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Orlando Truck Accident Attorney

Experienced Orlando accident lawyers helping you win your Florida truck accident case

Orlando Truck Accident AttorneysCommercial trucks are heavy dangerous vehicles and require the driver to pay extra attention to the road. Unfortunately, not all truck drivers are careful. As a result, a truck accident can be devastating for you and your loved ones. Even minor truck accidents take time to recover from and can yield serious injuries. There are several steps on the road to recovery in a Florida truck accident but our Orlando truck accident attorneys are here to help you through this difficult time. A Firm Dedicated To You, our priority is helping you and your family get back to the life you knew before the truck accident.

 

What is a truck accident?

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), a large commercial truck has a gross vehicle weight rating greater than 10,000 pounds. A bus is any motor vehicle designed primarily to transport nine or more persons, including the driver. Those types of trucks are called tractor-trailers, or semis. Some truck accidents may have only damage to the vehicle; others might have severe injuries or death. Additionally, there are many factors that contribute to truck accidents, including negligent truck drivers, defective truck parts, or negligent truck companies. In many cases, especially if there are injuries or property damage, you should consider hiring an experienced Orlando truck accident lawyer to help you navigate the complexities of a Florida truck accident case.

What should you do as a truck accident victim?

The most important thing is your well being, and the well being of those around you. After a truck accident, check for injuries, and call 911 for help. If anyone has an injury, keep him or her calm, but do not move them. Once they arrive on the scene, the police will help determine what happened, assess injuries, and create a police report that you will need later on to file with your insurance company. Be sure to accept transportation to a hospital for a thorough examination by a medical professional and keep all records to use in your insurance claim as proof of your injuries. Once you’re able, reach out to an experienced Orlando truck accident lawyer to take the necessary steps towards pursuing compensation from the liable parties.

What types of truck accidents does our Orlando truck accident attorney have experience with?

With over 35 years of professional experience between law partners Pardy and Rodriguez, our Orlando truck accident lawyers have the knowledge and  expertise to handle even the most complicated of Florida truck accident cases. There are very few types of truck accident cases that we do not have experience with. However, your case is unique and deserves our very best care, and attention to detail. Some common types of truck accidents our lawyers handle include:

orlando truck accident attorneys

Orlando Truck Accident Attorney

Common types of truck-related accidents in Orlando

When traveling on the roads in Orlando, there’s no absence of large trucks. Most accidents that occur today between a commercial truck and passenger vehicle result in serious injuries and damages to personal property. 

Because of the size of commercial trucks, understanding the dangers they present on the road is imperative. This may help you avoid being involved in one of the most common types of accidents described here. 

Runaway accidents

Truck drivers may not be able to slow down or stop their trucks while on the road. The weight of the truck may also cause the driver to travel at higher speeds than intended. When this happens, the truck may collide with anything in its path, including vehicles, property, pedestrians, and more. This is particularly dangerous if the truck is going downhill. 

Override accidents 

Override truck accidents take place when a large truck runs into the back of a passenger vehicle. Because of the size and weight of commercial vehicles, the truck can start to drive over the rear portion of the vehicle it hits. 

Jackknife accidents 

When traveling on highways throughout Orlando, the likelihood of jackknife accidents is high. This is because of the large number of trucks on the road at any given time. This type of accident occurs when the trailer portion of the truck becomes loose or it fails. This results in the tractor-trailer swinging out and being perpendicular to the truck, like a jackknife. After this occurs, the truck may block all lanes of traffic and run into other drivers on the road. 

Underride accidents 

While underride accidents are similar to override accidents, they are also the complete opposite. In this situation, a passenger vehicle collides with the back of a large truck. This may be because the large truck changed lanes unsafely or stopped suddenly. Many large trucks have guards on the rear of the trailer, which means the vehicle that hits the rear of the truck may get wedged or stuck under it. 

Rollover accidents

Since commercial trucks have large, tall trailers, they may tip when turning. Issues like driver error and high winds can cause this to happen, as well. When a rollover accident occurs, the trailer may impact other drivers on the road and cause serious damage. 

Understanding liability in Orlando truck accidents 

Unfortunately, unlike accidents that involve two passenger vehicles, liability with truck accidents is often more complicated. Not only are the injuries going to be more severe, but there may also be more than two parties involved who are considered liable for the injuries you experience. 

It is important to hire an attorney who can help you identify all responsible parties in the accident. When liability is assigned to the proper parties, it is possible to ensure that a fair amount of compensation is recovered after a lawsuit is filed. 

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Florida truck accidents & injuries

1. Can I sue for being hit by a semi-truck?

Yes, in Florida, you have the legal right to file a lawsuit if your vehicle is struck by a semi-truck (or any other type of commercial vehicle).

There are many factors to consider as you determine if you can file a Florida truck accident lawsuit: Who was at fault? What types of injuries did you suffer? What other damages were caused by the truck accident? 

Knowing that you have the legal right to file a truck accident lawsuit and winning your accident case are two entirely different things but working with an experienced team of Orlando truck accident lawyers can improve your odds at receiving full compensation.

2. Who is liable in a truck accident?

Liability for a truck accident can include various responsible parties, including:

  • The truck driver
  • The trucking company 
  • The truck manufacturer

For example, the truck driver may be liable in an accident if they were under the influence of alcohol, driving while texting, or fell asleep at the wheel. The trucking company may be liable in an accident if they didn’t provide proper training or neglected to maintain the truck to meet industry standards. The truck manufacturer may be liable if a defective vehicle part caused the accident and your resulting injuries.

In many cases, one or all of these parties can be held liable for an Florida truck accident. Determining who was liable is a big part of filing an insurance claim and obtaining the compensation you deserve.

3. What happens if a truck driver gets in an accident?

This depends largely on the circumstances surrounding the accident. For example, if a truck driver was 100 percent responsible for the accident, you as the accident victim may seek damages by filing a lawsuit to collect compensation for your damages. Depending on the exact cause of the truck accident (for example, if the truck driver was driving under the influence), you may be eligible to collect additional compensation in the form of a punitive damage award. Your Orlando truck accident lawyer can review your accident case in more detail and explain all the different types of damages you could be eligible to recover if a truck driver gets in an accident and causes you harm.

4. What do you do if you get hit by an 18 wheeler?

There are many steps to take if you’re hit by an 18-wheeler:

  • If possible, move your vehicle to safety, such as the shoulder of the road, away from traffic
  • Call 911 to report the accident and any injuries
  • Administer first aid until paramedics and/or police arrive at the scene
  • Collect evidence, if possible, such as photos, video and witness information
  • Receive a thorough examination and medical treatment
  • Follow the treatment plan outlined by your medical team and keep all medical records
  • Consult with an experienced Orlando truck accident attorney to learn more about your legal rights to compensation under Florida law

Your health and well-being are top priority. Once you’re stable, you can turn your attention to the cause of the truck accident and the steps you can take to hold the liable party responsible for your damages with the assistance of a skilled Orlando truck accident lawyer.

5. How long does it take to settle a semi-truck accident?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as it depends largely on the circumstances surrounding the Florida semi-truck accident.

For example, if you only suffered soft tissue damage in the accident—and don’t have permanent injuries—it’s possible to settle your claim within three to six months. However, in more severe truck accidents, such as one in which you are left permanently disabled, it’s likely to take much longer to reach a settlement or move your case through the court system. It’s not uncommon for these types of cases to take a year or more. 

The best way to improve your odds of a speedy and fair settlement is to work with experienced Orlando truck accident lawyers who can determine the best legal strategy for your case.

How our Orlando truck accident attorney can help you prove your case

After a Orlando truck accident, you might worry about how you will recover from your injuries, or have transportation, or even how to correctly report a truck accident to your insurance company. If you were a victim of a truck accident case, don’t hesitate to contact our Orlando truck accident attorneys at Pardy & Rodriguez, PA where every client is a priority to us and we make it our goal to get you full compensation as quickly as possible so you and your loved ones can move on with confidence. We understand that you’re worried about your future and we will do everything we can to get you back on track. Visit one of our offices, contact us online, or give us a call today for a free initial consultation.

 

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