Florida Truck Accident Attorneys

Fighting for the Severely Injury Since 1998

If you or a loved one was involved in a collision with a commercial truck (for example, a semi-truck or tractor-trailer), there are some things you must know. These collisions are not like fender-benders or rear-end collisions. Collisions with commercial vehicles cause significant property damage and personal injuries. Loss of life is not uncommon.

If a person is lucky enough to survive, they are usually facing a long road ahead with many doctor visits, therapy visits, and, in some cases, a lifetime of ongoing care. Obviously, the injured party is not going through this trauma alone; their family is feeling the effects of the accident, as well. Not only are there physical effects, but there are serious emotional and financial impacts, which are often felt by everyone.

After a truck accident, you need an experienced team on your side. When you hire The Dellutri Law Group, PA to represent you and your family, we immediately take action on the legal issues so you and your family can begin the healing process.

We have an experienced team in place, ready to start investigating. Trust us, the trucking insurance company will dispatch a team of investigators to the scene of the accident to start gathering as much evidence as they can; why shouldn't you?

To learn more about how our Florida truck accident lawyers can help you, contact us online or call (800) 391-4337 today.

What Makes Commercial Vehicle Accidents Different?

All traffic collisions present unique legal issues. However, accidents involving commercial vehicles and tractor-trailers present their own set of unique processes, procedures, and legal issues.

For one thing, commercial vehicles may be governed by different laws, depending on what state you are in. For more information on specific truck accident laws and regulations, visit the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s website or the Department of Transportation’s website.

What Are Some Common Causes of Truck Accidents?

Trucking accidents happen for many different reasons, and each trucking accident is unique. However, the causes can often be grouped into several different categories. Here are some of the most common causes of trucking accidents in Florida:

Substance Abuse

Truck drivers often operate vehicles that weigh up to 80,000 pounds and are up to 100 feet in length. Unfortunately, the pressure to stay awake and make deliveries on time leads many truck drivers to use stimulants and other drugs to stay awake. Driving while under the influence of drugs is just as dangerous as driving drunk. Drugged driving is proven to slow reaction time, decrease motor skills, and impair judgment.

For this reason, federal regulations require trucking companies to regularly test their drivers for alcohol and drugs. Tests must be performed prior to employment, after a serious accident, and periodically throughout the year. These tests look for alcohol, marijuana, cocaine, opiates, PCP, and amphetamines.

Driver Fatigue

Truck drivers make their living driving, and employers often expect that their employees work – or drive – as much as possible. However, if you've ever driven while tired or for a long period of time, you know that fatigue makes it harder to concentrate and drive safely. Truck drivers who drive when fatigued is much more likely to get into an accident.

There are regulations in place on both the federal and state levels that dictate how long drivers are allowed to be behind the wheel. Additionally, drivers are supposed to keep track of on-duty non-driving hours, on-duty driving time, and off-duty time to ensure that they're complying with these regulations. If an accident occurs while on-duty, attorneys will typically look at this logbook to make sure the driver complied with all regulations and that they weren't driving for longer than allowed.

Failure to Watch Blind Spots

Truck drivers are trained to watch for vehicles that enter their blind spots, also known as the no-zone. The "no-zone" is an area where another vehicle disappears from your view. Trucking accidents are more likely to occur when a car is in the no-zone. While on the road, it's important that drivers are mindful of the no-zone, especially when attempting to switch lanes.

Weather Conditions

Bad weather makes the road dangerous for all vehicles, but it's even worse for large commercial trucks. Weather conditions, such as heavy rain, are a common cause of trucking accidents in Florida. Drivers who aren't used to Florida's heavy rain need to be extra cautious while on the road. The heavyweight of a truck means more momentum, meaning that drivers need to account for a greater braking distance on slippery roads. Steering and handling are also negatively affected when weather conditions are less than ideal. It's easy to lose control of a truck, which can result in the truck hydroplaning, tipping, or causing an accident.

Loading the Trailer Improperly

Trucks are very heavy, and because of this, they're more dangerous than most other vehicles on the road. Most of the weight from a truck is in the trailer, which is what hauls the truck's load. When a trailer isn't loaded properly, it can affect the handling of the truck or cause the trailer to tip, causing an accident. Improper loading often occurs when freight isn't properly secured and falls off the truck and into the road.

Improper Inspection or Maintenance

Proper maintenance is important for any vehicle but even more so for large commercial trucks. The weight of large trucks in addition to the distance traveled can wear out brakes, tires, and other parts of the vehicle much faster than a regular vehicle. Proper maintenance will increase safety on the road for the driver and everyone else on the road. Typically, trucking companies have very detailed and specific inspection procedures to ensure that a truck is fit to be on the road. However, if these duties aren't performed properly, an accident is far more likely to occur.

Other common causes of truck accidents include:

• Distracted Driving: Distractions such as texting, using a GPS, eating, or adjusting the radio can divert a driver's attention from the road, leading to accidents.
• Speeding: Driving at excessive speeds reduces a driver's ability to react to hazards and increases stopping distances, making accidents more likely.
• Aggressive Driving: Behaviors such as tailgating, weaving in and out of traffic, or road rage increase the likelihood of accidents involving trucks.
• Inexperienced or Inadequately Trained Drivers: Lack of experience or proper training can lead to errors in judgment and poor decision-making on the road.
• Failure to Obey Traffic Laws: Ignoring traffic signals, stop signs, or speed limits increases the risk of collisions with other vehicles.
• Road Design and Conditions: Poorly designed roads, construction zones, potholes, or debris on the road can pose hazards to truck drivers and increase the likelihood of accidents.

What to Expect when You Work with Us

When you hire The Dellutri Law Group, PA, we will sit down with you to learn all about the accident and how it occurred, look over the scene of the accident, review witness statements, and investigate physical damage to your vehicle and the truck, as well as any other damage, including, of course, your injuries. Our Florida truck accident attorneys will investigate all possible insurance policies, and we will work with your medical providers to see that you are getting the best possible care.

Now is the time to make the call. Let us begin investigating for you. Contact us at (800) 391-4337 to get started.

“I can’t say enough about the heart and professionalism that is the foundation of Dellutri Law Group. They go above and beyond from their receptionist making you feel at ease and welcome to actually being able to reach the attorney when you need them. Very well rounded, honest and hard-working group who want to do right by you and it shows.” - G.H. (Google - February, 2018)