Fort Lauderdale Car Accident Attorney

Whether commuting to and from work or running daily errands, traffic congestion means more frequently occurring automobile accidents. Cell phones and other distractions, driving while overly tired, exceeding the speed limit, disobeying traffic signals, and reckless or aggressive drivers can cause a motor vehicle accident. The results of a collision can be serious for victims and their families. Emergency medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, even disability and death can be the unfortunate results of a collision.

Automobile Accidents

Automobiles kill more people each year in the United States than any other single consumer product. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, an automobile accident is reported to the police every 5 seconds, a person is injured in an automobile accident approximately every 10 seconds, and every hour nearly 5 deaths are caused by an automobile accident. Tragically, ever year in the United States, an estimated 42,000 people lose their lives because of automobile accidents. Although various common-law rules, state statutes and federal regulations may apply, automobile accident cases typically rest upon whether negligent behavior contributed to the accident.

If you or a loved one has been injured due to the carelessness, negligence or irresponsible driving of an automobile, you may have a valid personal injury claim. Fortunately, our legal system allows recovery for your losses, including hospital and medical expenses, loss of income, emotional distress, pain and suffering and other potential damages. However, there are limitations on the time in which such claims may be brought. Accordingly, if you or someone you know has been injured in an automobile accident it is important that you seek competent legal representation.

Bicycle Accidents

Bicycle accidents caused by a negligent driver of a motor vehicle can occur in various different manners, including, the driver encroaching into the bike lane, making a right turn, pulling out from a side road, alley or driveway, or by the opening of the vehicle's door, and can result in serious injury or even possible death. Not surprisingly, there are unique issues concerning bicycles that require specific experience and expertise. For example, liability may turn on issues such as accident reconstruction, roadway design and bike design. In many cases, expert testimony is required to establish liability. Thus, it is crucial that injured bicyclists seek the advice of an experienced and aggressive team of attorneys.

Bus Accidents

Bus accidents can and often do result in serious injury or death. As common carriers, buses owe a heightened standard of care to passengers, other drivers and pedestrians to drive safely. If you or a love one has been injured in a bus accident, either as a passenger, pedestrian, or driver or passenger of another vehicle involved in a bus accident, you may have a personal injury claim to recover your loss. Because many bus companies are public entities, claims for damages can be complex because of the special rules and strict time limitations that apply to governmental entities. Thus, if you or someone you know has been injured in an accident involving a bus it is important that you seek competent legal representation.

Motorcycle Accidents

When motorcycle accidents occur, the results can be devastating. Riding a motorcycle poses serious risks-without the physical protection cars may offer. Motorcyclists are more susceptible to serious injury posed by other drivers, defective roadway design, harsh weather conditions, and product defects. Victims may sustain broken limbs, road rash, traumatic brain injuries, and other harm, including death. If motorcyclists do survive their crashes, they may face large medical bills, job loss, permanent disability, and other hardships. High medical expenses and emotional strain can be overwhelming for patients and their families.

According to recent statistics, over 80% of all multi-vehicle accidents that involve a motorcycle are not the motorcyclist's fault. More often than not, the injuries sustained by motorcyclists are the result of an inattentive automobile driver or trucker who fail to see the biker, turn directly in front of the bike, or follow too closely and collide with the back of the motorcycle.

Unfortunately, motorcyclists are often ignored by attorneys and are rarely afforded the same attention as other potential clients - in the past, most people assumed that if a biker was injured in an accident it was most likely the biker's fault. In addition to the negligence of another driver, other conditions, such as the condition of the roadway, highway maintenance, defective motorcycle design, negligent motorcycle repair work, may have caused or contributed to the incident. Sadly, injuries suffered by motorcyclists can be catastrophic and result in traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, paralysis, or even death. Thus, it is crucial that injured motorcyclists seek the advice of an experienced and aggressive team of attorneys.

Trucking Accidents

Greater interstate commerce coupled with Southern Florida?s congested freeways has lead to a significant increase in motor vehicle accidents involving large trucks, semis and 18-wheelers. Given their size, it not surprising that collisions caused by the trucker's negligence frequently leads to devastating and catastrophic injuries. In fact, death results in an estimated 10% of all persons involved in a trucking accident. Moreover, large trucks are more likely to be involved in multiple-vehicle crashes than are passenger cars. In many cases, poor equipment and driver fatigue can be a cause of trucking accidents. As such, proof of the trucker's negligence may hinge upon a careful analysis of the trucking company's records.

Fortunately, there are many state laws and federal regulations that provide strict guidelines for the operation of large trucks and apply to protect motorists from the negligence of truck drivers and trucking companies. For example, federal and state laws require truckers to have adequate rest to prevent trucker fatigue on the highway. Additionally, other specific rules and regulations governing large trucks include guidelines for proper loading of materials, regulated traveling speeds, necessary safety precautions when passing other vehicles, and many more safety related procedures. Additionally, many modern trucks have devices that allow for the reconstruction of a truck driver's actions before an impact and all truckers are required to keep logs of their time.

Trucking accident cases can be difficult to prove. In addition to compiling an accurate investigation and complete record of the facts surrounding the accident, the police report and witness accounts may be critical at trial. Furthermore, expert testimony and accident reconstruction simulations may be necessary to establish the negligent conduct of the truck driver. Ultimately, the success of any serious large truck accident case requires the immediate retention of an aggressive and dedicated team of attorneys. Accordingly, if you or someone you know has been injured in an accident involving a large truck it is important that you seek competent legal representation.

In each of the above cases, it is essential that immediate actions be taken to preserve evidence, investigate the facts, properly treat all injuries, and allow experts to thoroughly evaluate all injuries and the accident. At the Law Offices of Bechert & Associates we are committed to assisting the injured victims of motor vehicle accidents. If you or a loved one has been involved in a motor vehicle accident, please contact our firm immediately.