Orlando Truck Accidents: How an Experienced Lawyer Can Make a Difference

Truck accidents often have devastating consequences. For victims, navigating the post-accident process can be challenging due to the severity and complexity of these cases.

An Orlando truck accident lawyer can help you get through this process and achieve the best outcome possible.

The Unique Nature of Orlando Truck Accidents

In 2022, there were over 166,000 crashes involving large trucks nationwide. Over 5,100 deaths resulted, a number that has increased by 22% over the past decade.

The Florida Trucking Industry

With 20% of the nation's exporters located in Florida, medium and heavy freight trucks are a common sight on the Sunshine State's roads. Last year, over 16 million tons of cargo transited through Tampa Bay Port alone, with a significant portion traveling via I-4 and going through Orlando.

As the country's top tourist destination, Orlando also has busy roads with drivers who are often unfamiliar with the area. More than 74 million people visited Orlando last year, contributing to a busy urban environment that makes driving stressful.

The trucking industry is also dealing with a few challenges. Due to the ongoing shortage of workers, driver fatigue is on the rise. Even though Florida has Hours of Service rules, fatigue is a non-negligible factor in truck crashes.

What Makes Truck Accidents Different?

An unloaded semi can weigh 30,000 lbs., while a loaded cargo truck can weigh up to 80,000 lbs. Trucks are heavy vehicles, which means they need more distance to stop. Their momentum can make any impact devastating for the other vehicles involved, and a truck driver losing control of his vehicle can take out multiple cars.

Dangerous or loose cargo on the road is an additional risk. Trucks also have higher ground clearance. In some cases, passenger vehicles can end up trapped under a heavy truck, resulting in devastating injuries.

Consequences of Truck Accidents

Between 2018 and 2022, there were more than 9,000 crashes involving cargo trucks recorded in Orlando. These crashes caused over 3,800 injuries and 44 fatalities.

For the victims, a truck accident can have several consequences:

• Severe injuries are common, sometimes with life-long symptoms and loss of quality of life.
• Property damage to the vehicles involved and traffic infrastructure is widespread.
• Being involved in a crash can lead to emotional trauma and PTSD.

For a truck driver, a crash often results in lost wages. Suspension can happen if a CDL driver is liable for the crash.

Truck accidents also have consequences for the city and its inhabitants, ranging from traffic disruptions to the cost of rebuilding damaged infrastructure.

The Role of an Orlando Truck Accident Lawyer

Florida is a no-fault state, which means drivers must rely on their PIP insurance to cover medical bills and property damage. However, truck accidents often result in significant injuries and damages that make victims eligible for additional compensation under tort law.

An Orlando truck accident lawyer can help navigate this complex process. Their knowledge of Florida trucking laws can help prove liability if a truck driver fails to follow truck lane restrictions or Hours of Service rules.

Truck accidents often involve more than one party. In situations with several stakeholders, a lawyer can help determine who is liable.

• A truck driver can be liable if they fail to follow traffic rules.
• The employer can be responsible if they create an unsafe environment.
• In some cases, a product liability lawsuit can lead to a truck's manufacturer paying out damages.
• Freight customers often load cargo themselves and can be liable if they fail to follow safe loading practices.

An experienced lawyer can collect evidence, gather expert testimonies, and use their knowledge of trucking regulations to build a strong case. They'll also use any pictures you took of the accident scene along with the police report to recreate what happened.

Their job entails showing causation and establishing liability if a case goes to court. They can also use their negotiation skills to reach a settlement with an insurer or trucking company.

The Advantage of Local Experience

A local lawyer who is familiar with Orlando roads can bring a unique experience to your case. Their knowledge of the busy traffic environment can help them spot details someone else might miss.

Plus, being familiar with similar cases in the area will give them a baseline for negotiating with insurers and trucking companies.

You'll also have the benefit of a legal representative who is familiar with local stakeholders. These entities can include law enforcement, insurers, trucking companies, and medical experts. Having a working relationship with these people can streamline the investigation process and help you achieve the best outcome possible.

Find an Experienced Truck Accident Lawyer in Orlando

Truck accidents can be devastating. If you were in one, finding specialized legal counsel should be a priority. An experienced lawyer can walk you through the post-accident process, from filing a PIP claim to seeking additional damage through tort law.

Fill out our online form to tell us more about your accident, and we'll match you with an Orlando truck accident lawyer.