Palm Bay Truck Accident Lawyer

If you’ve been injured in a Palm Bay truck accident, you need an attorney who understands both Florida and federal trucking regulations. Kogan & DiSalvo can begin investigations on your accident case and identify who should be held liable.

The law affords remedies for victims of negligence. Commercial truck drivers in Brevard County must have proper qualifications and abide by Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations and hours-of-service rules.

Our knowledgeable personal injury lawyers can protect your rights to fair compensation and determine the real value of your claim. Get the answers you need and schedule a private consultation with a Palm Bay truck accident lawyer at our firm. The initial case review is complimentary, and there are no upfront costs to worry about since we take truck injury claims on a contingency-fee arrangement.

Why choose Kogan & DiSalvo truck accident lawyers?

Truck crashes are more likely to result in catastrophic injuries and losses, which require aggressive and client-focused representation. Our lawyers bring an unparalleled level of passion and dedication to every case we handle. We are recognized as South Florida’s premier personal injury law firm, and have a proven track record securing favorable results in lawsuits arising from 18-wheeler and tractor-trailer accidents.

When taking on trucking companies and their insurance companies, we help injury victims level the playing field.

We are genuinely concerned for your well-being and have the resources to push for a settlement that truly reflects the severity of your losses, both today and into the future. If that means arguing your case before a jury, our board-certified trial attorneys are prepared. And most importantly, we understand that this is your life – not just a “truck accident injury case.” Our firm considers it a privilege to provide thoughtful, personalized advocacy and fight to secure the largest verdict or settlement for your claim.

Our case results speak to our breadth of experience and capacity to protect your best interests.

Common Types of Truck Accidents

Our attorneys take cases against Florida-based and national companies whose commercial vehicles are involved in truck accidents. These are some of the most common types of truck accidents handled by our legal team.

• Truck rollovers
• Jackknife accidents
• Wide turn truck accidents
• Blind spot collisions
• Tire blowouts
• Rear-end collisions
• Underride accidents
• Head-on collisions
• Lost cargo accidents
• Sideswipe truck accidents

The sheer size and weight of tractor-trailers and commercial trucks make them more difficult to operate. The heavier the cargo, the harder it is for tractor-trailers to come to a complete stop. Large trucks and 18-wheelers are also compromised by massive blind spots, which are incredibly dangerous as drivers may be unaware of surrounding cars.

No matter what kind of accident you were involved in, you want a powerful law firm on your side. With the guidance of a Palm Bay trucking accident attorney at Kogan & DiSalvo, victims will not have to shoulder the financial burdens of another party’s careless actions.

Common Truck Accident Injuries

Commercial trucks typically weigh 35,000 pounds, or up to 80,000 pounds once fully loaded. They outweigh standard cars by many tons, which is why collisions often produce debilitating and life-altering injuries for passenger vehicle occupants. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, nearly 70 percent of all truck accident deaths are suffered by those in passenger vehicles.

Our firm has extensive experience handling catastrophic injury claims from truck accidents. We routinely work with medical experts who can assess the long-term impact of:

• Head injuries
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Paraplegia or Quadriplegia
• Whiplash and neck injuries
• Ligament and tendon tears
• Burns
• Compression fractures
• Crush injuries
• Broken bones
• Amputation
• Internal injuries/organ damage
• Disfiguring wounds

Hours-of-service Regulations for Florida Truck Drivers

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, driver fatigue contributes to a whopping 13 percent of all commercial truck collisions. Excessive drowsiness behind the wheel can cause the same slowed reaction times and cognitive impairments as having several alcoholic drinks.

To help prevent accidents caused by truck driver fatigue, the FMCSA created hours-of-service (HOS) rules that outline how long truckers can drive between mandatory rest periods.

Commercial truck drivers in Florida must abide by the following HOS regulations:

• 11-hour limit: Drivers cannot drive more than 11 straight hours after 10 consecutive hours of off-duty rest
• 30-minute break: All drivers must take a half-hour break after 8 cumulative hours behind the wheel
• 14-hour limit: Truckers are not allowed to drive beyond the 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty, following 10 hours off duty.
• 60-hour limit: Drivers cannot operate the truck after spending 60 hours on duty in a seven-day period.

A trucking company may be held liable if evidence shows their delivery schedules and time constraints clearly violate hours-of-service regulations. They may also be found responsible for driver log books that have been tampered with or falsified to convey compliance.

When Negligence Causes Truck Accidents

Truck accidents are complex events. Thorough investigations will review a number of factors, including the driver’s credentials and training, maintenance protocols, cargo loads, highway conditions, and if alcohol or drugs were involved.

Our accident reconstruction experts rarely find that trucking accidents are caused by a single factor. These collisions are often a culmination of negligence on the part of several parties, including the truck driver, the trucking company, or even the manufacturer of a defective part.

A federal study on the causes of large truck crashes cites driver error as a prevalent risk factor. Truck drivers who speed, ignore traffic signs, follow too closely, or overtake vehicles without signaling or checking blind spots may be on the hook for resulting injuries.

Other examples of negligence include:

• A trucking company that fails to properly screen and train drivers
• A trucker who engages in distracted driving
• A manufacturer that makes and sells defective truck parts
• Municipalities that fail to keep roads and traffic signals properly maintained

Potential Truck Accident Compensation

A Palm Bay injury lawyer from Kogan & DiSalvo can prove negligence in your truck accident claim and demand monetary compensation for a wide variety of damages. Your settlement or court award should reimburse you for the hardships you have suffered, both physically and emotionally.

Potential truck accident compensation may include money for:

• Ambulance and ER services
• Medical and hospital expenses, including tests, surgeries, medication, medical devices, mobility aids, and appointments
• Cost of physical therapy and rehabilitation
• Lost income, bonuses, and benefits
• Loss of future earnings
• Vehicle repair or replacement expenses
• Loss of household services
• Emotional suffering
• Diminished quality of life
• Loss of spousal consortium and companionship
• In-home nursing care
• Permanent disability

If the trucking accident caused the loss of a family member, you may be eligible to file a claim for wrongful death. Our lawyers can help you seek compensation for the pain and suffering caused by your loved one’s premature death, as well as the income and benefits the victim would have earned had they survived.

Free Consultation with Palm Bay Truck Accident Lawyers

Our Palm Bay trucking accident attorneys serve all of South Florida, and we guarantee there are no legal fees if we don’t win money on your behalf. Leveraging nearly 30 years of experience handling commercial vehicle and truck claims, we are well-equipped to help you understand your rights and options. Reach out today to arrange a free, no-obligation case review.