Trucks may generally be larger and weigh more than the typical passenger vehicle, causing more destruction when involved in an accident. You could be entitled to collect compensation if you or a loved one suffered a fatal or non-fatal injury because of a truck accident. You may qualify even if you are partially at fault for the accident. Hiring an Orlando truck accident lawyer can help you focus on your recovery.
Call Ben Crump Law, PLLC today at (844) 430-1030 for detailed information about a lawyer after a truck accident.
Trucks Present Great Danger
You may be aware that trucks are larger than the typical vehicle, but you may not know the extent to which a commercial truck outweighs a car, SUV, or even pickup truck.
The Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy notes that trucks may weigh anywhere from 10,000 pounds to more than 33,000 pounds. Popular Mechanics notes that a fully-loaded 18-wheeler may weigh as much as 80,000 pounds.
The weight difference between the largest trucks on the road and much lighter passenger vehicles may be tragically evident when an accident occurs. The great weight of trucks means that:
- Truck drivers may be less able to stop their vehicles quickly.
- The force that a truck transfers to vehicles that they strike may cause serious injury or death.
- An accident involving a truck may cause significant property damage.
In addition to the danger that a truck’s weight may pose, there are several realities of the trucking industry and truck driving that may present additional dangers. Some of these risk factors may include:
- Truck drivers being on the road for long stretches on a consistent basis may lead to drowsy driving.
- Truck drivers may not have the skills to consistently control such large, heavy vehicles with proper care.
- A truck carrying materials that are dangerous may become a factor in a collision.
- Truck drivers may rely on stimulants to remain alert while driving for long hours.
Accidents can happen even when drivers are taking precautions to avoid them. If someone did not take the necessary precautions to avoid an accident or engaged in specific acts that are known to be risky, they may be responsible for your losses or the losses of a loved one.
An Orlando truck accident lawyer can review your case and help you pursue compensation if you should be eligible. Call Ben Crump Law, PLLC today for a free consultation about pursuing compensation for losses you have suffered because of a truck accident.
Truck Drivers and Their Bosses Have a Safety Responsibility
If you or a loved one were injured in an accident involving a truck, then one of the first things that your lawyer may do is determine fault. A truck driver could be responsible for the accident if they were not operating their truck in a safe manner, but they may not be the only one to blame for your accident and losses.
Some other possible at-fault parties can include:
- The employer of the driver who caused your accident
- A truck manufacturer
- A mechanic
- Any other party whose actions or failures contributed to your accident
The company that employs a truck driver could be responsible for a driver’s actions because they are strictly liable as an employer. In other cases, an employer could make failures that make them liable beyond strict liability. Such failures may include:
- Not properly vetting a driver’s personal and professional record before hiring them
- Failing to consistently and thoroughly test drivers for drug and alcohol use
- Failing to monitor drivers’ safety behaviors and discipline drivers who exhibit dangerous driving practices
- Not maintaining vehicles as to avoid malfunctions that could lead to an accident
You may be able to hold all liable parties, the driver or otherwise, responsible for any actions that contributed to your losses. A lawyer may help you do so through an insurance claim or lawsuit.
For a free legal consultation with a truck accidents lawyer serving Orlando, call (844) 430-1030
The Benefits of Hiring a Lawyer
There are several reasons why you may hire a lawyer to represent you after an Orlando truck accident. A lawyer could aid you if:
- You have suffered physical or cognitive injury, or both
- You are not familiar with insurance claims or lawsuits
- You are not legally trained
- You want to ensure the protection of your rights
- You would like access to the skills and knowledge that a lawyer may provide
You can expect that a lawyer will become familiar with the circumstances of your accident. They may then explain whether an insurance claim or lawsuit is their recommended course of action for you or your loved one. They may also advise seeking compensation through an insurance claim and initiating a lawsuit if the insurance route is not successful.
In any case, your lawyer may:
- Protect you from making statements that may harm you
- Refer you to medical professionals
- Deal with insurance companies
- Collect and organize evidence
- Consult relevant experts
- Speak with witnesses
- File a lawsuit
- Make in-court appearances on your behalf
- Complete your lawsuit through a settlement or judgment
Having a lawyer to handle your insurance claim, lawsuit, or both can help you focus on your recovery. Consider the value of having a legally-trained advocate fight for you as you tend to your health.
Orlando Truck Accident Lawyer Near Me (844) 430-1030
Call Ben Crump Law, PLLC Today
Do not wait to call an Orlando truck accident lawyer, as Florida Statute § 95.11 places a general time limit on your ability to pursue certain lawsuits. The team at Ben Crump Law, PLLC will review your case and determine whether you are eligible to file an insurance claim or lawsuit, and they can handle such matters for you.
Call Ben Crump Law, PLLC today at (844) 430-1030 for a free consultation.
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