Truck accidents in Riviera Beach are often life-altering events, causing serious injuries, significant financial challenges, and emotional trauma. At Gonzalez & Cartwright, P.A., we understand how these incidents disrupt lives, and we are here to help you reclaim yours. With a team of experienced and compassionate Riviera Beach truck accident lawyers, we fight for justice and the compensation our clients deserve, allowing them to focus on recovery.
Why Choose Gonzalez & Cartwright, P.A. for Your Truck Accident Case?
Proven Results in Truck Accident Cases
Our track record speaks for itself. Gonzalez & Cartwright, P.A. has successfully handled numerous truck accident claims, securing millions in compensation for our clients. From settlements to trial verdicts, our attorneys are prepared to achieve the best possible outcome for you.
Compassionate and Personalized Legal Representation
We prioritize building strong relationships with our clients, understanding the unique challenges they face, and providing tailored legal solutions. Whether you’re navigating a personal injury claim or seeking justice for a loved one, you’ll receive the personalized attention you deserve.
Deep Knowledge of Trucking Laws and Regulations
Truck accidents involve layers of complexity, including state and federal regulations, liability disputes, and insurance challenges. Our attorneys are well-versed in these laws, allowing us to build compelling cases that hold negligent parties accountable.
Bilingual Legal Support
We proudly serve the Riviera Beach community with bilingual services, ensuring seamless communication with Spanish-speaking clients and their families.
Common Types of Truck Accidents in Riviera Beach
Truck accidents can occur in many forms, each presenting unique challenges for victims and attorneys alike. Understanding the type of accident helps identify the causes and responsible parties.
Rear-End Collisions
When a truck fails to stop in time, it can collide with the rear of a smaller vehicle, causing severe injuries such as whiplash, fractures, and traumatic brain injuries. These accidents often occur due to distracted driving or speeding.
Jackknife Accidents
Jackknife accidents happen when a truck’s trailer swings out of alignment with the cab, forming a sharp angle. This can block multiple lanes of traffic and cause multi-vehicle collisions. Common causes include sudden braking or slippery road conditions.
Rollover Accidents
Rollover accidents are especially dangerous, as the truck may crush smaller vehicles or block highways. They often result from speeding, sharp turns, or improperly loaded cargo.
Underride Accidents
These devastating accidents occur when a smaller vehicle becomes trapped under the trailer of a truck. They frequently result in fatalities or catastrophic injuries.
Wide Turn Collisions
Large trucks require extra space to make turns. When a driver fails to account for nearby vehicles, they can cause side-impact collisions, often involving pedestrians or cyclists.
Lost Load Accidents
Improperly secured cargo can spill onto the road, creating dangerous obstacles for other drivers. These accidents highlight the importance of proper loading and inspection protocols.
Head-On Collisions
Among the deadliest types of truck accidents, head-on collisions occur when a truck crosses into oncoming traffic. These accidents are often caused by fatigue, distraction, or impaired driving.
Understanding Truck Accidents in Riviera Beach
High-Traffic Areas Contributing to Accidents
Riviera Beach is home to busy roadways and intersections that see a high volume of commercial truck traffic. Locations such as Blue Heron Boulevard, Congress Avenue, and the I-95 interchanges are notorious for accidents involving large trucks. These high-risk zones are often the scene of severe collisions caused by heavy congestion, poor visibility, or dangerous driving behaviors.
Key Causes of Truck Accidents
- Driver Negligence: Common examples include distracted driving, speeding, and fatigue. Truck drivers are subject to hours-of-service regulations to prevent exhaustion, but violations still occur.
- Equipment Failure: Poorly maintained brakes, tires, or other essential components can lead to mechanical failures.
- Dangerous Road Conditions: Potholes, sharp curves, and narrow lanes increase the risk of accidents, especially for larger vehicles.
- Improper Cargo Loading: Unbalanced or unsecured loads can cause trailers to shift, leading to rollovers or lost cargo accidents.
Common Injuries Sustained in Truck Accidents
Due to the massive size and weight of commercial trucks, the injuries resulting from these accidents are often severe or life-altering. Victims frequently face long-term medical treatment, rehabilitation, and emotional trauma.
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)
Head injuries, ranging from mild concussions to permanent brain damage, are common in truck accidents. TBIs can affect memory, cognitive function, and motor skills, requiring extensive care.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Damage to the spinal cord can result in partial or complete paralysis, drastically altering a victim’s quality of life. These injuries often demand lifelong medical care and adaptive equipment.
Broken Bones and Fractures
The force of a truck collision frequently causes multiple fractures, especially in the arms, legs, and ribs. Some injuries require surgery and physical therapy for recovery.
Internal Injuries
The blunt force trauma from a truck accident can lead to internal bleeding or damage to organs, which may not be immediately apparent but can be life-threatening.
Burns and Lacerations
Accidents involving fires or fuel spills often result in severe burns, while broken glass and debris can cause deep lacerations that require reconstructive surgery.
Amputations
In high-impact crashes, victims may suffer limb amputations, either at the scene or later due to medical complications.
Psychological Trauma
The emotional toll of surviving a truck accident, including PTSD, anxiety, and depression, can be as debilitating as physical injuries. Victims often require therapy to cope with these effects.
Steps to Take After a Truck Accident in Riviera Beach
Knowing what to do immediately after a truck accident can protect your health and your legal rights.
- Call 911
Ensure police and emergency responders are called to the scene. An official police report is critical for documenting the accident. - Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Even if you don’t feel injured, a medical evaluation can detect hidden injuries such as internal bleeding or concussions. - Document the Scene
Take photos of the vehicles, road conditions, and any visible injuries. Collect contact information from witnesses and the truck driver. - Avoid Speaking with Insurance Companies
Insurance adjusters may try to minimize your claim. Do not provide statements or accept any offers without consulting an attorney. - Contact Gonzalez & Cartwright, P.A.
Our experienced Riviera Beach truck accident lawyers will handle every aspect of your case, from investigating the accident to negotiating with insurers.
Compensation for Truck Accident Victims
Types of compensation you may be eligible for:
- Medical Expenses: Coverage for hospital bills, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and long-term care.
- Lost Wages: Compensation for income lost due to missed work or reduced earning capacity.
- Pain and Suffering: Addresses the physical and emotional impact of your injuries.
- Property Damage: Reimbursement for repairing or replacing your vehicle and personal belongings.
- Wrongful Death Damages: Families of fatal truck accident victims may recover funeral expenses, loss of income, and loss of companionship.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to file a truck accident claim in Florida?
In Florida, the statute of limitations is typically four years for personal injury claims and two years for wrongful death claims. Acting quickly ensures that evidence is preserved and deadlines are met.
Who can be held liable in a truck accident?
Liability may include the truck driver, trucking company, cargo loaders, manufacturers, or maintenance providers, depending on the cause of the accident.
How much does it cost to hire a truck accident lawyer?
At Gonzalez & Cartwright, P.A., we work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case.
Contact Gonzalez & Cartwright, P.A. Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident in Riviera Beach, don’t wait to seek legal help. Gonzalez & Cartwright, P.A.’s Riviera Beach truck accident lawyers are here to fight for your rights and help you secure the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation.