Attorneys Trial Group.com
Central Florida
Truck Collision Fatalities
The Central FL truck accident attorneys of Martinez, Manglardi, & recognize that moving products across great distances is a fact of today’s global economy. Although sea and rail remain crucial elements of the supply chain, more and more products—from toys to timber—are making their way across America’s roads on large trucks. This fact, combined with an ever-increasing number of passenger cars, means that accidents are bound to occur.
There was some encouraging news about car - truck crashes in 2007. The number of people killed in crashes involving large trucks declined by 4.4%. Even so, U.S. deaths in 2007 from truck accidents were a staggering 4,808. While the number of people injured in large truck crashes was also down in 2007 compared to the previous year, there were a total of 101,000 injuries, including 75,000 among occupants of vehicles other than the truck.
Traffic accidents involving large trucks and tractor trailers are almost always more severe than those that involve only passenger vehicles. This severity relates both to property damage and personal injury. In fact, according to a study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, nearly 13 percent of fatal traffic accidents involve one or more large trucks. The unique dangers posed by truck accidents can be multiplied many times over by the type of truck involved in an accident and the freight that the truck is carrying. The crash outcome can vary dramatically when multiple trailers, overloaded trailers and inadequately maintained flatbeds are involved, as well as in accidents where 18 wheelers and semi trucks are hauling hazardous chemicals or flammable materials.
In addition to the increased likelihood of serious injury and fatality when trucks and cars collide, there are a number of legal issues that make truck accidents unique. Unlike a privately-owned passenger vehicle, large trucks are usually owned by a corporation. This means that based on the circumstances surrounding the accident, both the driver and the trucking company may be held legally liable. A qualified Orlando truck accident attorney can help you sort through the complex liability questions.
Another legal issue relates to trucking regulations. Drivers of large trucks are held to different, often more stringent, traffic laws than other drivers. For example, regulations impose limits on the number of hours a professional truck driver may be on the road. Additionally, there are very specific regulations regarding truck cargo. These regulations dictate the maximum weight and size of a truck’s cargo; they also prescribe the necessary precautions surrounding the transport of hazardous and flammable materials. An Orange County truck accident lawyer with experience will know these laws and how they impact your case.
In all truck collision cases, the gathering of relevant evidence in a timely manner is critical. Truck companies and their insurance carriers know the ins and outs of making a case and will not hesitate to lessen liability by arriving at the scene of an accident and attempting to “manage” the way it is handled. In such instances, the worst step a victim or survivor can take is to negotiate directly with the company or its insurer. Furthermore, nearly every jurisdiction has a statute of limitations that places a deadline on when a victim may file a claim for damages.
When someone is injured or killed in a truck collision, the aftermath can be overwhelming for the injured party, the family and the survivors. Although no amount of financial compensation can undo the harm caused, it is important to remember the physical and financials needs of those most affected by the accident. Compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering can alleviate one facet of the difficult times that lie ahead. A knowledgeable Osceola County truck accident attorney will fight for the rights of those whose lives have been shattered and work to secure compensation that is fair and appropriate to the loss incurred.
If your family has lost someone due to a truck collision, please contact the Central Florida truck accident lawyers at Martinez, Manglardi, & for legal assistance. We serve clients throughout in Orlando, Orange County, Kissimmee, Apopka, Osceola County and throughout Central FL. We have a passion for helping people who have suffered serious injuries or the loss of a loved one in a truck accident. We can help you evaluate your case, negotiate with insurance companies, and aggressively litigate your case in court, if necessary.
At Attorneys Trial Group, our Kissimmee truck accident lawyers are on your side, and we can help you make informed decisions about your truck accident claim. Our cases are handled by a team of professionals, including nurses, doctors, engineers and truck wreck attorneys. We offer free consultations in your home, at the hospital or in our offices. There are no fees or costs unless we win. Contact us today at one of our convenient Florida locations in Orlando, Kissimmee or Apopka by calling 1-888-337-3246 or via our online contact form.