West Palm Beach Truck Accident Lawyer

An accident involving a truck or other commercial vehicle can devastate your physical and financial well-being. At Schuler, Weisser, Zoeller, Overbeck & Baxter P.A., we understand what you are going through, and we work hard to protect injured people in West Palm Beach and across Florida. When a severe injury causes you to miss work, damages your property, and introduces unnecessary strain, our experienced West Palm Beach truck accident lawyer can help you pick up the pieces.

Sharing the road with large commercial trucks, such as 18-wheelers, is a certainty for almost all drivers. Unfortunately, because of these vehicles’ sheer size and weight, even seemingly minor collisions can result in devastating injuries, property damage, and in the most severe instances, death. Even with all of the modern safety equipment that passenger cars contain, the size difference between a passenger vehicle and a commercial truck means that, in the event of an accident, motorists can suffer a range of losses that could affect them for the rest of their lives.

In Florida, there are hundreds of truck accidents every month, resulting in hundreds of deaths and thousands of injuries. If you got hurt in such an accident because of the wrongdoing of a truck driver or trucking company, the West Palm Beach truck accident lawyers at Schuler, Weisser, Zoeller, Overbeck & Baxter P.A. believe that you should not be the one to pay for the resulting costs of this accident. The financial impact of truck accidents can be overwhelming, especially when considering medical expenses, lost wages, and other related costs.

Our experienced team of attorneys fully understands Florida trucking laws and national regulations under the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations. We stand ready to provide experienced legal representation if a negligent or reckless trucker or trucking company injures you.

Do I Need a Lawyer?

Should you sustain injuries in an accident with a large commercial vehicle, pursuing justice may be more complex than in a typical car accident case. In the event of a truck accident, the trucking company’s representatives, legal team, and the insurance companies involved may put undue pressure on you to settle for less than what you deserve or may fight against your rightful truck accident claims.

Truck accident victims often face severe injuries, overwhelming medical bills, and challenges with employment, making it crucial to have experienced legal representation to navigate these issues.

You need to hire a West Palm Beach truck accident attorney who has fought and won cases against the large companies you are about to face. You need someone who is not afraid to stand up and fight for you. You need a legal firm with insight into the trucking industry operations and the tactics they employ to evade paying their share. A skilled and experienced truck accident lawyer in West Palm Beach will diligently build a compelling case on your behalf to secure the compensation you deserve.

Why Choose Schuler, Weisser, Zoeller, Overbeck & Baxter P.A.?

The attorneys of Schuler, Weisser, Zoeller, Overbeck & Baxter P.A. are widely recognized for their commitment to their clients and successes in and out of the courtroom. We understand how truck accident cases work and how to maximize your claim to ensure you can pay your bills, recover from the accident, and move on with your life. Moreover, without a win, we won’t collect a fee, making it risk-free to contact us and get started today.

Truck Accident Cases We Handle

While many truck drivers and trucking companies do everything they can to stay safe on the roadway, the sad reality is that not everyone exercises this level of caution, putting unsuspecting motorists in harm’s way. Drivers forced to exceed the set hours of service restrictions, drivers who abuse alcohol or amphetamines while behind the wheel, or drivers/companies that fail to keep their trucks in good working order regularly expose everyone on the road to severe risks. Common injuries in truck accident cases include neck injuries and spinal cord injuries, which can have long-term health consequences and lead to significant medical expenses.

The West Palm Beach truck accident lawyers at Schuler, Weisser, Zoeller, Overbeck & Baxter P.A. can represent accident victims in cases involving:

• Drunk Driving – If a truck driver chooses to operate their vehicle while under the influence, their reaction time and ability to maneuver the rig may be severely compromised, putting others in danger of serious injuries or death.
• Mechanical Defect / Malfunction – Manufacturers and trucking companies must ensure that large commercial vehicles function optimally before releasing them on the road, where a potential defect or malfunction could cause a devastating wreck.
• Employer Negligence / Liability – The trucking company is responsible for maintaining its fleet of vehicles, hiring and training responsible drivers, and managing them while on the road. If there is negligence on the employer’s part, other drivers may suffer unnecessarily.
• Driver Error – A serious accident may occur if a truck driver makes an error, such as failing to apply the brakes on time, merging lanes without signaling, or recklessly maneuvering the vehicle.
• No-Zone Accidents – Because of their large size, there are specific zones behind the vehicle where the driver cannot see other road users. Drivers must be aware of these zones and exercise caution to prevent accidents.
• Wrongful Death – If you have lost a loved one in a fatal crash with a large commercial truck, you can seek justice on their behalf. Turn to the attorneys with experience holding the trucking companies responsible for deaths that their drivers cause.

If you were involved in an accident with one of the trucks above or another commercial truck, you should contact Schuler, Weisser, Zoeller, Overbeck & Baxter P.A. immediately. We have experience handling these cases and pursuing the financial compensation our clients need and deserve

Types of Large Vehicle Accidents We Handle

The types of trucks you might see on the road vary. Each serves a specific purpose, be it transporting consumer products to stores or removing waste from residential and commercial properties. They are all necessary for our everyday lives but pose a risk to drivers.

In an accident, a commercial truck can severely damage other vehicles and injure occupants, especially in small cars. There isn’t much competition when a passenger vehicle goes up against an 80,000-pound tractor-trailer or another large truck type. There’s also the danger of cargo flying off the truck, smashing through someone’s car window, or causing a fire. Traumatic brain injuries are a severe consequence of such large vehicle accidents, highlighting the emotional and physical challenges faced by victims and their families.

• Tractor-Trailers – This type of vehicle is also known as an 18-wheeler or big rig. They carry cargo loads and freight intrastate and throughout the country. They’re large enough to weigh up to 80,000 pounds and can cause severe injuries and fatalities in an accident.
• Dump/Garbage Trucks – Garbage trucks collect trash from commercial and residential properties to take to the landfill or recycling plant. Dump trucks can transport construction materials like dirt, gravel, and wood. Both types of trucks have a container on the back of the vehicle to carry these items.
• Tow Trucks – Tow trucks are for transporting vehicles. The driver can use specific mechanisms to store a car on the back or pull it behind them. Though smaller than a tractor-trailer or tanker truck, a tow truck can cause equal damage when colliding with a smaller car.
• Delivery Trucks – You probably see delivery trucks and vans often. Retail stores, online entities, and other companies use them to deliver products directly to someone’s home or business. They’re not as large as some commercial trucks but can hold many items and are still weighty.
• Tanker Trucks – This type of vehicle has a large tank on the back to store and transport liquids and gasses. They pose a severe hazard if a collision occurs. The hazardous materials could spill out of the tank, causing burns to the occupants of other vehicles. They can also lead to a fire or an explosion.
• Construction Vehicles – Construction workers use these vehicles for different purposes. They can lift heavy materials at construction sites, repair damaged roadways, dig holes in the ground, and remove dirt.
• Buses – Buses are a convenient mode of transportation for residents and tourists. However, they are also dangerous. Many don’t contain seatbelts. Without a safety restraint, a collision can knock passengers around, causing severe injuries.
• Flatbed Trucks – A flatbed truck is just what it sounds like it should be. The vehicle has a flat truck bed on the back that doesn’t have sides or a roof. The design allows for transporting logs and other oversized items that won’t fit into an enclosed trailer.

If you were involved in an accident with one of the trucks above or another commercial truck, you should contact Schuler, Weisser, Zoeller, Overbeck & Baxter P.A. immediately. We have experience handling these cases and pursuing the financial compensation our clients need and deserve.

Florida Truck Accident Statistics

In 2022, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported significant fatalities and injuries related to truck accidents in the United States. A total of 5,936 deaths occurred, indicating a considerable loss of life due to these incidents. Moreover, the data reflects that there were 154,993 injuries, suggesting a significant impact on the well-being and quality of life of those involved in these accidents.

The total number of truck accidents that year amounted to 160,608. These figures represent a significant public health issue, highlighting the ongoing need for more robust traffic safety regulations and accident prevention measures.

In 2022, the National Safety Council (NSC) revealed alarming statistics about the prevalence of truck-related incidents in the United States. Reportedly, trucks comprised 6% of vehicles in fatal crashes, a notable figure given the severity of these incidents. While trucks constitute only three percent of registered vehicles, they account for a disproportionate share of fatal collisions.

The fact that trucks comprise 10 percent of total vehicle miles traveled underscores this disparity, suggesting the risk of deadly accidents is higher with trucks relative to their presence on the road. This information sheds light on the critical need for more stringent safety regulations and effective measures to mitigate risks associated with truck transportation.

According to the NSC, the figures for truck-related incidents have been following a concerning upward trend. Compared to 2021, there was a 1.8 percent increase in such accidents in 2022. This rise is even more startling when viewed from a decadal perspective. Truck-related crashes soared by a staggering 49 percent from 10 years prior.

This continuous and significant increase over the past decade suggests underlying systemic issues that need urgent attention. This highlights the need for more effective safety measures, enhanced trucking regulations, and proactive strategies to curb this rising trend.

Truck accidents can be hazardous because of a truck’s size, blind spots, and slow pace of adapting to changing traffic situations. However, if truck drivers become reckless or negligent, they should be held accountable when they cause accidents. In the NHTSA report, 115,201 of the 160,608 injuries and 4,167 of the 5,936 traffic fatalities (70% and 72%, respectively) were occupants of the other vehicle.

Our mission at Schuler, Weisser, Zoeller, Overbeck & Baxter P.A. is to help crash victims injured in accidents involving large trucks. Contact an attorney immediately to discuss your case if an accident injured you.

Contact a Truck Accident Lawyer in West Palm Beach Today

Many people in Florida and nationwide seek our help with their truck accident injury claims for a reason. We have earned a reputation for defending those hurt by the reckless or negligent actions of major trucking companies, and we are not afraid to go to bat for you. When you work with our West Palm Beach truck accident lawyers, you know that you have a team that has the right experience and track record of success on your side.

The resulting costs of your truck accident are likely prohibitively expensive. At Schuler, Weisser, Zoeller, Overbeck & Baxter P.A., we believe you should not have to shoulder these financial burdens alone. Let our years of experience work for you, aiding in legal action against those responsible for your unnecessary suffering.

Get started today by calling us at (561) 689-8180 or filling out our online form.

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