Orlando’s bustling interstates are no strangers to the dangers of 18 wheeler accidents. In 2022, there were 3,354 crashes involving large trucks in Orange County alone, according to the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) report. Because these accidents can be devastating, causing severe injuries, significant property damage, and have a high probability for fatalities, it’s always in your best interest to have an 18 wheeler accident law firm by your side to navigate the complexities of your unique case. To help you understand these complexities and the importance of getting an experienced 18 wheeler attorney, we’ve compiled 6 key observations from our years of representing victims of semi-truck accidents.

1. Severity Of Injuries.

With their immense size and weight (35,000 pounds empty and up to 80,000 pounds loaded), 18 wheeler accidents are far more likely to result in catastrophic injuries since there’s an immense weight disparity between the semi-truck and the surrounding passenger vehicles. Those in regular vehicles may suffer from traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, burns, and fractures when involved with a semi-truck, and the long-term consequences are life-altering, requiring extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and financial hardship. This is why it’s imperative to work with only the best 18 wheeler accident lawyer after being in such an accident, as they can help you move through the whirlwind of physical, emotional, and financial challenges that lie ahead.

2. There Are Complex Liability Issues.

Determining who’s liable in an 18 wheeler accident is a lot more complicated than in a typical car accident, as there are multiple, potentially liable parties who may share responsibility. These individuals could be:

  • The truck driver.
  • The trucking company that the driver works for.
  • The individual who loaded the cargo.
  • The truck manufacturer and/or parts manufacturers.
  • Any recent maintenance providers.
  • Government entities responsible for road maintenance.

To maximize compensation, an 18-wheeler truck accident attorney must identify all potentially liable parties before investigating and building a strong case.

3. The Trucking Industry Has Strict Regulations.

The trucking industry in Orlando, Florida is subject to stringent Federal and State regulations, and any violations of these rules can be used to establish negligence. Examples of violations are:

  • Exceeding hours of service limits.
  • Neglecting vehicle maintenance.
  • Driving an improperly loaded 18 wheeler.
  • Failure to conduct required drug and alcohol testing.

A knowledgeable 18 wheeler attorney is going to be well-versed in these regulations, know how to identify if there were violations, and how to apply them to your case.

4. The Importance of Prompt Investigations.

As with any vehicle accident, time is of the essence as critical evidence can disappear quickly. In hiring an 18 wheeler accident attorney near you, an investigation can begin as soon as possible, ensuring that evidence like the truck’s black box data, driver logs and maintenance records, witness testimony, and accident scene analysis is done ASAP.

5. The Silent Killers – Driver Fatigue & Distracted Driving.

The hum of the engine and the monotony of the road blurring together, combined with long hours, tight schedules, and the pressure to meet deadlines can lead to drowsy driving. Fatigued driving has similar effects to driving under the influence, with slowed reactions, fuzzy judgment, and microsleep episodes where you can lose consciousness for split seconds. On top of this, distracted driving from texting, and adjusting navigation systems, are other types of lapses that can be devastating when it’s a truck driver behind the wheel of an 80,000 pound semi.

6. There Are Substantial Settlements & Verdicts.

When it comes to 18 wheeler accidents, the stakes are incredibly high due to the severe injuries and significant property damage involved, often resulting in substantial settlements. As a seasoned 18-wheeler truck accident attorney, we were able to secure a verdict of $1.15 million for a client who suffered a traumatic brain injury in a tractor-trailer crash. This type of outcome underscores the need of having an experienced 18 wheeler attorney that can navigate the complexities of your case and win the compensation you deserve.

18-wheeler accidents are complex, but you don’t have to navigate the aftermath alone. Our 18 wheeler accident law firm has the expertise in trucking laws, handling insurance companies and proving liability. Get a free consultation with Orlando’s best 18 wheeler accident lawyer at Frank Eidson by calling us at 407-245-2887.