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After a wreck involving a commercial vehicle, the first question is often whether only the driver can be held to account. A truck accident lawyer in Fort Myers, FL can take a look at employment, ownership, and control to see whether the motor carrier should also be answerable for your losses. When a Trucking Company Can Be Liable for a Driver Was the Driver Working? Was the driver working at the time of the accident? That's the first question to establish, and then, if so, were they working entirely on their own, or did a company own or lease the rig? These questions allow your lawyer to establish whether to dig deeper. Was the Driver Negligent? The next step is to establish if the driver was negligent. An employer in Florida is vicariously liable for compensatory damages that flow from an employee's negligence, if that employee was negligent while acting "within the scope of employment." Whether the driving fell within the scope of employment is sometimes tricky to ascertain, and the answer to the question depends on a three-part test: The conduct must be the kind of work the person was hired to do The negligence must have occurred substantially within the time and space the job requires The action must have been activated at least in part by a purpose to serve the employer A driver hauling freight on an assigned route during a duty period will meet all three criteria of this test. A driver commuting home in a personal car after the shift will almost surely not. Was the Driver an Employee? It's common for carriers to argue that a driver is an independent contractor rather than an employee, in part to avoid liability for accidents. Your lawyer will know how to establish if this is really true. Federal safety rules generally define “employee” to include a driver of a commercial motor vehicle, including an independent contractor, while that person is operating the vehicle. An authorized carrier that uses equipment it does not own must assume complete responsibility for the operation of that equipment for the duration of the lease and must have exclusive possession, control, and use of it to be held liable, however. Step Four: Was the Carrier Directly Liable? Everything covered above discusses when a carrier can be held liable for the driver's actions. But a carrier can also be directly responsible. For example, there are federal rules in place that forbid a motor carrier from requiring or permitting an unqualified person to drive a commercial motor vehicle. There are also some basic qualifications for age, language, training or experience, physical condition, licensing, and driving record that must be followed. Putting an unfit driver in the seat can make the company liable, as can pressuring or forcing drivers to violate rules about how many hours they drive or what breaks they take. Talk to a Truck Accident Lawyer in Fort Myers, FL If you've been involved in a truck accident here in the Southwest Florida area, contact Goldstein, Buckley, Cechman, Rice, Purtz, Smith & Smith, P.A for a free consultation. We have offices in Fort Myers, Lehigh Acres, Cape Coral, Port Charlotte, and Naples and have been serving the people of Florida for over 60 years.

Being involved in a hit-and-run bicycle accident can be a distressing and overwhelming experience. However, it is important to stay calm and take the necessary steps to protect yourself and ensure your rights are upheld. In this blog post, we will guide you through the necessary actions to take following a hit-and-run bicycle accident in Port Charlotte, Florida. Prioritize Your Safety: The immediate aftermath of a hit-and-run bicycle accident can be chaotic. Ensure your safety by moving out of harm’s way and assessing yourself for any injuries. If you require immediate medical attention, call 911 or ask someone nearby to do so. Gather Information: If you are physically able, try to collect as much information as possible about the incident. Take note of the time, date, and location of the accident. Additionally, try to remember details about the vehicle involved, such as the license plate number, make, model, and color. If there were any witnesses, ask for their contact information as they may provide crucial support for your case. Document the Scene: Take photos or videos of the accident scene, including your damaged bicycle, any skid marks, and any other relevant evidence. These visual records can be invaluable when filing an insurance claim or reporting an incident to the authorities. Report the Accident: Contact the local law enforcement agency in Port Charlotte, Florida, to report the hit-and-run bicycle accident. Provide them with all the information you have gathered, including the details of the vehicle involved and any witness statements. Request a copy of the police report for your records, as it will be helpful when dealing with insurance companies or pursuing legal action. Seek Medical Attention: Even if you believe you have not sustained any major injuries, it is essential to get a medical evaluation after a hit-and-run bicycle accident. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent, and early detection and treatment are crucial. A medical report will also serve as evidence of your injuries if you decide to pursue compensation. Notify Your Insurance Company: Contact your insurance company to report the hit-and-run accident and provide them with the necessary details. They will guide you through the claims process and help you understand your coverage, including any provisions for uninsured motorists. Cooperate fully with your insurance company and provide them with any documentation or evidence they require. Consult with an Attorney: If you have suffered significant injuries or are facing difficulties with your insurance claim, it is advisable to consult with a personal injury attorney experienced in handling bicycle accidents. They can provide legal guidance, negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf, and help you explore your options for seeking compensation. Explore Other Avenues for Assistance: In addition to insurance claims, you may be eligible for compensation through other sources, such as the Florida Crime Victim Compensation Program or civil lawsuits against the responsible party. An attorney can help you assess your options and pursue the most appropriate course of action. Focus on Recovery: While dealing with the aftermath of a hit-and-run bicycle accident, it’s essential to prioritize your physical and emotional well-being. Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions, attend all necessary appointments, and participate in any recommended rehabilitation or therapy. Engaging in self-care activities and seeking support from loved ones can also contribute to your overall recovery. Spread Awareness: One way to turn a negative experience into a positive outcome is by spreading awareness about hit-and-run accidents and advocating for safer cycling conditions. Share your story on social media, participate in local community events, and support organizations working to improve cyclist safety. By raising awareness, you can help prevent future accidents and provide support to other victims. Handling a hit-and-run bicycle accident in Port Charlotte, Florida, requires patience, determination, and a thorough understanding of the necessary steps to protect your rights. By staying organized, seeking appropriate legal assistance, and focusing on your recovery, you can navigate the process more effectively and increase your chances of obtaining the compensation you deserve. Remember, you are not alone, and there are resources and support available to assist you through this challenging time. At Goldstein, Buckley, Cechman, Rice & Purtz, P.A., we understand the complexities and challenges involved in hit-and-run bicycle accident cases in Port Charlotte, Florida. Our experienced team of personal injury attorneys can provide valuable assistance and guidance throughout the entire process. Here’s how we can help: Legal Expertise: We have a deep understanding of Florida’s laws related to hit-and-run accidents and personal injury claims. Our team has extensive experience in handling bicycle accident cases, including those involving hit-and-run incidents. We stay up-to-date with the latest legal developments to provide our clients with the most effective representation possible. Investigation and Evidence Gathering: In hit-and-run bicycle accidents, gathering evidence is crucial. We have the resources and expertise to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident. Our team can gather witness statements, review accident reports, collect video surveillance footage, and work with accident reconstruction experts, if necessary, to build a strong case on your behalf. Communication with Insurance Companies: Dealing with insurance companies can be challenging, especially in hit-and-run cases where the responsible party is unknown. We can handle all communication with insurance companies, ensuring that your rights are protected and that you receive fair compensation for your injuries, property damage, and other losses. Maximizing Compensation: Our goal is to help you obtain maximum compensation for your damages. We will carefully evaluate your case, including your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other related losses. With our expertise, we can accurately assess the value of your claim and negotiate with insurance companies or, if necessary, take your case to court to fight for your rights. Assisting with Legal Proceedings: If the responsible party is identified or located, we will guide you through the legal process, including filing a lawsuit if necessary. Our experienced attorneys will represent your interests, prepare your case for trial, and advocate on your behalf to seek the compensation you deserve. Support and Guidance: We understand the emotional toll that hit-and-run bicycle accidents can have on victims. Throughout the process, we provide compassionate support and guidance, answering your questions, addressing your concerns, and keeping you informed about the progress of your case. Our team is dedicated to ensuring you feel supported and confident in pursuing your legal rights. Goldstein, Buckley, Cechman, Rice & Purtz, P.A. has the experience, knowledge, and dedication to assist you with hit-and-run bicycle accident cases in Port Charlotte, Florida. We are committed to fighting for your rights, seeking justice, and helping you obtain the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a consultation and let us be your trusted legal advocates during this challenging time.