Orange County Truck Accident Attorney | Your Rights After a Commercial Truck Accident
If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident, seeking the expertise of an experienced Orange County truck accident attorney at Paul | Knopf | Bigger is crucial. The complexities surrounding truck accident cases make professional legal guidance essential to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. Navigating the roads of Orange County, Florida with massive commercial trucks can be overwhelming, especially with the significant size difference between your vehicle and a large truck. Accidents involving these vehicles often result in severe injuries, substantial property damage, and even fatalities. Call us now to discuss your potential case at (800) 434-4327.
Why Hire an Orange County Truck Accident Attorney?
Truck accidents are far more complex than standard car accidents. With multiple parties involved and strict insurance regulations, the stakes are significantly higher. As Orange County, Florida continues to grow, the frequency of truck accidents has also increased. Commercial truck drivers are required to carry large insurance policies, but even with this coverage, obtaining fair compensation for your injuries and losses can be challenging. An experienced Orange County truck accident attorney can assist you by:
- Helping you understand your legal rights.
- Handling the insurance claim process.
- Negotiating with insurance companies.
- Collecting and presenting critical evidence.
- Advocating for the full compensation you deserve.
Contact us now at (800) 434-4327 for a consultation.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Orange County, Florida
Truck accidents can occur for a variety of reasons, most often tied to negligence on the part of the driver or trucking company. Some of the most common causes include:
- Driver Fatigue: Long hours behind the wheel often lead to drowsy driving, a well-documented issue in the trucking industry.
- Distracted Driving: Like other motorists, truck drivers can become distracted by their phones, GPS devices, or other in-cab technology.
- Speeding: Trucks require significantly longer stopping distances, making speeding extremely dangerous.
- Poor Vehicle Maintenance: Mechanical failures, such as brake malfunctions or tire blowouts, can cause devastating accidents.
- Improperly Loaded Cargo: Overloading or failing to secure cargo properly can cause a truck to lose balance, leading to accidents like rollovers or jackknifing.
Determining Liability in an Orange County Truck Accident
Liability in truck accidents is not always clear-cut. Several parties could be held accountable, depending on the circumstances:
- The Truck Driver: If the driver was negligent, for instance by violating hours of service regulations or driving under the influence, they may be liable.
- The Trucking Company: Companies could be responsible for inadequate training, poor hiring practices, or failing to maintain their fleet properly.
- Cargo Loaders: Improperly loading or securing cargo can contribute to serious accidents, placing liability on the loaders.
- Vehicle Manufacturers: In cases where mechanical failure is to blame, the manufacturer of the faulty part may be held accountable.
An experienced Orange County truck accident attorney will investigate every aspect of the accident to identify the responsible parties and ensure they are held accountable. Call us at (800) 434-4327.
Proving Fault in a Truck Accident Case
Proving fault in a truck accident case is often complex and requires comprehensive evidence. A skilled Orange County truck accident attorney will thoroughly examine all available information, including:
- Police Reports: These can provide essential details about the accident and any initial fault determinations.
- Truck Driver Logs: Reviewing these logs helps determine if the driver adhered to federal regulations regarding hours of service and rest breaks.
- Electronic Data: Many trucks are equipped with electronic logging devices (ELDs), which record critical data such as speed, braking patterns, and more.
- Witness Testimonies: Eyewitness accounts can be vital in reconstructing the accident and identifying the cause.
- Accident Reconstruction Experts: In complex cases, experts may be brought in to recreate the scene of the accident and help pinpoint the responsible party.
Types of Damages in an Orange County, Florida Truck Accident Case
Truck accidents often lead to significant damages that are both economic and non-economic. An experienced attorney can help you pursue compensation for the following:
Economic Damages:
- Medical Expenses: This includes current and future medical bills for treatments such as surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing care.
- Lost Wages: If your injuries prevent you from working, you may be entitled to compensation for lost income and reduced earning capacity.
- Property Damage: Compensation for repairing or replacing your vehicle and any personal property damaged in the accident.
- Other Financial Losses: This can cover costs associated with hiring assistance for daily tasks you can no longer perform, such as housekeeping or childcare.
Non-Economic Damages:
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the physical pain and emotional suffering resulting from the accident.
- Emotional Distress: Anxiety, depression, PTSD, and other emotional trauma that may arise from a traumatic accident.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: If your injuries prevent you from participating in activities you once enjoyed, you may be eligible for compensation.
The Role of Punitive Damages
In rare cases, punitive damages may also be awarded in Florida in addition to compensatory damages. These are intended to punish particularly reckless behavior, such as driving under the influence or intentionally violating safety regulations. While punitive damages are less common, they are reserved for cases involving extreme negligence or intentional misconduct.
Filing a Truck Accident Claim with an Orange County Truck Accident Attorney
Navigating a truck accident claim on your own can be overwhelming, especially while recovering from injuries. Insurance companies are known to minimize payouts, often offering lowball settlements or using aggressive tactics to avoid paying what you deserve. An experienced Orange County truck accident attorney can help by:
- Managing all communications with the insurance companies.
- Negotiating a fair settlement on your behalf.
- Representing you in court if necessary to fight for your rights.
Having an attorney by your side allows you to focus on your recovery while they handle the legal complexities of your case.
Get Legal Help from Orange County Truck Accident Attorneys – Paul | Knopf | Bigger
If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, don’t delay seeking legal representation. Contact an Orange County truck accident attorney with Paul | Knopf | Bigger as soon as possible to improve your chances of securing the compensation you deserve. Reach out today for a free consultation and take the first step toward justice. Call us at (800) 434-4327 for expert guidance and support.
By securing the services of a knowledgeable attorney, you can better navigate the complex landscape of truck accident claims and ensure your rights are protected.
Sources:
- https://ai.fmcsa.dot.gov/CrashStatistics?tab=Summary&type=&report_id=1&crash_type_id=4&datasource_id=1&time_period_id=2&report_date=0&vehicle_type=1&state=NAT&domicile=ALL&measure_id=1&operation_id=null
- https://injuryfacts.nsc.org/motor-vehicle/road-users/large-trucks/data-details/
- https://www.flhsmv.gov/resources/crash-citation-reports/
- http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0700-0799/0768/Sections/0768.81.html
- https://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2018/768.72