If you or a loved one has been involved in a Mack truck accident in Fort Lauderdale, it is crucial to seek legal assistance from experienced attorneys who specialize in truck accident cases. At Rosen Injury Firm, our team of dedicated lawyers has extensive experience in handling complex Fort Lauderdale truck accident cases, including those involving Mack trucks. We understand the devastating consequences of such accidents and are committed to helping you secure the compensation you deserve.
Understanding Mack Truck Accidents
Mack trucks are large, heavy vehicles that can cause significant damage and injuries in the event of an accident. The causes of Mack truck accidents can vary, but common factors include driver negligence, mechanical failures, and poor road conditions. Our Fort Lauderdale accident attorneys at Rosen Injury Firm are well-versed in the specific regulations and laws governing truck accidents in Florida and can help you navigate the legal process to hold the responsible parties accountable.
Many people use the term ‘Mack truck’ for any tractor-trailer they see on the roads and highways. Truthfully, many times, they are often correct, but that is sometimes not the case. Since the start of the 20th century, Mack has been one of the leading manufacturers of big rigs, and you likely see one any time you head out on the roads.
Like other commercial vehicles, Mack trucks are an important part of the economy in Fort Lauderdale. Unfortunately, as they share the road with other drivers, they are not always operated safely. Mack trucks are just as likely to become involved in a crash as any other vehicle, but unlike those crashes, the injuries are much more severe. A Fort Lauderdale Mack truck accident lawyer can help you claim the compensation necessary for your recovery.
Dangers Associated With Mack Truck Design and Powertrain
Mack trucks are built to move massive loads with incredible force. They are known for their torque-heavy engines, durable frames, and ability to haul in tough conditions. That power comes with risks, especially when these trucks are used in places with tighter traffic patterns or unexpected obstacles.
Engine Torque and Acceleration Control in Stop-and-Go Zones
Mack trucks are built for strength, not subtlety. Their engines deliver serious torque, which can cause a lurch or sudden jump forward when the driver accelerates. That might be fine on an open highway, but in a parking lot, loading zone, or busy intersection, it creates real risk. These trucks take more time and space to react smoothly, especially at low speeds.
We have seen crashes happen in crowded spaces where a driver tried to ease forward but ended up moving too fast. The weight of the vehicle and the power behind it make those small mistakes far more dangerous. These incidents are not always about carelessness. Sometimes, they are about trucks being used in environments that demand precision they were not built for.
Elevated Cabs and Visibility Challenges in Tight Urban Areas
Mack trucks are designed with high cabs to give drivers a better road view. While that helps on open stretches, it can be a disadvantage in tighter areas. The height of the cab, the angle of the A-pillars, and the size of the mirrors can all create blind spots, especially when turning or backing up near smaller vehicles, bikes, or pedestrians.
Even with mirrors and added safety tools, drivers often have to rely on memory or instinct when maneuvering in city traffic. That can lead to collisions that happen simply because the driver cannot see what was in the blind zone. We look at how these visibility challenges may have played a role in what happened and whether better equipment or planning could have prevented the crash.
Signs a Mack Truck Is Being Operated Beyond Its Limits
Some Mack trucks are pushed harder than they were built to handle. Steep hills, sharp turns, and overloaded trailers can all increase the chances of something going wrong. Here are a few signs that a truck may have been used in a way that puts others at risk:
- Trailer mismatch or over-length hauling
- Repeated gear grinding or clutch slippage
- Excessive smoke under moderate load
- Engine stalling during low-speed turns
- Shaking cab during uphill climbs
- Overly wide turns into narrow city streets
- Suspension leaning on curves
- Missing safety decals or altered load capacity stickers
Running a truck outside of its limits is not just hard on the equipment. It is a form of negligence that can lead to serious crashes. Our firm looks at route data, loading patterns, and assignment records to understand how the truck was being used and whether the company made the right calls.
Corporate Oversight Failures in Mack Truck Fleet Programs
Many Mack trucks on the road today are part of large private fleets run by corporations, cities, or industrial contractors. These fleet programs often try to cut costs by skipping over safety steps that should never be ignored. The issues below are examples of what happens when accountability slips and safety gets pushed aside.
In-House Maintenance Without OEM Certification
Some companies choose to handle their own maintenance instead of going through certified repair shops. When that happens, trucks may be serviced by techs who are not trained to work on specific systems or use the right parts, as required under 49 CFR § 396.3. That can lead to mistakes like missing software updates, installing incorrect components, or skipping critical inspections.
Driver Fatigue and Scheduling Pressure in Fleet Settings
In many fleets, the pressure to hit delivery goals or meet tight schedules gets passed down to the drivers. Some are pushed to drive extra shifts or take longer routes without proper breaks. This kind of pressure makes it easy for fatigue to set in and puts everyone on the road at risk.
Our Fort Lauderdale Mack Truck Accident Lawyer Can Determine if Defective Parts Caused the Crash
It is easy to assume that truck accidents are caused by the negligent actions or inactions of the truck driver. While this is certainly true in many cases, other times, the trucking manufacturer can be held liable. One of these times is when the company manufactured and sold a defective truck or a defective truck part. All manufacturers are required to ensure their products are safe, and that includes producers of commercial trucks such as Mack. Some of the most common defects in Mack truck parts include:
- Axles
- Brakes
- Steering systems
- Gearshifts
- Coupling devices
- Wheels and tires
Any time an accident is caused by a defective auto part, it is the manufacturer that is liable and not the driver. Florida is a strict liability state when it comes to defective parts, which means you do not have to prove the manufacturer was negligent. You simply must show that a part on the truck was defective and that you sustained injuries as a result. Unfortunately, it is not always easy to determine when a crash was caused by a defective part. A Fort Lauderdale Mack truck accident lawyer will investigate the crash to determine how the collision occurred.
Steps to Take After a Mack Truck Accident
If you have been involved in a Mack truck accident in Fort Lauderdale, it is important to take immediate action to protect your rights. Here are some steps to follow:
- Seek Medical Attention: Ensure that you receive medical treatment for any injuries sustained in the accident.
- Document the Accident: Take photos and gather information about the accident scene, including the vehicles involved and any witnesses.
- Contact the Police: Report the accident to the authorities to ensure that a formal record is created.
- Consult with an Attorney: Reach out to a Fort Lauderdale personal injury lawyer to discuss your case and understand your legal options.
Our Fort Lauderdale Mack Truck Accident Lawyer Will Help You Claim Full Compensation
Any accident involving a Mack truck will result in serious injuries that are often devastating and long-lasting. These include traumatic brain injuries, paralysis, and amputation. Some common types of compensation sought in Mack truck accident claims are as follows:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Past and future lost wages, benefits, and bonuses
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional trauma
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
- Wrongful death
Just as it is difficult to determine what caused your crash, it is also challenging for people to evaluate their own claim. A lawyer will evaluate all of your losses so you can recover the fair settlement you are entitled to.
Why Choose Rosen Injury Firm?
At Rosen Injury Firm, we have a proven track record of success in handling truck accident cases in Fort Lauderdale. Our attorneys are committed to providing personalized attention to each client, ensuring that you receive the highest level of legal representation. We work tirelessly to gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and advocate for your rights in court to ensure that you receive fair compensation for your injuries and losses.
Consult with a Mack Truck Accident Lawyer in Fort Lauderdale Today
The aftermath of a Mack truck accident is extremely scary. At Rosen Injury Law, P.A., our Fort Lauderdale Mack truck accident lawyer will stand by you, protect your rights, and help you claim the full compensation you need during this difficult time. Call us today at 954-787-1500 or contact us online to schedule a free case review.