Truck Accident Lawyer Melbourne, FL
Truck accidents tend to be more dangerous simply because of the sheer weight and size that these commercial vehicles are carrying. Those who get involved in a collision with a truck tend to suffer immense property damage and pain and suffering. Our Melbourne, FL truck accident lawyer has represented victims in all kinds of personal injury accidents. If the collision was not due to your fault, then you could be owed substantial compensation for what you have endured. At Tuttle Larsen, P.A., Douglas W. Tuttle, Jesse H. Larsen, and Jon Jacob H. Ashenback are dedicated injury attorneys who are ready to get to work for your recovery. Please contact us today for immediate assistance.
Why Truck Accidents Are Dangerous
Anyone who has driven next to a commercial truck on the roadway has felt how intimidating its presence can be. These vehicles can carry thousands upon thousands of pounds in material, liquids, or other products. These trucks are dangerous because of how much they weigh, and because of the force they can impact on another vehicle if a collision occurs. Truckers and trucking companies must practice due diligence when operating or maintaining them. Our truck accident attorney knows that the construction of the truck makes jackknifing more likely, which happens when one of the components slides sideways and out of alignment with the rest of the truck body. As our Melbourne truck accident lawyer explains, other contributing factors to why a truck accident may occur include:
- Poor weather
- Road defects
- Truck driver fatigue
- Influence by drugs or alcohol
- Overloading
- Reckless driving
- Distracted driving
- Speeding
- Lack of training
- Part malfunction/failure
- Safety defects
What We Can Do Right Now
After you speak with our truck accident attorney, we can get to work on your case right away to make sure you get the support and compensation you need. We can investigate the accident further to uncover who the liable parties are. We may conclude that the truck driver, trucking company, third-party manufacturer, or another driver on the roadway are responsible for what happened. What our truck accident attorney can do right now is see that you get the medical attention you need to treat injuries, speak with witnesses who saw the accident unfold, negotiate with insurance companies, and perform a myriad of other tasks to ultimately get you the best outcome in a tragic situation.
Tuttle Larsen, P.A.
Being in a crash with a commercial truck can lead to devastating injuries and loss. Please contact our team at Tuttle Larsen, P.A. if you need help. We are aware of how our people can suffer because of the negligence or recklessness of someone else. It is possible that the truck driver was driving unsafely, the trucking company was putting unrealistic expectations on the driver, or a third-party manufacturer was releasing defective products that malfunctioned when the truck was in motion. There may be factors that you had not realized caused the accident to happen. No matter what the reasons may be, you deserve compensation for what you have gone through. Our Melbourne truck accident lawyer is ready to speak with you today.
Compensation Available To You
Truck accidents often lead to serious injuries and financial strain. Victims may be dealing with hospital stays, time away from work, and long-term medical care. Understanding the types of compensation available can help injured individuals plan for recovery and regain stability during a difficult time.
Types Of Truck Accident Cases We Handle
At Tuttle Larsen, P.A., we represent clients in a wide range of truck accident cases. These typically include:
- Personal injury involving broken bones, back injuries, or head trauma
- Catastrophic injury, such as paralysis, amputation, or permanent brain damage
- Wrongful death resulting from a fatal crash involving a commercial truck
No matter what category your case falls under, we are here to represent you or your loved one so that you receive the compensation you deserve.
Why Experience Matters In Truck Accident Cases
Handling truck accident cases requires a clear understanding of insurance procedures, injury impact, and legal timelines. Our experience allows us to manage all of this with confidence and focus.
- We have been rated by Super Lawyers.
- We have been awarded a Peer Rated for Highest Level of Professional Excellence award from Martindale-Hubbell.
- We have won settlements as large as $3.2 million in accident cases.
We are ready to put our experience to work for you on your case.
Damages And Compensation Available
When someone is involved in a truck accident, compensation may cover a wide range of damages. One of the most common forms is medical expenses. These include hospital bills, surgical procedures, ambulance services, rehabilitation, and follow-up care. If future medical treatment will be necessary, that can also be considered as part of the claim.
Another major type of compensation involves lost wages. If the injured person is unable to work temporarily or permanently, they may recover income they would have earned. In some cases, if the injury limits their ability to earn in the future, compensation for loss of earning capacity may be available. A Melbourne truck accident lawyer can review pay records, employment history, and medical reports to support this type of claim.
Pain and suffering is also a common category of damages. While this doesn’t come with a specific receipt or invoice, it reflects the real physical and emotional toll the injury has caused. Pain, discomfort, anxiety, and reduced quality of life all factor into this type of compensation.
In some situations, a claim may also include property damage. If a vehicle or other belongings were lost or damaged in the crash, repair or replacement costs may be recovered. For cases involving gross negligence, such as a trucking company violating safety rules, punitive damages may also be considered to hold the wrongdoer accountable.
Steps to take after an accident are important in building a strong case. Seeking medical treatment right away, gathering witness information, saving receipts, and documenting the injury’s impact on daily life are all helpful actions. These details support the claim and make it easier to connect the damages to the accident itself.
Tips for building your accident case include keeping a daily journal of pain levels, physical limitations, and emotional distress. This type of record can provide valuable support in showing how the injury has affected your ability to work, enjoy life, and carry out everyday tasks.
By following this advice, you can greatly support your case when working with a lawyer. If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, don’t wait to get help. A Melbourne truck accident lawyer at Tuttle Larsen, P.A. can explain your options, outline potential compensation, and help you take the right steps forward.
Common Causes Of Truck Accidents
Truck accidents happen for a range of reasons, and when they do, the outcomes are often severe. These incidents can involve multiple vehicles, serious injuries, and complicated legal questions. If you have been injured in a truck accident, our Melbourne, FL truck accident lawyer is here to help you with your recovery. With over 60 years of combined experience, our attorneys have the knowledge necessary to help you win your case. Our firm serves clients in Vero Beach, Palm Bay, Melbourne, and throughout Indian River and Brevard Counties. To take a crucial step towards recovery after a truck accident, contact Tuttle Larsen, P.A. today.
Driver Fatigue
Truck drivers often work long hours, sometimes pushing past recommended limits. Even with federal hours-of-service regulations, fatigue remains one of the top causes of trucking accidents. A tired driver may have slower reaction times or even fall asleep at the wheel, leading to dangerous and often preventable collisions.
Distracted Driving
Like all drivers, truck operators are not immune to distractions. Texting, eating, using a GPS, or adjusting the radio can all take a driver’s focus off the road. Given the size and weight of commercial trucks, even a momentary distraction can result in a serious crash.
Poor Truck Maintenance
Commercial trucks require regular maintenance to operate safely. Worn brakes, underinflated tires, broken lights, or steering issues can all contribute to an accident. When trucking companies cut corners or skip inspections, they put everyone on the road at risk. Our Melbourne truck accident attorney will investigate your accident to determine if improper maintenance played a role in the crash and thus if a mechanic or manufacturer may be held liable.
Speeding or Aggressive Driving
Large trucks need significantly more time and distance to slow down or stop. When a truck driver is speeding or weaving through traffic, it increases the likelihood of a crash. This is especially dangerous in bad weather or in areas with high traffic volume.
Improper Cargo Loading
If a truck’s cargo is loaded unevenly or not secured properly, it can shift during transport and cause the vehicle to become unbalanced. This can lead to rollovers, jackknife accidents, or lost loads that create road hazards for other drivers.
Impaired Driving
Although less common, impaired driving does occur in the trucking industry. Whether it involves alcohol, drugs, or even certain prescription medications, driving under the influence impairs judgment and reaction time, posing a serious risk to others on the road.
Lack of Driver Training
Driving a commercial truck requires more skill and awareness than operating a typical passenger vehicle. When companies put under trained or inexperienced drivers behind the wheel, the risk of an accident increases. Training should cover vehicle operation, emergency procedures, and awareness of road conditions. If negligent training contributed to your accident, our Florida truck accident lawyer may be able to help you recover compensation from the trucking company.
Contact Our Melbourne Truck Accident Lawyer Today
Accidents involving large trucks often raise serious legal and financial questions. If you’ve been injured in a crash involving a commercial truck, it’s important to understand your rights. Our team can help you assess your situation and move forward with clarity. Reach out to Tuttle Larsen, P.A. today to schedule a consultation.
Melbourne Truck Accident Infographic
What You Need To Know After A Truck Crash
Truck accidents often lead to severe injuries and complicated legal cases. In Melbourne, Florida, victims are sometimes left wondering how to handle the aftermath of a serious collision involving a commercial vehicle. A Melbourne, FL truck accident lawyer can offer support and direction through this process. These accidents are often severe and result in injuries that require legal support. They will leave you with many questions, some of which we address here:
What Federal Regulations Apply To Truck Drivers?
Truck drivers must comply with a wide range of federal rules designed to promote roadway safety. These regulations, enforced by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), cover areas like hours of service, alcohol and drug testing, licensing requirements, and maintenance standards. For instance, drivers are generally limited to a maximum of 11 driving hours within a 14-hour workday, followed by at least 10 consecutive hours off-duty. Failure to comply with these regulations can make both the driver and their employer liable for any resulting accidents. Our team has earned recognition from Super Lawyers for its representation in personal injury cases, including those involving large trucks and commercial vehicles. So we have seen these driving hours be ignored by some companies in an effort to save time.
What Evidence Is Important In A Truck Accident Investigation?
Thorough documentation plays a vital role in any truck accident claim. Key evidence includes photographs of the scene, witness statements, police reports, black box data, and maintenance records. In many cases, trucking companies also maintain internal logs and GPS tracking data that can help pinpoint liability. Swift action to preserve this evidence is crucial, as some data may be erased or lost over time. If a driver knows they made a mistake, they may try to erase data. It is important to act quickly to preserve data, but be sure to take your own records such as photos and videos of the scene.
How Does Truck Driver Fatigue Affect Crash Risk?
Driver fatigue is a leading cause of truck-related accidents. Despite strict federal limits on driving hours, some drivers exceed these due to pressure from employers or tight delivery schedules. Fatigue reduces reaction time, impairs judgment, and can be as dangerous as driving under the influence. Warning signs of fatigue-related crashes include drifting lanes, sudden stops, and rear-end collisions. Victims of such incidents may be entitled to compensation if negligence can be proven. Our attorneys are peer rated for the highest level of professional excellence by Martindale-Hubbell, reflecting our commitment to getting you the compensation you deserve.
How Long Do Trucking Companies Keep Driver Logs?
Trucking companies are required to retain driver logs for at least six months under federal law. These logs include information about hours driven, rest breaks taken, and daily activity. Electronic logging devices (ELDs) are now mandatory for most commercial trucks, making these records more accurate and harder to falsify. However, since companies are not required to keep them indefinitely, it’s important to act quickly after a crash to request and preserve these logs through legal channels.
Do I Need A Lawyer For A Truck Crash Case?
Truck accident cases involve unique legal and technical issues that differ significantly from typical car accident claims. A lawyer can help identify all responsible parties, navigate federal regulations, and coordinate expert testimony when needed. With multiple insurance policies and corporate interests often at play, having legal representation is key to protecting your rights and pursuing full compensation.
If you’ve been injured in a truck collision, the team at Tuttle Larsen, P.A. is ready to advocate on your behalf and guide you through your next steps.
Melbourne Truck Accident Glossary
Commercial vehicle collisions differ significantly from standard automobile accidents, involving multiple parties and layers of regulations. At Tuttle Larsen, P.A., our Melbourne, FL truck accident lawyer helps clients work through the legal matters that arise after these serious crashes. This glossary breaks down the specific terms and concepts you’ll likely encounter during your case.
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations establish the rules that govern commercial trucking operations across the United States. These regulations cover driver qualifications, hours of service, vehicle maintenance, cargo securement, and drug and alcohol testing. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration enforces these standards to reduce crashes involving large commercial vehicles. When a trucking company or driver violates these regulations, it often becomes a key factor in establishing responsibility for a collision. We review logbooks, maintenance records, and training documentation to identify violations that may have contributed to your crash. These regulations require drivers to maintain detailed records of their activities, which provides valuable evidence when building a case. Companies that cut corners on compliance to maximize profits put everyone on the road at risk.
Commercial Vehicle Insurance
Commercial vehicle insurance policies differ substantially from personal auto coverage, typically carrying much higher policy limits due to the severe damage these vehicles can cause. Federal law requires most commercial trucks to carry minimum insurance of $750,000, with many companies carrying policies worth several million dollars. These policies often involve multiple layers of coverage, including primary liability, excess liability, and umbrella policies. Insurance companies fight vigorously to minimize payouts on these high-value policies, employing teams of adjusters and attorneys to protect their interests. The claims process becomes more complicated when multiple insurance carriers are involved, each trying to shift responsibility to another party. We deal with these insurers regularly and know the tactics they use to reduce or deny valid claims.
Hours Of Service Violations
Hours of service rules limit how long commercial drivers can operate their vehicles without rest breaks. Current regulations allow drivers to work 14 consecutive hours after 10 hours off duty, with a maximum of 11 hours actually driving. Drivers must also take a 30-minute break after 8 hours of driving. These rules exist because fatigued driving significantly increases crash risk, with tired drivers experiencing slower reaction times and impaired decision-making. Many crashes occur when drivers or companies falsify logbooks to meet delivery deadlines or maximize revenue. Electronic logging devices now track driving time automatically, making it harder to hide violations, though some drivers and companies still find ways to manipulate these systems. When fatigue plays a role in a crash, it demonstrates a clear disregard for safety regulations designed to protect other road users.
Black Box Data
Modern commercial trucks contain electronic control modules, commonly called black boxes, that record detailed information about vehicle operations. These devices capture data including speed, braking, acceleration, engine performance, and whether the driver was wearing a seatbelt. The information stored in these devices can prove what actually happened in the moments before and during a collision. Trucking companies often download or destroy this data quickly after crashes, which is why we act fast to preserve this evidence through legal procedures. The data typically overwrites itself after a certain period, making immediate action necessary. This objective information often contradicts the accounts provided by truck drivers or companies trying to minimize their responsibility. We work with specialists who can extract and interpret this technical data to reconstruct the collision accurately.
Multi-Vehicle Chain Reactions
Large commercial vehicles often trigger multi-vehicle chain reactions due to their size, weight, and limited maneuverability. When a truck strikes one vehicle, the force often pushes that vehicle into others, creating a domino effect. These crashes become particularly severe on highways where traffic moves at high speeds with minimal following distance. Determining responsibility in these situations requires careful analysis of the sequence of events and each driver’s actions. The initial collision may have been preventable if the truck driver had maintained proper following distance, performed adequate pre-trip inspections, or operated the vehicle at an appropriate speed for conditions. Multiple parties may share responsibility, but the truck driver and company often bear primary fault when their vehicle initiated the chain of events. We reconstruct these crashes using witness statements, surveillance footage, and physical evidence to establish how the collision unfolded.
If you’ve been involved in a collision with a commercial vehicle, we can review what happened and explain your legal options. Contact our team to discuss your situation and how we can help.