Florida Commercial Vehicle Motorcycle Accidents
If you are a motorcyclist who frequently rides in Broward County, you are sure to pass countless commercial vehicles every time you get on the road. South Florida is criss-crossed with major thoroughfares, such as I-95 and U.S. Route 1, which are full of commercial vehicles of all sizes. The companies that operate these vehicles have a duty to protect the health and safety of members of the public. Unfortunately, far too often, private firms fail to live up to their basic responsibility. Each year, thousands of people in Florida are injured in accidents with negligent semi-trucks, buses, cargo vans and other commercial vehicles. At Boone & Davis, our Broward County motorcycle accident attorneys have the skills and legal knowledge needed to help commercial vehicle accident victims recover full and fair compensation for their losses.
Special Considerations in Commercial Vehicle Accident Claims
Commercial vehicles are subject to certain state and federal safety regulations. For example, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has many rules in place to ensure that tractor trailers are operated in a safe manner. Prominent examples include:
- Adequate driver hiring and training standards;
- Fatigue prevention rules that restrict how long a trucker can drive;
- Trailer length and weight requirements;
- Vehicle safety inspection requirements; and
- Trailer loading regulations.
Sadly, sometimes companies put their profits ahead of the safety of the public. In doing so, they cut corners and break safety regulations, simply in order to save a few dollars. This is negligent behavior. If you were severely injured in a motorcycle crash, and that accident occurred because a commercial vehicle operator breached any state or federal safety regulations, you need to work with a qualified Fort Lauderdale accident lawyer who can help you hold the bad-acting company accountable for their misconduct.
Companies are Legally Responsible for Their Drivers
In some cases, large companies attempt to push blame for an accident onto their driver or the contractor that they were working with in order to escape liability themselves. Florida companies are always responsible for the work-related actions of their employees. If your accident was caused by a negligent truck driver, that driver’s employer can be held liable as well. Notably, in some cases, large companies have complex business arrangements with drivers, making them independent contractors instead of direct employees. This fact does not necessarily mean that the company can escape potential liability. Motorcycle victims who were involved in a commercial vehicle accident should always get their case into the hands of a lawyer as soon as possible after their crash. Your lawyer will be able to review the circumstances, and help you identify all of the parties who can be held liable for your damages.
Contact Our Florida Motorcycle Accident Attorneys Today
At Boone & Davis, our top-rated personal injury lawyers have extensive experience handling motorcycle accident claims. If you or a family member was injured in an accident with a commercial vehicle, please call us today at 954-566-9919. From our office in Fort Lauderdale, we represent clients throughout Broward County, including in Hollywood, Pompano Beach and Deerfield Beach.
