Commercial Vehicle
Getting in an car accident is never pleasant, especially when you get into one involving a commercial vehicle. A commercial vehicle can be a city bus, construction vehicles, 18 –wheelers, and even delivery trucks.
Commercial vehicles are everywhere nowadays with the proliferation of Amazon and other online companies offering home delivery services. They dominate the road and can pose a major threat to other motorists. When an accident happens, innocent drivers can be left with serious and sometimes fatal injuries.
Attorneys for Commercial Vehicle Accidents in Miami, FL
Litigation involving commercial vehicle accidents can be complex, confusing, and difficult to navigate on your own. But with an experienced legal counsel from Abrams Justice Trial Attorneys, you can go about your life with the peace of mind that your case is being handled by a law firm that really cares.
We proudly assist clients in the greater Miami-Dade area that include Miami, Homestead, Hialeah, Pinecrest, Miami Gardens, Miami Beach, North Miami, Doral, Coral Gables, Kendall, Palmetto Bay, and Cutler Bay. Call us today at (305) 709-0880 or submit your information in our online form and one of our attorneys will review your case for free.
Overview of Commercial Vehicles in Miami, FL
- What is Considered a Commercial Vehicle?
- Causes and Injuries of Commercial Vehicle Accidents
- Who is Liable?
- Florida Commercial Accident Resources?
What is Considered a Commercial Vehicle?
Commercial vehicles come in all shapes and sizes. A commercial vehicle is established in Florida Statute 316.003 and is defined as any motor vehicle that is used on public roadways and weighs 5 tons or more, is designed to transport more than 15 people, or is used to transport hazardous materials. Listed below are some of the most common types of commercial vehicles in Florida:
- Construction vehicles
- Commercial vans
- Trolleys
- Passenger buses
- Moving buses
- 18-wheelers
- Garbage trucks
- Delivery trucks
- Cargo Vans
Getting into an accident with any of these commercial vehicles can result in serious physical and psychological damages. If you have been involved in an auto accident that was caused by a reckless or negligent operator of a commercial vehicle, you should contact Abrams Justice Trial Attorneys as soon as possible.
Causes of Commercial Vehicle Accidents
There is great risk involved when operating a commercial vehicle making it a huge responsibility. Not only is the safety of the cargo or passengers of grave concern, but also so is the health of the driver and the driving condition. Any of these factors can result in an auto accident. Regardless of who is liable for the accident, some of the most common causes include the following:
- Speeding or reckless driving
- Fatigued driver
- Road conditions
- Distracted driving
- Poor vehicle maintenance
- Overloaded cargo
- Failure to obey traffic signs
- Stimulant use
- Driving under the influence
A commercial vehicle weighs 10,000 pounds (5 tons) or more while the average sedan weighs around 3,000 pounds. That being said, getting into an accident with a commercial vehicle is bound to result in serious bodily injuries. Some of the most common injuries include:
- Broken bones
- Back and neck injuries
- Muscle strains sprains and tears
- Concussions
- Whiplash
- Paralysis/Quadriplegia
- Psychological trauma
- Internal organ injuries and bleeding
- Burns
Who is Liable?
Sometimes, the driver of the commercial vehicle is not always liable for the accident, even if they caused it. Sometimes the vehicle they used has cargo that was improperly loaded or the vehicle had malfunctioning parts. Listed below are individuals and entities that could be liable for a commercial vehicle accident:
- The driver
- The owner of the commercial vehicle or trailer
- The company or person that leased the truck or trailer from the owner
- The shipper or loader of the vehicle’s cargo
- The manufacturer of the vehicle and its tires along with other parts that may have contributed to the accident
Sometimes the parties listed above will make the litigation more confusing by shifting the blame on the other driver involved. To figure out who is liable for the accident, it is imperative that an experienced commercial vehicle attorney is there to handle and assess your case.
Florida Commercial Vehicle Accident Resources
Florida Crash Statistics – Follow this link to view the Florida Integrated Report Exchange System (FIRES) vehicle crash statistics in Florida for 2018 thus far. The char features the number of commercial vehicle crashes so far this year as well as total crashes, injuries and fatalities. FIRES acts as the portal into Florida’s repository for traffic crash reports.
Florida Statute 320.01– View the full text on Online Sunshine of the Florida Statute that establishes what is considered a commercial vehicle. The statute also establishes what is considered a motor vehicle, semitrailer and heavy truck. Online Sunshine is the official website for the Florida Legislature.
Lawyer for Commercial Vehicle in Miami, FL
If you or someone you know has been involved in a commercial vehicle accident and has sustained injuries, it would be in your best interest to contact Abrams Justice Trial Attorneys today. Our attorneys are experienced with commercial vehicle accidents in Florida and will strive to achieve the best possible outcome for your situation.
Call us today at (305) 709-0880 or submit your information in our online form and one of our attorneys will review your case for free. We assist clients Miami, Homestead Hialeah, Pinecrest, Miami Gardens, Miami Beach, North Miami, Doral, Coral Gables, Kendall, Palmetto Bay, and Cutler Bay.