James Frazier | | Truck Accident
Were you recently involved in a truck accident in Orlando, FL? A skilled Orlando semi-truck accident attorney at Paul | Knopf | Bigger is here to defend your rights and secure the compensation you deserve. Semi-truck accident cases are extremely complex.  Understanding your rights is important.

Orlando Semi-Truck Accident Specialist | Championing Victim Rights

Were you recently involved in a truck accident in Orlando, FL? A skilled Orlando semi-truck accident attorney at Paul | Knopf | Bigger is here to defend your rights and secure the compensation you deserve. Semi-truck accident cases are extremely complex.  Understanding your rights is important. Call us today at (800) 434-4327 for a free consultation with an experienced attorney.

Understanding Your Right to Compensation

After a semi-truck accident, you may be entitled to compensation for:

  • Medical Bills: Coverage for all medical treatments, hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, and any future medical expenses related to the accident.
  • Lost Income: Compensation for wages lost during recovery and potential future earnings if you cannot return to work or need to take a lesser-paying job.
  • Pain and Suffering: Financial compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident, impacting your quality of life.
  • And More: This can include damages for loss of consortium, punitive damages in cases of gross negligence, and other accident-related expenses.

Contact an Orlando semi-truck accident attorney to explore your legal options, and let us guide you through the next crucial steps in your case. Call us at (800) 434-4327.

Driver Error: Mistakes made by truck drivers, such as distracted driving, fatigue, or impairment, which can lead to catastrophic outcomes. Poor Visibility: Limited visibility from the truck’s side and rear views, making it difficult for drivers to see other vehicles or obstacles. Mechanical Failures: Issues like brake failures or cargo shifts can lead to loss of control and serious accidents. Road Conditions: Poor road maintenance, hazardous weather conditions, or unexpected obstacles can contribute to accidents.

Causes of Semi-Truck Accidents in Orlando, Florida

Truck accidents can result from various factors, including:

  • Driver Error: Mistakes made by truck drivers, such as distracted driving, fatigue, or impairment, which can lead to catastrophic outcomes.
  • Poor Visibility: Limited visibility from the truck’s side and rear views, making it difficult for drivers to see other vehicles or obstacles.
  • Mechanical Failures: Issues like brake failures or cargo shifts can lead to loss of control and serious accidents.
  • Road Conditions: Poor road maintenance, hazardous weather conditions, or unexpected obstacles can contribute to accidents.

Common Negligent Behaviors of Semi-Truck Drivers

Negligent behaviors by truck drivers can significantly increase the risk of accidents. These include:

Driving Under the Influence

Florida Statute §316.193 states that any driver under the influence of alcohol or controlled substances is guilty and subject to penalties. Impaired driving can lead to:

  • Slower Reaction Times: Delayed responses to road conditions or sudden changes.
  • Decreased Coordination: Difficulty in controlling the vehicle accurately.
  • Poor Distance and Time Perception: Misjudging distances, leading to potential collisions.

Distracted Driving

Distractions such as using devices, eating, or adjusting controls can lead to devastating accidents. Common distractions include:

  • Reading Materials: Reading maps or documents while driving.
  • Texting or Phone Calls: Engaging in text messaging or phone conversations.
  • Passengers in the Cab: Interacting with passengers, which can divert attention from the road.

Driver Fatigue

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and state authorities regulate driving hours to prevent fatigue. Violations can result in negligence if an accident occurs. Fatigue can lead to:

  • Decreased Alertness: Reduced ability to notice hazards and react quickly.
  • Impaired Judgment: Poor decision-making due to tiredness.

Driver Fitness

Federal regulations require medical fitness screenings for truck drivers. Conditions like uncontrolled sleep apnea can lead to liability if they contribute to an accident. Medical issues can cause:

  • Sudden Incapacitation: Unexpected health episodes affecting driving ability.
  • Chronic Impairment: Ongoing health problems that interfere with safe driving.

Negligent behaviors by truck drivers can significantly increase the risk of accidents.

Differences Between Truck and Car Accidents

Truck accidents differ from car accidents in several ways:

  • Multiple Liable Parties: Truck accidents may involve the driver, trucking company, and manufacturer, each potentially liable.
  • Operational Hazards: Issues like cargo shifts or blind spots can cause accidents specific to large trucks.
  • Severity of Injuries: Truck accidents often result in more severe or fatal injuries due to the size and weight of trucks, impacting more lives.
  • Evidence Preservation: Trucking companies may destroy or manipulate evidence to avoid liability, requiring prompt action to secure crucial proof.
  • Immediate Legal Response: Trucking companies send legal teams to the accident scene quickly to protect their interests, making swift legal action essential.

Common Types of Semi-Truck Accidents in Orlando

Three prevalent types of truck accidents include:

  • Jackknife Accidents: The trailer swings out, forming a 90-degree angle with the tractor, often leading to multi-vehicle collisions.
  • Rollover Accidents: High speeds, sharp turns, and improper cargo loading can cause trucks to roll over, endangering other motorists.
  • Runaway Trucks: Brake failures or steep grades can lead to loss of control and dangerous runaway situations, causing significant damage.

Basic Laws in Orlando Semi-Truck Accident Cases

In Florida, the following laws apply to semi-truck accident cases:

  • No-Fault Insurance: Initial claims are filed with your insurance company, covering primary economic losses regardless of fault.
  • Comparative Negligence: If you are partially responsible, you may receive a reduced financial award proportional to your level of fault.
  • Catastrophic Injuries: You can sue the at-fault party directly for permanent injuries, significant disfigurement, or death, bypassing no-fault limitations.

Common Injuries in Semi-Truck Accidents

Sem-truck accidents can cause severe injuries, including:

  • Neck Injuries: Whiplash causing chronic pain and limited mobility.
  • Back Injuries: Spinal cord injuries and paralysis with life-altering consequences.
  • Broken Bones: Arms, collarbones, legs, and ribs require long recovery periods.
  • Musculoskeletal Injuries: Torn muscles, ligament, and tendon damage, impacting daily activities.
  • Head Injuries: Concussions and traumatic brain injuries leading to cognitive and physical impairments.
  • Internal Injuries: Damage to organs and internal bleeding, often requiring emergency surgery.
  • Amputations: Loss of limbs resulting in permanent disability and lifestyle changes.

Semi-Truck Accident Claims

Potential Damages in Semi-Truck Accident Claims

Victims of semi-truck accidents may be entitled to various types of compensation:

  • Medical Bills: Current and future medical expenses, including surgeries and rehabilitation.
  • Lost Wages: Income lost due to inability to work and future earnings affected by the injury.
  • Lost Earning Capacity: Permanent inability to work at previous capacity, impacting long-term financial stability.
  • Out-of-Pocket Expenses: Costs like travel for medical appointments and adaptive devices increase significantly over time.
  • Property Damage: Repair or replacement of damaged property, ensuring you are not left out-of-pocket.
  • Pain and Suffering: Compensation for emotional and physical distress, recognizing the impact on your life.
  • Scarring and Disfigurement: Economic and emotional costs of permanent injuries, affecting self-esteem and social interactions.
  • Disability: Non-economic disability costs, recognizing the impact on lifestyle and independence.
  • Loss of Enjoyment: Compensation for loss of hobbies and activities, acknowledging the reduced quality of life.
  • Loss of Consortium: Loss of companionship or parental guidance, affecting family relationships and support systems.

Wrongful Death Claims

If a loved one dies in a semi-truck accident, compensation may include:

  • Funeral and Burial Costs: Covering expenses for final arrangements.
  • Medical Expenses Related to the Accident: Costs incurred before the death.
  • Pain and Suffering Endured by the Deceased: Recognizing the suffering experienced before passing.
  • Loss of Services and Income Contributions: The deceased provided the family with economic support.
  • Loss of Inheritance: Future inheritance is lost due to premature death.

Proving Liability in Semi-Truck Accident Cases

Proving liability in semi-truck accident cases involves determining the cause of the crash. This can include:

  • Mechanical Failures: Malfunctioning brakes or other issues due to poor maintenance or defects.
  • Improper Cargo Loading: Unsecured or improperly loaded cargo causing instability.
  • Driver Behavior: Aggressive driving or negligence by other drivers contributing to the accident.

Statute of Limitations

In Florida, the statute of limitations for semi-truck accident claims is two years from the date of the accident, and the limit for wrongful death claims is two years from the date of death. Acting promptly ensures your case is filed within these time limits.  You should speak with an attorney immediately. Contact us at (800) 434-4327.

Paul | Knopf | Bigger - Florida Injury Attorneys

Why Hire an Orlando Semi-Truck Accident Attorney?

Hiring an experienced attorney is crucial due to the complexity of semi-truck accident cases. An attorney can:

  • Identify Negligent Parties: Investigate and determine liability, ensuring all responsible parties are held accountable.
  • Negotiate with Insurers: Ensure fair compensation, protecting you from lowball settlement offers.
  • Prove Injuries: Work with medical professionals to document injuries, building a strong case.
  • Represent in Court: Argue your case if a settlement isn’t reached, fighting for your rights.
  • Preserve Evidence: Prevent destruction or manipulation of evidence, safeguarding crucial proof for your case.

Orlando Trial Attorney Shares Why Case Results Have a Lasting Impact

Contact an Orlando Semi-Truck Accident Attorney Today

At Paul | Knopf | Bigger, our attorneys have decades of experience handling personal injury cases. We understand the profound impact truck accidents have on your life. Our commitment is to provide professional and persistent representation to secure maximum compensation for you.

Contact our Orlando office at (800) 434-4327 or fill out our online consultation form.

Sources: