Orlando Commercial Truck Accident Lawyers

Orlando’s extensive highway network, including I-4 and the Florida Turnpike, is a vital conduit for commerce, frequented by a myriad of commercial vehicles and trucking companies. Despite the economic benefits, this heavy traffic flow raises the risk of accidents. In the unfortunate event of a collision involving a commercial vehicle, initiating a comprehensive investigation encompassing the accident scene, involved vehicles, and individuals is paramount. Notably, many commercial entities and large corporations promptly deploy risk managers and investigators to the accident site, underscoring the complexity of these incidents.

Navigating Orlando’s Highways: Expert Legal Support for Commercial Vehicle Accidents

Orlando’s extensive highway network, including I-4 and the Florida Turnpike, is a vital conduit for commerce, frequented by a myriad of commercial vehicles and trucking companies. Despite the economic benefits, this heavy traffic flow raises the risk of accidents. In the unfortunate event of a collision involving a commercial vehicle, initiating a comprehensive investigation encompassing the accident scene, involved vehicles, and individuals is paramount. Notably, many commercial entities and large corporations promptly deploy risk managers and investigators to the accident site, underscoring the complexity of these incidents.

With decades of legal experience, Paul Knopf Bigger possesses profound insights and expertise in handling commercial vehicle accident cases. Our Orlando-based attorneys are adept at navigating the complexities of such cases, offering unwavering support to victims of serious or catastrophic injuries.

Understanding Special Regulations in Commercial Vehicle Accident Litigation

Our team at Pual Knopf Bigger, is well-versed in the intricate federal motor carrier and safety regulations that govern commercial vehicle operations. These regulations, established by authorities like the Interstate Commerce Commission and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, are designed to safeguard motorists. Despite these measures, commercial vehicles, including tractor-trailers and 18-wheelers, are implicated in over 4,000 fatalities annually in the United States. The challenge is compounded by the presence of over 11 million large commercial trucks on the roads, often under pressure to meet tight corporate deadlines.

A critical safety regulation often breached pertains to the maximum daily driving hours for truck drivers, currently set at 11 hours. This limit is imposed to mitigate truck driver fatigue, a significant factor in many accidents. Research indicates that the likelihood of accidents doubles after eight hours of driving, with driver fatigue contributing to 30-40% of truck-related crashes. Despite advocacy for reduced driving hours, such proposals have been consistently thwarted by powerful commercial interests.

Additional hazards include driver intoxication, operational errors, equipment malfunctions, unsafe driving practices, unstable loads, and defective equipment. Non-compliance with safety regulations aimed at preventing these risks can lead to severe accidents, resulting in serious injuries or fatalities. Data reveals that 70% of truck accident fatalities are occupants of other vehicles, with the substantial size and mass of trucks often leading to grave injuries such as brain damage, burns, amputations, and paralysis.

Why Trust Paul Knopf Bigger with Your Orlando Commercial Vehicle Accident Case

Our attorneys at Paul Knopf Bigger are intimately familiar with the legal and regulatory landscape surrounding commercial vehicles and truck accidents. We understand the protocols that trucking companies must adhere to for the safety of their drivers and the public. Despite the existing regulations, we recognize that some may not be as effective as necessary. Our extensive courtroom experience equips us to secure justice for victims of commercial vehicle accidents, including those involving big rigs and tractor-trailers.

For victims of commercial vehicle accidents, it is crucial to have representation by attorneys who grasp the intricacies of such cases, including truck accident liability. Our extensive experience and understanding of federal motor regulations empower us to provide compelling legal representation in cases of serious injury or fatality. We are committed to ensuring our clients receive comprehensive compensation for their injuries, diligently identifying all parties liable for damages.

Common Scenarios and Causes of Commercial Truck Accidents in Orlando

Commercial truck accidents in Orlando manifest in various forms, from rear-end and head-on collisions to more specific incidents like jackknife and rollover accidents. These collisions frequently stem from driver or company negligence, including excessive speed, inadequate following distances, failure to observe traffic controls, and improper cargo loading, among other factors.

Some of the most common types include:

  • Rear-end collisions
  • Front-end collisions
  • Sideswipe collisions
  • Side-impact/T-bone collisions
  • Underride accidents

Many commercial truck accidents happen due to the negligence of a truck driver or trucking company, but there are other causes. Frequent causes of commercial truck accidents include:

  • Speeding or traveling too fast for road/weather/traffic conditions
  • Tailgating/following too closely
  • Running red lights or stop signs
  • Disregarding traffic signs, including road restrictions for big rigs
  • Failing to yield the right-of-way
  • Not using turn signals
  • Failing to check mirrors before turning, changing lanes, or backing up
  • Drowsy driving
  • Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
  • Drunk or drugged driving
  • Truck driver inexperience or inadequate training
  • Lack of truck/trailer maintenance
  • Design or manufacturing defects in the truck/trailer or its parts
  • Unsafe cargo loads, including overweight cargo, unbalanced load weight, or unsecured cargo

Consequences and Legal Recourse Following a Commercial Truck Accident

The repercussions of a commercial truck accident in Orlando are often severe, given the substantial size disparity between semis and passenger vehicles. Victims may endure a range of injuries, from superficial wounds to life-altering conditions such as spinal injuries and traumatic brain damage. In tragic instances, families may pursue wrongful death claims.

Typical injuries resulting from a truck collision include:

  • Lacerations, abrasions, and degloving injuries
  • Nerve damage
  • Ligament sprains/tears
  • Muscle and tendon strains/tears
  • Broken bones
  • Crush injuries
  • Neck and back injuries, including whiplash or herniated spinal discs

In addition, if an Orlando commercial truck accident is fatal, the victim’s family could file a wrongful death lawsuit.

Liability Considerations in Commercial Truck Accidents

Determining liability in a commercial truck accident involves examining the actions of various stakeholders, including the driver, trucking and shipping companies, vehicle and parts manufacturers, and maintenance providers.

Compensation Avenues for Commercial Truck Accident Victims in Orlando

Victims of commercial truck accidents in Orlando are entitled to pursue compensation for their tangible and intangible losses, encompassing medical expenses, income disruption, diminished quality of life, and emotional distress, among others.

Compensation can provide you with money for financial and personal losses you incur due to the accident, including for:

  • Costs of medical treatment and rehabilitation for injuries you suffer in the accident
  • Costs of long-term care or support you need if disabilities affect your daily life
  • Loss of wages/income if you cannot work due to your injuries
  • Loss of earning capacity and employment benefits if you develop a permanent disability
  • Pain and suffering caused by your injuries or medical treatment
  • Loss of quality of life due to disability or visible, permanent scarring and disfigurement
  • Vehicle repair expenses or reimbursement for the value of your totaled vehicle

Navigating Partial Fault in Commercial Truck Accidents

Florida’s comparative negligence framework allows for compensation even when the victim holds partial responsibility for the accident, with the award adjusted according to the victim’s degree of fault.

Orlando Truck Accident Attorney Discusses Manufacturer Defects

Commitment to Justice: No Fees Unless We Win

If you or a loved one has been injured in a commercial truck or motor vehicle accident in Orlando, Paul Knopf Bigger is here to support you. We offer immediate, obligation-free, and complimentary consultations. Our firm proudly represents injured victims across Florida, including in Orlando. Contact us to discuss your case and explore your legal options.