Commercial truck accidents happen for many reasons. Driver negligence is a common reason for crashes. However, poor truck maintenance may also contribute to the cause of a truck accident. If you were injured in an accident with a large truck, we can level the playing field for a personal injury case.
Our lawyers at Baggett Law Personal Injury Lawyers have extensive experience handling accident claims and more than 100 years of combined experience. As a top-rated Jacksonville, Florida, injury law firm, we are trusted and respected by the legal community. Since opening our law firm, we have won millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements for injured victims.
Contact Baggett Law Personal Injury Lawyers today at (904) 396-1100 to schedule a free consultation with one of our Jacksonville poor truck maintenance accident lawyers.
How Baggett Law Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help You With a Truck Accident Claim in Florida
Commercial motor vehicles are complex machines. They require routine maintenance to keep them operating safely. Lack of maintenance can lead to equipment malfunction and failure, which can result in a truck accident.
At Baggett Law Personal Injury Lawyers, our legal team helps accident victims pursue claims for damages. When you hire our award-winning Jacksonville truck accident lawyers, you can trust we will:
- Independently investigate the truck accident to gather and preserve evidence
- Identify the cause of the truck accident and who is responsible
- Hire the best trucking industry experts and other expert witnesses to assist with the case as necessary
- Handle all communication and matters with insurance companies and other parties
- Work with you and your doctors to determine the severity of your injuries and losses to calculate how much your truck accident claim is worth
- Negotiate a fair settlement based on your damages
- Aggressively advocate on your behalf at trial if necessary
We have top ratings from numerous organizations, including the top rating awarded by Martindale-Hubbell, its AV Preeminent rating. We also won the 2021 Platinum Client Champion Award from Martindale-Hubbell. Our attorneys are also included in Super Lawyers, Florida Trends Legal Elite, Expertise.com, and The National Trial Lawyers Top 100.
Learn more about truck accident cases by scheduling a free case evaluation with one of our experienced Jacksonville personal injury attorneys.
Problems Poor Truck Maintenance Can Cause
Commercial truck owners and operators must follow strict safety standards enacted by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). The Code of Federal Regulations requires intermodal equipment providers and motor carriers to maintain, inspect, and repair all commercial motor vehicles under its control. Truck parts, accessories, and operating systems must be safe and always operate correctly.
Examples of truck systems and parts that could cause a poor truck maintenance accident include, but are not limited to:
- Commercial truck tires: Commercial truck tires receive a lot of wear and tear on the road. They must support about 80,000 pounds at high speeds. Worn and damaged truck tires could result in a tire blowout. Tire blowouts can cause a truck driver to lose control of the vehicle and crash. Debris from tire blowouts can cause other drivers to swerve and cause an accident.
- Commercial truck brakes: The brakes on a large truck are essential. The driver must be able to stop quickly when necessary. If the brakes are worn or damaged, they might not stop the truck to avoid a collision.
- Suspension system: The suspension system is crucial for a commercial truck. It must support 80,000 pounds or more over rough roads. If the suspension system fails or malfunctions, the truck driver may lose control, jackknife, or crash.
- Fuel systems: Poor truck maintenance can lead to leaks in the truck’s fuel system. Leaking fuel can result in fires and explosions, especially if the truck collides with another vehicle or object.
- Wipers, windshields, lights, & reflectors: Reflectors and lights are important to make the truck visible to other people at night. It is also essential for the driver to have sufficient light to see at night. A truck driver must have an unobstructed view from the cab. Therefore, replacing windshield wipers at the first sign of wear is crucial. Repairing damaged windshields can prevent obstructions.
Ensuring proper maintenance and regular inspections of commercial trucks is crucial for safety and preventing avoidable collisions.
Who Is Responsible for Injuries and Harm Caused Poor Truck Maintenance Causes an Accident in Jacksonville, FL?
Poor truck maintenance can cause a tragic truck accident. Sadly, with adequate truck maintenance, many truck crashes could be avoided. Several parties could be responsible for damages in a poor truck maintenance accident case.
The truck driver and the trucking company could be liable for failing to inspect the truck. The trucking company, operator, and owner could be liable for failing to make prompt repairs. Maintenance and repair facilities could also be liable for negligent service.
What Compensation Can I Recieve for a Poor Truck Maintenance Accident?
If you prove that a party’s negligence contributed to the cause of a poor truck maintenance accident, you may be entitled to economic and non-economic damages, including:
- Medical bills and expenses
- Diminished quality of life
- Lost wages and benefits
- Disfigurement and scarring
- Out-of-pocket expenses
- Rehabilitation and therapy
- Pain and suffering damages
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Emotional distress and mental anguish
- Reduction in earning capacity
- Disability and impairment
How much you receive for a truck accident claim depends on many factors. An experienced truck accident lawyer can discuss damages during a free consultation.
The time to file a truck accident lawsuit is restricted by Florida’s statute of limitations, which is generally two years. Seeking prompt legal advice can help you avoid losing your right to file a claim.
Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Jacksonville Truck Accident Lawyers
A truck accident in Florida can turn your life upside down. You deserve to be compensated for all damages and injuries caused by a negligent trucking company. Call Baggett Law Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free case review with one of our Jacksonville poor truck maintenance accident lawyers.
