Florida Truck Accident Lawyer
Tractor Trailers seem to be multiplying daily on America’s roadways. They’re huge, move fast, and seem to change lanes with little or no notice. The swaying of the trailer is disconcerting and distracting. On top of these concerns, there are the statistics that show long haul drivers suffer from lack of sleep and a high propensity to use illegal substances to help them get through their days.
When tractor trailers do have accidents, they are often the type of incident that leads to road closures and huge traffic delays. Being involved in one of these accidents can cause serious harm to all involved. If you were involved in an accident with a tractor trailer it is unlikely that you came away unscathed. Let our tractor trailer accident attorneys look at the facts of your case and let you know the options that you have to recover.
Truck accidents in Florida
Unfortunately, accidents involving trucks are not uncommon on Florida roadways. The most recent report from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) revealed an incredible 510,000 crashes involving large commercial vehicles in 2019.
4,479 of these crashes resulted in fatalities and 114,000 (29%) caused injuries. They can happen anywhere across the country, with both rural areas and Interstate highways being common accident sites.
The Florida statute of limitations for truck accidents is four years. That means you have four years from the date of your accident to make a claim and seek victim compensation.
Different types of truck accidents
Accidents involving commercial trucks and tractor trailers are usually serious and each involve different risks to yourself, your loved ones, and your vehicle. The truck accidents that most commonly impact drivers in Florida are:
Jackknife
The tractor and trailer of an 18-wheeler are two separate units connected by a coupling. During a jackknife incident, the trailer swings out perpendicular to the tractor, often into the other lane, colliding with other vehicles and causing accidents and injury.
Rollover
Transport trucks have a different center of gravity than most vehicles. If there are high winds or the driver makes a turn too quickly, the trailer could tip over or crash into other vehicles. This can cause damage and even blockages that cause pile-ups and multiple crashes at once.
Override
A rear-end incident is normally just a minor bump or dent. This is not the case with tractor trailers, since the truck may actually drive onto your car or even onto the backseat, called an override. This will cause extensive damage and injury or even death.
Underride
If a truck suddenly stops or changes lanes in front of you, you could be caught in an underride scenario where your vehicle gets wedged under the back of the truck. These accidents usually cause severe injuries to the driver and front passenger.
Cargo loss
Not every truck incident involves the truck itself. The trucks’ load may spill out of the trailer, crashing into your vehicle or landing on the road where it causes an accident.
Who is liable in a truck accident?
It can be tricky to determine who is at fault for an accident involving a truck. You may assume it was the fault of the driver, but the burden of proving that falls on you, the accident victim. That’s why it’s so crucial to hire a lawyer who will properly represent your interests.
Depending on the unique circumstances of your accident, one or more of the following parties could be liable:
The driver. If you can prove that the driver was driving while distracted, under the influence, or otherwise negligent, they may be responsible for the accident.
The truck company. Some companies encourage their employees to work longer shifts without rest in order to make deliveries more quickly. Others might not properly train their employees or fail to check that the truck is in proper working condition.
Since a trucking company is responsible for ensuring their drivers follow all the rules and regulations of the road, many settlements involve both the company and the driver.
Average settlement for truck accident
Since truck accidents vary from relatively small damage to life-threatening injuries and beyond, it’s difficult to predict what settlement you deserve without knowing the details of your case.
We’ve helped victims receive settlements of more than $400,000. Whatever your scenario, you can and should receive coverage for:
Medical bills. You deserve the treatment you need to get back to a normal, healthy life. You can receive compensation for all current and future medical bills.
Lost wages. Were you unable to work for a period of time after the accident? Your settlement can help you make ends meet until you’re back on your feet.
Pain and suffering. Depending on the details of your accident, you may be entitled to additional compensation for pain and suffering you incurred due to the neglect of the driver, trucking company, or other at-fault party.
Why you need a lawyer for a truck accident in Florida
No one wants to admit fault in a vehicle accident–especially one that causes extensive injuries or a lot of expensive damage. The lawyers and insurance companies representing the truck driver are going to attempt to reduce your claim and pay out as little as possible.
You need an experienced lawyer who understands the ins-and-outs of truck accidents and personal injury law in Florida. Someone who will stand up for you and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Recovering from a serious accident is complicated enough. Let the experts at Snedaker Law take care of your case so you can rest, relax, and receive what you’re entitled to.
Helping Florida's Injured
Snedaker Law is the One Law Firm for you
If you are harmed in a semi truck accident, then you need a truck accident lawyer who is here to stand for you. Our personal injury attorneys have the knowledge, the education, and the experience to handle even the most complex personal injury case. When you’re looking for someone to help you though your difficult time, Snedaker Law is the One for you.
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