Statistics issued by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) indicate that an estimated 116,000 people were injured in accidents involving large trucks in 2015. This means that, on average, nearly 318 people were hurt in truck accident every day in the United States.
Large commercial vehicles like semis, 18-wheelers, tanker trucks, and others pose risks to motorists not posed by smaller vehicles. For example, large trucks are much more prone to rollover accidents than smaller vehicles, due to their higher center of gravity. When trucks are involved in rollover accidents, they are impossible to control, often resulting in extremely serious injuries to those around them.
According to a report published by nbcmiami.com, a tractor-trailer ended up on its side after a rollover accident on a ramp from I-595 to the Florida Turnpike in Davie just north of Miami. Fortunately, no one was hurt in the crash, but the incident highlights the fact that these accidents can occur anywhere and without warning.
Rollover Accidents are Often the Result of Truck Driver Negligence
While rollover accidents can be the result of unavoidable events like sudden gusts of wind or serious road defects, they are most often caused by the negligence of the individuals driving the truck. There are many examples of truck driver negligence that could result in a rollover accident, including the following
- Speeding
- Drunk driving
- Distracted driving
- Driving too fast for the weather conditions
- Failing to properly load or secure cargo
When accidents are caused by negligence, victims are legally entitled to recover compensation for their losses. These losses can include things like medical bills, lost income, property damage, and physical and emotional pain and suffering, among others. In many rollover accident cases, victims can recover significant compensation, so it is extremely important to speak to a lawyer as soon as possible.
What a Truck Accident Will Do for You
The days and weeks following a truck accident can be confusing and stressful. Victims are often dealing with significant pain and uncertainty about their future. The last thing that you should be doing after an accident is haggling with insurance companies, filling out paperwork, and worrying about your bills.
When you retain a truck accident lawyer, he or she will handle every aspect of your claim for you, including negotiating with the insurance company and making sure that any settlement you accept adequately compensates you for your losses. If the insurance company is unwilling or unable to settle your case satisfactorily, your lawyer can file a lawsuit on your behalf and represent you in court.
Call a Miami Truck Accident Lawyer Today to Discuss Your Case
If you have been hurt in a truck accident, you should retain an experienced accident lawyer as soon as possible. Truck accident cases are often significantly more complicated that those involving passenger vehicles, so it is critical for victims to choose a lawyer with experience representing people hurt in commercial vehicle wrecks. To schedule a free case evaluation, call Gerson & Schwartz today at (877) 475-2905 or contact us online.