Truck Accident Lawyer Serving Palm Beach County’s Injured
Get an experienced attorney to protect your rights after a Florida truck wreck
Truck accidents in Palm Beach County require prompt and effective legal representation to navigate the complexities of the legal system and secure the compensation victims deserve. At The Law Offices of Casey D. Shomo, P.A. in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, Mr. Shomo is an experienced truck accident lawyer who is dedicated to advocating for victims of truck wrecks and their families. With Mr. Shomo’s experience and commitment to excellence, he strives to provide compassionate support and effective legal representation to help you achieve justice and move forward with your life after a truck wreck.
“Words can’t even describe how great this law firm is. Not only did they help me get through this tough situation, but (they) have become part of the family … Thank you Casey and Joanne!” – Caroline A.
The regulations governing commercial truck drivers and the operation of their vehicles on Florida roadways and nationwide are highly specific. As such, these rules and regulations vary from case to case and necessitate the experience of a truck accident lawyer skilled in such claims. Mr. Shomo has the knowledge, experience, and resources to assist in any such claim, providing his clients with strategic representation tailored to their individual circumstances.
Highlighting his commitment to achieving results that matter for his clients, Mr. Shomo has a stellar track record of case results, including a $8,222,467.13 outcome for a truck accident involving neck, back, and forearm injuries. Mr. Shomo also obtained a $500,000 outcome for a truck accident victim involving spinal injuries. If you were injured or a loved one died in a truck accident in Palm Beach County, let our law firm protect your rights. Contact us today for a free consultation.
“Practical, realistic but also optimistic and reassuring.” – Sharon C.H.T, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Google Average Rating: 5/5 stars, 38 reviews
Frequently asked questions about your truck accident claim
- What are the most common types of truck accidents?
- What are common truck accident injuries?
- What is the most common cause of truck accidents?
- Who can be held liable in a truck accident?
- How do you prove fault in a truck accident?
- What should I do after a truck accident to protect my claim?
- How much is my semi-truck accident lawsuit worth?
- What is the statute of limitations for filing a truck accident claim in Florida?
- How long does it take to resolve a truck accident case?
- Do truck accident cases often go to trial?
- How can I afford legal representation after a truck accident?
What are the most common types of truck accidents?
Mr. Shomo and his team have a wealth of experience dealing with a wide range of complex truck accident cases. Some of the types of truck accidents we handle include, but are not limited to:
- Jackknife Accidents: These occur when a truck’s cab and trailer fold together, often resulting in loss of control and severe collisions. Our firm understands the intricate factors involved in jackknife accidents and can navigate through the complexities to seek justice for our clients.
- Rollover Accidents: Rollover accidents involve a truck tipping onto its side or roof, leading to extensive damage and injuries. Our legal team is well-versed in investigating the causes of rollover accidents, such as speeding, improper loading, or driver negligence, to hold responsible parties accountable.
- Underride Accidents: Underride accidents happen when a smaller vehicle becomes trapped beneath the rear or side of a truck, often with catastrophic consequences. Our firm has the expertise to handle underride accident cases and pursue compensation for victims and their families.
- Tractor-Trailer Accidents: Tractor-trailer accidents involve collisions with large commercial trucks, which can cause devastating injuries and fatalities. With Mr. Shomo’s experience and dedication, our firm can effectively represent clients involved in tractor-trailer accidents and fight for their rights.
- Fatal Truck Accidents: Unfortunately, some truck accidents result in fatalities. Our compassionate legal team provides support and guidance to families who have lost loved ones in truck accidents, seeking justice and compensation on their behalf.
No matter the type of truck accident, we are committed to advocating for our clients’ rights and securing the compensation they deserve.
What are common truck accident injuries?
Due to the sheer size and weight of commercial trucks, even a seemingly minor trucking accident can lead to devastating injuries. Some of the most common truck accident injuries include:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) and Other Head Injuries: Truck accidents often result in head trauma, ranging from concussions to severe brain injuries, which can have long-term cognitive and physical effects.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: The impact of a truck collision can cause damage to the spinal cord, resulting in partial or complete paralysis, loss of sensation, and impaired mobility.
- Broken Bones and Fractures: The force of a truck accident can cause bones to break or fracture, leading to pain, limited mobility, and the need for extensive medical treatment.
- Neck and Back Injuries: Whiplash, herniated discs, and other neck and back injuries are common in truck accidents, often causing chronic pain and limitations in movement.
- Facial Injuries: Collisions with trucks can result in facial fractures, lacerations, and disfigurement, requiring reconstructive surgery and ongoing medical care.
- Cuts and Lacerations: Broken glass, sharp metal edges, and other debris in a truck accident can cause cuts and lacerations, leading to bleeding, scarring, and infection.
- Burns: In accidents involving fires or explosions, victims may suffer severe burns, which can cause excruciating pain, permanent disfigurement, and emotional trauma.
- Amputation: The force of impact in a truck accident may crush or sever limbs, necessitating surgical amputation and lifelong rehabilitation
- Internal Injuries: Blunt force trauma from a truck collision can cause damage to internal organs, leading to internal bleeding, organ failure, and other life-threatening complications.
- Paralysis: Severe spinal cord injuries in truck accidents can result in paralysis, affecting motor function and sensory perception below the injury site, profoundly impacting the victim’s quality of life.
These injuries can have long-lasting physical, emotional, and financial consequences for victims and their families. If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident in Palm Beach County, it’s essential to seek immediate medical attention and legal representation to protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.
What is the most common cause of truck accidents?
Although trucks are essential for transporting large amounts of goods for long distances, they also bring a risk to Florida’s roads. From driver error to failed mechanics, truck accidents commonly happen due to:
- Fatigue: Truck drivers face demanding schedules and long hours on the road, leading to fatigue. Fatigue impairs judgment and reaction time, increasing the risk of accidents. Our legal team investigates cases to determine if driver fatigue played a role, holding negligent parties accountable.
- Distracted Driving: Distractions like cell phone use, eating, or adjusting the radio divert a driver’s attention from the road, posing a significant risk. We scrutinize evidence to uncover instances of distracted driving and pursue compensation for victims.
- Impaired Driving: Operating a commercial vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs is illegal and extremely dangerous. Intoxicated drivers have impaired judgment and coordination, heightening the likelihood of accidents. Our firm aggressively pursues justice for victims of truck accidents caused by drunk driving.
- Speeding: Excessive speed reduces a driver’s ability to react to changing road conditions and increases the severity of collisions. We advocate for victims injured in accidents where speeding was a contributing factor, holding reckless drivers accountable for their actions.
- Poor Vehicle Maintenance: Neglected maintenance, including faulty brakes or tires, can lead to mechanical failures and accidents. We investigate maintenance records and work with experts to establish liability for accidents caused by poor vehicle maintenance.
- Overloaded Cargo: Overloading trucks beyond their weight limits compromises vehicle stability and braking ability, making accidents more likely. Our legal team fights for compensation for victims harmed by accidents caused by overloaded cargo, holding negligent parties responsible for their actions.
Who can be held liable in a truck accident?
Truck accidents can involve many parties, making it tricky to figure out who’s responsible. From the trucking company to the manufacturer, different people or companies might share the blame. It’s important to find all the responsible parties to get the most compensation and make sure those who acted carelessly are held accountable, including but not limited to:
- The Trucking Company: The trucking company employing the driver may be held liable for negligent hiring, training, or supervision practices.
- The Owner of the Truck: If the truck is owned by an individual or entity separate from the trucking company, they may share liability for maintenance or operation issues.
- The Owner of the Trailer: Similarly, the owner of the trailer may be held responsible for maintenance or safety violations related to the trailer’s operation.
- The Company Responsible for Loading the Trailer: Improper loading or securing of cargo can contribute to accidents, and the company responsible for loading the trailer may be liable for negligence.
- The Truck Manufacturer: Defective truck parts or design flaws can lead to accidents, holding the manufacturer liable for resulting injuries or damages.
- Another Driver or Party Involved in the Crash: If another driver’s actions contribute to the accident, they may be held liable for their share of responsibility.
How do you prove fault in a truck accident?
To have a strong truck accident lawsuit, you’ll need to establish clear fault. This process includes examining the official police accident report, interviewing eyewitnesses, analyzing data from the truck’s “black box,” reviewing the truck driver’s hours of service, and investigating the trucking company.
By consulting with truck accident reconstruction experts, you can piece together what happened and determine who is responsible. Here’s how the process works:
- Launching an Investigation Into Your Truck Accident: Immediately after the accident, it’s crucial to start gathering evidence to support your claim.
- Studying the Official Police Accident Report: The police report provides valuable information about the accident, including details about the vehicles involved, road conditions, and any citations issued.
- Finding and Interviewing Witnesses: Eyewitness testimony can provide crucial insight into how the accident occurred and who was at fault.
- Examining the 18-Wheeler’s “Black Box” Data: The black box, also known as the electronic control module (ECM), records important data such as vehicle speed, braking, and engine performance leading up to the accident.
- Reviewing the Truck Driver’s Hours of Service: Truck drivers are subject to federal regulations that limit the number of hours they can drive. Reviewing their logbooks can reveal if they violated these regulations and potentially contributed to the accident.
- Consulting with Truck Accident Reconstruction Experts: These experts use specialized knowledge and techniques to reconstruct the accident and determine how it occurred, providing valuable insight into liability.
What should I do after a truck accident to protect my claim?
After a truck accident, taking the right steps can help you build a strong claim and fast-track your recovery. Here’s what you should do:
- Call 911 and seek medical attention: Report the truck accident and get medical care, even if injuries seem minor. A medical record can link your injuries to the crash.
- Document the crash scene: Take photos and videos of vehicle damage, skid marks, road conditions, and visible injuries.
- Get witness information: Collect names and contact details of any witnesses who saw the truck accident. Their statements can support your claim.
- Exchange information: Get the truck driver’s name, employer, insurance details, and license plate number. Also, note the trucking company name and DOT number from the truck.
- Never admit fault: Avoid discussing fault with the driver, police, or insurance adjusters. Stick to the facts when making statements.
- Request a police report: Ask police officers how to obtain a copy of the crash report, which may contain key details about fault.
- Preserve evidence: Keep copies of medical records, repair estimates, and any communication with insurance companies.
- Avoid quick settlement offers: Trucking companies and insurance companies may offer low settlements early on to limit their financial obligations. Don’t accept anything without legal advocacy.
- Speak to a Palm Beach County truck accident lawyer: An experienced Palm Beach County truck accident attorney at The Law Offices of Casey D. Shomo can investigate, gather evidence, and negotiate for maximum compensation.
How much is my semi-truck accident lawsuit worth?
The value of your trucking lawsuit depends on the severity of your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and the extent of the truck driver’s or trucking company’s negligence.
A truck accident settlement or verdict can range from tens of thousands to several million dollars, especially if the crash resulted in catastrophic injuries or wrongful death. Since trucking companies and their insurance providers aggressively fight claims, it’s important to let an experienced Palm Beach County truck accident lawyer help maximize your compensation.
What is the statute of limitations for filing a truck accident claim in Florida?
In Florida, the statute of limitations for truck injury claims is generally four years from the date of the crash. However, for wrongful death claims, the period is typically two years from the date of death. It’s best to file your claim as quickly as possible. As evidence disappears and witnesses lose their memories of what they saw, it can become more difficult to prove your case. Once you file, The Law Offices of Casey D. Shomo will get the wheels in motion on your case, starting with a thorough investigation.
How long does it take to resolve a truck accident case?
The duration of a truck accident case varies based on the severity of your injuries and the willingness of parties to settle. Some cases may resolve in a few months, while others could take years, especially if they proceed to trial or when fault is disputed.
The best thing you can do is remain patient and let our law firm work for you. We’ll work tirelessly to resolve your case as quickly as possible while ensuring you receive maximum compensation.
Do truck accident cases often go to trial?
Many truck accident cases in Florida are settled out of court through negotiations. However, if a fair settlement can’t be reached, proceeding to trial may be necessary to secure appropriate compensation.
The Law Offices of Casey D. Shomo prepares every truck accident case as if it will go to trial. We have the resources, experience, and litigation skills necessary to take on large trucking companies and their insurers in the courtroom.
How can I afford legal representation after a truck accident?
Our Palm Beach County law firm understands that truck accident victims often face overwhelming medical expenses and financial hardships, which is why we handle cases on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay nothing upfront, and our firm only gets paid if we win your case.
Our fees are a percentage of the compensation we obtain for you, so there are no out-of-pocket costs or financial risks when hiring us. This allows you to focus on recovery while we fight for the maximum compensation you deserve. If we don’t win, you owe us nothing – it’s that simple.
How a truck accident attorney in Palm Beach Gardens can help
When you’re dealing with the aftermath of a truck wreck in Palm Beach County, having a truck accident attorney by your side can make all the difference in the outcome of your case.
At The Law Offices of Casey D. Shomo, P.A., our law firm has extensive experience helping victims of truck accidents. Mr. Shomo and his compassionate and experienced team are here to support you every step of the way. We understand how challenging this time can be, and we will do everything possible to help you find your way forward. If you’ve been injured in a truck accident, don’t hesitate to reach out to us for a free consultation. We can help you obtain the justice and financial compensation you deserve.
“Practical, realistic but also optimistic and reassuring.” – Sharon C.H.T