
If a truck driver’s negligence or another party’s actions caused your injuries, you may be entitled to compensation for your losses. The Pembroke Pines personal injury lawyers with Meldon Law help injury victims hold negligent parties accountable and pursue the financial recovery they need. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case and learn how our truck accident attorneys in Pembroke Pines, FL, can help.
Truck Accident Claims Are Different From Typical Car Accident Cases
Truck accident cases are often significantly more complicated because extensive regulations apply, multiple parties may be involved, and valuable evidence can disappear quickly.
Commercial trucking companies must comply with numerous state and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations regarding:
- Driver qualifications
- Hours-of-service limits
- Vehicle inspections
- Maintenance schedules
- Cargo securement
- Safety procedures
Additionally, truck accident claims often involve multiple insurance policies and multiple defendants. While a typical car accident may involve two drivers, a truck accident investigation could uncover liability on the part of several different parties.
Depending on the circumstances of your case, responsible parties may include:
- The truck driver
- The trucking company
- A cargo loading company
- A vehicle maintenance provider
- A truck manufacturer
- A parts manufacturer
- Third-party contractors
The lawyers with Meldon Law know how to identify all potentially responsible parties and pursue compensation from every available source.
One Moment Can Leave You Facing Years of Recovery
Truck accidents often cause severe injuries because passenger vehicles simply cannot withstand the force generated by a commercial truck.
Common truck accident injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Spinal cord injuries
- Neck injuries
- Back injuries
- Broken bones
- Internal organ damage
- Crush injuries
- Severe burns
- Amputations
These injuries frequently require extensive treatment and may permanently affect a person’s ability to work and enjoy daily life. For some victims, recovery means weeks away from work. For others, it means a lifetime of medical care and physical limitations.
Our legal team works closely with medical professionals and other experts to accurately assess the long-term impact of your injuries.
What Causes Most Truck Accidents in Pembroke Pines?
Most truck accidents are preventable. In many cases, these collisions occur because someone failed to act responsibly.
It Often Starts With Driver Negligence
Unfortunately, driver negligence remains one of the leading causes of truck accidents.
Examples include:
- Distracted driving
- Fatigued driving
- Speeding
- Aggressive driving
- Driving under the influence
- Following too closely
- Unsafe lane changes
Heavy traffic along roads such as Sheridan Street, University Drive, and Flamingo Road can make these dangerous behaviors even more hazardous.
Negligence by the Trucking Company May Also Be a Contributing Factor
Sometimes the trucking company itself contributes to a collision.
Examples of trucking company negligence include:
- Hiring unqualified drivers
- Failing to train employees properly
- Encouraging unrealistic delivery schedules
- Ignoring safety regulations
- Failing to monitor drivers
- Allowing unsafe vehicles on the road
When trucking companies prioritize profits over safety, innocent motorists can pay the price.
Vehicle and Equipment Failures That Lead to Injury
Mechanical problems can also lead to devastating crashes.
Examples include:
- Brake failures
- Tire blowouts
- Steering defects
- Lighting failures
- Suspension problems
- Defective components
Determining whether equipment failure contributed to a collision often requires a thorough review of maintenance records and vehicle inspection reports.
A Thorough Investigation Can Make All the Difference
Truck accident cases are won and lost based on evidence. The sooner an investigation begins, the better the chances of preserving critical information before it disappears. Our attorneys take immediate steps to identify, collect, and preserve evidence that can strengthen your claim.
This may include:
- Police reports
- Witness statements
- Driver logs
- Maintenance records
- Black box data
- Cargo records
- Cell phone records
- Electronic communications
- Photographs and video footage
- Expert testimony
In many cases, the defendants in your case, such as the trucking company, may be in possession of critical evidence. Without legal representation, obtaining these records can be difficult. Our attorneys can act quickly to obtain that information.
We Handle Communications for You
You should not have to battle insurance companies while trying to recover from serious injuries.
Our team handles:
- Communications with insurers
- Evidence collection
- Settlement negotiations
- Documentation preparation
- Claim evaluation
- Litigation preparation
Whether a crash occurred near a busy intersection, along a commercial corridor, or near destinations such as Pembroke Lakes Mall or The Shops at Pembroke Gardens, we work to ensure insurance companies understand the full extent of your damages.
If a Fair Settlement Is Not Offered, We Are Prepared for Court
Many truck accident claims are settled through negotiations. However, not every insurance company is willing to make a fair offer. When that happens, our attorneys are prepared to take the next step.
From the beginning of every case, we prepare as though a trial may become necessary. This approach often strengthens our negotiating position and helps maximize the value of a claim.
If litigation becomes necessary, we will build a compelling case and advocate aggressively in court on your behalf. Our team is prepared to guide clients through every stage of the legal process while protecting their rights and interests.
We are here for you 24/7
(Consultations are Free)
We Pursue Every Dollar Your Truck Accident Has Cost You
A serious truck accident can create financial hardships that extend far beyond your initial medical bills. Our goal is to recover compensation that reflects the full impact of the accident on your life.
Your Financial Hardships
Economic damages compensate victims for measurable financial losses. These damages may include:
- Medical expenses
- Future medical treatment
- Hospital bills
- Rehabilitation costs
- Prescription medications
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning capacity
- Property damage
When injuries prevent someone from returning to work or force them to accept a lower-paying position, those future losses should also be considered.
The Impact on Your Quality of Life
Not every loss comes with a receipt. Truck accident victims often experience significant physical and emotional suffering. Non-economic damages may include:
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Emotional distress
- Disability
- Disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of life
These damages recognize the personal impact an injury can have on everyday activities, relationships, and overall quality of life.
Your Familyās Losses
Sadly, some truck accidents result in fatal injuries. If you lost a loved one because of another party’s negligence, you may have the right to pursue compensation through a wrongful death claim.
Recoverable damages may include:
- Funeral expenses
- Burial costs
- Medical expenses incurred before death
- Loss of financial support
- Loss of companionship
- Emotional suffering
While compensation cannot undo your loss, it can help provide financial stability during a difficult time.
There Are Strict Deadlines for Filing a Truck Accident Claim in Florida
Truck accident victims do not have unlimited time to take legal action. Under Florida Statutes § 95.11, you typically have two years to file a personal injury lawsuit with the Broward County Courts. Missing the deadline can prevent you from recovering compensation.
Acting quickly also helps preserve valuable evidence. Surveillance footage from nearby businesses, commercial properties, and traffic cameras may be overwritten. Witness memories may fade. Important records may become more difficult to obtain.
The sooner an attorney becomes involved, the better the opportunity to protect critical evidence and build a strong claim.
What Should You Do After a Truck Accident in Pembroke Pines?
The steps you take after a truck accident can affect both your health and your ability to recover compensation. If possible, consider taking the following actions:
- Call 911 and report the accident to either the Pembroke Pines Police Department, the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP), or the Broward County Sheriffās Office.
- Seek medical attention right away at either Memorial Hospital West or a similar facility.
- Document the scene with photographs of the vehicles, road conditions, visible injuries, and any other relevant details.
- Collect contact information, such as the names, phone numbers, insurance information, and employer details of the truck driver and any witnesses.
- Avoid discussing fault since statements made at the scene or to insurance companies may be used against you later.
- Preserve evidence, including medical records, receipts, repair estimates, and any correspondence related to the accident.
Then, contact an attorney with Meldon Law. We can help protect your rights, investigate the crash, and pursue compensation from all liable parties.
Speak With a Truck Accident Attorney in Pembroke Pines Today
For more than 50 years, Meldon Law has helped injured Floridians pursue the compensation they need to rebuild their lives. We bring experience, determination, and compassionate client service to every case we handle.
When you hire our team, you get attorneys who won’t back down from insurance companies, trucking companies, or anyone else standing between you and the compensation you deserve.
Contact us today for a free consultation. There are no upfront fees, and you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to hire a truck accident attorney?
Meldon Law handles truck accident cases on a contingency fee basis. You pay no upfront attorney fees, and we only get paid if we recover compensation on your behalf.
How much is my truck accident case worth?
The value of your truck accident settlement depends on factors such as the severity of your injuries, your medical expenses, lost income, and the impact the accident has had on your life. An attorney can review your case and help determine the compensation you may be entitled to pursue.
Can I recover compensation if I was partially at fault for the truck accident?
Florida Statutes § 768.81 allows you to recover compensation even if you share some responsibility for the accident. An attorney can evaluate the facts of your case and explain how comparative fault rules may affect your claim.