Law Offices of Theodore H. Enfield, P.A.

Truck Accidents: Why Hire a Lawyer

Posted on June 28, 2020 by Andrew Enfield

There are very specific rules about operating a big rig and other types of large commercial trucks. Anyone involved in an accident that includes one of those vehicles should immediately hire a lawyer that has experience in that type of litigation. The injuries sustained during an accident involving a truck can be catastrophic for the victim and result in permanent disability or even death.

Regulations for commercial trucks are set forth by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and the state of Florida. During investigations into truck accidents, it’s often discovered that the trucking company was in violation of regulations and can be held accountable. The following are the most common violations.

Cargo Overload/Misload

Commercial trucks have very specific limits about the weight they can carry, along with how the weight must be distributed and how the cargo is secured.

Drunk/Drugged Driving

Drivers of commercial trucks are held to a higher standard when it comes to drugs and alcohol. A driver with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .04 percent will be considered to be in violation of DUI laws.

Hours of Operation

Truck drivers have limits on the number of hours they can operate the vehicle each day and per week. The limits are in place to prevent the fatigue that can lead to errors in judgment and reduce reaction times. However, time is money for truckers and they are often tempted to exceed those limits.

Poor Maintenance

Commercial carriers have specific federal regulations mandating minimum inspection standards. Unfortunately, many trucking companies skimp on this requirement and don’t take trucks out of service that fail to meet the standards or haven’t undergone adequate repair.

Weight Limits

Each truck driven on an interstate highway has a weight limit that it can carry. The laws are designed to preserve the roads and associated infrastructure from undue damage. The standards also aid in the loss of cargo and work toward making trucks safer while they travel the roadways.

Law Offices of Theodore H. Enfield, P.A.

Whether you need a Divorce, are dealing with Custody or Child Support issues, or need representation in a Personal Injury matter, the Law Offices of Theodore H. Enfield can confidently assist you. To learn more about how we can help you or to discuss the facts of your case with our attorneys, call 954-983-1443 to schedule your free consultation.

3107 Stirling Road
Suite 105
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312

Fax: 954-983-1536

Email: [email protected]

Slip and Fall Injuries may not Present Immediately

Posted on June 28, 2020 by Andrew Enfield

Slip and fall accidents are the most commonly experienced. They can present unique challenges for obtaining treatment and rehabilitation services if needed as the full extent of the injuries and damage to the body may not be immediately obvious.

A slip and fall accident can occur anywhere. They can take place at the home of a friend or family, while shopping, within the workplace, on city streets, sidewalks, parks, and playgrounds. Individuals also experience this type of accident at popular entertainments encompassing amusement parks, sports venues, at the theater, and the movies.

These types of injuries may or may not result in a level of pain that causes individuals immediate concern, but they can have far reaching effects. They can cause fractures anywhere in the body, nerve damage, or injuries to the back and spine that can result in paralysis or even a traumatic brain injury (TBI).

Slip and fall accidents account for over 1 million visits to the emergency each year. They’re especially debilitating for the elderly and result in extended rehabilitation, joint replacements, and time in a nursing home. Even those that are young, fit, and healthy can sustain serious injuries from a slip and fall accident.

The results of these injuries may not be readily apparent, even with x-rays. Some types of fractures will only appear days or even weeks after the incident occurred. It can take more in-depth imaging techniques to detect them that aren’t typically performed. Victims of a slip and fall may also experience slow internal bleeding that can be deadly if not identified.

Any slip and fall accident should be followed by a trip to the emergency room where a thorough examination can be conducted. Individuals can be treated for immediate concerns and learn what symptoms of which they need to be aware. Some injuries, such as a TBI, may present in ways that the individual may not associate with the original injury, but can result in a lifetime of disability. The ER visit also provides critical documentation in the event there’s long-lasting problems or disability.