Orlando Truck Accident Attorney
Common Truck Accident Injuries
Truck accidents can cause any type of injury, just like accidents between passenger vehicles; however, because of the size of trucks, these violent accidents tend to cause catastrophic injuries, including:
- Spinal cord injury
- Traumatic brain injury
- Amputations
These injuries can alter your life forever.
Common Truck Accident Causes
Some of the most common causes of truck accidents include:
- Truck driver fatigue
- Overloaded truck cargo
- Unbalanced cargo
- Poor truck maintenance
- Mechanical problems
- Driver inexperience
- Alcohol and/or drug abuse
Our legal team can investigate your case to determine the cause of the truck accident.
Tips to Avoid Car vs. Truck Accidents
Trucks have a difficult time seeing cars on the road. There are several steps you can take to help avoid having a truck accident.
Drive with plenty of room between your car and the truck
If you are driving behind a truck, make sure you can see both of the truck’s side mirrors. If you cannot see the truck’s mirrors, then the truck driver cannot see you. Trucks have very large blind spots due to the shear length and size of the truck. You will be in the truck’s blind spot if you cannot see the mirrors.
Make sure you are driving with plenty of room behind you if you are driving in front of a truck. Trucks need a tremendous amount of room to stop because they are so heavy. Trucks have an 80,000 pound weight limit and many of them weigh roughly 80,000 pounds. Leave the truck enough room to stop so you will not be hit from behind.
Drive either in front or behind the truck, but never beside the truck
Avoid driving next to a truck. There is a great chance that you will be in the truck’s blind spot if you drive along side the truck. When passing a truck, make sure you can pass quickly to avoid driving a long distance beside the truck. If there is a lot of traffic on the road, wait to pass the truck until you are sure you will not be stuck driving next to the truck. A truck may need to quickly change lanes to prevent an accident or want to pass a vehicle and the truck driver may not see you even if the driver checks his blind spots first.
Drive with your lights on at all times
Driving with your running lights on increases the likelihood that you will be seen by others. This is especially true during weather conditions such as fog, rain, or snow. Always drive with your lights on during dusk and dawn. Never assume that another vehicle can see you. Decrease your chances of getting into a truck accident or other auto accident by increasing your visibility and drive with your lights on.
What to Do After a Truck Accident
Being involved in a truck accident can be a harrowing experience. Many truck accident victims suffer serious personal injuries, and multiple people may be affected by a single accident. To make matters more overwhelming, trucking companies will send out lawyers and representatives as quickly as possible to protect their interests at the scene of an accident. With so much going on, it can be confusing to know what to do next in order to protect your rights after a truck accident.
In the immediate aftermath of a truck accident, remember these key steps:
- Make sure all victims are out of immediate danger. Move the vehicles from traffic when it is safe.
- Call 911. Everyone at the scene should be examined by emergency personnel, even if they do not seem seriously injured at the time.
- Give a concise, factual statement to the police. Avoid talking about who was at fault. You may not yet have all the facts you need to make such judgments.
- Make sure you get a copy of the police report. Take down the name of the investigating officer and the report number in case you lose your copy.
- Collect information about the truck and its driver, including license plate information for both the truck and the trailer, names, identification, commercial license numbers, insurance information, and other contact information.
- Collect names and contact information from any witnesses.
- Take pictures of the accident, including vehicle damage, visible injuries, skid marks, the condition of the truck’s tires, loose cargo, and other essential equipment (like underride guards and reflectors).
Michael Barszcz, M.D., J.D. is here to help. Our Orlando truck accident attorneys know how catastrophic these injuries can be. When you suffer harm, we’ll stand on your side and work to obtain the most favorable outcome on your behalf.
Contact our team at (407) 305-6088 today!
Truck Accident FAQ:
Can I recover compensation after being in a truck accident?
Depending on the circumstances of your case, you may be able to recover compensation for:
- Medical expenses
- Current and future lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of consortium
Part of your case involves demonstrating how this catastrophic injury has impacted your life, and what it has cost you.
Who is held liable for a truck accident?
Anyone involved in the operation, maintenance, inspection and loading of a truck may be held responsible for negligence that led to an accident:
- Truck drivers
- Owners
- Trucking companies
- Manufacturers
Our legal team will establish whether negligence was the cause of your accident, and who is responsible.
What should I do if a loved one was killed in a truck accident?
If you lost a family member to a truck accident, we understand the importance of holding the people responsible for this tragedy accountable. In a wrongful death claim, you can pursue compensation for your suffering, as well as for the lost contributions of your deceased family member.
Are there any trucking regulations relevant to accidents?
There are certain laws and regulations pertaining to trucking. All truck drivers must have a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). This license certifies the driver has undergone testing and training to operate a tractor-trailer. There are also laws regulating how many consecutive hours a truck driver can drive without taking a break.
Verdicts & Settlements
Over $120 Million Recovered For Clients-
$600,000
Improper tracheostomy care by pediatric nursing personnel leads to death of trauma patient.
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$925,000
Failure to diagnose and treat colon perforation after abdominal surgery leads to death.
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$350,000
Failure to diagnose and treat high blood pressure leads to stroke.