Panama City Lawyers for Truck Accidents Caused By Employer Negligence

Commercial trucks are heavy and large vehicles that can cause massive destruction in an accident. When one crashes into a small car, the occupants of the smaller vehicle typically suffer severe injuries. The truck accident lawyers of The Bruner Law Firm understand the physical and emotional trauma you were forced to endure and want to help you hold the trucking company liable for their actions.

Employer negligence can appear in various ways. Some trucking companies will hire new drivers without performing background checks. That could result in inexperienced or unlicensed drivers behind the wheel of a large truck. Others will fail to communicate the proper procedures for loading cargo or maintaining the vehicle fleet. Any mistake on the trucking company’s part could mean they should be held liable for the injuries you suffered in an accident.

Call The Bruner Law Firm at (850) 769-9292 to learn more about your legal options after an accident with a truck driver. We will be happy to meet you for a free consultation to review the details of your case and determine if we can help.

Common Examples of Trucking Employer Negligence

Trucking companies must comply with various federal regulations set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and state laws enforced by the Office of Commercial Vehicle Enforcement. Violations of these rules could lead to a devastating accident with their truck driver and the occupants of another vehicle. Unfortunately, some employers place profits over safety and cut corners to make money.

The most common types of employer negligence are:

• Hiring practices – Companies that are going through the hiring process must perform background checks on new drivers to confirm licensing, qualifications, and employment history. They should also look for any criminal record, traffic citations, or prior accidents while on the job.
• Lack of training or supervision – Employers should provide adequate training to new drivers, so they can become familiar with operating a large truck and understand how to maneuver through traffic, and respond appropriately in an emergency. They should also supervise their employees to ensure compliance with trucking regulations.
• Poor maintenance and repairs – The vehicle fleet should undergo routine inspections and maintenance to keep every truck in top-notch shape. They should address defective parts or damage to the vehicle promptly. A mechanical failure could prevent the driver from having total control over the truck, leading to a crash.
• Retention issues – Staff shortages or a lack of experienced truck drivers might cause a company to keep someone employed despite their inability to perform their job. Even after discovering a driver drinks during their shift or exceeds the maximum driving hour limit, they might turn a blind eye so they can continue making money.
• Improper cargo loading – Materials transported on commercial trucks must not exceed the size and weight limits. Employers might force their drivers to load cargo beyond those limits to keep up with delivery schedules.

At The Bruner Law Firm, we’re familiar with trucking company negligence and the harm it can cause. You’ve been suffering due to someone else’s actions, and you have the right to hold them liable. Our legal team can assist you with your case and seek the maximum compensation you need to heal your injuries.

Compensation You Could Seek from the Trucking Company

You might be entitled to compensation from the trucking company’s liability insurance company; however, Florida’s no-fault rules require filing a claim with your auto insurance company first. Personal injury protection (PIP) is a form of auto insurance that compensates for an injured victim’s medical bills and lost wages, regardless of who caused the crash. The minimum required coverage limit is $10,000. When you file a claim, you could pursue compensation for your expenses up to the limit of your policy.

Since $10,000 typically isn’t adequate in covering all past and future losses after an accident involving a large truck, you will likely need to file a claim with the trucking company’s insurance company. Federal law requires minimum liability coverage for all commercial truck drivers. These liability limits depend on the weight of the vehicle and the type of cargo it’s transporting.

Filing a liability claim could compensate for more than just your medical bills and lost wages. You could also pursue:

• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Physical impairment or disfigurement
• Vehicle rental cost
• Car repair or replacement expenses

You can only file a liability claim after recovering your total PIP coverage if your injury meets the serious injury threshold:

• Permanent injury, except disfigurement or scarring;
• Significant and permanent loss of an essential bodily function;
• Permanent and significant scarring or disfigurement, or
• Death.

The Bruner Law Firm can thoroughly review every available insurance policy to determine your options for recovering compensation. You also might be able to file a lawsuit against the trucking company. We can advise the best strategy for achieving your goals.

We know you might be suffering significant financial strain since the accident and want to resolve your case as quickly as possible. You can depend on our legal team to work diligently to reach a positive outcome so you can put this traumatic experience behind you.

Speak With A Dedicated Lawyer from The Bruner Law Firm

The Bruner Law Firm has the experience, resources, and skills to assist accident victims with their cases and fight against the injustices they face. Since 1992, we have represented injured clients in Panama City and recovered millions of dollars in insurance settlements and favorable jury verdicts. You were hurt through no fault of your own and deserve the maximum available financial award.

Our reputation within the legal community has earned us awards and recognition from various organizations, such as the Million Dollar Advocates Forum and The National Trial Lawyers Top 100. We care about the clients we work with and will always treat them as a top priority. When you hire us, we will provide dependable legal services and compassionate support until the very end of your case.

If you sustained injuries in a truck accident due to employer negligence, contact The Bruner Law Firm for a free consultation. We’re available 24/7 to take your call and answer your questions. Contact us by calling (850) 769-9292 or complete our online contact form.