Defective Brake Truck Accident Lawyer in Florida
One of the most vital components on a commercial truck is its brake system. A fully loaded tractor-trailer needs around 525 feet to come to a stop at highway speeds — nearly double the time it takes passenger cars. If a product defect causes a brake failure on a large truck, the chances of a deadly accident rise substantially.
If you sustained injuries in a truck accident due to faulty brakes, Paul Knopf Bigger can help. Our defective brake truck accident lawyers are certified in civil trial law by The Florida Bar and have a proven record of achieving successful outcomes for our clients.
We have the resources of a large law firm and provide the personalized attention that people need during their darkest hours. Let us shoulder your legal burden while you focus on healing. Call Paul Knopf Bigger for a free consultation with an experienced Florida truck accident lawyer.
Common Causes of Brake Failure in Trucks
Brake failure in commercial trucks is a significant safety concern that can result in devastating truck accidents.
Common brake problems include poor maintenance, overuse, and manufacturing defects. These issues can lead to various dangerous situations. A truck driver may be unable to stop when necessary. Decreased braking power requires an even longer stopping distance than normal, which can surprise a trucker with less experience behind the wheel. Inherent brake defects may catch drivers off guard, sending their rigs careening into other vehicles despite proper inspections and maintenance.
Truck drivers must watch for signs of brake problems, including unusual noises when braking, a spongy or unresponsive brake pedal, and the vehicle pulling to one side during braking. Recognizing these warning signs can prevent trucking accidents caused by brake failure.
Who is Liable in Defective Brake Truck Accidents in Florida?
When brake failure leads to a semi-truck accident, seeking legal support can help you recover compensation for your injuries and other losses. The first step is determining liability, or who is legally responsible for the wreck.
Defective brake truck accidents may involve one or more liable parties. This is partly a result of federal laws that govern the operation of large trucks and trucking companies. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) states all commercial motor vehicles must have a safety inspection every 12 months. A qualified inspector must conduct the brake inspection. Trucking companies must keep records of their brake inspectors’ qualifications for the duration of their employment and one year afterward.
Other FMCSA regulations say trucking companies must “systematically inspect, repair, and maintain” the trucks in their fleets. Finally, truck drivers must inspect their vehicles before and after every trip and report any safety issues to their employers immediately.
These standards mean that several parties may play a role in causing a crash due to truck brake failures. Truck accident liability may fall upon:
- Truck driver – If truck drivers neglect proper vehicle inspections or ignore known brake issues, they might be responsible for crashes.
- Trucking company – A trucking company has a legal duty to properly maintain its fleet. Failure to do so can make it liable for a collision.
- Maintenance company – If a third party paid to handle vehicle maintenance and repairs fails to care for a truck’s brakes properly, they may be financially responsible for any injuries stemming from a wreck.
- Brake manufacturer – The company that designed or manufactured the brakes may be held liable if a flaw causes a defective brake truck accident.
Proving liability in these cases hinges on gathering compelling evidence. Examples include vehicle maintenance records, driver logs, accident reports, and expert testimony on brake functionality. Photos from the accident scene and witness statements also play a vital role in establishing the cause of a truck crash and the parties at fault. A Florida defective brake truck accident attorney can collect and present this evidence to support your claim.
Types of Compensation After Truck Accident Due to Brake Failure
One of the critical roles of a Florida personal injury attorney is to help you recover compensation for all the ways an accident impacts your life. Maximizing your compensation involves calculating your financial and non-financial losses. A successful truck accident lawsuit can provide compensation for:
- Past, current, and future medical bills
- Lost wages
- Reduced future earnings
- Disability
- Lost quality of life
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Disfigurement
Once your attorney estimates the value of your case, you can file a personal injury claim demanding full and fair compensation for your losses.
At Paul Knopf Bigger, we can handle every step of the claims process for you. This typically includes:
- Gathering evidence – Collecting crucial evidence such as accident scene photos, onboard data, and maintenance records
- Determining liability – Analyzing the accident details to identify liable parties
- Filing the claim – Officially submitting a personal injury claim to the at-fault party’s insurance company(s)
- Settlement negotiations – Attempting to reach a fair compensation agreement without going to trial
- Trial – Presenting the case to a judge or jury if settlement negotiations fail
Why Choose Paul Knopf Bigger for Your Defective Brake Truck Accident Case?
Choosing Paul Knopf Bigger for your truck accident case means you get a team with a robust blend of experience, resources, and proven success. With more than a dozen attorneys on staff, our firm is well-equipped to provide personalized and comprehensive legal support. Our commitment to excellence is further demonstrated by our track record of securing multiple awards for our clients of $1 million or more. Our qualifications show we know how to achieve significant victories in complex cases.
Contact Our Florida Defective Brake Truck Accident Attorneys Now
The Florida truck accident lawyers at Paul Knopf Bigger know you’re dealing with significant challenges right now. Let us help you pursue the resources you need for a thorough recovery. We’ll handle all the legal work while you focus on your medical treatment and rebuilding your life. Call or contact us for a free consultation with a defective brake truck accident lawyer today.