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Truck Accidents in Palm Beach Gardens: Who’s Liable?

truck accident on road

A commercial vehicle crash can change your life in an instant—leaving behind physical injuries, emotional stress, and financial uncertainty. In Palm Beach Gardens, determining who’s liable for these devastating accidents is the first step toward securing rightful compensation. At Hicks & Motto, we understand the serious consequences victims face, and our job as your trusted truck accident lawyer in Palm Beach Gardens is to help you navigate liability laws and build a solid injury claim.

Understanding Liability in Truck Accidents

When you’re involved in a truck accident, uncovering who’s at fault isn’t always straightforward. A commercial vehicle crash can involve several entities—each with their own share of responsibility. Unlike a standard car crash, truck accidents require deeper investigation. That’s where having a seasoned truck accident lawyer in Palm Beach Gardens like ours becomes critical.

Key Parties in a Truck Accident

When a truck accident occurs, there are several parties that might be held liable:

  • Truck Driver: The driver’s actions, such as speeding, fatigue, or negligence, can directly contribute to an accident.
  • Trucking Company: Companies may be liable if they enforce unrealistic schedules, leading to driver fatigue, or if they fail to conduct proper vehicle maintenance.
  • Vehicle Manufacturer: If a truck part is defective, the manufacturer might be liable for any resulting accidents.
  • Loading Company: Improperly loaded cargo can cause a truck to become unbalanced or lead to spillage, contributing to an accident.

Factors Influencing Liability

Several factors can influence the determination of liability in truck accidents in Palm Beach Gardens. Some of these include:

Driver Negligence

Negligence is a common cause of truck accidents. It involves failing to exercise reasonable care while operating a vehicle. Examples of driver negligence include:

  1. Distracted driving
  2. Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
  3. Ignoring traffic signals
  4. Speeding or reckless driving

When a driver is negligent, they can be held responsible for the damages resulting from the accident.

Company Policies and Practices

The trucking company’s policies can significantly impact liability. If a company prioritizes profit over safety, it might push drivers to exceed driving hour limits or skip necessary rest periods, increasing the likelihood of accidents. Furthermore, inadequate training or failure to adhere to safety regulations can also lead to liability for the company.

Vehicle Maintenance

Regular maintenance is crucial to ensure a truck’s safe operation. Failure to maintain a vehicle properly can result in mechanical failures, such as brake failure or tire blowouts, which can lead to accidents. In such cases, the entity responsible for vehicle maintenance might be held liable.

Road Conditions and External Factors

Sometimes, the issue lies with unsafe road conditions or missing signage. When this is the case, we investigate whether local or state authorities contributed to the commercial vehicle crash by failing to maintain safe roadways.

Building a Strong Injury Claim

Recovering damages from a truck accident lawyer in Palm Beach Gardens starts with building a rock-solid injury claim. Here’s how we approach it.

Gathering Evidence

Evidence is crucial in proving liability. Important evidence includes:

  • Police Reports: Official reports provide a comprehensive account of the accident and any citations issued.
  • Witness Statements: Eyewitness accounts can offer valuable perspectives on the events leading to the crash.
  • Photos and Videos: Visual evidence of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and injuries can be compelling in court.
  • Driver Logs: These logs can indicate if the driver was adhering to hours-of-service regulations.

Working with a Truck Accident Lawyer in Palm Beach Gardens

As part of the Hicks & Motto team, we understand the legal landscape of truck accidents. We know how to:

  • Conducting a thorough investigation into the accident
  • Identifying all liable parties
  • Negotiating with insurance companies
  • Representing you in court if necessary

Calculating Damages

Accurately calculating damages is vital to ensure fair compensation. Damages in truck accidents can include:

  • Medical Expenses: Covering both immediate and long-term medical care.
  • Lost Wages: Compensation for income lost due to injury-related work absences.
  • Pain and Suffering: Non-economic damages for physical pain and emotional distress.
  • Property Damage: Compensation for vehicle repairs or replacement.

The Role of Negligence in Liability

Every truck accident lawyer Palm Beach Gardens understands that negligence is the cornerstone of liability. To make a successful claim, we must prove:

Proving Negligence

To prove negligence, several elements must be established:

  1. Duty of Care: The defendant had a legal responsibility to ensure the safety of others on the road.
  2. Breach of Duty: The defendant failed to uphold their duty of care through actions or omissions.
  3. Causation: The breach of duty directly caused the accident.
  4. Damages: The accident resulted in quantifiable damages.

Each of these elements must be supported by evidence to successfully prove negligence in a truck accident case.

Liability in a commercial vehicle crash isn’t always clear-cut. It could be the truck driver, the company, the manufacturer, or a combination of them all. That’s why working with an experienced truck accident lawyer Palm Beach Gardens like our team at Hicks & Motto can make all the difference.

We don’t just file paperwork—we fight for justice. We investigate, advocate, and litigate when necessary to make sure your voice is heard and your needs are met. If you’ve been hurt in a truck accident, don’t go it alone. Let us stand with you every step of the way. Get in touch with us today to get started.

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