If you’ve been hurt in a crash with a big rig, you’re probably wondering: “Can I sue a trucking company?”
The answer is often yes, but these cases can be more complex than standard car accidents.
At Brooks Law Group, we assist clients throughout West Palm Beach and Palm Beach County in understanding their rights and fighting back against negligent trucking companies. Let’s walk through what you need to know if you’re thinking about filing a truck accident lawsuit in Florida.
What should I do after a truck accident in West Palm Beach?
Before jumping into legal action, it’s important to take the right steps at the scene and in the days after your crash. Whether your collision happened on I-95, Okeechobee Boulevard, or US-441, the following steps can protect your health and your claim:
- Call 911 and report the accident
- Seek medical attention (even if injuries seem minor)
- Take photos of the scene, your vehicle, and any visible injuries
- Get witness contact information
- Do not give a statement to the trucking company or their insurer
- Call a commercial truck accident injury attorney as soon as possible
Should I sue the trucking company or just the driver?
Here’s the key: In most cases, you can sue the trucking company, just not the driver.
In a lawsuit against a trucking company, you may be able to hold them responsible for:
- Poor driver hiring or training practices
- Forcing drivers to break federal hours-of-service rules
- Failing to maintain or inspect trucks
- Negligent cargo loading
- Lack of proper background checks
Trucking companies often hold significant insurance policies. These policies are much larger than those held by individual drivers. That means your chances of recovering full compensation are higher when you bring a truck accident lawsuit against the company rather than just the individual driver.
How do I start a truck accident lawsuit in Florida?
Filing a truck accident lawsuit in West Palm Beach involves several steps. Knowing them is critical when avoiding costly mistakes after a truck accident (check out our library of free eBooks for more information).
Here’s how the process typically works:
1. Hire an experienced truck accident attorney
Trucking companies have powerful legal teams. You need someone who understands federal trucking regulations, state law, and how to gather the right evidence. At Brooks Law Group, we handle every aspect of your case, from the initial investigation to the settlement or trial.
2. Investigate the crash
We dig deep into every case. Our team collects:
- data from black boxes, also known as Event Data Recorders (EDRs)
- truck maintenance and inspection logs
- driver logs and personnel files
- surveillance footage and accident scene evidence
- cell phone records and GPS data
This evidence is crucial in proving liability in a lawsuit against a trucking company.
3. File the lawsuit
Once we’ve built your case, we’ll file a formal lawsuit in civil court. From there, we’ll work toward a fair settlement or take your case to trial if necessary.
What damages can I recover in a truck accident lawsuit?
Truck accidents are common on I-95 in West Palm Beach.
Every case is different, but common damages include:
- medical bills (past and future)
- lost wages and loss of earning capacity
- pain and suffering
- emotional and mental distress
- property damage
- wrongful death damages (if a loved one was killed in the crash)
The severity of truck accidents, especially on fast-moving roads like the Turnpike or I-95, often means higher settlements or verdicts compared to standard auto accidents. These roads, while not listed as one of the deadliest highways in Florida, still pose a serious risk to Palm Beach County residents due to their high chances of truck accidents.
Why do I need a lawyer for a lawsuit against a trucking company?
Trucking companies don’t play fair. Their insurance adjusters may try to:
- shift blame onto you
- offer a lowball settlement
- destroy or hide evidence
- delay your claim to wear you down
That’s why it’s critical to have a West Palm Beach truck accident lawyer on your side. We know the tactics these companies use, and we won’t let them get away with it.
Ready to file a truck accident lawsuit? Brooks Law Group can help.
If you’re asking yourself, “Can I sue a trucking company?”, you’re already taking the first step toward holding them accountable. The next step is calling Brooks Law Group. Our team of West Palm Beach personal injury attorneys proudly serves clients in West Palm Beach, Lake Worth, Palm Springs, Riviera Beach, and surrounding communities. If you were injured in Palm Beach County, we’re ready to help.
Contact Brooks Law Group and schedule your FREE consultation today. We’ll listen to your concerns, talk about your legal options, and help you determine your next best steps. We don’t get paid unless we win your case (thanks to our contingency fee), so you can count on us to give you our very best.
When you are injured by a trucking company and don’t know where to turn, Look to Brooks. We specialize in commercial vehicle accidents and proudly walk beside clients throughout Florida as we advocate for their rights and help them win the compensation they deserve. How can we help you?
