PERSONAL INJURY
TRUCK/18 WHEELER ACCIDENTS
While trucks make up a very small share of all vehicles on the road, they nevertheless account for a disproportionately large amount of accidents. Truck accidents are among the most serious types of collisions on Florida roadways and often lead to catastrophic or fatal injuries. Trucks are also more likely to be involved in fatal multi-vehicle accidents, and its usually occupants of passenger vehicles who are killed.
If you have been seriously injured in a truck accident by a negligent or reckless driver, an experienced Florida truck accident injury lawyer can help you explore your legal options to fight for the fair compensation you deserve for your injuries.
common causes of
truck accidents
Many different factors can lead to truck accidents on the road. According to reports by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, driver error is the main cause of truck accidents where the truck was noted as the reason for the crash.
Some of the many common causes for truck crashes include:
- Distracted drivers
- Drunk drivers
- Inadequately secured cargo
- Trailgating
- Traffic law volitations
- Drivers with serious health issues
- Tired drivers
- Violations of FMCSA regulations
- Speeding
- Unqualified drivers
- Aggressive driving
- Inadequately inspected or maintained trucks
Distracted driving is the leading cause of pedestrian accidents. This may happen when a driver is texting, adjusting the radio, eating, or talking with passengers. Many pedestrian accidents also involve alcohol and/or speeding.
common types of
truck accidents
There are many ways in which a truck accident can occur. Some of the most common types of truck accidents include:
- Jackknife accidents
- Runaway truck accidents
- Override accidents
- Underride accidents
- Rollover accidents
- Cargo spills
No matter the type of accident, the risk of severe, life-changing injuries is always going to be a high when a truck is involved.
what makes truck accidents claims complex?
With a weight of about 80,000 pounds or more, commercial freight trucks weigh on average 20 times that of an ordinary passenger car. As you can imagine, accident claims involving trucks can be more complex than accident claims involving cars not only for the high risk of serious injury but also due to other factors.
- More serious injuries: Injuries involving truck crashes are typically more severe than normal car accidents, and this will more than likely involve hefty medical bills.
- Increased chance of death: Like the above, the severity of an injury is going to be much greater with a truck involved, and so too is the chance of death. The FMCSA estimates that there are between 3,000 and 5,000 deaths a year due to truck accidents.
- Larger insurance policies: The average insurance policy of a truck driver is around 50 times that of a car driver. These policies can go up into the millions, so you can imagine that an insurance company will fight tooth and nail to avoid paying out.
- Increased property damage: Due to the immense weight and size of an 18 wheeler commercial freight truck, damage to other vehicles tends to be catastrophic.
common types of
truck accidents
If you’ve been involved in a truck accident, there are many potentially liable parties besides just the truck driver. While other parties may be legally liable, expect them to deny any fault or liability in the accident. Any of the following may share some responsibility for the accident, depending on the circumstances:
- The truck driver
- The trucking company
- The truck's owner
- The company from whom the truck has been leased
- The company that is leasing the truck
- The shipper who ordered the load to be transported
- The manufacturer of the truck,trailer or parts
CONTACT A TRUCK ACCIDENT LAWYER IN FLORIDA
If you or someone you love has been seriously hurt in a car accident caused by a negligent driver, GMV Law Group, LLP will aggressively represent you and fight for your best interests while investigating your accident, building your case, and negotiating with the insurance company. Contact GMV Law Group, LLP today to schedule a free consultation with an experienced auto accident lawyer in Florida to explore your legal options. We have English and Spanish speaking representatives ready to help you.
