Truck accidents can be especially devastating for individuals and their families. Commercial trucks’ sheer size, weight, and velocity often result in fatal accidents when smaller passenger vehicles are involved.
Unfortunately, Florida roadways experience hundreds of truck accidents and fatalities each year. If you are involved in this type of accident, it is smart to contact our legal team right away. We have years of experience helping accident victims, just like you.
Our goal is to help you recover the compensation you deserve for your injuries and damages.
The Impact of Accidents with Large Trucks
If you are involved in an accident with a large truck, severe consequences, damages, and injuries are likely. Semis and other large trucks weigh 20 to 30 times more than traditional passenger vehicles. This creates an extremely dangerous situation if an accident occurs.
When you contact our legal team, you will have access to our years of experience in personal injury law. We even offer a free initial consultation to discuss your situation and needs.
What to Do After a Commercial Truck Accident
Accidents are often overwhelming and frightening. That’s especially true if large vehicles are involved. Even though this is the case, time is a crucial aspect to consider. You have a limited amount of time to file a claim after a truck accident in Florida. Our team needs time to collect evidence to prove negligence and ensure you can recover compensation.
Once an accident occurs, you should take the following steps to protect yourself and your right to recover compensation from the at-fault party:
- Contact the authorities
- Gather information from the other parties involved and witnesses
- Get photos of the accident scene
- Contact us
While it can be confusing after a truck accident occurs, it’s important to stay calm and do what you can to protect your rights.
Common Causes of Florida Truck Accidents
Florida truck accidents can be caused and influenced by many factors. This includes those that are in and out of your control.
Commercial truck drivers are exposed to many of the same issues and situations that other motorists face, including poor road conditions, cases of distracted driving, and more.
While this is true, large truck drivers also face specific issues related to their profession. One issue is the higher likelihood of fatigue since many drivers are on the road for long hours moving loads from one location to another.
If a driver is extremely fatigued, it may cause them to be less aware of their surroundings while on the road. It may also impact their driving skills and judgment.
Some other factors and causes that can lead to truck accidents include:
- Weather conditions
- Insufficient driver training
- Brake issues
- Interruptions in traffic flow
- Traffic law violations
- Improperly loaded cargo
- Use of over the counter or prescription drugs
- Equipment failure
- Improperly maintained truck
- Speeding
- Unfamiliar with the road
- Use of alcohol
According to information from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, accidents that involve a large, commercial truck are very rarely the result of just one factor.
Because of this, it is up to you to remain diligent and aware of your surroundings on Florida roadways. Keep in mind, though, that even if you do this, truck accidents may still occur.
Common Injuries Resulting from Truck Accidents
The most common injuries sustained during a truck accident depend on several factors. This includes the truck’s size and the circumstances of the accident.
Some of the most common injuries that occur include:
- Disfigurement
- Bone fractures
- Paralysis
- Lacerations
- Broken legs or arms
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Neurological damage
- Spinal cord damage
- Head or neck injuries
Each of these injuries can be severe and result in your entire life being changed.
Different Types of Truck Accident Lawsuits
If you are involved in a truck accident, you may wonder what type of legal recourse you have. Knowing your legal options is a must.
- Personal injury claims: Individuals or entities that may be held liable for injuries or other losses include the driver, trucking company, truck or parts manufacturer, trailer leasing company, owner of the truck’s load.
- Property damage claims: the weight and size of semi-trucks can cause a lot of property damage, and filing a property damage claim may help you recoup some of these losses.
Contact Our Legal Team for Help and Information
There are a lot of factors that must be considered after an accident with a large truck. Because of this, it is a good idea to get in touch with our team right away. We can review the facts of the case, determine negligence, and help you file the right claim for your situation.
Our goal is to help accident victims receive the compensation they are due for the injuries and damages they incurred. Contact us today to learn more about our legal services or to schedule a free consultation.
