Orlando Tractor Trailer Accident Attorneys
Recent statistics show that more than 440,000 truck accidents occur annually in the United States. Many of these wrecks occur right here in Florida. Tractor-trailer accidents can cause severe injuries in a collision, resulting in permanent disabilities and sometimes death. After a truck crash, having the right legal team by your side can make all the difference.
The Orlando tractor-trailer accident attorneys at Paul Knopf Bigger work hard to help people pursue justice after being harmed by negligent truck drivers, trucking companies, and other responsible parties. Let us help you stand up to the insurance companies and demand the compensation you deserve. Call us today or contact us online for a free case evaluation.
Why Are Tractor-Trailer Accidents So Dangerous?
The dangers associated with tractor-trailer accidents stem from several factors. First, the massive size and weight of these vehicles means they require a longer stopping distance and are more challenging to maneuver than standard cars. In a crash, the force of impact is significantly greater, often resulting in catastrophic damage to smaller vehicles and serious injuries to their occupants.
Tractor-trailers often haul heavy and/or hazardous cargo, which can make any crash much more severe. For instance, improperly secured cargo can shift during travel, destabilizing the truck and increasing the risk of a rollover or jackknife accident. Additionally, the high center of gravity in tractor-trailers makes them more prone to tipping over, especially in high winds or sharp turns.
How Do Federal and State Regulations Affect Tractor-Trailer Accident Claims?
Commercial truck drivers and trucking companies must follow a complicated set of federal and state rules to keep our roads safe. These regulations cover everything from the hours a truck driver can operate without rest to the weight limits for cargo and the maintenance standards all vehicles must meet.
When a tractor-trailer accident happens, identifying whether any violations occurred can be vital to figuring out who’s at fault. For example, a truck driver who keeps working past the allowable driving hours without a break could be liable for a crash because driving while fatigued is negligent. Likewise, if a trucking company doesn’t properly maintain their trucks, they could be liable if a mechanical failure leads to a crash.
Common Causes of Tractor-Trailer Accidents in Orlando
Tractor-trailer accidents in Orlando happen for a variety of reasons, many of which are preventable. Some of the most common causes include:
- Truck driver negligence – This can include speeding, distracted driving, fatigue, driving under the influence of alcohol, and more. Tractor-trailer drivers often face tight deadlines, leading them to take risks that can result in accidents.
- Mechanical failures – Brake issues, tire blowouts, and other mechanical failures are common in tractor-trailers. Regular maintenance is critical, but when it’s neglected, the results can be disastrous.
- Improper loading or cargo issues – If a tractor-trailer isn’t loaded correctly, the cargo can shift while driving, throwing the truck off balance. This imbalance can result in rollovers, jackknife accidents, or cargo spills.
- Poor road conditions or inclement weather – Bad weather, poor road conditions, and construction zones can increase the likelihood of a truck accident. Tractor-trailers are particularly vulnerable to these conditions due to their size and weight.
- Inadequate training or supervision – Truckers require specialized training to handle commercial vehicles safely. If a truck driver is not adequately trained or supervised, they may not be equipped to deal with challenging situations that arise on the road.
Investigating Tractor-Trailer Crashes
A thorough investigation is essential to build a strong case after a tractor-trailer accident. It starts with securing the accident scene and collecting all available evidence, such as photos, videos, and contact information for any eyewitnesses. By reviewing police accident reports, gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and consulting with experts, your truck accident lawyer can piece together what happened.
Analyzing the trucking company’s maintenance records, inspection reports, and hiring information is also key. Gathering this information may be difficult to accomplish without help from an experienced truck accident lawyer.
Challenges in Florida Tractor-Trailer Accident Cases
Tractor-trailer injury claims in Florida are particularly challenging due to their complex nature. Multiple parties may be involved, such as the truck driver, trucking company, cargo loader, third-party mechanics, vehicle manufacturers, and other drivers. This can make it difficult to determine where liability rests. You’re also going up against powerful truck companies with vast resources and teams of lawyers. Proving negligence and navigating the complicated web of federal and state trucking regulations only adds to the challenges claimants face, all while trying to recover from serious injuries.
As your truck accident case progresses, expect to face delays and tactics designed to minimize the value of your claim. A skilled Orlando tractor-trailer accident attorney can shield from falling prey to these strategies.
How a Truck Accident Lawyer Can Help
After a serious tractor-trailer accident, hiring a skilled lawyer can take the pressure off your shoulders. The right attorney can take care of everything — from investigating the crash and collecting evidence to dealing with insurance companies and even going to court if needed.
At Paul Knopf Bigger, we understand the toll that tractor-trailer accidents take on victims’ lives. We’ll pursue the compensation you need for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses. Our goal is to relieve your legal burdens so you can focus on healing.
Strategies for Maximizing Compensation After a Truck Accident
Maximizing your compensation after a tractor-trailer accident requires a strategic approach:
- Document everything – Keep detailed records of your medical treatment, lost wages, and other expenses related to the accident.
- Avoid quick settlements – Insurance companies often offer low settlements shortly after an accident. It’s important to consult with truck accident lawyer before accepting any offer.
- Stay off social media – Anything you post online can be used against you. It is a good idea to avoid discussing the truck accident or your injuries on social media.
- Follow your doctor’s orders – Following your treatment plan helps you heal and shows that you’re committed to your recovery, which can strengthen your case.
- Consult a Florida truck accident attorney – The sooner you involve a tractor-trailer accident lawyer in your case, the more time they will have to build a persuasive case demanding the money you deserve.
Contact Our Orlando Tractor-Trailer Accident Lawyers Now
If you or a loved one has been injured in a tractor-trailer accident in Orlando, don’t wait to seek legal help. The tractor-trailer accident attorneys at Paul Knopf Bigger will fight for your rights and work to secure the compensation you are owed. Contact us today for a free consultation.