Seeking Justice and Fair Compensation for Injured Victims and Families in Truck Accident Cases
Trucks are often the largest vehicles on the road, meaning they have the potential to cause dangerous accidents. Many truck accidents cause serious injuries, leaving victims with life-long symptoms and expensive medical bills. You and your family members could be in debt instantly for an accident that was not your fault. Fortunately, by working with our team of Clermont truck accident lawyers, you can seek compensation to pay for your medical expenses, lost wages, lost income earning capacity, property damage repairs, and more.
Truck accidents are often more complex than other auto accidents, as truck drivers are not the only liable parties that could be at fault. The trucking company, manufacturer, or cargo loader may all be responsible for your injuries. The surest way to pursue a truck accident claim is to work with a truck accident lawyer on our team.
At The Law Office of Jerry Jenkins, P.A., we have extensive experience helping injured victims with truck accident claims. We understand just how challenging this time can be for you and your family, and we are dedicated to seeking financial compensation on your behalf. To learn more about our legal services and receive a completely free consultation, contact our law firm by calling 407-573-7483.
What to Do at the Accident Scene Following a Commercial Truck Collision?
If you’ve been in a trucking accident, there are certain steps that you should take to safeguard your well-being and the well-being of your passengers, as well as protect your legal options for filing a personal injury case against the at-fault party for their negligent actions.
Firstly, regardless of how the accident happened and who is potentially at fault, you must seek medical attention for any potential injuries to yourself or other individuals involved in the collision. Not only could your injuries actually be worse than they appear, but thorough medical records will be vital evidence for your personal injury attorneys when seeking a fair settlement from the insurance company.
Call 911 to summon law enforcement to the accident scene. A police report will also prove to be valuable evidence in your truck accident case.
Attempt to gain contact information and insurance provider information from the other party involved in the truck crash. While you should be polite, you should never go so far as to diminish the severity of your injuries and avoid discussing fault for the cause of the accident. Anything you say to other parties involved in the truck accident could be used against you and your personal injury lawsuit.
If you can, take photographs and videos of the accident scene, your injuries, property damage, and debris in the road. Also, if there were any eyewitnesses to the truck accident, collect their contact information.
You should inform your insurance company provider about the truck accident but avoid discussing fault or giving any statements to your or the other driver’s insurance company without legal support. If an insurance adjuster or truck company representative arrives at the accident scene, you do not need to speak with them. Instead, direct them to speak with your personal injury attorney.
If you have not done so already, now is the time to contact our law office to speak with our legal team. Our attorneys have a proven track record of success helping clients in complex cases of Clermont truck accidents. Please contact us for legal assistance during this challenging time to schedule your free case evaluation today.
Who is Liable for a Truck Accident in Clermont, Florida?
Establishing liability in a truck accident case is the first step toward recovering damages. However, truck accidents can have multiple parties that are at fault.
Below are just some of the parties that could be responsible for a truck accident:
- The truck driver
- The truck owner
- The driver’s employer or client
- The trucking company
- The truck manufacturer
- Third-party businesses responsible for the cargo
In many cases, the liable party responsible for a truck accident depends on the cause of the accident. For instance, if victims were injured because a driver caused an error, then they could seek compensation from the truck driver. However, if victims were injured because of a brake malfunction, they could sue the truck manufacturer responsible for those defective parts.
A Clermont truck accident lawyer on our team will review your case to determine the main cause of your accident and how to pursue a personal injury claim for compensation. Please feel free to contact us today to learn more about the legal process of filing a personal injury lawsuit.
What Are the Main Causes of Truck Accidents?
As with all car accidents, there are many causes of truck accidents. Unlike the typical car accident, however, there may be additional causes for crashes involving large trucks. Understanding the cause of your accident will help your Clermont truck accident lawyer develop your case.
The leading causes of truck accidents in Florida include the following:
- Distracted driving. Drivers who are eating, texting, or looking at a GPS may cause dangerous conditions on the road
- Brake problems. Brake failures can leave drivers unable to stop, leading to collisions
- Improperly loaded cargo. Cargo that is loaded improperly can cause a truck to tip or rollover
- Traveling in an unfamiliar area. Semi-truck drivers in a new location may not know the roads, causing them to crash
- Congestion. Heavy traffic makes semi-truck collisions and accidents much more likely
- Driver error. Even simple mistakes can cause a truck to crash
- Prescription drug or alcohol use. Driving under the influence can cause slow reaction times or poor driving decisions
- Bad weather or road conditions. Potholes, slippery roads, and blizzards can cause dangerous driving conditions
- Aggressive driving. Speeding, swerving, and sideswiping all increase the likelihood of a truck accident
What Are the Most Common Types of Truck Accidents in FL?
Accidents often involve multiple vehicles because of the size and weight of a commercial truck. The type of large truck accident you experience can impact the severity of your injuries and property damages.
The most common types of truck accidents include:
Jackknife Truck Accident
A jackknife accident occurs when the trailer attachment of a truck comes loose or fails. The tractor-trailer often swings out perpendicular to the tractor. A semi-truck in a jackknife position can block highways and cause multi-vehicle collisions.
Runaway Truck Accident
Trucks with failing brakes may be unable to stop, hitting anything and anyone in their way. Runaway trucks can cause dangerous accidents, especially if they are pointed downhill.
Rollover Truck Accident
Trucks in high winds or turning at high speeds have the potential to tip and roll over. A rollover can trap many cars, leading to severe injuries for victims.
Underride Truck Accident
When smaller passenger vehicles rear-end a semi-truck, it is called an underride accident. The vehicle may be stuck under the back of the truck because the driver stopped suddenly or changed lanes improperly.
Override Truck Accident
When a semi-truck rear-ends a smaller vehicle, it is called an override accident. The commercial truck may even drive over the back of the smaller vehicle, causing fatal injuries.
What Are the Most Common Serious Injuries After a Truck Accident?
Like all auto accidents, truck accidents can cause serious injuries. Always seek immediate medical care after a truck accident.
The most common truck accident injuries include:
- Severed limbs
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Burns
- Deep cuts and lacerations
- Disfigurement or scarring
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Internal injuries
- Whiplash
- Wrongful death
- Crushing injuries
- Broken bones
- Dental injuries
- Soft-tissue injuries
If a wrongful death action results in the loss of a loved one, you need professional legal representation to help you file a wrongful death lawsuit against the negligent parties. The surviving family members of deceased loved ones in wrongful death cases have legal rights that deserve to be defended. To learn more about wrongful death lawsuits and how we may assist you during this traumatic experience, please contact us to schedule your free initial consultation today.
Schedule a Free Consultation with Clermont Truck Accident Lawyers Today
After a truck accident, you are likely facing expensive medical costs, property damage repairs, and lost wages from time off work. Truck accident victims deserve to recover compensation for their injuries and expenses. Proving negligence in a truck accident case is much easier with help from an experienced truck accident lawyer.
Our team at The Law Office of Jerry Jenkins, P.A., has years of experience helping clients with personal injury cases. We understand how difficult this time is for you and your family, and we want to help you receive the maximum compensation you deserve. Call 407-573-7483 to schedule a free consultation today.