Man Killed in Semi-Truck Accident in Hialeah Gardens
On July 28th, 2024, NBC 6 South Florida reported that a man was killed in a tragic collision with a tractor trailer. The crash happened on US 27, south of NW 138th Street in Hialeah Gardens. Officers from the Florida Highway Patrol confirmed the wreck happened in the early morning hours. The driver of a pick up truck was pronounced dead at the scene.
Unfortunately, semi-truck accidents are disproportionately likely to cause fatalities. Approximately three-quarters of the people killed in semi-truck accidents nationwide were outside of the truck (occupants of other vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists, etc). Here, our Miami semi-truck accident attorneys explain your rights and options if your family member was killed in a crash in Florida.
A Fatal Truck Accident Requires a Thorough Investigation
All serious commercial truck accidents require a thorough investigation. You cannot rely on any insurance company for a fair, impartial investigation. A Miami wrongful death lawyer with experience handling truck accident cases can help. Most often, the investigation involves collecting evidence from the accident scene, including photographs, police reports, and witness statements.
Surviving Family Members May Have a Civil Wrongful Death Claim
In Florida, surviving family members may be entitled to file a wrongful death claim after a fatal truck accident. A wrongful death case is a type of civil claim that is designed to seek justice and compensation for the losses suffered by the surviving family members. These are complicated cases.
Truck Accident Wrongful Death Claim Must Be Filed By Personal Representative
Sadly, not every person who was close to a truck accident victim has the right to file a civil wrongful death lawsuit. In Florida, a wrongful death claim must be filed by the personal representative of the deceased’s estate. The representative can be named in the deceased’s will or, if no valid will exists, he or she will be appointed by the court. The personal representative acts on behalf of all beneficiaries of the estate—which typically includes family members and other dependents (spouse, children, parents, etc).
An Overview of Wrongful Death Compensation in Florida
No amount of financial compensation can ever make up for the loss of a loved one to a fatal semi-truck accident. At the same time, the family members of truck accident victims in Florida need the maximum financial support. Civil wrongful death compensation may include both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages include medical bills incurred prior to death, funeral and burial costs, and loss of the deceased’s expected earnings. Non-economic damages may cover loss of love, loss of companionship, loss of consortium, and loss of parental guidance.
Speak to Our Miami, FL Semi-Truck Accident Lawyer Today
At Pike & Lustig, LLP, our Miami trucking accident attorney fights tirelessly to protect the rights of victims and families. If your family member was killed in a wreck with a commercial truck, we are here as a legal resource. Contact us today for a free, confidential consultation. Our firm handles truck accident wrongful death cases in Miami and throughout all of South Florida.
Source:
nbcmiami.com/news/local/man-killed-in-hialeah-gardens-crash-involving-tractor-trailer/3374063/
