TRUCK ACCIDENT?

If you have been involved in a truck accident you understand the devastating impact it can have on your life. Truck accidents often result in severe injuries, extensive property damage, and emotional trauma for those involved. In such challenging times, having the support of an experienced and dedicated Lake Mary truck accident attorney can make all the difference.

At Chubb Law, we are committed to helping truck accident victims in Lake Mary and all over Florida pursue the justice and compensation they deserve.

WHY CHOOSE CHUBB LAW TO REPRESENT YOU AFTER YOUR LAKE MARY TRUCK ACCIDENT

At Chubb Law, we understand the complexities of truck accident cases and their unique challenges. Our team of skilled lawyers has extensive experience handling truck accident claims in Lake Mary, throughout Seminole County and all over Florida. Our attorneys can offer you the following benefits after your truck accident:

• Experience: Our attorneys have decades of combined experience representing clients in personal injury cases, including truck accidents. We understand Florida’s laws and regulations governing trucking companies and their drivers.

• Track record of success: We have a proven track record of success in securing favorable client outcomes. With a 99.9% success rate, we have recovered millions of dollars in compensation for truck accident victims throughout Florida, helping them rebuild their lives and move forward after devastating accidents.

• Personalized representation: We understand that every truck accident case is unique and provide personalized attention to each client. We take the time to listen to your story, understand your needs and concerns, and tailor our legal strategy to achieve the best possible outcome for you.

• Aggressive advocacy: We are tireless advocates for our clients and will fight to protect your rights and interests. We are not afraid to take on large trucking companies and their insurance carriers to pursue the full and fair compensation you deserve.

• Compassionate support: We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll a truck accident can take on you and your family. We provide compassionate support and guidance throughout the process, helping you navigate the legal process with confidence and peace of mind.

THE DANGERS OF SHARING THE ROAD WITH LARGE TRUCKS IN LAKE MARY

With its proximity to major highways like I-4 and SR-417, Lake Mary sees a high volume of semi traffic. These massive vehicles pose a significant danger to passenger car occupants in the event of a collision. The sheer size and weight disparity between a car and a truck often result in catastrophic injuries or even fatalities for those in the smaller vehicle.

The dangers of large trucks include the following:

• Blind spots: Large trucks have extensive blind spots, or no zones, around the sides and rear of the vehicle. These blind spots make it difficult for truck drivers to see smaller vehicles, leading to potential side-swipe collisions or underride accidents.

• Increased stopping distances: Trucks require much greater stopping distances than cars. Sudden stops or changes in traffic flow can easily result in rear-end collisions with devastating consequences.

• Shifting cargo: Improperly loaded cargo can fall from trucks, creating road hazards or causing accidents if other vehicles swerve to avoid debris.

• Driver fatigue: Truck drivers are often pressured to meet tight deadlines, leading to fatigue and impaired driving. Drowsy truck drivers pose a serious threat to the safety of everyone on the road.

COMMON CAUSES OF SEMINOLE COUNTY TRUCK ACCIDENTS

According to the National Safety Council (NSC), Florida is among the top three states with the most fatalities resulting from large truck accidents in 2022. Truck accidents can occur for a variety of reasons, many of which are preventable. Some of the most common causes of truck accidents in Seminole County and other areas of Florida include:

• Driver fatigue: As previously mentioned, truck drivers are often under pressure to meet tight deadlines, leading to fatigue and drowsy driving. Fatigued drivers are more likely to make errors behind the wheel and have slower reaction times, increasing the risk of accidents.

• Distracted driving: Truck drivers may be distracted by cell phones, GPS devices, or other electronic devices while driving, taking their attention away from the road and increasing the risk of collisions.

• Speeding: Speeding is common in truck accidents, especially on highways and interstates. Excessive speed reduces the driver’s ability to react to changing road conditions and increases the severity of accidents.

• Improper loading: Improperly loaded or overloaded trucks can affect the vehicle’s stability and handling, increasing the risk of rollovers or jackknife accidents. Cargo not secured properly can also become loose and fall off the truck, posing hazards to other motorists.

• Mechanical failure: Truck accidents can occur due to mechanical failures such as brake failure, tire blowouts, steering system malfunctions, or engine problems. Inadequate maintenance and inspections can contribute to these failures.

• Unsafe driving practices: Truck drivers may engage in unsafe driving practices such as tailgating, improper lane changes, or aggressive maneuvers, increasing the risk of accidents.

TYPES OF TRUCK ACCIDENTS

Truck accidents can occur in various ways, often resulting in severe injuries, fatalities, and extensive property damage. Common types of truck accidents include:

• Rear-end collisions: These accidents occur when a truck crashes into the rear of another vehicle. They can happen if the truck driver fails to maintain a safe following distance, is distracted, or cannot stop in time due to speeding or brake failure.

• Jackknife accidents: These collisions occur when a truck’s cab and trailer fold in on each other, resembling the shape of a jackknife. This type of accident often happens when the trailer swings out to the side of the cab, typically due to sudden braking, slippery road conditions, or equipment malfunction.

• Rollover accidents: The accidents involve the truck tipping over onto its side or roof. Factors contributing to rollovers include excessive speed, sharp turns, uneven road surfaces, overloading, and improperly loaded cargo.

• Underride collisions: These accidents occur when a smaller vehicle slides underneath the rear or side of a truck’s trailer. Due to the impact force and the risk of passenger compartment intrusion, these accidents often result in severe injuries or fatalities for the smaller vehicle’s occupants.

• Head-on collisions: Head-on accidents involve a truck crashing into another vehicle while traveling in the opposite direction and can be deadly for occupants of both vehicles. Factors contributing to head-on collisions include driver fatigue, distracted driving, impaired driving, and improper passing.

• Wide-turn accidents: These accidents occur when a truck swings wide while making a turn, colliding with vehicles in adjacent lanes or pedestrians in crosswalks.

• Runaway truck collisions: These accidents occur when a truck loses control while descending a steep grade, often due to brake failure or driver error.

• Tire blowouts: Tire blowouts can cause a truck to swerve out of control, leading to accidents with other vehicles or objects on the road. They may occur due to improper inflation, overloading, defective tires, or road hazards.

• Side-swipe accidents: These collisions involve a truck colliding with the side of another vehicle while traveling parallel to it. They may occur when a truck changes lanes without signaling or checking blind spots.

• Cargo spills: Cargo spills occur when improperly secured or overloaded cargo falls off a truck onto the roadway, creating hazards for other motorists. They can lead to multi-vehicle collisions, road closures, and environmental damage.

THE DEVASTATING CONSEQUENCES OF TRUCK ACCIDENTS IN LAKE MARY

Truck accidents often have life-altering consequences for victims. These severe injuries are frequently a result of the size and weight disparity between commercial trucks and passenger vehicles. Some common consequences of truck accidents include:

Severe Injuries

Truck accidents frequently result in serious injuries. These injuries can require extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and long-term care, leading to significant financial burdens. Injuries commonly sustained in truck collisions include:

• Whiplash and neck injuries

• Back injuries such as herniated discs, spinal fractures, and soft tissue injuries

• Head injuries, including concussions, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), and skull fractures

• Broken bones

• Internal injuries such as organ damage, internal bleeding, and abdominal injuries

• Burns, lacerations, and abrasions

• Amputations

Emotional Trauma

Emotional trauma often accompanies the physical injuries sustained in a truck accident. These psychological effects can significantly impact a victim’s quality of life and can include:

• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Anxiety
• Depression

Lost Wages

Severe injuries can leave victims unable to work for extended periods, leading to lost wages and income instability. In some cases, permanent disabilities may prevent victims from returning to their previous occupations.

Wrongful Death

In the most tragic cases, truck accidents can result in fatalities. The NSC reports in the link above that 2022 truck collisions caused 368 deaths. The loss of a loved one due to a preventable accident is a devastating experience, and surviving family members may be entitled to seek compensation for their losses.

LIABILITY IN SEMINOLE COUNTY TRUCK ACCIDENTS

Determining liability in Lake Mary truck accidents can be complicated due to the various parties involved and the unique factors contributing to these collisions. Unlike typical car accidents, truck accidents often involve multiple potentially liable parties. Here is an overview of liability in Seminole County truck accidents:

Truck Driver Liability

• Driver negligence: If the truck driver’s negligent actions caused or contributed to the accident, they may be held liable. Examples of driver negligence include speeding, distracted driving, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, reckless driving, and violating traffic laws.

• Hours-of-service violations: Commercial truck drivers are subject to hours-of-service regulations, which limit the number of hours they can drive without rest. If a driver violates these regulations and causes an accident due to fatigue, they may be liable.

Trucking Company Liability

• Employer-employee relationship: Trucking companies can be held vicariously liable for the actions of their employees, including truck drivers. If the driver acted within the scope of their employment during the collision, the trucking company may be held responsible.

• Negligent hiring or training: Trucking companies must hire qualified drivers and provide adequate training. If a company hires an unqualified or inexperienced driver, fails to conduct background checks, or provides inadequate training, they may be held liable for accidents caused by their employees.

Vehicle Maintenance and Inspection Companies

• Negligent maintenance: Companies responsible for maintaining and inspecting trucks can be held liable if their negligence contributes to an accident. Failure to properly maintain brakes, tires, lights, and other essential components can result in mechanical failures that cause collisions.

Truck Manufacturers and Parts Suppliers

• Defective equipment: If a defect in the truck’s design or manufacture causes an accident, the manufacturer or parts supplier may be held liable. Common examples include defective brakes, tires, steering systems, and other components.

Cargo Loaders and Shippers

• Improper loading: Cargo loaders and shippers must properly secure and distribute cargo to ensure the safe operation of the truck. If improper loading or cargo securement leads to an accident, the loader or shipper may be held responsible.

Government Entities

• Road design or maintenance: In some cases, dangerous road conditions or defects may cause accidents. If a government entity responsible for road design or maintenance fails to address known hazards, it may be held liable for accidents resulting from those hazards.

Due to the complexity of truck accident cases and the potentially liable parties involved, consulting with an experienced truck accident attorney in Lake Mary is essential. We can assess the circumstances of your accident, identify responsible parties, and pursue maximum compensation on your behalf.

BUILDING A STRONG CASE FOR LIABILITY IN YOUR LAKE MARY TRUCK ACCIDENT LAWSUIT

To establish liability in your Florida truck accident claim, we must gather evidence proving the other parties’ negligence caused the accident and your resulting damages. Crucial steps involved in building a strong personal injury case include:

• Accident scene investigation: Our team will thoroughly investigate the accident scene, collect evidence such as skid marks, debris, and photos, and interview any witnesses.

• Police report review: The report will contain valuable details about the collision, including the responding officer’s observations and initial findings on fault.

• Driver records: Obtaining the truck driver’s employment records and driving history can reveal potential issues like previous citations or fatigue violations.

• Trucking company records: Requesting the trucking company’s logs, maintenance records, and driving training documentation can help identify potential negligence on their part.

• Medical records: Your medical records will document the extent of your injuries and link them to the accident.

• Expert witness testimony: Depending on the specifics of your case, expert witnesses may be needed to analyze factors like black box data, accident reconstruction, truck maintenance practices, or the impact of the collision on your future earning capacity.

Florida operates under a comparative negligence system, meaning the percentage of fault assigned to each party involved will determine the compensation you receive in a truck accident lawsuit. Even if you are partially at fault, you may still be entitled to recover damages, although the amount may be reduced proportionally. Our skilled truck accident attorneys will thoroughly investigate your accident, determine the parties liable, and collect valuable evidence to support your claim.

INSURANCE COVERAGE IN FLORIDA TRUCK ACCIDENTS

Personal injury protection (PIP) coverage is mandatory for all registered vehicles in Florida. PIP coverage is a no-fault insurance system designed to cover a portion of your medical expenses and other losses regardless of who caused your accident. Florida law mandates all vehicle owners to carry a minimum of $10,000 in PIP coverage.

PIP covers 80% of reasonable and necessary medical bills related to the collision up to your policy’s limit. It may also reimburse some of your lost wages if you cannot work due to injuries sustained in the accident. In a fatal truck collision, PIP may cover some funeral and burial costs.

The minimum required PIP coverage may not be enough to cover all your medical expenses, especially in severe truck accident injuries. You may need to explore additional options like health insurance or filing a claim against the at-fault party’s insurance. Our Lake Mary truck accident attorneys can seek to recover damages beyond the limitations of PIP coverage.

SEEKING COMPENSATION AFTER A SEMINOLE COUNTY TRUCK ACCIDENT

The aftermath of a truck accident can be overwhelming. Medical bills, lost wages, and ongoing care can create a significant financial burden. At Chubb Law, our Lake Mary truck accident lawyers can help you pursue compensation for various damages, including:

• Medical expenses: This includes past, present, and future medical costs associated with your injuries, such as hospital stays, doctor consultations, surgeries, physical therapy, medication, and rehabilitation.

• Lost wages: If you cannot work due to injuries, we will fight to recover lost wages and benefits.

• Reduced earning capacity: If your injuries permanently impact your ability to work or earn a living, you may be entitled to compensation for lost future income.

• Pain and suffering: The physical and emotional pain you endure due to the accident can be compensated for.

• Loss of consortium: If the accident damages your relationship with your spouse or partner, you may be able to recover compensation for this loss.

• Property damage: The cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle damaged in the accident can be recovered.

Retaining our experienced truck accident lawyers in Lake Mary can help you maximize the monetary compensation you recover. We will work diligently to obtain the most compensation for your injuries and losses.

DO NOT WAIT TO SEEK LEGAL REPRESENTATION

Florida has a statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits. This deadline to file a legal claim is now two years from the date of your accident. It is crucial to contact a Lake Mary truck accident lawyer as soon as possible after your collision to preserve evidence and ensure you meet all deadlines for filing your claim.

SCHEDULE A FREE CASE EVALUATION TODAY

If you have been injured in a truck accident in Lake Mary, Casselberry, Sanford, or other Seminole County area, do not wait to seek legal representation. Contact our experienced truck accident attorneys at Chubb Law today to schedule a free case evaluation. We will review your case, explain your rights and options, and help you pursue the compensation you deserve.