Florida has one of the worst percentages when it comes to truck accident fatalities. If you look at the commercial truck accidents that happen in other major states, the semi-truck accident rate in Florida is higher compared to the national average.
Based on a 2017 report by the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, more than 30,000 vehicular collisions involved truck drivers. Car passengers are especially vulnerable in a truck accident simply because of the smaller sizes of their vehicles.
That’s why small vehicle drivers need to take necessary precautions to protect not only themselves but also their passengers from these accidents. However, these scenarios can still happen no matter what measures you take.
Truck Accident Lawyers in Kissimmee
If you or a loved one has been injured due to a truck accident, then you need the help of an experienced truck accident lawyer. The Ward Law Group is a reputable law firm that can provide you with a truck accident attorney to help with your case.
Give us a call at 855-DOLOR-55 or send us a message to get a free case evaluation.
Why Do I Need a Florida Truck Accident Lawyer?
In case you’ve been hurt in an accident with an 18-wheeler or similar truck, it is important to bring in a lawyer who is experienced in handling such cases. You want to hire a Florida 18-wheeler accident lawyer because these cases can be more difficult than your regular vehicular accidents.
The following are the two main reasons why:
- The injuries involving trucks are often more serious, while damage to property is more significant.
- Several parties could be involved and share responsibility besides the driver such as their employer, cargo company, third-party maintenance companies, and more.
When you have a professional truck accident attorney beside you, you can have peace of mind knowing that there is someone who knows how to handle your case. This is especially crucial since the trucking company and its affiliates will also work to protect themselves from having to pay for the accident. Having such legal representation with you can even the playing field.
Additionally, insurance companies are known for their self-preservation. They will do everything they can to force you into accepting the lowest offer possible.
You can have a persuasive case with the help of a semi-truck accident lawyer. This also ensures that you have someone who will fight on your behalf so you receive fair compensation.
If the third-party insurance company of the trucking company approaches you, don’t say anything to them. What you should do instead is to call an experienced truck accident lawyer in Florida at 786-829-6694, or contact us below, and we’ll take it from there.
What Are the Common Causes for Truck Accidents?
Trucking is an essential aspect of the American economy as it is needed to transport vital goods and supplies from coast to coast. This means truckers are constantly on the road, and the increased time spent traveling means higher chances of vehicular accidents.
These are some of the most common reasons why truck accidents happen in Florida:
Driving Past Speed Limits
Getting a speeding ticket is common among many truck drivers. However, going past recommended speed limits remains a dangerous habit and is a major reason why truck accidents happen.
The space that most heavy trailers need to fully stop at 65 miles per hour is equivalent to around two football fields. Meanwhile, passenger cars need at least 300 feet before they can halt. That’s why drivers should give trucks sufficient space in between their vehicles to minimize these problems from happening.
Just like any traffic accident, collisions with trucks can be avoided if drivers follow the safety rules of the road. Some safety tips to follow include staying alert at all times, avoiding driving while impaired, and keeping sufficient distance from the next vehicle.
Driving Under the Influence
Perhaps the second most common reason for truck accidents is when drivers are driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
According to Florida law, drivers need to have less than .08% blood alcohol concentration (BAC) in order to operate vehicles. For commercial truck drivers, .04% BAC is needed.
Truck drivers who are caught driving while intoxicated will need to seek the services of a truck accident attorney to minimize legal consequences.
Driving While Distracted
Driving a passenger car or semi-truck while distracted is another major reason for accidents on the road. Drivers only need a few seconds of distraction to cause a collision. Common distractions include making phone calls, changing radio stations, and drinking or eating.
Taking your eyes off the road is dangerous, especially while driving at high speeds. That’s why it’s important for both truck and passenger car drivers to stay alert while driving.
What Compensation Can Truck Accident Victims Expect?
The most common type of truck accident is a collision with another vehicle. Some truck and vehicle collisions are head-on, and this type of collision is often deadly. A distracted or impaired driver who veers into an oncoming lane is likely to cause head-on collisions.
Rear-end collisions are also prevalent and highly dangerous, especially when a heavy truck rear-ends a smaller vehicle. Other collisions include T-bones, jackknifes, rollovers, and tire blowouts.
Rollover collisions occur when a truck rolls over on its side. This type of crash is hazardous because the truck might roll on top of a smaller vehicle, crushing the smaller vehicle and its occupants.
A jackknife is another type of dangerous truck accident, where the truck’s trailer swings out in front of the cab and comes to a rest at a sharp angle. Jack-knifes often happen when the driver of a heavy commercial truck suddenly slams on the truck’s brakes, propelling the trailer’s weight forward.
Side collisions between trucks and other vehicles are also fairly common. Large commercial trucks have significant blind spots, so a truck driver may not see a smaller vehicle moving next to the truck. A large truck may side-swipe another vehicle, pushing the other vehicle off the road or into another lane. A truck may also make a right turn and collide with a smaller vehicle as the truck first steers to the left before making the wide turn.
Common Injuries After Kissimmee Truck Accidents
Common bodily injuries resulting from truck accidents include:
- broken bones
- spinal cord injuries
- traumatic brain injuries
- internal organ damage
- dismemberment
- paralysis
Furthermore, if a loved one dies from these injuries, Florida law allows decedents to file wrongful death lawsuits when they lose a loved one because of someone else’s negligence.
If a truck accident injured you or a loved one in Kissimmee, a truck accident attorney could help you build your case and fight for your legal right to recover fair compensation for your financial losses.
Who's Liable for My Injuries after a Kissimmee Truck Accident?
Trucks accidents differ from other vehicle accidents because several individuals and entities can share liability for your injuries resulting from the accident. Persons and entities that may be held responsible include:
- The truck driver
- Their employer
- The company that manufactured the truck
- The persons who loaded the truck, if improper loading caused the accident
- The person responsible for maintenance of the truck
- The owner of the goods being transported
What Compensation Can Truck Accident Victims Expect?
Truck accident victims in Florida can file a case for several types of monetary compensation. Most of these cases are settled based on economic and non-economic damages.
The common economic damages include:
- Medical bills
- Lost earning capacity
- Lost wages
- Funeral and/or burial expenses
- Property damage
As for non-economic damages, these include:
- Emotional distress
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
There are also some cases where the courts in Florida will award punitive damages to victims. This is particularly common when the offending truck driver has been proven to be negligent on their part.
Courts give out punitive damages when they believe that the at-fault drivers should be punished for their recklessness. It also helps deter other drivers from following suit.
Contact a Truck Accident Attorney in Kissimmee
At The Ward Law Group, we know how difficult it can be if you’re a victim of a truck accident in Florida. No one wants to suffer simply because another driver has been careless or negligent.
It may seem unfair, but that’s why we’re here to help. We want to provide you with the best representation possible that will result in achieving maximum compensation for your troubles.
We believe in attaining the settlement and justice you deserve. Contact us today at 855-DOLOR-55, or contact us online, so we can get started with your case.