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Truck Accidents

Truck Accident Attorneys Serving Ocala

Truck accidents can cause catastrophic injuries or death due to the size and weight of the vehicles involved. Florida has crowded roads, and it only takes a moment of inattention by a truck driver for a smaller vehicle to be crushed or pushed off the road by a truck. If you are hurt or a loved one is killed in a truck accident, you should contact Ocala attorneys experienced in handling truck accidents. Dean Law Firm represents clients who have been injured in locations throughout Florida, including Ocala, Crystal River, and The Villages.

Truck Drivers Who Violate Regulations

Truck driving is heavily regulated by both state and federal law. A failure to follow these rules that results in injury likely can lead to liability. Moreover, "negligence per se" may apply if a statute or regulation is also violated. This presumption that the defendant was negligent will apply if a plaintiff can show 1) the defendant violated a statute, 2) the statute related to safety, 3) the act caused a harm the statute was designed to prevent, and
4) the plaintiff was within the zone of risk. In those cases, the judge instructs the jury that, if they find a truck driver broke a state or federal law or regulation, they must also find negligence.

Typically, truck accidents involve a truck driver who was on the job while driving. His or her employer is usually a corporation or business. If a truck driver injures you while driving for the benefit of his or her employer, you can sue the employer for vicarious liability or, in some cases, negligent hire or supervision.

Some truck companies have relaxed their hiring standards too much because they have had trouble finding drivers who meet the stringent requirements of state and federal law. They also may overlook drivers' unsafe driving or substance abuse problems because it is difficult to replace them. However, federal law requires trucking companies to properly screen candidates and maintain an appropriate file about their qualifications and any problems that arise on the job. A truck company's failure to maintain a certain driver’s file or its decision to ignore shortcomings during the hiring process can serve as a basis for a negligent hire or negligent supervision lawsuit if that driver injures someone.

Consult an Experienced Truck Accident Attorney in Crystal Rivers

Truck drivers typically receive a comprehensive defense from their employer's lawyers and their insurance company. The team of lawyers supporting the truck driver will look for any way to say that your negligent driving, not the truck driver's negligence, caused the accident and your injuries. They also will look for loopholes and technicalities to get out of paying you if they recognize their insured truck driver is at fault. This is why it is so critical to get your own experienced personal injury attorney.

Not all cases go to trial. However, an insurance company that knows of your attorney's reputation as someone who is willing to take a case to trial is more likely to be amenable to a fair settlement. We prepare meticulously for the possibility of trial, skillfully negotiating to obtain a fair settlement. Insurers know we are willing to take cases to trial and therefore take our settlement demands seriously.

Based in Ocala, Dean Law Firm represents clients throughout Marion, Sumter, Lake, Citrus, and Levy Counties who have been injured in large commercial vehicle accidents, semi/18-wheeler accidents, passenger and pickup truck accidents, and tractor-trailer accidents. We will seek full compensation for your losses, including past and future medical bills, past and future wage loss, pain and suffering, and loss of enjoyment. We do not recover our attorneys' fees unless we recover compensation on your behalf. For a free consultation, contact us at 352-387-8700 or via our online form.