Over the years South Florida has become more populated and our roadways have become more congested.  How many times have you been driving on I-95 sandwiched between two big trucks?  It's nerve-wracking and for good reason: trucking accidents often end in severe injury and/or death.  Tractor-trailor trucks can weigh as much as 80,000 lbs compared to cars which are about 3,000 lbs.  Even an empty tractor-trailor can weigh 10,000 lbs.

There are many possible reasons for truck driver or trucking company negligence in trucking accidents, including improper pre-trip inspection, history of poor maintenance on the truck, impaired truck driver (alcohol and/or drugs), aggressive driving, poor driving conditions, unsecured loads, truck driver fatigue, overweight truck, truck driver texting or distracted while driving, defective parts, speeding, truck's characteristics and capabilities, medical conditions that made it unsafe to operate the truck, and inadequate driver training.

The Law Offices of Reese Harvey understands that accidents involving big rigs, tractor-trailors, 18-wheelers, tankers, flatbeds, freightliners, construction trucks, tow trucks, emergency vehicles, and commerical vehices are more complex than other types of vehicle accidents.  This is why we work quickly to collect all the evidence from the accident (including the truck's "black box" that may have GPS data and other electronic device readings), vehicle maintenance history, driver qualification files, immediately reconstruct the accident with experts, and identify every possible source of recovery (there may be multiple defendants involved in the case) before the trucking company is no longer legally required to provide some of this information.

Call us today for a free, no obligation consultation at (561) 691-4511.

TRUCK ACCIDENT FAQs

• How are truck accidents different from car accidents?  1) Truck accident injuries are often deadly.  2) Because trucks are generally insured through a corporation, insurance coverage tends to be higher than a typical car accident.  This means there is more money in the insurance policy allowing you to recover a significantly higher amount than you may in a typical car accident. 3) Truck accidents are very complex.  The Law Offices of Reese Harvey has experience compiling large amounts of evidence, finding all the defendants, and uncovering all the insurance policies in order to maximize the amount of money you need and deserve to recover from your injuries or death of a loved one.  
• Is it normal for the trucking company to have an investigator at the scene of the accident?  The truck's insurance company may have a lot of money at stake.  Don't be surprised if an accident investigator arrives at the scene of the accident, maybe even before police or other emergency personnel  Do not answer any questions or sign any papers from anyone, unless it's the police for the police report or a citation.  If possible, get the name, phone number and the company the accident investigator is representing.  The Law Offices of Reese Harvey has experience fighting and winning large verdicts and settlements from aggressive insurance companies.  Call us now at (561) 691-4511 so we can quickly protect you and aggressively fight back.
• What should I do if I or my loved one is at the hospital after a truck accident and am visited or called by an insurance investigator?  If you receive a phone call don't answer any questions, get their name and number and let them know your attorney will contact them.  If an investigator shows up at your hospital room ask them to please repect your privacy and leave.
• A hospital representative referred me to local attorney. Do I have to use who they referred to get my medical bills paid?  No.  Any experienced personal injury attorney can help you get your medical bills paid and/or reduced.  
• I was contacted by an attorney who wants to represent me for my injuries in a truck accident.  How should I choose an attorney to represent me?  The Florida Bar has strict rules of professional and ethical conduct for attorneys.  If you are contacted directed or indirectly by an attorney or employee of an attorney in person, by telephone, by fax, by email, or by mail about a specific incident within the first 30 days of your accident without you contacting them first, you should immediately be concerned.  The Law Offices of Reese Harvey prides itself on being an ethical, honest boutique law firm that will give you and your case the attention you desrve.  Attorney Reese Harvey has over 13 years experience practicing law in Palm Beach County, and has a track record of several multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements for his clients.  
• An insurance adjuster for the at-fault trucking company offered me a quick and easy settlement after the accident.  Should I accept?  No.  Don't be surprised if you are approached while you are still recovering from your injuries to quickly settle your case.  Even though the amount the insurance company is offering you may sound sufficient, don't be fooled.  Inital offers by insurance companies are typically very low.  They are hoping that you don't understand the law, your legal rights, and aren't going to hire an experienced, well-respected law firm like The Law Offices of Reese Harvey.  Call us at (561) 691-4511 to protect your rights and make sure that you get ALL the money you deserve. 
• I was injured in a truck accident.  What can I sue for?  You can win money for your injuries based on your medical expenses, hospital bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, future medical expenses and any loss of future earning capacity as a result of the accident.
• Who can I sue if I'm injured in a truck accident?  You will most likely be able to sue the truck driver, the trucking company, and perhaps the maufacturer of the truck.  Whether you can sue the trucking company depends on if the driver was an employee of the trucking company  and if they were within the course and scope of employment at the time of the accident.  Under a legal theory known as "Respondeat Superior" a trucking company can be sued for the negligence of its employees.  If a truck driver is an independant  contractor of the trucking company, and not an employee, it might not be possible to establish liability using Respondeat Superior; however, the trucking company may be liable for negligent hiring or supervision of the truck driver.  If there is evidence that the accident was caused by a defect in the truck we might be able to sue the truck manufacturer.  At The Law Offices of Reese Harvey we investigate all potential avenues for collection of damages to get you the best result possible.

If someone you know has been injured or killed in a truck accident, you need to have someone aggressively fighting for your legal rights.  Call The Law Offices of Reese Harvey today at (561) 691-4511 for a free, no obligation consultation.

* The answers to these questions are not legal or medical advice and should not be relied upon or used as a basis for any particular course of action.  Feel free to call The Law Offices of Reese Harvey.  We will be happy to answer your questions and explain your rights.