
Orlando Truck Accident Attorneys
Reliable Legal Help for Orlando Truck Collision Victims
The sheer size and weight of commercial trucks make them some of the most imposing vehicles on the road. They can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, carrying cargo that may be dangerous or even toxic if improperly handled or unsecured.
The trucking industry plays a crucial role in transporting goods to meet our needs, making it a necessary part of our day-to-day commerce and economy. When an accident involving one of these commercial trucks occurs, the accidents can clog up roadways.
Victims and their families are left to deal with the devastating consequences, including injuries and financial strains that seem impossible to overcome. Most personal injury cases cause undue burden to victims, but we at Legally Pink Law find that truck accidents are some of the most severe.
We cannot stress enough the importance of having an Orlando truck accident lawyer’s counsel by your side while you are navigating the claims process. Our experience has shown that having legal guidance can make a significant difference, not only in understanding your rights but also in effectively navigating the complex legal system. We aim to reduce the stress on victims by handling all aspects of the legal process, allowing you to focus on healing and recovery.
Our mission is to fill you with confidence about your case so that you can move forward. Call today for a free initial case evaluation and begin pursuing your truck accident settlement!
Understanding Federal Trucking Regulations & Safety in Orlando
All commercial truck drivers and their companies must abide by the rules of the road that the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has set, including enforcing a required minimum amount of insurance.
The laws are not only meant to keep the drivers safe and reduce liability, but they also help keep others who share the road safe. Unfortunately, when these procedures are not adequately followed, an accident can occur. In fact, most truck accidents occur due to some violation of safety measures.
These regulations may include, but are not limited to:
- Drivers Must Not Exceed Mileage or Hours Driving: To prevent fatigue and ensure safety.
- The Truck's Weight Must Be Under the Limit: Overweight trucks can cause brake failures and other mechanical issues.
- Cargo Must Be Secured Thoroughly & Properly: Loose or improperly balanced cargo can lead to rollovers.
- Drivers Must Receive Special Training If Carrying Toxic Substances: To mitigate risks associated with hazardous materials.
- Vehicles Must Receive Regular Maintenance: Skipping routine checks can result in mechanical failures during transit.
Our job as truck accident attorneys in Orlando is to determine the cause of your accident. During the investigation process, we collect the necessary evidence to pinpoint how and where the violation occurred and use that to demonstrate negligence. Our team works meticulously to gather witness statements, review truck logs, and analyze trucking company records to build a strong foundation for your claims process.
The more compelling an argument we can make, the better our chances are of having a successful claim and an ideal outcome. This is why we are dedicated to providing you with an informed perspective on the incident, based on thorough research and expert testimony when needed.
Identifying the Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Orlando
Some of the leading causes of trucking accidents include:
- Excessive speed
- Distracted or drowsy driving
- Drunk or drug-impaired driving
- Insufficient training
- Reckless driving by either the truck driver or other passenger vehicles
- Poor judgment or failure to properly observe traffic rules
- Unsafe passing practices
Understanding these common causes can help in avoiding such incidents in the future. More importantly, it assists our legal team in identifying liability and holding the responsible parties accountable. Our deep understanding of these factors enables us to offer strategic advice and support throughout your recovery journey.
Recommended Reading:
Contact Our Orlando Truck Accident Lawyers 24/7 for immediate legal assistance! Our dedicated team is ready to support your case. Call (888) 979-4941 to get started on your claim.
Have Questions? GET ANSWERS
-
What types of damages can I claim?
In all cases, there are two general categories of damages – economic damages and non-economic damages. You can be compensated for both past and future economic and non-economic damages.
Economic damages are things such as wage loss, mileage expense to go to doctor appointments, prescription costs, co-pays on insurance, over-the-counter medications, diminution in value to your car, etc. The other category is non-economic damages, which may include things such as pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, emotional distress, etc.
The non-economic damages are often greater than the economic damages if the injuries are significant enough. Consult with an attorney for a full explanation of these types of damages.
-
Are there deadlines for filing claims?
Yes. Under Florida law, there are very specific, detailed deadlines to file claims. If you do not meet these deadlines, you may be forever barred from bringing your claim forward.
These time restrictions are known as statutes of limitations, and they vary depending on the type of claim you are bringing. It is critical that you consult with an attorney as soon as possible after your incident so you can receive good legal advice on the time limits for filing a personal injury claim.
-
How can I recover lost wages?
Wage loss is paid out under your Personal Injury Protection benefit, which happens to be mandatory coverage for auto insurance in the State of Florida. There are exceptions, such as when you elected to have your wage loss reimbursement excluded on your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefit when you obtained your policy.
Normally, people who have their wage loss benefits excluded are those who are not employed for some reason or another. You can also elect to have a standard PIP (which covers wage loss at 60%) or extended PIP (which covers wage loss at 80%).
You will need to provide proof of income in the form of a paycheck stub, income tax return, or some other verifiable means. The remaining percentage of your wage loss not covered by your PIP insurance will become part of your claim against the defendant driver.
When cases do not involve PIP coverage, the wage loss becomes part of the demand to the at-fault party. In most cases, proof of lost income is rather simple if the injured person receives a paycheck. For our clients who are self-employed, we work very closely with them to help them assemble the necessary documentation to prove the wage loss claim. Tax returns can be helpful in instances where clients are self-employed.
-
How can I recover my out-of-pocket expenses?
Out-of-pocket expenses are always made part of your claim and are part of your economic damages that we seek to recover from the at-fault party. When your claim is presented to the at-fault party, we include your out-of-pocket expenses as part of the demand package.
If your case does not settle in what we call the "pre-suit phase," then your case will proceed to court where we will ask a jury for your out-of-pocket expenses as part of your economic damages on the verdict form.
-
Will my insurance premiums increase if I report an accident to my insurance company?
Your insurance premiums should not go up if you are not at fault for the accident. It will be part of your insurance record, but if you are not at fault, your premiums should not increase.
In most situations, your own insurance company will go after the insurance company that insures the at-fault party to recover the costs it may have paid to you for things such as car repairs or additional medical expenses.
