If you or a loved one has been seriously injured or killed in a trucking accident, you may be able to hold the trucking company accountable for errors or safety violations that caused the crash. Unlike standard car accidents, collisions involving semi-trucks, 18-wheelers, and other large commercial vehicles often lead to life-altering consequences due to their sheer size and weight. An experienced truck accident lawyer can help navigate the complexities of these cases and fight for the compensation you deserve. At The Farber Law Firm, we understand the challenges you and your family are facing and are committed to providing the legal support needed during this difficult time. Call (305) 774-0134 today for a free consultation with a Miami truck accident lawyer.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Miami

Trucking accidents occur for a variety of reasons, many of which involve negligence by truck drivers, trucking companies, or other parties. Some of the most common causes include:

Driver-Related Causes

• Driver Fatigue: Federal Hours of Service (HOS) regulations limit driving hours, but many drivers exceed limits, leading to fatigue-related crashes.
• Distracted Driving: Truck drivers using cell phones, navigation systems, or eating while driving contribute to accidents.
• Speeding & Reckless Driving: Large trucks require more time to stop, making speeding particularly dangerous.
• Driving Under the Influence:  Alcohol, prescription drugs, or illegal substances impair a driver’s judgment and reaction time.

Trucking Company & Maintenance Issues

• Overloaded or Improperly Loaded Cargo: Unsecured or unbalanced loads increase the risk of rollovers or jackknife accidents.
• Poor Truck Maintenance: Brake failures, tire blowouts, and other mechanical issues can cause devastating crashes.
• Negligent Hiring & Training: Some companies fail to properly vet drivers or provide adequate training.

Roadway & External Factors

• Dangerous Miami Highways: Accidents frequently occur on I-95, I-75, Palmetto Expressway, and US-1.
• Weather Conditions: Rain, flooding, and high winds increase crash risks.

Understanding the root causes of trucking accidents is essential in determining liability and seeking justice for victims. If negligence played a role in your crash, a Miami truck accident lawyer can help you hold the responsible parties accountable and pursue the compensation you deserve.

Types of Truck Accidents in Miami

Each trucking accident is unique, but some of the most common types include:

• Jackknife Accidents: Occur when the trailer swings out at an angle, creating a hazardous roadblock.
• Rollover Accidents: Can be caused by speeding, overloading, or improperly loaded cargo.
• Underride & Override Accidents: Underride is when a passenger vehicle slides under the truck. Override is when a truck drives over a smaller vehicle.
• Rear-End Collisions: Due to a truck’s longer stopping distance, these accidents often result in severe injuries.

Regardless of the type of truck accident, these collisions often result in severe injuries and significant financial burdens. Understanding how these accidents occur can help victims pursue rightful compensation and hold negligent parties accountable.

Types of Commercial Trucks Involved in Accidents

• Semi-Trucks: These large commercial vehicles are commonly used for freight transportation and can cause devastating accidents due to their size and weight.
• 18-Wheelers: With multiple axles and a long trailer, 18-wheelers require greater stopping distances and are more prone to jackknife and rollover accidents when involved in collisions.
• Tanker Trucks: Often transport hazardous materials, leading to potential explosions or toxic spills.
• Dump Trucks & Construction Vehicles: Frequently involved in accidents in work zones and urban areas.
• Flatbed Trucks: Unsecured cargo can shift or fall, creating serious roadway hazards.
• Delivery Trucks (Amazon, FedEx, UPS): Tight delivery deadlines may lead to speeding, reckless driving, and failure to yield.

Accidents involving commercial trucks can have devastating consequences, especially when negligence is a factor. If you or a loved one has been injured in a crash with an 18-wheeler, semi-truck, tanker, or delivery vehicle, our Miami truck accident lawyers at The Farber Law Firm can help you pursue compensation and hold the responsible parties accountable.

Common Injuries from Truck Accidents

Truck accidents often cause severe or life-threatening injuries, ranging from catastrophic physical trauma to long-term psychological effects. Victims may suffer spinal cord damage, traumatic brain injuries, amputations, or internal organ damage, while also facing emotional distress such as PTSD, anxiety, or depression, all of which can have a lasting impact on their quality of life and financial stability.

Catastrophic Injuries

• Spinal Cord Injuries & Paralysis: Damage to the spinal cord in a truck accident can result in partial or complete paralysis, leading to lifelong mobility challenges and the need for ongoing medical care.
• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): A severe impact during a trucking accident can cause traumatic brain injuries, which may lead to cognitive impairments, memory loss, personality changes, and long-term disabilities.
• Amputations & Crushed Limbs: The sheer force of a truck collision can crush or sever limbs, sometimes requiring surgical amputation and the use of prosthetics to regain mobility.
• Severe Burns from Explosions or Chemical Spills: If a truck accident results in fires or hazardous material spills, victims may suffer severe burns that require extensive surgeries, skin grafts, and long-term rehabilitation.

Other Serious Injuries

• Broken Bones & Fractures: The impact of a trucking accident can cause multiple fractures or broken bones, often requiring surgery, physical therapy, and prolonged recovery periods.
• Internal Organ Damage & Internal Bleeding: A severe collision can lead to blunt force trauma, causing internal bleeding or damage to vital organs, which may require emergency surgery and intensive medical care.
• Psychological Injuries (PTSD, Anxiety, Depression): The emotional trauma of a truck accident can lead to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression, affecting a victim’s mental well-being and daily life.

The impact of a trucking accident can leave victims with long-term or permanent injuries, affecting their quality of life and financial stability. Seeking proper medical treatment and legal guidance is crucial to ensuring full recovery and fair compensation for the damages suffered.

Who Is Liable in a Miami Truck Accident?

Determining who is at fault in a trucking accident can be complex. Liability may rest with:

• Truck Driver: If driver negligence (fatigue, DUI, speeding) caused the crash.
• Trucking Company: If they fail to train, supervise, or maintain vehicles properly.
• Cargo Loaders: If improperly secured loads led to the accident.
• Truck Manufacturer: If a defective part contributed to the crash.

Identifying the liable parties is crucial for securing the compensation you deserve, and a thorough investigation can help ensure that all responsible parties are held accountable for their negligence.

What Compensation Can You Recover?

If you’ve been injured in a trucking accident, you may be entitled to compensation for both financial and non-financial losses. This includes medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage, as well as the emotional and physical toll of pain, suffering, and reduced quality of life.

Economic Damages

• Medical expenses (hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation): Truck accident victims often require extensive medical treatment, including emergency care, surgeries, hospital stays, and ongoing rehabilitation, all of which can result in significant financial burdens.
• Lost wages & loss of future earning capacity: If your injuries prevent you from working temporarily or permanently, you may be entitled to compensation for lost income as well as diminished future earning potential.
• Vehicle repairs & property damage: Truck accidents can cause severe damage to vehicles and other personal property, and victims can seek compensation for repairs or replacement costs.

Non-Economic Damages

• Pain & suffering: Truck accident victims often endure significant physical pain and long-term discomfort, impacting their daily lives and overall well-being.
• Emotional distress & PTSD: The trauma of a serious truck accident can lead to severe emotional and psychological effects, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
• Loss of enjoyment of life: Severe injuries can limit a victim’s ability to engage in activities they once enjoyed, affecting their independence, hobbies, and overall quality of life.

Recovering full and fair compensation is essential for helping victims rebuild their lives after a devastating truck accident. An experienced truck accident attorney can help ensure that all damages—both economic and non-economic—are accounted for, maximizing the financial recovery you deserve.

Steps to Take After a Truck Accident in Miami

1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Even if you feel fine after a truck accident, some injuries may not show symptoms right away, so getting medical care immediately ensures proper diagnosis and documentation.
2. Call the Police & File an Accident Report: A police report provides an official record of the accident, which can be crucial evidence when filing a claim or proving liability.
3. Document the Scene: Take photos and videos of the accident scene, including vehicle damage, road conditions, traffic signs, and any visible injuries, to support your case.
4. Collect Contact Information: Gather the names, phone numbers, insurance details, and employer information of the truck driver, as well as any witness statements that may help establish fault.
5. Avoid Speaking with Insurance Adjusters: Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts, so avoid giving recorded statements or accepting quick settlement offers without legal guidance.
6. Contact a Miami Truck Accident Attorney Immediately: An experienced attorney can help protect your rights, handle negotiations with insurance companies, and work to secure the maximum compensation you deserve.

Taking these steps immediately after a truck accident can protect your rights and strengthen your claim. Acting quickly ensures that crucial evidence is preserved and increases your chances of securing the compensation you deserve.

Contact Our Truck Accident Lawyers Today!

If you’ve been injured in a trucking accident, don’t wait. The Farber Law Firm is ready to fight for your rights. Call (305) 774-0134 today or fill out our online form for a free case evaluation. Don’t let trucking companies and insurers take advantage of you. Speak to an experienced Miami trucking accident lawyer today!