Fort Lauderdale Delivery Truck Accident Lawyer

Truck accidents involving delivery trucks can place liability on the truck driver’s employer if the driver was working at the time of the accident. This is referred to as “vicarious liability,” which holds employers accountable for employees whose negligent actions or inactions lead to a non-employee’s injuries and/or damages. 

If you or a loved one was injured in a collision with a delivery truck driver in Fort Lauderdale, you may have grounds to hold the employer or another related party liable. Our legal team at Chalik & Chalik Injury Lawyers can help you build a case, then assign a Fort Lauderdale delivery truck accident lawyer to represent you in Broward County. We offer the first consultation for free to discuss your options.

When a Delivery Truck Driver Causes an Accident, Who Is Liable for Damages?

When a delivery truck driver gets into an accident, one of the first bits of information you may want to find out is whether the truck driver is an employee of a company or an independent contractor, as their employment status can affect who is liable for damages. 

Independent contractors generally have to use their own auto insurance for accidents, but employees will have to notify their employers, who will then handle the accident proceedings.

Other Parties Can Contribute to a Truck Accident

Still, what happens when a delivery truck driver says a vehicle malfunction, environmental hazard, or another party altogether caused the accident? Depending on how complex your case is, any of the following parties may be held liable if their actions or inactions led to the accident:

• The trucking company
• The delivery truck’s manufacturer or a parts manufacturer for a faulty piece inside the truck
• The delivery truck’s maintenance company
• The loading company that last loaded the delivery truck
• A municipality that governs road conditions where the accident took place
• A third-party driver who collided with the delivery truck, which then collided with you

When you work with our delivery truck accident attorney in Fort Lauderdale, we will investigate your accident thoroughly to identify which party or parties may be held liable for your damages. If multiple liable parties exist, we will advise you on whether filing more than one claim is viable for you. 

Our Legal Team Can Demand Compensation for Your Damages on Your Behalf

Truck accidents of any kind can lead to severe injuries since they generally involve large vehicles. As an accident victim, you may have grounds to demand compensation for various costs you suddenly face after being injured, such as:

• Medical treatment costs
• Loss of income, including future lost wages if you have a long-term or permanent injury that prevents you from working
• Reduced earning potential if your injuries force you to take a lower-paying position because you can no longer fulfill your previous work duties
• Property damage costs
• Other out-of-pocket costs, such as costs for medical equipment (e.g., wheelchair) or caretaking services

Our team will be thorough in collecting receipts and other financial documents to calculate an approximate value for your economic damages.

Can You Only Pursue Compensation for Financial Losses?

No. You can also pursue non-economic damages, such as:

• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Permanent disability
• Physical disfigurement
• Diminished quality of life

These types are damages are subjective, so we will ask more questions about how the Fort Lauderdale delivery truck accident affects your personal life.

Does the Surviving Family Have a Right to Pursue Compensation?

If you are the surviving spouse, child, or parent of the person who died as a result of the delivery truck accident, you may file a wrongful death case on their behalf. This action allows you to pursue the financial awards they would have pursued had they remained alive, as well as other damages you incurred as a surviving loved one. These other damages may include:

• Funeral expenses
• Inherited medical debts
• Loss of financial support from your loved one
• Loss of emotional support or parental guidance if you are the surviving child
• Loss of consortium or companionship if you are the surviving spouse
• Loss of inheritance

We understand grieving a loved one can be difficult. As your legal team, we will manage your case for you and update you as it progresses, allowing you to take the space you need to process your loss without jeopardizing your case.

A Fort Lauderdale Truck Accident Lawyer From Our Firm Can Represent You

If you decide to work with a delivery truck accident lawyer in Fort Lauderdale, FL, from our team, we will offer to:

• Investigate the truck accident to identify the liable party and collect evidence to support your claims
• Meet with involved parties to potentially negotiate an out-of-court settlement deal
• Handle other communications to protect your case during the negotiation or litigation process
• Prepare and submit legal paperwork on your behalf
• Attend court hearings to present your case in front of a judge and jury
• Give you legal counsel whenever you are faced with decisions, such as accepting a settlement offer or moving forward with a lawsuit

If you have further questions about our legal services, one of our team members can answer those for you in a free consultation.

Florida’s Statute of Limitations Has Changed, So Make Sure You Have Time to File

Florida’s statute of limitations underwent changes in 2022-2023, which has altered the legal filing window for people who want to file a personal injury lawsuit against a negligent party. Per HB 837, you now have about two years from the date of the delivery truck accident to file a lawsuit and pursue compensation. Certain exceptions can apply, depending on who is named the liable party or injured in the accident.

If you are filing a wrongful death action, Florida Statutes § 95.11(4)(d) also gives you two years from the cause of death to submit your case. Failure to comply with your case’s statutory deadline could result in a case dismissal, which would mean you would lose your opportunity to pursue compensation through the civil court system in Florida.

Call Chalik & Chalik Injury Lawyers Today to Get a Free Case Review

If you or someone you loved was injured in a collision in Fort Lauderdale involving a delivery truck driver, you may qualify to receive compensation for your injuries and related damages. A Fort Lauderdale delivery truck accident lawyer from Chalik & Chalik Injury Lawyers can represent you in Florida and lead an investigation to gather information for your case. 

When you work with our firm, we make sure you have access to us whenever you have questions about your case. Want to learn more about how our legal services can help you in your pursuit of financial recovery? Call our firm today to get a free consultation with a member of our team and learn more about the legal options available to you now.