Orlando Truck Accident Attorney Explains Right After an Accident
Given the sheer size of trucks, their impact with a vehicle can have deadly consequences. Even if the accident is not deadly, it can leave victims with injuries that can have a lifetime of consequences. Orlando truck accident lawyer, Andrew Knopf, is dedicated to upholding the rights of truck accident victims.
If a truck driver negligently operated their vehicle and caused your injury, you have the legal right to seek compensation. Andrew Knopf of Paul | Knopf | Bigger brings his aggressive and winning attitude to every case, ensuring your legal rights are upheld. Andrew is also a prestigious Board Certified Civil Trial Lawyer, meaning he has earned this distinction, regularly taking and trying cases before Florida’s court system. Contact us at (800) 434-4327.
Understanding Florida’s No-Fault Insurance System
Florida operates under a no-fault insurance system, meaning your insurance covers your injuries, property damage, and other costs up to a certain point. This system aims to reduce the number of lawsuits arising from accident injury cases. However, you can file a lawsuit to recover total compensation if your injuries are severe and the insurance coverage is insufficient. Fortunately, Florida does not adhere to a pure no-fault auto insurance system, allowing you to file a lawsuit when certain thresholds are met.
The Role of Andrew Knopf and Paul | Knopf | Bigger
The legal team at Paul | Knopf | Bigger is highly knowledgeable about Florida’s truck accident and personal injury laws. Once the team meets with you, Andrew Knopf can determine if you have a valid case. From the initial meeting to a potential trial, you can feel confident that your case is in capable hands with Paul | Knopf | Bigger. You’re in good hands with Andrew, as he’s obtained results against some of the largest insurance companies and corporations in the world. Contact us at (800) 434-4327.
Expertise in Trucking Laws and Federal Regulations
An experienced trucking accident attorney fully understands state laws, federal trucking laws, and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR), including:
- Truck driver licensing requirements
- Truck insurance minimums
- Required documentation
- Limits on work hours
- Training requirements
- Truck weight, size, and route limitations
Many large tractor-trailer trucks are paid by the mile, pressuring drivers to drive past exhaustion, leading to unsafe driving decisions. Our legal team investigates whether these practices were involved in your case. All parties can be held liable if the driver or their supervisors acted negligently, violating any federal rules. We also investigate truck maintenance records, vehicle defects, and dangerous weather conditions, leaving no stone unturned in our truck accident investigations.
How Truck Accidents Differ From Car Accidents
Truck accidents differ from car crashes in several ways. Commercially owned trucks are typically managed by trucking companies, which complicates truck accident claims and the process of recovering compensation. There are also significant differences in insurance requirements, laws, and regulations.
Why You Need an Orlando Truck Accident Lawyer
Injuries from trucking-related accidents are often severe and can drastically affect a family’s financial future. Having a seasoned personal injury lawyer on your side is crucial if you’ve been injured in an Orlando truck accident. A lawyer ensures those responsible for negligent acts are held accountable and protects your rights against unfair tactics that prevent you from receiving fair compensation. Contact us at (800) 434-4327.
Common Injuries in Orlando Truck Accidents
Over 4,000 large truck accidents in Florida last year resulted in nearly 4,500 injuries and over 300 fatalities. Common injuries sustained in truck accidents include:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Neck injuries/whiplash
- Back injuries
- Spinal cord injury & paralysis
- Fractures (broken bones)
- Internal injuries
- Severe contusions
- Burns
- Dismemberment/limb loss and amputation
- Seat belt injuries
A knowledgeable Orlando truck accident lawyer investigates your crash, determines if any laws or regulations were violated, and helps you navigate your claim process. Given the stakes in a truck crash, it is highly recommended to have an experienced truck accident lawyer represent you.
Truck Accidents and Insurance Companies
Insurance companies prioritize profit over providing fair settlements after accidents, especially truck accidents. Trucking companies often employ corporate legal counsel to minimize liability and persuade accident victims into making false admissions. These tactics hinder victims from receiving total compensation.
Victims of trucking accidents often sustain life-altering injuries, impacting financial stability. Therefore, having experienced legal representation advocating for you is essential to ensure negligent parties are held responsible, and you receive fair compensation for your injuries.
Andrew Knopf and the attorneys at Paul | Knopf | Bigger serve truck accident victims throughout Central Florida, including Orlando, Altamonte Springs, Kissimmee, and beyond.
Common Causes of Orlando Truck Accidents
As an Orlando truck accident lawyer, we protect your rights, provide sound legal representation, and ensure you receive fair compensation. Common causes of truck accidents include:
- Speeding and reckless driving
- Distracted driving (using smartphones, eating, etc.)
- Fatigue from long hours on the road
- Improper lane changes
- Following too closely
- Jackknifing
- Equipment failure (defective brakes, tire blowouts, etc.)
- Weather conditions
- Improper loading or cargo issues
- Inexperienced or untrained drivers
- Driver impairment (drugs or alcohol)
Driver error accounts for the highest percentage of semi-truck accidents. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) reports that 80% of truck-related crashes result from driver error.
Determining Liability in a Truck Accident
Determining liability for injuries in a truck accident is complex. You need an Orlando truck accident attorney to navigate Florida and federal regulations and investigate all potentially responsible parties. Examples of liable parties include:
- The truck driver
- The trucking company and/or carrier
- A company that leased the truck
- The truck maintenance company, tire manufacturer, or other equipment-related companies
Engaging an experienced accident lawyer with a thorough understanding of federal and local trucking regulations is crucial to protecting your rights and securing the compensation you deserve. Paul | Knopf | Bigger has extensive experience in truck accident cases and standing up to insurance giants.
Understanding the Value of an Orlando Truck Accident Lawsuit
The value of a semi-truck accident case varies based on the severity of injuries and their impact on long-term treatment and quality of life. Minor injuries typically result in lower case values, while severe injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal injuries, and burns, command higher settlements. Each case is unique, and as an experienced Orlando truck accident lawyer, we will uncover the cause of the crash, gather evidence, and determine your case’s value.
Florida Laws Impacting Your Truck Accident Claim
Florida’s no-fault and comparative fault laws significantly impact your ability to obtain compensation and the amount you can receive. Under Florida’s no-fault system, injured individuals can file claims with their insurance companies regardless of who caused the accident. However, this coverage, known as Personal Injury Protection (PIP), typically only covers a portion of medical bills and lost wages.
Florida law allows individuals to file lawsuits against the responsible parties to seek additional compensation for severe injuries. To do so, the injury must meet the “permanent injury” threshold, proving that it is permanent, involves substantial loss of a vital bodily function, or causes significant scarring or disfigurement.
Additionally, Florida’s comparative fault principle may reduce the compensation amount if the injured party is found to have contributed to the accident.
Proving Negligence in Truck Accidents
Evidence must show that the truck driver was responsible for the accident to secure compensation. Various factors can contribute to negligence, including driver fatigue, improper maintenance, or inadequate training. As your Orlando truck accident lawyer, we will gather the necessary evidence to prove negligence and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
Don’t fight alone if you’ve been injured in a truck accident. Andrew Knopf and the attorneys at Paul | Knopf | Bigger are here to help you secure the compensation you deserve. With a proven track record of successful settlements and verdicts, we are committed to providing you with the best legal representation. Contact us today for a consultation and let us fight for your rights.
Contact Andrew Knopf at Paul | Knopf | Bigger
Serving Truck Accident Victims in Orlando
Ensure justice and compensation with the expertise of an Orlando truck accident lawyer.
Sources:
- https://www.floridabar.org/about/cert/cert-applications-and-requirements/cert-ct/
- https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/safety/data-and-statistics/large-truck-and-bus-crash-facts-2020
- https://injuryfacts.nsc.org/motor-vehicle/road-users/large-trucks/data-details/
- https://www.flhsmv.gov/pdf/crashreports/crash_facts_2022.pdf