Road traffic accidents are an unfortunate but common occurrence. However, when one of the vehicles involved is a truck, the seriousness of the incident almost always increases, often to a life-threatening level. This is because their size and weight contribute towards a massive momentum at the point of impact, which causes extreme levels of damage to infrastructure and other vehicles involved.
The effects of a truck accident
Estimates suggest that someone is injured or killed as a result of a road traffic collision involving a truck every 16 minutes. If you or someone you love has been the victim of a truck accident, you may have suffered a great deal of pain and inconvenience.
Many people find themselves unable to work for days, weeks, or even months, while requiring extensive medical treatment and/or a prolonged period of rehabilitation. You may even need ongoing care provided by a professional or a member of your family. The financial implications of not working and accumulating medical bills can place unwarranted strain on your home life at a time when you should be resting and recovering.
Whatever the resulting effects of your accident, if you were not at fault then you could be entitled to compensation.
Causes of truck accidents
If the truck is the main cause of the traffic accident you have been involved in, it could be due to a number of reasons. The truck driver himself may be negligent, for example:
- Driving too fast or aggressively
- Not paying due care and attention to the driving conditions or road
- Using a handheld cell phone while driving
- Falling asleep at the wheel
- Being impaired by alcohol or drugs
- Failing to properly ensure the safety of the truck (if owned)
If the driver is working on behalf of a trucking company or carrier, then the business may be found to be at negligent. This could be because they:
- Hire drivers without proper licensing, training, or experience
- Fail to adequately train their drivers
- Fail to inspect and maintain their vehicles to a safe standard
- Fail to load their cargo correctly or ensure that it is properly secured
In some instances, the manufacturer of the truck may also be liable for causing the crash. For example, by supplying a vehicle with faulty tires, brakes, or other mechanical systems.
Why choose an attorney for your truck accident case?
Truck accident cases can be extremely complex, particularly if the truck in question is owned by a large corporation who may have a team of lawyers to represent them.
An experienced trucking accident attorney will have a thorough understanding of the trucking industry, including the laws and regulations that commonly arise in such cases. They will be able to use this knowledge to effectively negotiate with all parties involved to secure you fair and accurate compensation for your injuries.
A truck accident lawyer will:
- Investigate the accident, securing witness statements, examining vehicles, procuring any ‘black box’ data and analyzing logbooks and inspection and maintenance records.
- Consult with necessary experts to determine the cause of the crash and provide supporting information about the injuries you have sustained and their impact on your life.
- Undertake negotiations with insurances companies and third parties on your behalf.
- Escalate your case to the court if necessary, preparing and presenting a thorough and persuasive case for trial.
If you have been involved in a truck accident in Florida that wasn’t your fault, our experienced, knowledgeable attorney can help you to claim the compensation that you are entitled.
Frank Eidson understands the truly devastating effects that injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident can cause, and the impact that it can have on you and your family.
With care and compassion, personal attorney, Frank Eidson offers a truly professional service, taking the strain out of your case and ensuring that you get the compensation that you deserve. Call our office today to learn more 407-410-4316.
