Truck Accident Lawyer in Fort Lauderdale

Since our law firm was founded in 2003, Chalik & Chalik Injury Lawyers has handled numerous Fort Lauderdale truck accident cases for our clients. Sadly, these tragic crashes are all too common on Fort Lauderdale’s busy highways. But truck accident victims like you have an advocate at our law firm. Our Ft. Lauderdale personal injury lawyers understand the state and federal laws regulating the commercial trucking industry, know how to correctly file the right paperwork to get the claims process moving, and have the tenacious attitude necessary to fight for the maximum compensation for our clients.

Debi and Jason Chalik will work directly with you to recover compensation for your medical costs, catastrophic injuries, lost earning capacity, and pain and suffering from a big-rig wreck. We can discuss your legal options in a free, no-obligation consultation. There’s no risk to you. You pay us nothing unless we win compensation for you. Call us today.

Fort Lauderdale Truck Accidents Can Result in Catastrophic Losses

Truck accidents can result in devastating consequences, causing severe injuries, massive property damage, and even fatalities. These accidents often involve large commercial trucks, such as tractor-trailers, 18-wheelers, and big rigs, which can outweigh passenger vehicles by several tons.

Additionally, large truck accidents are more likely to result in the injury and death of passenger vehicle drivers and occupants, not the truck drivers. An 18-wheeler’s size and weight can exert so much kinetic energy on smaller passenger vehicles that it invariably leads to severe injuries to the people inside the smaller vehicle. These catastrophic injuries often affect the victims for the rest of their lives.

Unfortunately, negligent truck drivers and trucking companies are often at fault for these truck wrecks—the parties that typically suffer the least damage.

Victims of these wrecks often suffer such devastating injuries as: 

• Burns or lacerations
• Broken or crushed bones
• Dislocations
• Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
• Spinal cord injury (SCI)
• Shoulder and back injuries
• Internal bleeding and organ failure
• Loss of limbs
• Hearing loss and blindness

Thankfully, we have two level one trauma centers here in Broward County to provide medical attention: Broward Health Medical Center and Broward Health North. Those suffering from any of these injuries, though, face a long recovery period, and the cost will be substantial. 

At Chalik & Chalik, we have a team of Fort Lauderdale truck accident lawyers who are dedicated to helping victims of truck accidents and their families recover from the aftermath of these traumatic events. We understand the unique challenges that arise in truck accident cases and are committed to fighting for the rights of those injured in these collisions.

Recoverable Damages After a Fort Lauderdale Truck Accident

Our Fort Lauderdale truck accident attorneys can recover economic and non-economic damages for you, such as the following:

• Medical care and rehabilitation expenses
• Loss of income and benefits
• Lost or reduced earning ability
• Property damage
• Pain and suffering
• Mental anguish
• Emotional distress
• Impaired quality of life
• Loss of enjoyment
• Loss of consortium
• Loss of companionship

We will compile evidence that establishes your full range of damages while you recover from your injuries.

Families May Pursue Wrongful Death Damages

Some families can recover damages in a wrongful death lawsuit if they lose a loved one in a fatal truck accident. Our Ft. Lauderdale wrongful death lawyers can explain how Florida’s wrongful death actions work and which family members can pursue these losses. Qualifying relatives could recover the following:

• Burial and funeral expenses
• The decedent’s medical bills from the time of their injury to their death
• Household income the decedent would have made
• Other applicable losses

We understand the tragedy you and your family are dealing with right now. Please accept our condolences and allow us to help. Money cannot replace your loved one, but it can help you deal with the burdens suddenly placed on your family, allowing you the time needed to grieve in peace. 

You May Even Qualify to Seek Punitive Damages

In rare cases, Florida courts can award injured parties punitive damages if they find a defendant’s negligent behavior was extremely and unreasonably reckless or careless. While these damages are rare, they are possible. If they apply to your case, we can explain how they would work. Courts usually award them in addition to other recoverable damages.

We Will Seek Your Full Recovery From a Fort Lauderdale Truck Crash

Our truck accident attorney serving Fort Lauderdale will evaluate the extent of the damages you or a loved one suffered and account for every loss. We will also assign a dollar amount to your case to cover those losses. We will demand this amount and seek to gain the maximum compensation we can when we pursue your recovery.

If you or someone you love was recently involved in a tragic accident with a large truck in Fort Lauderdale, the personal injury attorneys Debi Chalik and Jason Chalik will work with you directly, helping you and your family recover from this loss. Call Chalik & Chalik for legal advice in a free consultation today.

How Our Fort Lauderdale Truck Accident Lawyers Will Work Your Case

Due to the greater size, weight, and multiple involved parties, commercial truck accidents tend to result in far more complex personal injury claims than a typical passenger car accident. They often require a thorough investigation just to determine liability.

It is often difficult to manage the legal process while recovering from accident injuries. The legal team with Chalik & Chalik can manage your entire legal case from start to finish, giving you time to focus on recovery while seeking to hold the negligent party accountable. Our legal professionals serving the Fort Lauderdale area can take care of all the following when we work on your case:

• Investigation: We can investigate the truck accident (and even the accident scene) to determine what happened and why.
• Gather Evidence: We can collect evidence that supports your truck accident claim, including medical records, witness testimonies, police report, traffic cam surveillance, photos and videos, cell phone records, and dashcam footage, among other things.
• Preserve Your Case: We can take legal action to protect time-sensitive evidence that could help your case (e.g., the truck’s dashcam footage, electronic data recorder information, the driver’s logbooks, and the truck company’s vehicle service and maintenance records).
• Identify the Liable Party: We will identify all potentially liable parties who may owe you compensation.
• Establish Negligence: Through our investigation, we will also establish how the liable parties’ negligence caused the Fort Lauderdale-area commercial vehicle accident.
• Negotiate: We will fiercely negotiate with insurance providers for a fair settlement.
• File a Lawsuit: You can also count on us to file a civil lawsuit with the Broward County courts on your behalf by the state’s filing deadline if we cannot settle your case outside of court.
• Advise You on Settlement Offers: We can review all potential settlement offers you receive to determine that you will receive awards that meet your post-accident needs.
• Legal Representation: Throughout the legal process, we will provide you with legal guidance and represent you at trial as we seek recovery in court.
• Point of Contact: In our legal representation, we will manage all case-related communications so that you can focus solely on your recovery.

We will be with you throughout the case, providing you with regular updates, explaining all applicable state and federal laws, and answering your questions. 

Establishing Negligence Is an Important Part of Your Case

Our truck accident attorneys will have a better understanding of who to hold accountable once we understand how the accident happened. If there are multiple liable parties, we will also establish how each party demonstrated negligence in your case.

Our case evidence must show the following four elements of negligence: 

• Duty of Care: How each party had a responsibility to prevent harm to you
• Breach of Duty: How each party failed to uphold their duty of care to you
• Causation: How their actions or inactions caused an accident that harmed you
• Damages: How you suffered financial, physical, and emotional harm 

Hiring legal representation ensures you hold everyone accountable for your losses and seek the damages you deserve. 

Our Fort Lauderdale Truck Accident Attorneys Work on Contingency

Our legal team works on contingency, making representation affordable and accessible. Medical expenses, lost income, and other challenges can make it difficult to pay for effective representation upfront. Contingency agreements, however, allow us to bypass financial hurdles and start on your case as promptly as possible.

This service agreement means that once we accept your case, we can take care of everything for you without you paying us anything upfront. Additionally, we only get paid if you receive compensation.

Basically, if we win your case, we take our payment as an agreed-upon percentage of your settlement or court-ordered award. We can explain this payment arrangement further during your free consultation.

Hear the Praises of Our Clients

We are proud of the service we provide for our clients and seek to help them in every way possible. Our case results speak for themselves, including the $325,000 award we recovered for one client who suffered from complex regional pain syndrome after a truck accident.

Here’s one client’s review of our services:

• “Working with Debi was a great and stress-free experience. She is extremely caring. Her staff is amazing and very responsive. Truly grateful to have worked with Debi. I highly recommend Chalik and Chalik to anyone needing an attorney who will fight for you best they can.” — Jennifer Burgos

To read more about what other clients have said about working with us, check our testimonials page.

You Have a Limited Time to Act in a Florida Injury Case

We encourage you to reach out to us as soon as possible after the trucking crash in Fort Lauderdale. Florida’s statute of limitations sets a deadline for injured parties to take legal action to recover losses from the at-fault driver and other responsible parties.

Our truck accident lawyers in Fort Lauderdale generally have two years from the accident date to build a case for damages, per Florida Statutes § 95.11. Parties seeking damages in a wrongful death lawsuit generally have two years from their loved one’s death date to file under the same statute.

Call Chalik & Chalik today so that we can protect your right to sue and start on your case. We will ensure that we file your case on time, relieving you of this stress so you and your family can heal from the accident.

Fort Lauderdale Truck Accident Liability: Who Can Be Held Accountable for Your Losses?

Commercial trucks are unique in that they have a greater responsibility on the road under state and federal laws, regulations, and guidelines regarding large truck maintenance and operation. For example, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) imposes laws regarding truck drivers’ hours of service. FMCSA regulations also include fleet upkeep, weight restrictions, and cargo loading, just to name a few of the hundreds of federal regulations.

Truck Drivers Are Responsible for the Safe Operation of Their Vehicle

Truck drivers must receive training and certification to operate their vehicles in accordance with the regulations and laws that apply to commercial truck drivers. Thus, truck drivers are held to a higher standard than most motorists, and their accident cases are frequently more costly than the usual accident claim.

Truck Companies May Share in That Responsibility

These responsibilities do not end with the truck driver, either. Trucking companies must engage in sound hiring and training practices and perform checks on vehicle maintenance and inspections. Further, truck companies must comply with stringent federal and state guidelines concerning repair schedules, warning signals, the kind of freight that is transported, and on what roads the freight is transported. 

Breaking any of the laws and regulations surrounding trucking that causes an accident is an act of negligence.

Truck Accidents Often Involve Multiple Liable Parties

Based on the higher degree of responsibility, inherent risks, and parties involved in the trucking industry, it is possible that more than one person or entity could be responsible for your truck accident. In addition to the truck driver and trucking company, our law firm could hold any of the following responsible for your injuries and losses:

• The truck’s manufacturer or a truck parts maker
• A repair shop or crew responsible for the truck’s maintenance
• The freight company that loaded the cargo
• A city, town, county, or other government agency responsible for road maintenance where the accident occurred

We may even discover that another road user, such as a motorist, motorcyclist, or pedestrian, shared in the fault. 

The Most Common Causes of Truck Accidents

Trucking accidents happen for various reasons, and they can happen to any truck type, from tow trucks and fuel tanker trucks to flatbed trucks and 18-wheelers. Truck driver error is the most common reason for accidents involving these large vehicles, according to FMCSA. The federal agency reports that driver error causes nearly 87% of truck accidents on roads in the United States.

Other reasons for truck accidents include:

• Inadequately trained truck drivers, such as improper braking or turning techniques
• Drowsy driving due to driver fatigue after logging long hours on the road or not getting proper rest
• Distracted driving (e.g., using a cell phone or eating while behind the wheel)
• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, including those sold by prescription or over-the-counter
• Lost loads that weren’t adequately secured
• Mechanical malfunctions, such as tire blowouts and brake failure

If a truck driver’s act of negligence or recklessness causes the crash, the courts will almost always hold the trucking company liable. Some companies try to limit their exposure by hiring truckers and trucking companies as independent contractors. However, respondeat superior, the legal doctrine that makes employers vicariously liable for the actions of their employees, may still apply to your case.

In most cases, accident victims can pursue compensation through the trucking company’s insurer. If the accident resulted from another factor, such as another driver on the road, a failed truck part, or a roadway hazard, the third at-fault party may share or take over liability for the crash.

Common Types of Truck Wrecks on Fort Lauderdale Roads

Trucks frequently have massive bodies that can affect maneuverability and stopping. In addition, if the truck in question is a tanker transporting chemicals, even with the baffles reducing the liquid moving back and forth, it can create an imbalance in steering. 

The majority of tractor-trailers apply an air brake system whereby pressure is used to add braking force. Correct usage of air brakes can aid in preventing a truck from sliding, but accidents can still happen. In fact, some of the common types of truck accidents include: 

• Jackknifing: This type of accident occurs when a tractor starts to skid. If the skid is not corrected in a timely fashion, the trailer slides out from behind the tractor, folding together to strike the tractor.
• Rear-end collisions: Truck drivers must remain constantly vigilant to changing conditions on the road, giving themselves plenty of room to stop. It could take up to five football fields for a fully loaded truck traveling at 65mph to stop. If they fail to do so, they can easily plow through multiple cars traveling in front of them. 
• Side impacts: In addition to stopping distance, truckers must be aware of the inherent dangers of entering intersections, ensuring the way is clear. Otherwise, they run the risk of T-boning a car crossing through. 
• Head-on collisions: Often a result of fatigue, truck drivers could inadvertently cross the median and endanger oncoming traffic. 
• Wide turns: In addition to stopping distance, these large trucks require a greater turning radius. Failing to adjust can lead to significant property damage and injury.
• Side swipes: Large trucks also have large blind spots that drivers must constantly check using properly placed mirrors. If a trucker fails to check before changing lanes, they could strike the broadside of a passenger vehicle next to them. 
• Rollovers: Whether it is failing to stop, misjudging a turn, or not adjusting to the weather and road conditions, a truck is susceptible to tilting and rolling over on its side, placing those next to it in danger of being crushed. 

Common FAQs in Fort Lauderdale Truck Accidents

The following is a collection of the most common questions we receive regarding truck accident cases:

What Are Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Fort Lauderdale?

Common causes of truck accidents in Fort Lauderdale include driver fatigue, speeding, distracted driving, improper lane changes, inadequate training, mechanical failures, and overloaded trucks. Trucking companies’ negligence and failure to adhere to safety regulations can also contribute to accidents.

How Can You Determine Liability in a Fort Lauderdale Truck Accident?

Determining liability in a truck accident requires a detailed investigation. Your Fort Lauderdale truck accident lawyer will gather evidence such as witness statements, accident reports, black box data, trucking company records, and logbooks to establish liability. Truck accidents may involve multiple parties, including the truck driver, trucking company, maintenance providers, and others.

Can You Pursue Compensation if You Were Partially at Fault for the Truck Accident?

Yes, Florida follows a comparative negligence statute, which means you can still seek compensation even if you were partially at fault for the accident. However, if you are more than 50% at fault, you will be barred from compensation. In addition, your compensation may be reduced based on the percentage of fault assigned to you. Having a Fort Lauderdale truck accident lawyer can help protect your rights and maximize your potential compensation.

What Damages Can You Recover in a Fort Lauderdale Truck Accident Lawsuit?

In a truck accident lawsuit, you may be entitled to various damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, emotional distress, rehabilitation costs, and future medical care. If a loved one died in the accident, you may also be eligible to pursue wrongful death damages.

Should You Hire a Fort Lauderdale Truck Accident Lawyer for Your Case?

That is entirely up to you. There is no law that says you must hire an attorney. However, truck accident cases can be highly complex, involving federal and state regulations, multiple parties, and insurance companies with aggressive legal teams. A Fort Lauderdale truck accident lawyer can manage your case, protect your rights, negotiate with insurance companies, and fight for the fair compensation you deserve.

Call Us Today for Help With Your Fort Lauderdale Truck Accident

Semi-trucks merging on top of vehicles, failing to brake fast enough, or overturning on the highway are, unfortunately, rather common news headlines for Floridians. Despite plenty of laws that strive to make trucking safer for all involved, the sheer volume of trucks on the highways can become an unexpected danger to Fort Lauderdale drivers and those throughout South Florida.

Defensive driving can only help so much when it comes to preventing a truck accident. Sometimes, another party’s negligence makes a devastating crash inevitable. When the worst truck wrecks happen, know you have lawyers willing to come to your aid in South Florida. Contact Chalik & Chalik for a free initial consultation today. Our truck accident lawyers in Fort Lauderdale are ready to handle your insurance claim for damages or a personal injury lawsuit.