What to Do After a Truck Accident in Boca Raton
In the seconds after a truck crash, adrenaline takes over. It's normal to feel overwhelmed. But the steps you take (or ask someone to help you) can play a big role in your physical and financial recovery.
If you're able to do so safely, try to follow these steps at the scene:
- Call 911. Let the dispatcher know there's been a collision involving a commercial vehicle. An officer's police report will help document key details and support any legal claim later on.
- Take photos and video. You'll want images of injuries, vehicle damage, road debris, skid marks, and the truck's license or door number. If there are security cameras nearby, make a note as they may have valuable footage.
- Speak with witnesses. Ask for their names and contact information. If possible, encourage them to stay and speak with the police. Independent third-party accounts can make a big difference.
- Get medical attention. Try to go straight to the hospital from the scene if you can, but don't wait more than 24 hours. Many symptoms, like head or spine injuries, don't surface right away.
Then, as soon as possible:
- Avoid giving detailed statements to the insurer. Stick to the facts. The trucking company's insurance representative may try to record your call or offer an early settlement before you know the full extent of the damage.
- Call a truck accident lawyer in Boca Raton. The sooner you get legal help, the better protected you'll be against lowball offers or costly missteps. Your attorney can begin preserving evidence, collecting records, and communicating directly with the insurance carrier.
Truck accidents aren't like typical car crashes. Commercial vehicles are backed by teams of lawyers and insurance reps from the moment the collision happens. Knowing what steps to take early on can help protect you from being taken advantage of.
What Causes Truck Crashes in Boca Raton?
Trucks take up more space, carry more weight, and require more time to stop. It usually doesn't end well for the people in the smaller vehicle when something goes wrong.
Some of the most common causes of truck crashes in the Boca Raton area include:
- Fatigue. Long shifts without proper rest make it harder to react in time.
- Improper loading. Loose, unbalanced, or overweight cargo can cause a truck to tip or lose control.
- Brake failure. Equipment that hasn't been maintained can limit stopping power.
- Speeding. Trucks that go too fast for conditions are harder to keep in a lane or bring to a stop.
- Distracted driving. Phones, cabin controls, and onboard devices pull attention off the road.
- Poor maneuvers. Wide turns and abrupt lane changes can trap nearby vehicles with no way to avoid contact.
- Tire blowouts. Worn or underinflated tires are more likely to fail in traffic.
- Blind spots. Large trucks have gaps in visibility that make it easy to miss smaller vehicles nearby.
- Inexperience. A driver without proper training may not know how to handle pressure or avoid mistakes.
Every factor listed relates to a person or company that had a responsibility to keep others safe. A Boca Raton truck accident lawyer can help trace where that responsibility was lost and how it led to the crash.
What Kinds of Injuries Happen in Boca Raton Truck Accidents?
Truck collisions tend to do more damage than other roadway crashes. Injuries from truck accidents are often severe and may involve multiple parts of the body. In more serious cases, they require long-term care or result in permanent disability.
Common injuries in Boca Raton truck crashes include:
Even if you feel okay right after the crash, symptoms can take time to appear. Don't give a recorded statement to the trucking company's insurance adjuster until you've seen a doctor and spoken with someone who understands how these cases work.
What Trucking Laws Apply in Boca Raton?
Certain rules must be followed before a truck hits the road in South Florida. These laws come from federal regulations and state guidelines meant to keep people safe.
Some of the most important rules that can apply in a Boca Raton truck accident case include:
- Load weight limits. Most commercial trucks are limited to 80,000 pounds without a special permit. Exceeding that weight puts added strain on tires and brakes, especially in stop-and-go traffic or during bad weather.
- Hours-of-service limits. Federal law caps a driver's shift at 11 hours behind the wheel within a 14-hour work window. Rest breaks are also mandatory. When companies ignore these rules, driver fatigue becomes a real risk.
- Routine maintenance. Trucks must be regularly inspected and serviced, such as brakes, tires, lights, and steering systems. Problems with any of these can make it harder for the driver to avoid a crash.
- Hazardous materials transport. Trucks carrying fuel, chemicals, or other dangerous cargo must follow special safety protocols. These include placards, protective equipment, and driver-specific training.
These rules exist for a reason. If a trucking company skips a step or cuts corners to deliver faster, and that decision leads to a crash, it may be fully or partially at fault.
Injured in a crash involving a commercial vehicle? You may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and other damages. Call (561) 293-2600 to speak with a Boca Raton truck accident attorney at Osborne & Francis, or contact us online to schedule your free case evaluation.
Accountability Matters in Trucking Accident Cases—So Do the Results
Compensation after a truck accident shouldn't just cover bills. It should reflect the impact on your body, time, and everything in your life that changed because someone else didn't do their job.
Osborne & Francis has recovered significant results in complex truck crash cases throughout Florida, including these:
Rear-End Crash at a Red Light
Settlement: $7.5 Million
A commercial vehicle slammed into a stopped pickup truck in traffic. Our client suffered multiple fractures and a traumatic brain injury. The funds help support his ongoing medical needs and secure his family's future.
Improper Lane Change by Cement Truck
Settlement: $985,000
A large truck sideswiped a smaller vehicle while merging. Neck and lower back injuries led to spinal fusion surgery. The recovery helped cover treatment, time off work, and long-term recovery support.
Fatal Storm Crash Involving Semi
Settlement: $1 Million
A 38-year-old woman was killed when a semi-truck lost control in winter weather. Onboard data showed the driver failed to adjust speed. Her family secured the answers and resolution they needed to move forward.
Each of these outcomes tells a bigger story. If you're trying to rebuild your life after a serious truck crash, the numbers need to reflect everything you've been through. A recent Martindale-Nolo survey found that people who worked with a truck accident attorney in Boca Raton received higher settlements than those who handled claims without legal help.
What Type of Damages Can I Receive from a Semi-Truck Accident Claim?
The impact of a truck accident can last long after the vehicles are removed from the road. A serious injury may affect your ability to work, support your family, or manage basic activities without help. Through a personal injury claim, you can seek compensation for these losses.
Three main types of damages may apply in your case:
Economic Damages
These reflect the direct financial costs caused by the accident. Common examples include:
- Medical bills, including emergency care, hospital stays, follow-up visits, and surgery
- Future medical treatment or long-term care
- Physical therapy or rehabilitation services
- Prescription medication and medical devices
- In-home care or home modifications for mobility
- Lost income from missed work
- Reduced earning capacity if your injuries limit future employment
- Vehicle repair or replacement
If a family member takes time off work to assist with your recovery, that impact may also be considered.
Noneconomic Damages
These damages cover losses that are not easily measured with receipts but are no less real. They may include:
- Pain and suffering
- Mental or emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Disability or disfigurement
- Loss of companionship or consortium
The goal is to account for the setbacks in your personal life, not just your financial ones.
Punitive Damages
In rare but serious cases, the court may award punitive damages. These are not tied to your direct losses but are intended to punish the trucking company or driver when their negligence crosses a certain line. For example, punitive damages may apply if a company repeatedly violates safety rules or puts unqualified drivers on the road.
"A truck crash isn't just a legal case. It's usually the worst day of someone's life. We keep that in mind with every call, every document, and every decision we make."
—Greg Francis | Osborne & Francis Partner
How Osborne & Francis Can Help After a Truck Accident
Every truck accident case starts with a conversation. Before we dive into paperwork, records, or formal claims, we focus on what matters most—how your life has changed and what it will take to move forward.
From there, we move quickly to secure critical evidence and prevent anything from slipping through the cracks.
Here's what we do to build a strong case on your behalf:
- Collect inspection reports, maintenance logs, and onboard electronic data to understand exactly how the truck operated during the crash.
- Review time logs, dispatch records, and training certifications to pinpoint negligence that may date back to before the collision.
- Look beyond the driver. Negligence often extends to freight loaders, maintenance vendors, or corporate scheduling teams.
- Document your medical recovery, wage history, and lifestyle changes to show the accident's full impact on your physical and financial well-being.
Florida law gives you two years from the date of a truck accident to file a personal injury claim. That deadline does not pause while you recover or wait for the insurance process to play out. The earlier you act, the easier it is to gather reliable evidence and hold the proper parties accountable.
Proudly Serving Boca Raton Residents
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