Orlando Truck Accident Lawyer
Common Causes of Truck Accidents
There are many reasons a truck may get into an accident. Here are some of the most common.
- Brake Problems: Because trucks are so large and heavy, it is difficult for them to stop. This can be a real problem if the brakes malfunction, if they are driving too fast or if there is a break in the flow of traffic that makes it necessary for them to stop quickly.
- Drug Use: Prescription and over the counter drug use can produce side effects that impair judgment. Both truck drivers and drivers of other vehicles can be affected by drug use increases the risk of accidents.
- Unfamiliar with Roadway: While some truck drivers drive the same route each day, others drive routes that are unfamiliar to them. Sudden turns, narrowing roadways and other factors can take them by surprise causing hazardous situations.
- Fatigue: It is common for truck drivers to drive long hours without a break. Fatigue can impair judgment or cause them to fall asleep at the wheel.
- Reduced Visibility: Because trucks are so huge, drivers are dealing with a lot of blind spots. This can cause them to sideswipe vehicles next to them or even run them off the road.
Finding At-Fault Parties
When you are involved in a truck accident several parties may be at fault. These include the truck driver, the driver’s employer, the truck company, the truck manufacturer, third party contractors, and the insurance companies who hold the policies for these parties.
If the accident occurred while the driver was working for the company he is employed by, in most cases, the company will get sued, not the driver. In these cases, the amount of oversight the company had on the driver will need to be determined to figure out how responsible they are for the accident.
In other situations, the broker or carrier will be responsible for the accident.
A broker or carrier is an entity that provides drivers for the transport of goods. They also use tracking software to monitor the movement of those goods.
It is up to these companies to inspect the trucks and check the safety history of the drivers that are driving them. If they are negligent in their duties and the truck is not safe or the driver is not reliable, they could be to blame for the accident.
Truck accidents can also occur due to equipment that was not properly maintained.
If faulty equipment was used or the company was negligent in maintaining the vehicle, the company could be at fault. However, if the maintenance company did not do their job properly or the parts were bought in bad condition, the maintenance company or the manufacturer of the parts could be to blame.
Your lawyer will do a thorough investigation of your case to determine at-fault parties. This will help you figure out who to target for compensation.
Damages for a Truck Accident
If you are injured in a truck accident, you may be dealing with a considerable amount of medical expenses, a loss of wages, and emotional pain and suffering. Compensation may cover any of the following:
- Medical bills
- Rehabilitation fees
- Loss of earnings
- Loss of future earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Mental and emotional suffering
- Disfigurement and permanent scarring
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of consortium
Punitive damages may be awarded if it is determined that the driver or company acted in a way intended to cause harm. The additional damages are paid to dissuade the guilty party from acting similarly in the future.
Finding the Right Lawyer for Your Truck Accident Case
If you were injured in a truck accident, it’s important to get a good lawyer on your side. If you are looking for an injury lawyer in the Orlando area, JustCallMoe!
Moe DeWitt has extensive experience dealing with car accident cases. We understand every case is different and take a customized approach to ensure winning results. Our team utilizes aggressive representation, a deep sense of empathy, and affordable rates.
A truck accident can have serious repercussions. JustCallMoe will see to it that justice is served. Call us at 866-225-5663 to get the closure you need and the compensation you deserve.