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If a construction truck hits your car in Miami, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and losses. Truck accident laws allow accident victims to pursue damages from liable parties, and that includes crashes caused by construction trucks.
The legal process after such a crash is different from a standard car accident as it often involves multiple liable parties, commercial insurance policies, and Florida-specific rules.
To successfully recover damages after the accident, you need to understand how these incidents happen, what steps to take afterward, and how fault is determined – things that our Miami truck accident attorney can help you with.
Causes of Construction Trucks Hitting Cars in Miami
Construction trucks are crucial when transporting materials, hauling debris, or assisting in roadwork and infrastructure projects. These large vehicles, when not operated properly or maintained well, pose a high risk to smaller vehicles sharing the road.
Some of the most common causes behind construction truck-related crashes include:
Driver Inattention or Fatigue
Long hours on the job site or on the road can lead to fatigue, reducing reaction time and awareness. When operators of large construction trucks fail to pay attention, the risk of hitting nearby vehicles increases significantly.
Improper Lane Changes or Wide Turns
Construction vehicles often have large blind spots and require wide turning radiuses. Failing to signal or check blind spots can cause the truck to sideswipe a car or swing into another lane.
Unsecured Loads or Equipment Failures
Improperly secured materials or malfunctioning equipment can fall off a construction truck or cause it to become unstable. This can lead to collisions with surrounding vehicles.
Brake Failures and Mechanical Issues
Due to their size and usage, construction trucks require regular maintenance. Worn-out brakes, tire blowouts, and other mechanical failures can prevent a driver from stopping in time to avoid a crash.
Negligent Construction Companies
Sometimes the fault lies with the construction company that hired unqualified drivers, failed to maintain their vehicles, or neglected to follow safety protocols on public roads.
Crashes in Construction Zones
Road construction often reroutes or narrows traffic lanes. If proper signage or traffic control is missing, accidents involving construction trucks are more likely. For more details on construction-related crashes, see crashes in construction zones.
Understanding the cause of a construction truck hitting a car is critical because it determines who can be held responsible.
What Are My Options After a Construction Truck Hit My Car in Miami?
When a construction truck hits a car, victims typically have several options to recover compensation, depending on the severity of vehicle damage and injuries, the type of insurance coverage available, and who was at fault.
Personal Injury Protection Coverage
Florida follows a no-fault insurance system, meaning your own Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage should pay for up to $10,000 in medical expenses and lost wages, regardless of who caused the crash. But this coverage is often limited and doesn’t apply to property damage.
Property Damage Liability Claims
If the construction truck driver or their employer is at fault, you can file a claim against their property damage liability insurance to cover vehicle repairs or total loss.
Bodily Injury Claims for Serious Injuries
Aside from car damage, if your injuries meet Florida’s “serious injury” threshold, you may step outside the no-fault system and file a personal injury claim directly against the at-fault driver or company.
Claims Against Multiple Parties
Many construction truck accidents involve more than one liable party.
This can include:
- The truck driver
- The construction company
- A third-party contractor
- The vehicle maintenance provider
- The municipality (if poor road signage contributed)
An experienced truck accident attorney in Miami can help identify all parties involved and file claims accordingly. If a fair settlement is not offered by insurers, you can file a lawsuit in civil court.
What Should I Do After a Construction Truck Hit My Car in Miami?
What you do in the minutes, hours, and days following the crash can greatly affect your injury claim.
Here are the most important steps to take:
1. Report the Crash
Always report the incident to law enforcement. A Miami police report can serve as a critical piece of evidence, especially when dealing with commercial drivers or construction companies.
2. Get Immediate Medical Attention
Even if you feel fine, symptoms of injuries like concussions or internal trauma may not appear right away. Seeking prompt medical care also creates a record of your injuries.
3. Take Photos and Videos at the Scene
Document the damage to both vehicles, the position of the truck, skid marks, nearby signage (or lack thereof), and any injuries you sustained.
4. Collect Information
Get the name, license number, and employer information of the truck driver. If possible, collect contact details of witnesses as well.
5. Preserve All Evidence
Keep all accident evidence, such as bills, receipts, medical records, and insurance correspondence. Save personal items, as they may be used to support your claim.
6. Avoid Giving Recorded Statements
Insurance adjusters may try to get you to make recorded statements early on. Politely decline until you have consulted with an attorney.
Consulting a truck accident attorney early in the process ensures your rights are protected and that you don’t settle for less than your case is worth. To learn more about how an attorney can support your case, see what truck accident lawyers do.
Get a Lawyer After a Construction Truck Hit Your Car in Miami
Having your car hit by a construction truck in Miami can also result in injuries. Car repairs, medical bills, time off work, and ongoing pain can upend your life in an instant. When the responsible parties and their insurers don’t step up, you have the right to take legal action.
At The Morgan Law Group, our accident attorneys in Miami will give you access to legal professionals who understand how to handle construction vehicle claims, negotiate with commercial insurers, and pursue litigation when necessary.
Call us today at (305) 504-7642 or contact us using our online form for a free case evaluation after your car got hit by a construction truck at our office in Miami.
