What to Know About Truck Accidents and Product Liability Claims in Florida
Were you hurt in a semi-truck accident in Florida? If the crash was caused or made worse by a vehicle defect—or with the tractor trailer or your car―you may have a product liability claim. In Florida, manufacturers have a responsibility to ensure that products are properly tested and reasonably safe for consumers. Here, our West Palm Beach truck accident lawyer provides an overview of tractor trailer crashes and product liability laws in Florida.
How Product Liability is Determined in Florida
Manufacturers, distributors, and other corporations in the chain of production have a responsibility to ensure that their products are reasonably safe. Carmakers, truck makers, and auto parts manufacturers are no exception. They can be held liable for harm caused by dangerous and defective products. Under Florida law (Florida Statutes § 768.81(d)), a product liability claim is a type of claim for harm “caused by the manufacture, construction, design, formulation, installation, preparation, or assembly of a product.”
Manufacturers Can Be Held Strictly Liable for a Dangerous and Defective Product
Florida follows a strict liability standard for defective product claims. Under Florida product liability law, a manufacturer, distributor, or seller can be held liable for injuries caused by a defective product without requiring the injured party to prove negligence. In other words, a manufacturer can be held liable through a product liability claim if:
- They were responsible for a product defect; and
- The defect contributed to the victim’s truck accident injuries.
Know the Deadline: Two-Year Statute of Limitations
Product liability lawsuits for a truck accident are time-sensitive. It is imperative that you take a proactive approach. Under Florida law, there is a two-year statute of limitations. If you do not bring a claim in a timely manner, you may not be able to hold a manufacturer responsible for a crash harmed or made worse by a product defect.
Note: In Florida, there is also a 12-year statute of repose for products with an expected useful life of 10 years or more.
Recovering Compensation for a Truck Accident Through a Product Liability Claim
Through a product liability claim in Florida, truck accident victims have the right to seek compensation for the full extent of their damages, including non-economic losses. Our West Palm Beach, FL truck accident lawyers are committed to helping injured victims maximize their recovery. Along with other damages, you may be able to recover for:
- Property loss, including vehicle repairs;
- Emergency medical services;
- Hospital bills and other medical costs;
- Rehabilitative health support;
- Loss of current and future wages;
- Pain and suffering & mental distress; and
- Wrongful death of a family member.
Schedule a Free Consultation With Our West Palm Beach Truck Accident Attorney Today
At Pike & Lustig, LLP, our West Palm Beach semi-truck accident lawyers are skilled, experienced advocates for justice. If you have any questions or concerns about product liability claims and truck accidents, please do not hesitate to contact us today. Initial consultations are free. Our firm represents truck accident victims in West Palm Beach, Miami, and throughout South Florida.
