Fort Myers Truck Accident Attorneys

Dedicated Legal Advocacy in the Aftermath of a Trucking Accident

Trucking accidents are often the result of negligence or carelessness. Truck drivers are entrusted with the responsibility of transporting large and heavy cargo, which can make them more prone to making careless mistakes. Truck drivers are also required to undergo rigorous training, but even the most qualified truck drivers can make mistakes when driving on the roads with other drivers.

Truck accidents can occur for a variety of reasons, including:

• Drunk driving
• Texting while driving
• Speeding
• Fatigued driving
• Failure to obey traffic laws
• Distracted driving
• Failure to yield
• Poor road conditions
• Poor visibility
• Defective parts
• Negligent maintenance

If you were involved in a trucking accident, you should be aware of your options for seeking compensation for your injuries and other losses. Our firm has the knowledge and experience to effectively advocate for you in the aftermath of a trucking accident. The Dellutri Law Group, PA can provide you with the legal support you need to pursue the compensation you deserve.

Call (800) 391-4337 or contact us online today to schedule a free consultation.

The Dangers of Truck Accidents

Truck accidents involving other motor vehicles can be extremely dangerous and have serious consequences due to the significant size and weight disparity between trucks and smaller vehicles.

Here are some of the main dangers associated with truck accidents:

• Size and Weight Disparity: Trucks, especially large commercial trucks like tractor-trailers or semis, can weigh several times more than passenger vehicles. In a collision, the force exerted by the truck on a smaller vehicle can be overwhelming, leading to severe damage to the smaller vehicle and its occupants.
• High Impact Force: Due to their mass and momentum, trucks generate a higher impact force during collisions. This can result in greater property damage, more severe injuries, and even fatalities for occupants of smaller vehicles.
• Blind Spots: Trucks have larger blind spots, also known as "no-zones," around their sides and rear. If a passenger vehicle is in a truck's blind spot, the truck driver might not see it, increasing the risk of a collision when the truck changes lanes or makes a turn.
• Braking Distance: Trucks require significantly longer distances to come to a complete stop due to their weight. If a truck driver needs to stop suddenly, the increased stopping distance could lead to rear-end collisions with vehicles in front of them.
• Rollovers: Trucks have a higher center of gravity compared to most passenger vehicles, making them more prone to tipping over during sharp turns or sudden maneuvers. A truck rollover can lead to a multi-vehicle crash and hazardous road conditions.
• Cargo Spills: In accidents involving trucks carrying hazardous materials, the risk of cargo spills and subsequent chemical exposures, fires, or explosions is high. This can create an immediate threat to the safety of both the occupants involved in the accident and the surrounding environment.
• Complex Handling: The handling characteristics of trucks differ from those of smaller vehicles. Truck drivers may find it challenging to maneuver their vehicles in certain situations, especially in heavy traffic or adverse weather conditions. This could contribute to accidents if not managed carefully.
• Driver Fatigue: Truck drivers often spend long hours on the road to meet delivery schedules, which can lead to driver fatigue. Fatigued drivers are more likely to make mistakes, have slower reaction times, and even fall asleep at the wheel, increasing the risk of accidents.
• Speed and Distance Misjudgment: Due to their size, truck drivers might have a harder time judging the speed and distance of other vehicles accurately. This can result in misjudgments when attempting to merge, change lanes, or execute other maneuvers, leading to accidents.
• Roadway Impacts: The force of a truck collision can damage road infrastructure, including barriers, guardrails, and signage, which might further contribute to the overall danger of the accident.

Who is Liable for a Truck Accident?

Determining liability in a truck accident involves identifying the party or parties responsible for the accident and the resulting damages. Liability can be attributed to multiple parties, and it often depends on the specific circumstances of the accident. Here are some potential parties who might be liable in a truck accident:

• Truck Driver: The truck driver might be held liable if their negligence, such as distracted driving, speeding, driving under the influence, or violating traffic laws, contributed to the accident.
• Trucking Company: The company that owns or employs the truck driver could be held liable if their actions or negligence, such as improper training, failure to maintain the vehicle, or pressuring drivers to violate safety regulations, played a role in the accident.
• Truck Manufacturer or Maintenance Provider: If a mechanical failure, such as brake failure or tire blowouts, contributed to the accident, the manufacturer of the truck or its parts, as well as the company responsible for maintenance, could be held liable.
• Cargo Loaders: If the accident was caused by improper loading of the cargo, leading to issues like unbalanced weight or items falling onto the road, the company responsible for loading the cargo might be liable.
• Government Agencies: If road conditions or signage contributed to the accident (e.g., poor road design, lack of proper signage, inadequate maintenance), government agencies responsible for maintaining the roads could be held liable.
• Other Drivers: In some cases, liability might be shared with other drivers involved in the accident if their actions also contributed to the collision.

Our legal team can investigate the accident thoroughly, collect evidence (such as witness statements, surveillance footage, and expert analysis), and develop a strong legal strategy to help you recover your entitled compensation. Do not hesitate to let us protect your rights and best interests from start to finish.

Contact us today at (800) 391-4337 to learn how we can help you.