. You need to protect your rights. Here are five things that you should always do after a truck accident in Key Biscayne: 

  1. Stop Your Car and Exchange Information: Under Florida law, all parties involved in a crash are required to stop their vehicle and exchange information. Truck accidents are no exception to the rule. Unless there is a medical emergency, you should stay at the scene. 
  2. Report Your Accident to Police: All tractor trailer crashes should be reported to law enforcement, such as the Key Biscayne Police Department. The responding officer will help to control the scene and will write an official accident report. 
  3. Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Truck accident injuries should always be evaluated and treated by a licensed physician. Even seemingly minor injuries should be treated by a doctor. Without medical records, you cannot bring a personal injury claim.  
  4. Notify Your Insurance Company: Florida is a no-fault insurance state, including for eighteen wheeler accidents. You should be sure to notify your own insurance provider right away after a major crash. 
  5. Speak to a Key Biscayne Attorney: Truck accident claims are complicated. Before you provide a statement to any insurance company, you should speak to an experienced Key Biscayne, FL semi-truck accident attorney. 

Understanding Truck Accident Liability and Negligence in Florida

Truck on a highway in the night

Florida’s a no-fault insurance state. It is crucial that you understand what that means and how that applies to commercial trucking accidents. First and foremost, it is imperative to know that Florida’s no-fault law does apply to truck accidents, but with important limitations—especially when the accident involves a serious injury. All drivers must carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage—which pays for their own medical bills and lost wages up to $10,000—no matter who caused the crash. Remember, the rule still applies to semi-truck accidents.

With that being said, if your injuries are serious or permanent, Florida law allows you to step outside the no-fault system and file a personal injury claim against the at-fault party—such as the truck driver, trucking company, or truck manufacturer. Fault-based claims are more common in truck accidents. Due to their immense size, commercial trucks are more likely to be involved in serious or catastrophic crashes. 

Florida’s modified comparative negligence law applies to fault-based claims (Florida Statutes § 768.81). Each party will be responsible for his or her “share” of the blame for a truck accident. If you are 25 percent at fault for a truck accident in Key Biscayne, you would be liable for 25 percent of your own damages. Recovery is still possible as long as you are not at fault for 51 percent (or more) of the crash. 

The Leading Causes of Eighteen Wheeler Crashes in Key Biscayne

a speeding truck in Key Biscayne, FL

Commercial truck accidents can happen for a wide range of different reasons. Every tractor trailer accident in Key Biscayne should be thoroughly investigated by an experienced attorney. You need to know exactly what happened and why it happened. Here are some common causes of truck crashes: 

  • Lack of Training: Training matters. All truckers need a proper CDL and they need the right training. Eighteen wheelers are complex machines. They require professional training in order to operate safely. Inexperienced drivers may misjudge turns or underestimate braking distance. When companies rush new drivers onto the road without enough training, the risk to the public is incredibly serious. 
  • Driver Fatigue: Fatigued driving is one of the leading causes of serious tractor trailer rashes. Long hours behind the wheel can lead to extreme fatigue, especially when truckers push the limits of federal Hours-of-Service regulations. A tired driver may experience slower reaction times, poor judgment, and could even fall asleep at the wheel. 
  • Speeding: Large trucks require more time and distance to slow down, so speeding can be especially dangerous. Even if the driver is within the posted limit, going too fast for the road conditions due to adverse conditions can be reckless. Speed-related crashes are more likely to cause serious or even catastrophic injuries. 
  • Poor Blind Spot Management: Tractor-trailers have large blind spots on all four sides. Though, the blind spots on the right side especially on the right side and directly behind the trailer can be especially dangerous. Passenger vehicles lingering in these zones are often invisible to the driver. If a truck changes lanes or turns without seeing another vehicle, it can cause a serious collision. Still, truckers are responsible for safely managing their blind spots.
  • Distracted Driving: Distracted driving is dangerous driving—especially for a commercial trucker. Even a quick glance away can lead to a catastrophic crash. Cell phones—especially texting and driving—can be especially hazardous. Due to their size and momentum, eighteen wheelers leave very little room for error when attention lapses.
  • Dangerously Loaded Cargo: When cargo is not properly balanced or secured, it can cause a trailer to tip, sway, or jackknife. Improper loading also increases the risk of cargo spilling onto the road. Trucking companies and freight handlers are responsible for ensuring safe weight distribution. They can be held liable for their negligence. 
  • Poor Truck Maintenance: Big companies should never lapse on their maintenance practices. Bald tires, faulty brakes, or broken light are serious hazards in big rigs. Federal regulations require routine inspections—but, unfortunately, not all companies or drivers follow through. Mechanical failures at high speed can lead to bad crashes. 

Be Proactive: Two-Year Statute of Limitations to Recover Compensation from the Trucking Industry

A view of an overturned truck on an highway in an accident.

Florida has a two-year statute of limitations for truck accident injury claims (Florida Statutes § 95.11). You must file a fault-based lawsuit within two years of the date of a crash—otherwise you may not be eligible to bring a truck accident claim at all. There are very few exceptions to our state’s statute of limitations. Be proactive: Consult with a Key Biscayne truck accident attorney right away. 

Recovering the Maximum Compensation for Truck Accident Victims With Our Law Firm

two trucks on a highway in Key Biscayne, FL

Were you hurt in a semi-truck crash in Key Biscayne or elsewhere in the wider region in Southeast Florida? It is crucial that you are able to access compensation for the full extent of your damages, including for any non-economic losses. Unfortunately, big trucking companies and their commercial liability insurers fight hard to pay out less in settlement. Do not take them on alone. Along with other damages, truck accident victims in Key Biscayne may be entitled to compensation for: 

  • Property damage, including vehicle repairs; 
  • Ambulance costs and other emergency medical care; 
  • Hospital bills and medical expenses; 
  • Medications and medical equipment; 
  • Loss of current and future wages; 
  • Pain and suffering & mental anguish; 
  • Disability and disfigurement; and
  • Wrongful death of a family member. 

How Our Key Biscayne Eighteen Wheeler Crash Lawyer Can Help With Your Truck Crash Cases

a truck about to hit a car in Key Biscayne, FL

Commercial truck accident claims are complicated. It is normal to have a lot of questions and concerns about your rights and your options after a bad crash. At Dolan Dobrinsky Rosenblum Bluestein, LLP, our Florida truck accident attorneys hold truckers and truck companies accountable. With an extensive track record of testimonials from clients, you can count on us when it matters the most to your Florida truck accident claim. Among other things, our Key Biscayne tractor trailer accident lawyers are prepared to: 

  • Hear what you have to say and answer your most pressing legal questions; 
  • Investigate your semi-truck accident in Key Biscayne, gathering relevant evidence; 
  • Handle the legal paperwork and represent you in settlement negotiations; and
  • Develop a comprehensive strategy driven to help you get the best results for your truck accident lawsuit.

Case Results Matter: We Deliver Justice to Injured Victims in Key Biscayne

It is our mission to help victims and families secure the absolute maximum financial compensation after a serious accident. Negligent truckers, negligent trucking companies, and their insurance companies must be held accountable for a Florida truck accident. With over $1 billion recovered for victims and families across our practice areas, our case results show what we can do for truck accident victims in Key Biscayne. You do not have to take on the legal process alone after a serious truck accident, especially if you are among the injury victims at the accident scene. A results-driven Key Biscayne, FL truck accident lawyer and Miami truck accident lawyers can help settle motor vehicle accidents. For example, our experienced truck accident attorney recently secured $10,000,000 from an international trucking company whose driver drove a tractor trailer onto a sidewalk and fatally hit a 28-year-old bicyclist.

Truck Accident Claims in Key Biscayne: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

When Should I Hire a Truck Accident Lawyer in Key Biscayne?

Right away. The sooner you seek professional legal representation, the better positioned that you will be to get justice and full financial compensation. Do not rely on any truck company or any insurance company. Consult with a Key Biscayne, FL semi-truck accident attorney right away after a serious collision in South Florida. 

Should I Give a Statement to the Truck Company’s Insurer?

No. As a general rule, you should not give a recorded statement to the truck company’s insurer without first speaking to your Key Biscayne, FL lawyer. Insurance adjusters may try to use your words against you to limit or deny your claim. Your Key Biscayne truck accident attorney can handle communications with the insurer.  

How Do I Know If I Have a No-Fault Claim or a Fault-Based Claim in Florida?

Florida uses a no-fault system for most car accidents—which means you typically start by filing a Personal Injury Protection (PIP) claim with your own insurer. With that being said, if your injuries are serious—such as permanent injury, significant scarring, or a substantial loss of bodily function—you may qualify to file a fault-based personal injury claim against the at-fault truck driver or company. Determining whether or not you have a claim is not easy: A Key Biscayne truck accident lawyer can evaluate your case and help you figure out the best path forward. 

Is My Truck Accident Case Governed By Federal Law or State Law?

Both. Florida law governs personal injury claims. With that being said, federal trucking regulations—most notably, those set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)—often come into play when determining liability. These federal rules govern things like driver hours, vehicle maintenance, and cargo securement—and violations can support your claim. Still, your truck accident claim itself is governed by Florida state law.  

How Long Does It Usually Take to Get a Truck Accident Settlement in Florida?

It depends. The timeline for a truck accident settlement varies, but many cases resolve within several months to over a year. Some of the most notable factors include the severity of your injuries, the complexity of the investigation, and the insurance company’s willingness to negotiate. Our Key Biscayne, FL truck accident attorney can help you effectively navigate the claims process. 

You Can Afford to Hire the Best Key Biscayne Semi-Truck Accident Attorney

Dolan Dobrinsky Rosenblum Bluestein, LLP is a boutique law firm that handles truck accident claims on a contingency fee basis. No matter your financial situation, you can always afford to hire a top-rated Key Biscayne truck accident lawyer. We do not charge upfront costs or any other out-of-pocket fees. If you do not get a settlement or verdict, then we do not collect any legal fees. Your initial consultation with our Key Biscayne truck accident lawyer is free and fully private. 

Contact Our Key Biscayne Commercial Truck Accident Attorney Today

At Dolan Dobrinsky Rosenblum Bluestein, LLP, our Key Biscayne tractor trailer accident attorney hsa the professional expertise that you can trust when it matters most. If you or your loved one suffered a serious injury in a crash, our personal injury law firm is here as a legal resource. Reach out to us by phone or contact us online for your free, fully private case review. Our firm handles truck accident cases in Key Biscayne and throughout all of Miami-Dade County.

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