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Truck accidents can cause devastating injuries. Due to the complexities of truck accident
lawsuits in Florida, it helps to hire a lawyer. Accident victims can learn more about truck
accidents, liability, and how a lawyer can help prove their claim.
Across the United States, there are millions of large commercial trucks that travel the roadways.
In 2015 alone, large trucks traveled an estimated 279.8 billion miles. As with any vehicle on the
road, truck accidents can occur at any time for a host of reasons.
Semi-trucks and tractor-trailers can cause significant damage to property and other motorists in a
trucking accident. Because of the extent of the damage and injuries involved in large truck
accidents, filing legal claims can be complicated and burdensome for those who have suffered.
If you or your loved one were involved in a semi-truck accident in another vehicle, such as a car
or motorcycle, then you can hire a truck accident attorney to help you collect damages for any
serious injuries you suffered because of the crash.
Types of Florida Truck Accidents
Every car driver traveling Florida’s expressways has passed or responded to massive, big rigs on
the road. Crashes tend to involve two or more vehicles, and how the trucking accident occurs can
affect passenger and driver injuries, as well as the extent of damages overall.
Due to a commercial truck’s size and girth, several different types of truck accidents can occur in
Florida and have the potential to be catastrophic.
Override Truck Accident
An override accident occurs when a semi-truck rear-ends a smaller vehicle. Due to the sheer size
of commercial trucks, the semi-truck may drive over the back of the car. This type of commercial
vehicle accident can have serious consequences for anyone in the vehicle.
Underride Truck Accident
An underride accident is the opposite of an override accident. In this case, the driver of the
smaller vehicle rear-ends the back of a tractor-trailer. The semi-truck may have stopped abruptly
or improperly changed lanes. Although many trucks have guards on the back of the trailer, the
vehicle that hit the back of the truck may become stuck or wedged underneath.
Rollover Truck Accident
With tall trailers, big rigs can tip when drivers take turns at high speeds. High winds and other
driver errors can also cause the truck to fall on its side. This type of tractor-trailer accident can
cause major blockades on roadways, cause chain-reaction crashes, and do severe damage to other
passenger vehicles.
Jackknife Truck Accident
On Florida expressways, a jackknife accident can be fatal. This accident occurs when the tractortrailer attachment comes loose or fails, causing the tractor-trailer to swing out perpendicular to
the tractor, like a jackknife. Once jackknifed, the semi-truck can block the expressway or crash
into other drivers.
Runaway Truck Accident
If a trucker loses the ability to stop or slow down the vehicle, the weight of the truck can cause it
to reach high speeds. The truck could hit anything in its path, from other vehicles to pedestrians
and property. This is especially dangerous if the truck is traveling downhill.
Truck Accident Injuries
Like any auto accident, injuries from trucking accidents can be minor or severe. However, large
truck accidents are more likely to cause severe or debilitating injuries. According to data from
the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), the number of injuries caused by
large truck accidents are increasing.
Examples of injuries from a truck accident include:
▪ Broken bones
▪ Spinal cord injuries
▪ Disfigurement
▪ Traumatic brain injuries
▪ Severed limbs
▪ Burns or lacerations
▪ Other fatal injuries
Typical Causes of Florida Truck Accidents
The FMCSA suggests the major elements that contribute to a large truck accident include
drinking alcohol, speeding, and driver fatigue. However, crash investigators are hesitant to
suggest one element that caused the crash and frequently cite multiple factors. Common causes
of truck accidents in Florida include:
▪ Distracted driving
▪ Improper loading of cargo
▪ Aggressive driving behaviors
▪ Brake problems
▪ Prescription drug use
▪ Traveling on an unfamiliar roadway
▪ Congestion or traffic flow problems
▪ Bad weather conditions
The FMCSA suggests the major elements that contribute to a large truck accident include
drinking alcohol, speeding, and driver fatigue. However, crash investigators are hesitant to
suggest one element that caused the crash and frequently cite multiple factors. Common causes
of truck accidents in Florida include:
The FMCSA states that trucking accidents can occur because of a critical reason associated with
the driver. This can include falling asleep, suffering a heart attack or physical injury, making a
poor decision, overreacting to something, or misjudging the speed of other vehicles.
What You Should Do After a Truck Accident
If you were involved in a truck accident, call for help immediately. Once you connect with a
dispatcher, notify them of any injuries at the accident scene. Tell them if someone is trapped,
hurt, or was thrown from their vehicle, as well as if there is any hazardous waste at the scene,
like leaking fuel or a downed power line.
After calling 9-1-1 at the scene, there are measures you can take to both ensure your safety and
improve your case for filing a truck accident claim.
Don’t Refuse Medical Care
Communicate all your injuries with the paramedics and first responders at the scene. If they
suggest you should be checked out at a hospital, do not refuse. If you refuse or delay medical
treatment after an accident, insurance companies could easily deny your injury case by
suggesting your injuries weren’t caused by the accident.
Gather Information from the Truck Driver
Like any vehicle accident, it’s crucial to exchange information with the other driver. Truck
drivers must meet certain driver qualifications and regulations in Florida, so ask for this
information as well, or make sure it’s noted on their commercial driver’s license.
Because a commercial truck was involved, try to collect the following information about the
trucking operation:
▪ Cab’s license number
▪ Contact information of the cab owner (if different from the driver)
▪ Driver’s insurance information
▪ Name of the trucking company that hired or owns the truck
▪ Information regarding the cargo in the truck, if applicable
Collect Evidence From The Scene
Like all personal injury claims, collecting evidence at the scene of the accident is crucial. Of
course, if you were severely injured, this may not be possible. If you can collect evidence, it
helps to gather the following:
▪ Photographs of the accident, including the impact points of the truck and your vehicle
▪ Detailed notes or observations about the accident (note any admission of guilt by the
truck driver)
▪ Talk to witnesses at the scene and gather statements if possible
▪ Note the location of any traffic cameras at the scene
▪ On the next day, have a family member or trusted friend examine the scene, collect
further evidence, and take pictures of anything that may have been moved or tampered
with
Liability in Florida Truck Accidents
Unlike straightforward at-fault car accident lawsuits, liability in a truck driver accident can be
more complicated. This is not only because injuries are more likely to be severe, but also because
there may be multiple parties involved who share the blame for your injuries.
To bring a lawsuit forward in Florida, it’s important to identify every party that may have played
a role in the crash. Assigning liability to the appropriate party’s insurance company can
determine the amount of damages, or monetary compensation, you could receive in a lawsuit.
Who Are the Defendants in Florida Truck Accident Claims?
In some truck accident cases, the trucker is liable for the accident and should be named as the
defendant. However, liability in a commercial truck accident could possibly extend beyond the
driver.
Besides the driver, additional parties who could be held liable in a Florida truck accident include:
▪ Driver’s employer or client
▪ Truck owner
▪ Truck manufacturer (especially if the crash was the result of a defective part)
▪ Third-party contractors or businesses responsible for the cargo
Negligence In Florida Truck Accidents
Any driver on Florida’s roadways, including truck drivers, have a duty of care to protect the
safety of others on the road. This means they must obey traffic laws, keep a proper lookout, and
do whatever is in their reasonable power to avoid an accident.
While this is true for all drivers, truck drivers are held to a higher standard of liability put forth
by the FMCSA and the Florida Highway Patrol Office of Commercial Vehicle Enforcement.
This is because truck accidents have a high risk of damage, destruction, and death.
Truck driver negligence occurs when truck drivers violate these standards, fail to protect other
drivers on the road, and this failure causes an accident. For these cases, you would file a claim
against the at-fault truck driver’s insurance company.
Truck Accident Damages
Vehicle accident-related damages are often paid out by insurance companies. Insurance
companies may routinely submit low offers to avoid paying out significant fees to cover your
injuries. However, because semi-truck accidents are likely to cause serious injuries, there could
be millions of dollars at stake.
You’ll need a skilled and qualified personal injury lawyer to get insurance companies to pay out
a fair value of your trucking accident case.
If you were involved in a truck accident that caused severe injuries, a Jacksonville truck accident
attorney could get the insurance company to compensate you for:
▪ Medical bills or expenses
▪ Future medical costs
▪ Permanent disability or disfigurement
▪ Lost wages and future lost income from an incapacity to work
▪ Wrongful death
How Nooney, Roberts, Hewett & Nowicki Can Help You
If you hire us, we help you collect damages for your claim. We will likely try to prove
negligence. This means we will need to find crucial information or evidence that proves
negligence on the part of the truck driver or the trucking company’s enforcement of compliance.
If you file an injury claim against the truck driver or another liable party, they’ll likely be
represented by a lawyer. It’s crucial to hire a truck accident lawyer who can issue a subpoena to
make the defendants hand over any evidence that could help your case. Call our office at (904)
398-1992 or fill out a fast and convenient form to schedule a free initial consultation!
Victims of dog bites and animal attacks in the state of Florida are not without remedies. Relying
on legal doctrines of negligence and intentional tort, Florida law provides a means for dog bite and
attack victims to recover compensation for medical bills, future medical treatment, lost income,
pain and suffering, and, in some cases, emotional trauma. To obtain compensation, bite victims
will benefit greatly from retaining the services of an experienced and dedicated Florida dog bite
attorney.
Our experienced dog bite lawyers at Nooney, Roberts, Hewett & Nowicki serve clients throughout
Florida including those in the following localities: Duval County including Atlantic Beach,
Jacksonville, and Jacksonville Beach; Clay County including Green Cove Springs, Keystone
Heights, Lakeside, Middleburg, and Orange Park; Flagler County including Palm Coast; Nassau
County including Callahan, Fernandina Beach, and Yulee; Putnam County including Interlachen
and Palatka; and St. Johns County including Fruit Cove, Palm Valley, Ponte Vedra Beach, St.
Augustine, and St. Johns.
Strict Liability Regarding Dog Bites
The State of Florida is a strict liability state. Florida law is clear when it comes to dog bites and
animal attacks. A dog owner is responsible when the dog bites any person in a public place. Not
only that, but a dog owner is liable even when the bite occurs in a private place so long as the
bite victim is present lawfully, including while on the property of the dog owner. This liability
covers any damages suffered by the bitten person. It is a strong stance that is further magnified
by the statute’s treatment of the issue of prior knowledge of the dog’s viciousness.
In Florida, liability is imposed regardless of previous displays of viciousness by the dog in
question, and regardless of the owner’s knowledge, or lack of knowledge, of the dog’s
viciousness
Florida is a Comparative Negligence State Regarding Dog Bites
While Florida laws are tough on the owners of dogs that bite, it is not sympathetic to any illadvised contributing behaviors of dog bite victims. Under Florida law, damage laws will be
reduced in proportion to any negligence on the part of the victim that was reasonably connected
to the biting incident. In layman’s terms, negligence reflects a failure to exercise due caution or
care. In more legal terms, it can be said that one is negligent when failing to conduct him or
herself as a reasonably prudent person under the circumstances at issue. Florida’s position
concerning negligence during biting incidents reflects the fact that Florida is a pure comparative
negligence state. The doctrine of pure comparative negligence is about balancing and allocating liability in accordance with individual responsibility. For example, if an individual taunts a dog, he or she may be deemed partially liable, thereby reducing the amount of compensation he or she will be awarded.
What You Should Do If You Are the Victim of a Dog Bite
Dog bites and animal attacks are a misreported problem. Every year in the United States,
hundreds of thousands of dog bite victims require medical attention. Thousands more go
untreated. Worst of all, children, the elderly, and home care service providers are at the greatest
risk of being bitten. Children aged five to nine years old are at the most risk for nonfatal dog
attacks. And, those with dogs in the home are at much greater risk of being bitten than those
without dogs.
When you enter a home with a dog that is unfamiliar to you, experts recommend that you stand
tall like a tree and let the dog approach you if it wants to. Do not make eye contact with the dog
if you do not want it to approach you, and do not panic or make loud noises. While the media all
too often leads the public to believe that certain breeds of dogs are more likely to bite than
others, this claim is backed by very little scientific proof.
Whether a dog is small, medium, large, bred for guarding, bred for retrieving, or bred to fit in a
purse, it can inflict a serious wound and cause damaging and permanent negative emotions about
dogs for young children. However, certain breeds are more likely to cause a fatality than others
due to their size and aggression. For example, most fatal dog attacks are caused by pit bulls,
followed by rottweilers. If a loved one was killed by a dog, you may be able to file a wrongful
death lawsuit against the owner of the dog. Call our office at (904) 398-1992 or fill out a fast and
convenient form to schedule a free initial consultation!
Infections Caused by Dog Bites
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are 4.5 million dog bites in
the U.S. each year, and roughly one in five of those becomes infected. That means that almost a
million dog bites become infected annually. You can become infected with the following
bacteria and viruses from dog bites:
▪ Pasteurella bacteria: causes a red, painful, swelling. Those with weak immune systems
are most at risk and can develop symptoms such as difficulty moving, swollen glands,
and swollen joints.
▪ Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA): a staph infection that is resistant to
many types of antibiotics. It can cause infections of the skin, urinary tract, and lungs. It
can be fatal if spread to the blood or lungs
▪ Tetanus: a toxin produced by bacteria, causes rigid paralysis and is a threat when bite
wounds are very deep.
▪ Rabies: rare, but usually fatal if untreated or treated too late.
▪ Capnocytophaga: bacteria that live within dogs and cats and do not affect most people.
Those who have a weak immune system and have been bitten by a dog are most at risk.
Dog Bite Statistics in Florida
Each year, thousands of Floridians are bitten or attacked by dogs. When the victim is older than
15, over half of the bites occurred when the victim broke up a dog fight. When young children
were bitten (under the age of six) 39 percent of the bite causes were not known, meaning that
they occurred out of the presence of an adult.
According to the Florida Health Department, 86 percent of dog bites involved children under six
years old. Whether you are bitten by another person’s dog while attempting to break up a dog
fight, if you are bitten in a home where a dog lives, or you are bitten while walking down the
street, you have the right to file a personal injury lawsuit to reclaim the damages that were
caused to you.
Contact Nooney, Roberts, Hewett & Nowicki Today!
If you are a bitten by a dog, first get medical treatment for any wounds. Next, contact a skilled
and dedicated Jacksonville dog bite and animal attack lawyer today. Florida’s strict liability
statute protects dog bite and animal attack victims. You can recover compensation for the
injuries you have suffered. Nooney, Roberts, Hewett & Nowicki provides precisely the highly
effective and experienced lawyers needed to handle dog bite and animal attack related personal
injury claims. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us today to learn how we can serve you in this time
of need.
Nooney, Roberts, Hewett & Nowicki serves clients throughout Florida including those in the
following localities: Duval County including Atlantic Beach, Jacksonville, and Jacksonville
Beach; Clay County including Green Cove Springs, Keystone Heights, Lakeside, Middleburg,
and Orange Park; Flagler County including Palm Coast; Nassau County including Callahan,
Fernandina Beach, and Yulee; Putnam County including Interlachen and Palatka; and St. Johns
County including Fruit Cove, Palm Valley, Ponte Vedra Beach, St. Augustine, and St. Johns.
We are dedicated to serving the community with its highly effective and experienced team of
lawyers. Contact our Florida dog bite lawyers today for help and information. Call our office at
(904) 398-1992 or fill out a fast and convenient form to schedule a free initial consultation!
Rear-end accidents are one of the most common types of accidents that occur in Florida and the
United States. These accidents often result in long-term, serious injuries. According to Florida
Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, following a vehicle “too closely” led to 3,634 crashes
involving non-incapacitating injuries, 350 crashes involving incapacitating injuries, and eight
fatal crashes in a recent year.
While rear-end accidents are often caused by the rear driver following too closely, speeding, or
getting distracted, these accidents are not always caused by the rear driver. Keep reading to learn
more about rear-end accidents and liability from the Jacksonville car accident lawyers at
Nooney, Roberts, Hewett & Nowicki.
In this article, we will discuss liability in rear-end vehicle accidents and how this type of accident
can lead to physical injuries using a scientific approach.
Florida Laws Regarding Rear-End Accidents
To minimize the chances of rear-end accidents occurring, Florida’s traffic laws require drivers to
maintain a safe distance between vehicles traveling in front of them on the road. If you cause a
rear-end accident because you were following too closely behind the car in front of you, there’s a
good chance you could be held liable for any injuries resulting from the crash.
However, there are times when the rear driver is not at fault for a rear-end accident. For example,
if you rear-end another driver because they suddenly stop without warning, then you may be able
to hold the other driver liable for your injuries.
One factor that can complicate liability in rear-end accident claims is Florida’s no-fault insurance
laws. Unless you can show that your injuries meet a certain “serious injury” threshold, you will
not be able to file a claim for compensation against the other driver. The same is true for any
other drivers involved in the crash. A Florida personal injury attorney can help document your
injuries and explain the legal options available to you.
Will You Have to Go to Court to Recover Compensation?
Most rear-end accident claims do not go to court. Instead, cases are usually resolved through an
insurance settlement. However, if you can’t get a fair settlement offer from an insurance
company, bringing your case to trial may be necessary. An experienced Jacksonville car accident
lawyer can review the circumstances and factors. Call our office at (904) 398-1992 or fill out a
fast and convenient form to schedule a free initial consultation
We Can Help You Without Any Upfront Cost!
Hiring a lawyer after a rear-end accident can sound like an expensive, intimidating process, but it
doesn’t have to be. Many personal injury lawyers, including our car accident attorneys at the
Nooney, Roberts, Hewett & Roberts, offer free initial consultations to prospective clients so they
can explain their rights and payment arrangements.
Here at Nooney, Roberts, Hewett & Nowicki, we offer a contingency fee arrangement in which
we provide legal services upfront at no cost to you. We receive a percentage of your settlement
once you receive compensation. However, if you do not receive any compensation, we do not
owe your attorney any fees.
Want to know more about how we can help you after a rear-end accident? Call our office at
(904) 398-1992 or fill out a fast and convenient form to schedule a free initial consultation!
Serious Injuries Caused by Rear-End Car Accidents
One of the most dangerous aspects of rear-end collisions is that the driver of the vehicle in front
does not usually anticipate an impending collision. Therefore, they do not have an opportunity to
take protective measures, such as bracing for impact.
This brings us to the science behind rear-end collisions. The faster a car rear-ends a victim, the
more traumatic the injury. However, researchers have found that injuries can result even at very
low speeds.
While many rear-end accidents are minor, some injuries from rear-ending are quite serious,
particularly if an accident takes place on the highway or the rear vehicle is traveling at a high
velocity. Some of the more common injuries that result from rear-end accidents include:
▪ Broken bones (e.g., hands, wrists, and ribs)
▪ Whiplash
▪ Torn ligaments in the arms or legs
▪ Severe contusions
▪ Face lacerations
▪ Spinal cord injuries
▪ Traumatic brain injuries
Mechanism of Injury
Mechanism of injury refers to the method by which trauma occurs to the body. Mechanism of
injury helps inform triage guidelines and treatment decisions for people who have suffered rear
end collision injuries, impact trauma, multi-system trauma, and other injuries.
Mechanism of injury evaluations involve kinematics and biomechanics. Kinematics refers to the
potential or actual injuries the body incurs. Biomechanics refers to the actual force or impact
experienced by the body. Ultimately, the mechanism of injury helps to determine how and at
what level energy was transferred from the environment to the human body. The intensity of the
energy transfer will help determine how serious the injuries may be and what the subsequent
patterns of damage will be, based on the impact.
Factors Involved in Mechanism of Injury
Various factors can affect the mechanism of injury. One primary factor is the type of accident.
Each accident has its own inertia, force, mass, speed, and g-force (the acceleration imposed by
earth’s gravity.) These physics can greatly influence the mechanism and severity of the injury.
Additionally, the mechanism of injury is not the same for each person. The victim’s physical
condition can have a significant impact on the mechanism of injury. Some factors that may
impact the mechanism of injury include:
▪ Co-morbidities – Various health conditions can impact the mechanism of injury. A
person with heart disease may not be able to compensate for shock. Liver or kidney
disease can cause thinner blood that does not clot as well.
▪ Age – Younger, healthier adults may be better able to sustain an injury than an older adult
or child. Skin gets more delicate and bones become more brittle as people age.
▪ Pre-existing injury – If a person has a pre-existing injury and is impacted in the same
body part, the subsequent injury may be more severe because the body part is more
vulnerable than an intact one that has never sustained injury.
▪ Alcohol and drugs – Alcohol makes the blood thinner and less likely to clot. Various
illegal or prescribed drugs can have various physical effects on the body.
Impact Sequence
The term impact sequence refers to the consecutive impacts that occur during an injury. For
example, in a rear-end collision, the occupants in the front vehicle are usually launched forward
at the initial point of impact. The next impact occurs when the vehicle comes to an abrupt stop.
The body might collide with a fixed object in the car, such as the dashboard, steering wheel, or
windshield. The final impact occurs when the internal organs and tissues collide with body
cavities.
We Can Help You After a Rear-End Collision
If you were injured in a rear-end car accident, Nooney, Roberts, Hewett & Nowicki is here to
help you fight for the compensation you deserve. Our Jacksonville car accident lawyers have decades of combined experience fighting for the rights of accident victims. Call our office at (904) 398-1992 or fill out a fast and convenient form to schedule a free initial consultation!
Have you been assaulted, robbed, or mugged while at a Florida commercial business, apartment
complex, or hotel? Most violent attacks can leave you emotionally traumatized as well physically
injured and struggling to cope with your injuries. You may have post-traumatic stress disorder
(PTSD), not be able to work, and facing unexpected medical bills.
You may be entitled to seek compensation from the commercial property owner or manager for
failing to provide adequate security. You should talk with a knowledgeable Jacksonville premise
liability lawyer who will meet with you free of charge and provide trusted guidance.
The attorneys at Nooney, Roberts, Hewett & Nowicki can help you seek compensation for your
injuries if you were a victim of a crime caused by a property owner’s failure to provide adequate
security. Our Jacksonville premises liability attorneys have decades of experience representing
personal injury victims. One of our firm's practice areas is cases involving negligent security. If
you believe that a property owners’ failure to provide adequate security caused you or your loved
one to be harmed by criminals, please call a premise liability attorney for help. We take a
personalized approach to each and every one of our client’s cases. We will take the time to
answer your questions, and together we will figure out whether you have a case.
Can You Sue a Business for Assault Due to Negligent Security?
In Florida, commercial property owners have a legal responsibility to maintain property
reasonably safe to guard against foreseeable crimes. That includes providing adequate lighting,
replacing broken windows and doors, installing proper locks, controlling access to keys, having
appropriate security personnel, and having adequate overnight security in convenience stores to
guard against preventable crimes.
Note: If a property owner or business owner fails to take adequate security measures to protect
visitors and you were robbed, attacked, or sexually assaulted as a result, you may hold the
property owner or business accountable for your injuries under certain circumstances.
Florida commercial property owners are not always liable when a crime occurs on their
premises. Each negligent security case depends on the specific facts of the crime, whether it was
foreseeable, and the relationship of the crime victim to the property owner such as a customer or
business owner.
The owners of convenience stores must have security measures in place during the nighttime
hours to protect customers and employees from being victims of crime. These include
installation of security cameras and specific light requirements for parking lots. A convenience
store owner may be liable for your injuries if the property owner failed to put in place security
measures required by the State of Florida
Our experienced Jacksonville premise liability attorneys can review the details of your injury
during a free consultation, answer your questions and explain your legal options. That will allow
you to make a well-informed decision about how to move forward. Filing a negligent security
lawsuit may focus needed attention on a serious security issue in a high crime area and prevent
others from being victims of crime.
How Can a Jacksonville Attorney Help?
Premises liability is a complex area of Florida law. Our experienced team of attorneys will
investigate how your injury occurred and determine whether the property owner or business had
a legal duty to provide for your safety. For example, were you a guest staying at a hotel or a
renter at an apartment complex? Commercial businesses are responsible for checking for any
unsafe conditions and fixing them or providing adequate warning of the hazards if they cannot be
fixed promptly.
If in the unfortunate case that you are injured in a commercial business, you should report the
incident to the business owner or property manager and seek prompt medical attention for your
injuries. After the emergency is over, please call our office at (904) 398-1992 to schedule a free
consultation with one of our many experienced premise liability lawyers at Nooney, Roberts,
Hewett & Nowicki.
Previous criminal activity at a property can be an important consideration in a negligent security
claim. Our legal team will investigate whether similar violent crimes have been reported to
police or business management at or near the same location. If we find reports of other
muggings, rapes, assaults, or other crimes, that underscores that the commercial property owner
should have been aware of the lack of security and the need to take more measures to enhance
security to protect visitors.
Our attorneys will gather evidence to show that the property owners failed to take adequate
security measures that would have prevented the crime. We will move promptly to document the
scene of the crime before the property owner makes repairs; hence, the urgency in calling our
office as soon as possible.
IMPORTANT NOTE: You may be contacted by an insurance adjuster representing the
business where the crime occurred and offered a quick settlement. The adjuster may seem
friendly and concerned about your injuries. But the adjuster is working for the insurance
company to limit its liability. You should never sign anything presented by the insurance adjuster
or give a recorded statement until you have talked with a knowledgeable lawyer. Let our
experienced premises liability lawyer represent you in negotiations with the insurance company.
Through a premises liability lawsuit, you may recover compensation for your medical bills
including treatment for post-traumatic stress, lost wages, and loss of earning capacity if your
injuries limit your ability to return to work. You may also seek compensation for non-economic damages for pain and suffering. If you lost a loved one because of the crime caused by inadequate security, you and your family members may recover compensation for the victim’s medical and funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and more.
Florida requires that you file a personal injury lawsuit within four years of a crime (the time
frame is often referred to as “statute of limitations”). You have two years to file a wrongful death
claim based on a family member’s death.
Our Team of Florida Premise Liability Attorneys Can Help You
One of our highly experienced premise liabilities attorneys at Nooney, Roberts, Hewett &
Nowicki can assess whether you have a valid negligent security case. We will answer your
questions and once you hire us, we will guide you through this complicated process. Do not go
through it alone. Let us apply our years of representing injury victims and litigation experience to
help you pursue the compensation you rightfully deserve. Here at Nooney, Roberts, Hewett &
Nowicki, we give you small firm attention while providing you with big firm results.
Call our office at (904) 398-1992 or fill out a fast and convenient form to schedule a free initial
consultation today!
If you have been seriously injured in an auto accident in Florida that was caused by someone
else, you may have a long road ahead of you physically—and you also may have financial
healing to do. Unfortunately, all it takes is a single careless or reckless moment that wasn’t even
your fault to leave you in pain (for months, years, or permanently) and with extensive medical
bills on top of your suffering.
Depending on how badly you were injured, you may have to pay tens of thousands or hundreds
of thousands of dollars out of pocket for treatment. You may have to take weeks or months off
work, without pay, until your injuries subside.
This isn’t fair, but auto accident victims facing monetary struggles do have steps that they can
take to rebuild their financial futures! In this article, we’ll share helpful ways to recover
financially after an auto accident in The Sunshine State.
We know that these tips work because our attorneys at Nooney, Roberts, Hewett & Nowicki are
expert Florida car accident lawyers who have obtained the compensation our clients deserve for
many successful years. Our aggressive, highly knowledgeable attorneys have decades of legal
experience.
As a firm, we’ve been serving Florida communities and equipping injured victims with the legal
support they need to win maximum compensation. If you were in a financially devastating
collision, call Nooney, Roberts, Hewett & Nowicki today to schedule a free consultation. Call
(904) 398-1992 or fill out a fast and convenient form to schedule a free initial consultation with
an experienced personal injury attorney.
Call an Auto Accident Attorney Who Charges on Contingency and Offers Free Initial
Consultations
Emergency service transportation, surgeries, blood work, hospital stays, medications, copays,
deductibles, emergency room care…these are just a few of the costs you may incur if you’re
injured in a vehicle accident, and they are the epitome of breaking the bank.
Under Florida law, all drivers are required to carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage,
which kicks in first after an accident. However, PIP only covers up to 80% of approved medical
costs. This means that if you break your arm in a car accident, you would still have to pay out of
pocket, and that’s just to be seen, not even to be treated, hospitalized, or followed up with. If you
have good personal health insurance, they may cover part of your bills, but if you have a high
deductible you haven’t met yet, you may be responsible for much of the costs.
You shouldn’t have to pay a single dime if you didn’t cause the accident. The insurance company of the driver who caused the crash, or your own insurance company (if the other driver was not insured) is the party who is ultimately responsible for paying for your medical bills. You can make a claim with them for compensation! However, they will do everything in their power to avoid paying you fully, which is where hiring a Florida car accident injury lawyer comes into play.
Injury lawyers experienced with the law and what tactics to use to make insurance companies
give accident victims fair and just settlements. They can communicate and negotiate with the
insurance companies, and even threaten to take them to court to get you paid. Working with a
Jacksonville car accident attorney gives you the best chances at recovering financially after a
Florida auto accident. Call Nooney, Roberts, Hewett & Nowicki today at (904) 398-1992 or fill
out a fast and convenient form to schedule a free initial consultation! There’s nothing to lose!
The best and most convenient part of working with our law firm is that we offer free initial
consultations and charge on a contingency fee basis. Free initial consultations are conducted for
you to meet the attorneys you’ll be working with without having to pay anything to do so. You
can ask questions and learn exactly how they can help you recover maximum compensation. A
contingency fee arrangement is one where you don’t pay any part of your attorney’s legal fee
until they win your case. When you are paid a settlement, their fee comes as a percentage of that
settlement. It’s entirely risk-free for you and can help you save money while you are healing
because you are getting legal representation essentially at no cost!
Setting up Payment Plans with Medical Providers
Many hospitals, surgeons, or specialists understand that it simply isn’t possible for accident
victims to pay for the costs of treatment. Depending on your situation, we will advocate for you
so that they work with you to draw up a payment plan or even reduce the costs of treatment.
Hiring us to do this process is highly recommended, as it costs you nothing to do and has the
potential to drastically decrease your bills.
Budgeting
In any financial crisis and in many cases, an accident can rightfully be considered a financial
crisis. The first thing you should do is review and revise your budget. Do you have an emergency
fund? Now is the time to use it to pay for the big medical bills you are facing. If you don’t, that’s
okay, there are other areas of your spending that you can cut back. If you don’t have a budget,
you can quickly make one using an app that connects to your cards and bank accounts, or even
just make a simple spreadsheet of your bank transactions. Look to see any places where you can
spend less or stop spending, at least temporarily. For example, maybe you can cook at home
more often and cancel non-essential monthly memberships until you receive your settlement.
When it comes to recovering financially after a Florida auto accident, budgeting more carefully
is key, as it helps you gain and stay in control of your money and can provide much needed
peace of mind in a difficult time.
Pre-Settlement Loans
A pre-settlement loan, also known as a litigation loan or lawsuit financing, is a loan that gives
you financial relief until your case settles. In most cases, you don’t have to repay the loan or any
interest accrued on the loan until you receive your settlement, which can help you save money
while you are healing from your accident injuries!
These loans may also not affect your credit. There are many companies who offer these types of
loans in Florida. Be sure to do your research carefully and review the terms of the loans before
signing any agreements, though, as sometimes the interest rates may be hidden and higher than
you would expect! It is not worth it for every injured accident victim, but lawsuit financing may
be a good option for you if you don’t currently have income and should be used as a last
resource.
Call Our Experienced Car Accident Attorneys at Nooney, Roberts, Hewett & Nowicki
Vehicle accident injuries can be both financially and physically devastating. We are dedicated to
achieving the full compensation you deserve. Remember, you never pay us until we win your
case. It’s a win-win situation!
Call our office at (904) 398-1992 or fill out a fast and convenient form to schedule a free initial
consultation today! Wait no more!
If you’ve been injured in a vehicle accident, you expect to be able to sue the at-fault driver for
damages to help pay for your medical costs and lost wages. But what happens if the driver who
caused the car accident dies in the accident?
This can make it much more complicated for individuals to get the compensation they deserve
since the individual they would have sued is no longer living.
If the deceased driver is covered by insurance, there may be compensation available to the
victim. If the motorist was not insured or did not have enough coverage, it may prove more
difficult to find the money for any damages that were incurred because of the accident.
Our Florida auto accident lawyers at Nooney, Roberts, Hewett & Nowicki will help you get
maximum compensation, even if the at-fault driver is deceased. Call us today at (904) 398-1992
for a free consultation.
Can You File a Claim if the At-Fault Driver Dies in the Car Accident?
In short, yes. There are several ways you can seek compensation for your injuries due to a car
accident with an at-fault driver who is deceased. However, it may sometimes be complicated.
Here is why. Normally, in a car accident lawsuit, you would file a claim against the at-fault
individual. If that individual is dead, then they cannot be the target of your claim/lawsuit. In this
situation, you are still entitled to make a claim against the decedent (the deceased individual).
There are two methods for filing this personal injury claim: Filing through their insurance or
their estate.
But, if your personal injuries are minor, you should first be going through your own insurance, as
Florida is a no-fault state.
Minor Injuries in Florida as a No-Fault State
Florida is a no-fault state, which requires all drivers to have personal injury coverage in their car
insurance policies up to $10,000. This coverage can be used for your medical expenses and lost
wages in the event of a car accident.
Even if it wasn’t your fault for the accident, you can still file a claim through your own policy.
The $10,000 coverage is your first way to collect damages after a car accident for which you
were not at fault. However, if your damages exceed this $10,000, then you would need to seek
compensation from the at-fault party.
For this to happen, you would need to have a “serious injury,” as classified by Florida. Having a serious injury would mean that you need to have suffered a significant loss of a bodily function, have a permanent injury, have significant scarring or disfigurement, or have perished in the accident.
Filing a Claim Against the Insurance Company
If the deceased driver was insured, as every Florida driver is supposed to, then you can file a car
accident claim against their insurance. If this is the case, then your claim will proceed as if the
insured party was still alive. Since you will be filing against their insurance and not them as an
individual, and the policy remains in effect, the case will proceed similar to one in which the atfault driver was alive.
You will need to hire a professional personal injury lawyer to assist you with the proceedings
and to fight for the compensation you deserve. Call our personal injury attorneys at (904) 398-
1992 today to schedule a FREE consultation.
A lawyer will protect you from the insurance company, which is likely to offer you a low-ball
settlement offer way below what you deserve.
Filing a Claim Against the Deceased’s Estate
If the deceased driver did not have insurance, you may need to file a claim against his or her
estate. If you have uninsured motorist coverage through your own car insurance, you may be
able to skip this complicated step.
If not, you will need to hire an experienced Florida car accident attorney who knows how to
navigate through both probate and personal injury law.
It is highly encouraged to hire an attorney who can file a claim against their estate, which
involves filing for a new probate case. Once the case is filed, you may be able to collect assets
from the deceased driver’s estate. Call one of our experienced attorneys today at (904) 398-1992
so we can assist you through this difficult process.
The difficulty with this type of collection process is that it normally takes months for this kind of
filing and collection. If the deceased did not have many assets, you also risk not being able to
collect the compensation you need. Speaking with an experienced personal injury attorney will
help you determine and explore your options.
The Deceased’s Family
Many victims hesitate to file a claim against the deceased’s estate because they worry about the
deceased’s family. As they are grieving the loss of a family member, they do not need to endure
the complications of a trial. Fortunately, these proceedings will not impact them financially.
You cannot receive compensation from these individuals for your damages. You can only go after the deceased’s insurance and estate. This means that these individuals will not be financially impacted by you getting the compensation you deserve.
Call a Results-Driven Car Accident Attorney Today!
If you or someone you may know has been injured in a car accident where the other driver
passed away, it is highly crucial for you to reach out for help from an experienced and resultsdriven attorney. They will be able to guide you through this intricate process and fight for the
compensation you deserve.
Call Nooney, Roberts, Hewett & Nowicki at (904) 398-1992 to schedule a free consultation
today!
With our decades of experience, we have helped victims like you get the compensation they
deserve. We will work tirelessly and aggressively advocate for you to get the best possible
outcome. Please do not wait any longer to receive the help you need to obtain the compensation
you deserve. We value all of our clients at our firm and give you small firm attention and give
you big firm results.
Call (904) 398-1992 or fill out a fast and convenient form to schedule a free initial consultation
with an experienced personal injury attorney.
If you’ve recently been involved in a truck accident, you may be wondering if the accident was
caused by mechanical failure. In 2019, more than 4,100 people died in large truck crashes in the
United States, with more than 118,000 trucks involved in accidents that caused an injury.
Unfortunately, mechanical failure is one of the most common reasons for truck accidents in the
U.S., with issues involving brakes and tires being particularly common.
With decades years of combined experience representing vehicle accident victims, Nooney,
Roberts, Hewett & Nowicki is the preeminent law firm that other attorneys turn to for help. We
focus on serving clients throughout Florida including those in the following localities: Duval
County including Atlantic Beach, Jacksonville, and Jacksonville Beach; Clay County including
Green Cove Springs, Keystone Heights, Lakeside, Middleburg, and Orange Park; Flagler County
including Palm Coast; Nassau County including Callahan, Fernandina Beach, and Yulee; Putnam
County including Interlachen and Palatka; and St. Johns County including Fruit Cove, Palm
Valley, Ponte Vedra Beach, St. Augustine, and St. Johns.
In this article, we’ll review some of the key most common reasons for truck mechanical failures.
We’ll also review the situations in which a truck company, manufacturer, or other party may be
held liable for damages that resulted from a mechanical failure that led to a truck accident.
The Most Common Types of Maintenance and Mechanical Failures in Truck Accidents
Some of the most common types of mechanical issues that may result in a truck accident include:
▪ Failure in trailer hook up
▪ Brake failure
▪ Loss of running or directional lights
▪ Tire blowouts and tire tread separation
▪ Truck transmission failure
▪ Truck engine overheating
Some of the most common types of mechanical issues that may result in a truck accident include:
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is tasked with regulating the
trucking industry for the safety of truck drivers and others on the road. FMCSA rules include
maximum hours of service to prevent accidents caused by driver fatigue. Additionally, the
truckers and carriers must comply with regulations regarding inspection, repair, and
maintenance. These rules forbid any unsafe operation that is likely to cause an accident or
vehicle breakdown. The FMCSA rules also maintain the following list of parts and accessories
necessary for safe operation that must be present and in good condition:
▪ Brakes and brake systems
▪ Tires
▪ Mirrors
▪ Lights and signals
▪ Safety equipment
Maintenance Neglect in Tires
Tires are extremely important to the safe operation of trucks. From supporting massive loads and
miles of travel, semi-truck tires should be replaced, inspected, and repaired thoroughly and
regularly. There are a wide variety of rules that must be followed regarding truck tire
maintenance. Unfortunately, problematic tire maintenance can lead to disaster. Improper
maintenance of semi-truck tires can manifest in a variety of ways, such as late or missed tire
inspections or failure to maintain tire pressure.
In fact, data shows that about 80% of the roadside tire failures result from creeping air loss. As
one might expect, the chief cause of truck tire air loss is lack of essential maintenance. Tire
pressures should be checked every week, at least. Fortunately, regular truck tire maintenance can
greatly reduce the likelihood of an accident.
In addition to maintaining correct tire pressure, it’s essential to have the right tires for the job. If
a truck runs approximately half of its operation time in an off-road environment, but the tires are
strictly on-highway tires, this presents a potential tire-killing situation. Taking advantage of an
application-specific tire will significantly help with the tire’s — and ultimately the vehicle’s —
performance and productivity.
Any condition causing truck tires to fail to run straight and make constant and consistent contact
with the pavement will also accelerate wear. Misalignment is another issue that causes premature
wear on tires. Tire misalignment can occur in many forms, from drive axles being out of
alignment to bad steering geometry. Loose wheel bearings, bent axles, or axles that flex
excessively can also cause rapid wear of the inner shoulder of the inner tire on a dual wheel. In
addition, worn shock absorbers will begin to allow a tire to bounce more than it should,
impacting the tire’s contact, and thus its overall wear.
Most Common Types of Trucking Negligence
Several of the most common examples of negligence leading to truck mechanical failure
includes:
Drivers skipping daily inspections: The FMCSA requires truck drivers to document daily vehicle
inspections. An inspection report must be done at the end of each workday and turned in to the
carrier. A driver should not drive until they are confident the cab and trailer are safe to operate.
Poor maintenance: Truck companies may be guilty of negligence if their employees intentionally
do not fulfill regular repairs or maintenance tasks in between trips. Even if a contractor makes a
repair, they may sometimes make the repair incorrectly, which may leave the vehicle in an even
more damaged state. Incorrect repairs are another common cause of trucking accidents and can
often lead to liability for trucking companies and contractors.
Carriers ignore defect notifications: If a driver or maintenance worker notices a problem on or in
the vehicle, they notify the carrier it needs to be looked at further or repaired. However, if this
notification is ignored, it becomes negligent.
Failure to inspect the brakes: One of the most important parts of a truck are the brakes.
Unfortunately, many trucking companies do not require constant brake inspections, or often skip
required inspections.
Failure to inspect and replace tires: A trucker’s tires need to be in great condition to make trips
safely, considering the weight of trucks and the speed at which they travel. Failing to inspect tire
tread and pressure can lead to catastrophe.
Who is Responsible for Truck Mechanical Defects?
In most cases, a specific employee or group of employers are directly responsible for the
maintenance of a particular truck. Legally however, the trucking company in question is
typically responsible for any actions trucking employees complete while on the clock.
Depending on the situation, the driver, a member of the maintenance team, of the trucking
company will be responsible for the accident and any injuries you may experience. While a
specific worker may be directly responsible for your accident, it’s much easier to achieve
compensation from the employing business.
In addition, it’s important to realize that truck inspection violations and neglected maintenance
are quite common. Therefore, these issues are contributing factors to a large percentage of
trucking accidents. Since these factors are clear signs of company negligence, lawsuits can often
be filed to recover damages. These damages can cover medical bills, loss of income and other
expenses associated with the accident.
If you or someone you know has been injured in a trucking accident, the lawyers at Nooney,
Roberts, Hewett & Nowicki can help you. We welcome your questions! We are committed to
helping you get the maximum compensation for your injuries, including medical bills, lost
income, disability, disfigurement, pain and suffering, and mental anguish. Call us today at (904)
398-1992 for your free consultation.
Love may sometimes cross international borders and because of this, it can face challenges in
relationships, including dealing with immigration laws. In the United States, the K-1 visa
program is one option for engaged couples where one partner is a U.S. citizen.
What is the K-1 Visa Program?
The K-1visa is a nonimmigrant visa that permits foreign nationals who are engaged to a U.S.
citizen to enter the U.S. for marriage purposes. This visa allows non-U.S. citizens to enter the
U.S. to marry within 90 days of entry before applying for permanent residency once they have
been married. Also included in K-1 visa qualifications, are same-sex couples, which qualify for
the visa even if the home country of the foreign partner does not recognize same-sex marriage.
If the fiancé or fiancée of a U.S. citizen has children, they children are able to apply for K-2 visas
if the children are minors.
How Can I Qualify for the K-1 Visa Program?
In order to qualify for a K-1 visa, a foreign citizen must be engaged to a U.S. citizen and must
live outside the U.S at the time of the application. U.S. citizens’ foreign fiancés and fiancées who
are already living legally in the U.S. are not eligible for the K-1 visa. Generally, they will have to
seek a status adjustment, instead. It is also important to note that K-1 visas are also not for
couples who plan on marrying outside the U.S. or who have already married.
The individual who is sponsoring their foreign partner must also meet several K-1 visa requirements. For example, the sponsoring partner must be a U.S. citizen and not a permanent resident and must be legally able to marry. This means that neither partner is currently married to anyone else. Should one partner have been previously married, he or she must provide documentation to show than any previous marriages have been terminated such as, divorce orders, death certificates, and such.
Additionally, a couple must also have met at least once in the two years before they apply for a
K-1 visa. For many couples it is hard to accomplish; hence, a waiver for this requirement is
available. This waiver is generally possible if you can prove that the meeting would be against
your partner’s cultural, social, or religious practices or would make it difficult for the partner that
is a U.S. citizen in the relationship.
Lastly, probably the most important part of K-1 visa requirements is that the forthcoming
marriage and the relationship are real and legitimate. If you marry a U.S. citizen just for the
purpose of seeking immigration status (e.g., obtaining a green card) is considered to be fraud.
Couples applying for the K-1 visa should be ready to provide evidence that their relationship is a qualifying one. Having photographs, individuals who can vouch for your relationship’s legitimacy, evidence of travel to see each other, can help your application
What is the Process Like?
Most of the paperwork will come from the U.S. citizen in the relationship. The following are the
steps required for this process:
It is important to time the marriage carefully since there are only 90 days to get ready and marry. Once the K-1 visa expires, the foreign partner will need to return to his or her home country if the marriage did not happen. During the visa application process, it is not recommended for the foreign partner to travel to the U.S. This leads authorities to think the couple is trying to go around the immigration system. While waiting for the visa, it is recommended to create provisional plans so the wedding can occur within the 90 days of entry into the U.S. A visa revalidation, a K-1 visa extension, is possible if a couple simply runs out of time. Once USCIS approves your I-129F petition, it is valid for fourth months. The validity of the petition can be extended for four months at a time by a consular office to allow more time for visa
processing.
What Type of Documentation Do I Need?
When filing for a K-1 visa, you’ll want to have all your paperwork ready to prove your
eligibility, your relationship, and your current single status. The instructions for the I-129F
petition will list what you need, and you may wish to have additional documentation on hand in
case the USCIS requests further information.
▪ Divorce decrees, annulment decrees, death certificates
▪ Evidence of U.S citizenship for the sponsoring partner
▪ One recent and eligible color passport-style photo of each partner
▪ Documentation of any name change
▪ Evidence you intend to marry within 90 days of entry into the United States
▪ Evidence you have met at least once in the past two years or evidence you qualify for a
waiver
In some cases, applications will also require an International Marriage Broker Regulation Act
waiver. This waiver may be needed in situations where a U.S. sponsor has sponsored two or more fiancé(e)s in the past or has had an I-129F petition approved within two years. These waivers and the International Marriage Broker Regulation Act are intended to protect foreign born partners from abuse and harm.
How Can Nooney, Roberts, Hewett & Nowicki Help You?
Planning a new life together with your significant other is stressful enough, but it can be more
complicated when borders and immigration law are involved. Trying to time a K-1 visa
application with all the elements of a wedding and moving in together is difficult and the
possibility of having an application or extension rejected can add to pre-wedding jitters.
able to find documentation to prove the eligibility of a relationship for a K-1 visa.
We can help you determine what your fiancé(e) can do while in the United States on a K-1 visa
and we can keep you compliant with current regulations. Whether you are applying for a K-1
visa for the first time or have already been denied a visa, working with an experienced K-1
immigration attorney can help. Nooney, Roberts, Hewett & Nowicki can help with every aspect
of your K-1 visa journey, from a K-1 extension rejection to helping you appeal a K-1 visa
rejection.
While you focus on your future with your significant other, let us help you navigate the
immigration process. Call us at (904) 398-1992 for a consultation today.
A lawful permanent resident (LPR) is a person with status and permission to reside and work in
the United States permanently. LPRs receive a “green card,” a photo identification card as proof
of their lawful status. Formally, this document is called an I-551 card. LPRs 18 years old and
older must always carry this card with them. Most LPR cards expire ten years after the date they
were issued. Don’t worry, that does not mean that your status as a permanent resident is expiring,
it means that your green card itself is expiring and means that you need to apply for a new green
card.
There are several ways to obtain a green card, including through family, an employer, or refugee
or asylee status. Certain LPRs who obtained their green card through marriage to a U.S. citizen
are called conditional residents and will only receive a green card valid for two years. These
LPRs need to take additional action to retain their status and should talk to an immigration
lawyer to find out what steps they need to take.
What are My Rights as an LPR?
A lawful permanent resident has the right to live and work in the U.S. LPRs can also file
immigration petitions for certain family members (i.e., spouses, unmarried children under 21
years of age, unmarried sons and daughters over 21 years of age) to gain LPR status as well.
Another right LPRs have is the ability to travel to and from the U.S., but you need to apply for a
permit of reentry if you plan to be away from the U.S. for over 12 months.
Can I Lose my LPR status?
Indeed, you can. LPR status is not permanent, as opposed to its own name. You can lose your
LPR status by engaging in criminal behavior, being absent in the U.S. for too long, aiding other
people to enter the U.S. illegally, and making false claims to U.S. citizenship, to name a few. If
you think that any of these situations apply to you and/or are planning to leave the U.S. for a trip,
it is highly important for you to consult your immigration attorney at Nooney, Roberts, Hewett & Nowicki first.
My Green Card is About to Expire. How do I renew it?
If your green card is expiring soon you can apply for a new one by submitting a Form I-90,
together with the required additional documentation and application fee. Call our office at (904)
398-1992 so that we can assist you with your green card renewal process. It is important that the
application packet is sent via mail or electronical mail to the United States Citizenship and
Immigration Services (USCIS) within six months of the date the green card will expire.
What if I Change my Name or Lose my Green Card?
If you lose your green card, or legally change your name after obtaining your card, you may
apply for a new card using USCIS Form I-90. You will need to pay an application fee and may
be required to supplement additional documents with your application.
How Can I Become a U.S. Citizen?
Lawful Permanent Residents can become U.S. citizens by applying for naturalization. Many
LPRs are eligible to apply for it after five years in LPR status. In some instances, the period is
shorter; for example, an LPR married to and residing with a U.S. citizen spouse for three years
may apply for naturalization after this three-year period. There are plenty other requirements to
become a citizen, including having spent certain amounts of time inside the U.S., meeting certain
knowledge and literacy criteria, proving you are a person of good moral character. Call our experienced immigration attorneys at Nooney, Roberts, Hewett & Nowicki today to find out if you qualify to apply for citizenship.
What Is the Difference Between Being an LPR and a U.S. Citizen?
As an LPR, you do not have the right to vote in federal, state, and local elections that require the
voter to be a U.S. citizen. Also, there are certain employment categories that are only available to
U.S. citizens. Furthermore, U.S. citizens can file immigrant petitions for more categories of
family members (i.e., married sons and daughters, parents, and siblings). There are many
instances where the U.S. citizen’s family members gain residency faster than family members of
LPRs.
If you become naturalized, your LPR children under the age of 18 who are living with you will
automatically become U.S. citizens. They can apply for a citizenship certificate or a U.S.
passport. In addition, some circumstances where LPRs can lose their status, such as criminal
convictions and extended absences from the U.S., do not apply once a person becomes a U.S.
citizen. A lawful permanent resident who becomes a naturalized U.S. citizen will not lose his or
her status for living outside the U.S. for extended periods of time (or even permanently leaving)
after becoming a U.S. citizen, or for having criminal convictions after becoming a U.S. citizen.
For all the above reasons, it is very important that you speak to our expert immigration lawyers
at Nooney, Roberts, Hewett & Nowicki once you have been a LPR for five years so we can determine if you are eligible to apply for citizenship.
Call Our Experienced Immigration Attorneys Today!
Immigration law is complicated and applies differently to every person. Its complication can lead
you to make mistakes or omissions when filing applications by yourself. Hence, why hiring a
knowledgeable immigration lawyer is the first and most important step in any immigration
process. Call our office at (904) 398-1992 or fill out a fast and convenient form to schedule a
free initial consultation!
There are thousands of truck accidents occurring across the country, and do you ever wonder
what the most common causes of these accidents are? While many of the reasons for accidents
taking place are obvious, there are a few which may surprise you. Today, we’re going to share
the most common causes of truck accidents in the U.S., all of which will require the help of
Nooney, Roberts, Hewett & Nowicki law firm. Our attorneys and team have the specialized
skills, experience, and resources necessary to assist you in obtaining a full recovery if you are
involved in a truck or commercial motor vehicle crash.
Main Reason for a Truck Accident
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), eighty-eight percent of
truck-related crashes are due to driver’s error. But let’s not blame only the driver. Often the
trucking company does not train the driver correctly, properly maintain the trucks, or hire a thirdparty company.
Why do Truck Drivers Fail to Abide by the Laws of How Many Hours They are Allowed to
Drive in a Day?
Like most mistakes, it is due to fear. The consequences of losing their jobs, a decision is made,
and many innocent people pay for the driver’s choice.
Employers impose an ultimatum in no uncertain terms. This causes negligence on the driver and
the employer in the long run when fatigue sets in due to long hours on the road and not taking
adequate rest days or breaks. Because they succumb to exhaustion, the result is always the same:
lack of concentration, make fatal errors and run the risk of falling asleep at the wheel of an
80,000-pound vehicle. Our firm’s goals and passion are to educate and protect the innocent.
Technology and Its Role in Truck Driving Accidents
Truckers are causing accidents now more than ever due to the increased reliance on their
smartphones, which is distracted driving and is only getting worse. Any activity where you use
your phone that takes your attention off the road is considered distracted driving. This can be
using your phone to change or scroll through music, talking or texting on your device, and
checking or participating in social media while operating a vehicle. Drivers drive long hours, and
it can be monotonous, but there is never an excuse to use your phone, eat meals, or do anything
else to keep you occupied while operating your vehicle. It is required to pull off the road for a
break to perform these tasks.
Drugs and Alcohol as Factors for Driving Truckers
After all the education and consequences, we are still driving while intoxicated, resulting in fatal accidents. With the combination of long hours and boredom, many truck drivers rely on drugs and alcohol to keep them awake and sadly entertained. Although all truck drivers are tested and monitored with strict regulations, this does not deter them and doesn’t mean everyone is driving safely. With the influence of drugs or alcohol, the results are that they are more likely to make dangerous lane changes, use increased speeds, and the inability to stop in an appropriate time frame.
Speeding in Truck Accidents
With the pressure for the truckers to work on strict deadlines or drop off a load before a store or
facility closes, they might try to obtain the goal by increasing their speeds. It is a significant
factor, and this, unfortunately, leads to many accidents on the road. The truck drivers’ pressure
often leads to fatal accidents, and small passenger cars are the most affected. Regardless if
you’re on the road in an 80,00-pound semi-truck or a car or motorcycle, abide by the speed limit
at all times, and this could save your life or someone else’s.
Truck Drivers and Their Responsibilities
Truck Maintenance, proper loading, and training the drivers are also essential in preventing
accidents. When a truck is involved in an accident, our legal team can ensure that the semi-truck
is roadworthy. Trucking companies are responsible for checking each vehicle before it heads out
on the road, but this is often skipped over. Our firm encourages victims to contact someone on
our team as soon as possible following the accident. The earlier you receive professional advice
from a seasoned semi-truck accident lawyer, you are more likely to have a successful claim and
receive the support you need.
Most Common Types of Mechanical Issues that May Result in a Truck Accident
▪ Brake failure
▪ Trailer hook up failure
▪ Loss of running lights or directional signals
▪ Tire blowouts and tire tread separation
▪ Truck engine overheating
▪ Truck transmission failure
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is tasked with regulating the
trucking industry for the safety of truck drivers and others on the road. FMCSA rules include
maximum hours of service to prevent accidents caused by driver fatigue. Additionally, the
truckers and carriers must comply with inspection, repair, and maintenance regulations. These
rules forbid any unsafe operation that will likely cause an accident or vehicle breakdown. The
FMCSA rules also maintain a list of parts and accessories necessary for safe operation that must
be present and in good condition. These parts include:
▪ Tires
▪ Brakes and brake system components
▪ Mirror
▪ Signal and lights
▪ Safety equipment
Call Nooney, Roberts, Hewett & Nowicki Today!
Injured in a truck accident? Call our office today for your free consultation at (904) 398-1992.
We will be awaiting your call!
