Truck Accidents Attorney in Pensacola, Florida

Preliminary data from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) shows that in 2020 there were 3,344 fatalities and 212,533 injuries from traffic crashes in the state. Serious crashes, such as those involving trucks, happen more often than we’d like to think and have life-changing consequences.

If you or a loved one were hurt in a truck accident caused by someone else's negligence, you may pursue fair compensation. David Lee Sellers, PA is dedicated to providing detailed legal guidance and compassionate representation to truck accident victims and their family members. He can evaluate and investigate the surrounding facts of your situation, fight vigorously to protect your legal rights, and help pursue rightful compensation for your injuries, damages, or additional pain and suffering.

David Lee Sellers, PA proudly serves clients in Pensacola, Florida, and the neighboring areas of Crestview, Fort Walton Beach, and Milton.

Laws Affecting Truck Accidents

There are many laws in place to ensure the safety of vehicle drivers, truck drivers, and pedestrians.

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Regulations

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sets regulations for how many consecutive hours truck drivers can drive. For example, after 10 hours off-duty, a truck driver may drive 12 hours in a row. If any of the FMCSA's regulations were broken in the accident that caused your injury, then that fact will strengthen your case.

Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles

Florida law indicates that you must remain at the location of the accident until either the police or highway patrol have come to the scene and allow you to leave. The FLHSMV helps govern the laws commercial vehicle drivers must follow.

Statute of Limitations

In Florida, four years is the statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits. Therefore, at any point during the four years after the date of the accident, you can file a claim.

Assessing Liability

When you’re considering filing a claim, it’s important to understand who may be found liable for the accident.

Who Can Be Liable?

There are several different people and parties who can be held liable for a semi-truck or 18-wheeler accident.

• The truck driver: If the truck driver was not in compliance with all regulations, he or she could be held liable for your medical bills, lost income, and other damages.

• The truck company: If the truck company who hired the truck driver did not do their duty in training the driver correctly, then they could be liable for the accident.

• The truck manufacturer: If one of the truck’s parts malfunctioned and that caused the accident or contributed to it, then the part manufacturer could be held liable for the accident.

• The person who loaded the cargo: If the person who loaded the cargo into the semi-truck or 18-wheeler did so incorrectly, and their work caused or contributed to the accident, then that person could be held liable.

• Maintenance personnel: If the person or people who performed maintenance on the truck made a mistake or did not catch a flaw in the truck’s functioning, then they may be held liable for the accident.

Factors in Determining Liability

There are several further factors that affect liability.

• Truck driver: If the truck driver was fatigued or was otherwise compromised, then they could be held liable for the accident.

• Vehicle driver: If the driver of the vehicle was somehow compromised, then their negligence could cause them to be held liable.

• Road conditions: If the city, town, county, or state that was responsible for maintaining the roads or highway did not do their job, and their lack of care contributed to the accident, then they could be held liable.

Filing a Personal Injury Claim

Depending on the facts of your case, you may be able to file a personal injury claim in Pensacola, Florida.

If I’m the Victim

After a semi-truck accident or 18-wheeler accident, you must first and foremost take care of yourself. If you believe that another party should have liability or be at fault for the accident, consult with a personal injury attorney to discuss your case.

If I’m Representing a Loved One

In the worst scenario, you may have lost a loved one in an 18-wheeler accident. Semi-truck accidents are some of the most serious types of vehicular crashes, and they can forever change your life.

As you process what has happened, you will need support from family and friends. If you believe another party has liability or was at fault for the accident, speak with a personal injury attorney about the case.

Turn to an Experienced Attorney

When a semi-truck collides with a smaller vehicle, there are serious consequences. A victim of a crash may lose their life or be seriously injured. No matter the outcome of the accident, you shouldn’t have to face the lost time at work, the medical bills, and other expenses on your own.