Truck Accident Attorney in Big Pine Key

Commercial semi-truck accidents are unlike any other type of vehicle accident. Their size and weight can easily cause catastrophic accidents or lead to fatalities. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, there were 415,000 crashes involving commercial semi-trucks in 2020.

Of the collisions reported, approximately 4,444 involved fatalities, and 101,000 resulted in severe injuries. Crashes are more likely to occur in rural areas and on interstates, like U.S. Highway 1 in Big Pine Key.

Being involved in a crash with a commercial semi-truck is many people’s worst nightmare. Trucks can cause severe property damage, lifelong personal injuries, and sometimes even fatalities.

If you’ve been in an accident with a commercial semi-truck, you’re probably dealing with severe injuries, and you may be unable to work. Wounds from a collision can significantly alter the course of your life, requiring you to undergo long-term medical care and physical therapy.

Following a crash with a semi, you’ll probably hear from insurance companies asking you to comment on the accident or even offering a settlement. Since big truck crashes are more likely to result in severe injuries, insurance providers try to compensate victims quickly, avoiding potentially costly lawsuits.

Commercial semi-truck accident lawyers in Big Pine Key, FL, can help you negotiate with insurance providers and obtain the money you need for your past and future medical expenses and lost wages. Morgan and Morgan will ensure that you don’t accept a settlement that doesn’t cover your losses. 

While we can’t fully restore your health, we can help you recover the compensation you need to focus on your recovery without the stress of worrying about medical expenses or being unable to work.

The commercial semi-truck accident lawyers at Morgan & Morgan will review the facts of your case, assemble evidence, and file a lawsuit against the responsible parties. 

First, we’ll determine who’s liable for your injuries. While you might assume the driver is solely responsible, other parties may also be at fault. For instance, the trucking company or the truck manufacturer might also be liable.

Once we’ve determined liability, we’ll negotiate with the appropriate insurance companies to obtain a settlement on your behalf. We’ll evaluate the extent of your losses to ascertain the full amount you’re due.

Often, we must consult with experts to establish liability and determine the worth of your case. Medical experts can advise on your expected recovery, and engineers can help validate claims concerning defective truck parts. 

If you’re partially responsible for the accident, we’ll devise a legal strategy limiting your liability while enabling you to collect damages. If the other parties don’t want to provide fair compensation, we won’t hesitate to take your case to court.

While we’re pursuing compensation for you, we’ll keep you informed of all the progress we make. You can rest easy knowing that we’re working with your best interests in mind.

There are several common types of commercial semi-truck accidents. Your injuries may vary depending on the kind of accident you were in. A few examples of commercial semi-truck accidents include:

T-bone Accidents

A T-bone accident occurs when one vehicle crashes headfirst into the side of another. These accidents usually occur when a driver runs a red light or fails to stop and check oncoming traffic.

If you’re in a T-bone accident with a truck, any passengers on the side of the car will likely suffer severe injuries, especially if the truck is moving at high speed.

Rear-End Collisions

Rear-end collisions are common when traffic is heavy and drivers aren’t paying attention. Typically, the vehicle ahead comes to an unexpected halt, and the driver behind them doesn’t realize they’ve stopped until it’s too late.

Sometimes, rear-end collisions occur when drivers don’t allow enough space in front of them to come to a complete stop before hitting the vehicle.

Rear-end collisions frequently result in back injuries and whiplash to drivers and passengers.

Jackknife Accident

A jackknife accident happens when the semi-truck driver loses control of the cab and skids. As the truck's cab turns, the attached trailer moves in the opposite direction, sometimes into oncoming traffic.

Jackknife accidents can be very serious, especially if other vehicles can’t move out of the way of the oncoming trailer.

Overrides or Underrides

Commercial semi-trucks have a much higher carriage than other vehicles. People with smaller autos, like passenger cars, are at risk of an override or underride. 

An override accident happens when the truck suddenly switches lanes and traps vehicles underneath the carriage. Once the truck has the car underneath it, drivers often struggle to free their vehicles.

Similarly, an underride happens when a vehicle rear-ends a commercial semi-truck and its front end becomes stuck underneath the back of the truck.

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, the most common causes of commercial semi-truck accidents are distracted driving and poor judgment. Other reasons for truck accidents include:

Driver Fatigue

Driver fatigue is one of the primary culprits of commercial semi-truck accidents. While federal law requires drivers to rest at least ten hours after driving for eleven, some drivers don’t obey. Driving is a mentally taxing activity, and it’s no surprise that some drivers lose focus on the road, especially after long periods in their cabs.

Driver Error

Driving a commercial semi-truck is no easy task. Drivers must maneuver massive vehicles while keeping an eye on other automobiles and road conditions. While drivers must meet stringent testing requirements before they can operate commercial semi-trucks, even testing can’t entirely prevent errors.

Distracted Driving

Being in a commercial semi-truck for hours on end can be dull. There are usually no passengers to talk to, and the only means of entertainment is the radio and watching the scenery pass by.

Although semi-truck drivers must comply with specific laws aimed at preventing distractions, they sometimes make mistakes. Their errors can result in loss of life or severe injuries for those who cross their path at the wrong time.

Vehicle Malfunction

Drivers and trucking companies are legally obligated to properly maintain all components of their trucks. Occasionally, however, they fail to adequately monitor the condition of their trucks. As a result, parts can wear out or malfunction, resulting in accidents.

Common types of vehicle malfunction include tire blowouts and failed brakes. 

Environment

While the weather in Big Pine Key is often warm and sunny, sudden thunderstorms can cause slippery conditions. Truckers not used to maneuvering vehicles through high water or slick spots may find themselves in an accident. Drivers should take a break during poor weather conditions and resume their duties after the storm passes.

Intoxication

The public expects commercial semi-truck drivers to refrain from alcohol and drug use before climbing into their vehicles. However, some truckers don’t obey the laws, and their intoxication can lead to serious accidents.

If you notice an impaired driver on the road, it’s best to report them to the police. Officers can pull them over and determine whether they’re intoxicated. If they are, your report may prevent a severe accident from occurring.

If you’re the unfortunate victim of a truck accident in Florida, you have up to four years to file a lawsuit against the parties responsible. Family members of loved ones who die in a commercial truck accident must file their lawsuit within two years of the date of death.

Florida laws give victims ample time to file a claim, but it’s crucial to begin the process as quickly as possible. If you wait too long, your lawyer may have difficulty assembling evidence and determining who’s liable for your injuries.

Victims of truck accidents can receive damages for past and future medical expenses and lost wages if they can’t work. You may also receive compensation for mental pain and suffering, disability and disfigurement, loss of quality of life, and the injury itself.

Surviving family members who file a wrongful death claim may collect compensation for their loved one’s funeral and burial expenses. They may also receive remuneration for loss of companionship or consortium and emotional anguish.

Yes. Florida has a pure comparative fault law, which allows you to sue for damages even if you are 99% responsible for an accident.

Depending on your level of responsibility for the collision, a court will reduce your damage award by the percentage you’re found to be at fault.

For example, if you’re determined to be 60% responsible for the accident and your damages are $100,000, you could still receive $40,000 in compensation. Commercial semi-truck accident lawyers in Big Pine Key, FL, can assess your case to determine your level of responsibility.

Following an accident with a commercial semi-truck, it’s not unusual to experience severe injuries and mental anguish. Truck accidents are often serious, and even the resilient person could feel at a loss after an especially bad collision.

Commercial semi-truck accident lawyers in Big Pine Key, FL, can help you recover the compensation you need to begin your recovery and rebuild your life. Contact Morgan & Morgan today to schedule your free consultation.