Truck accident victims deserve fair and just compensation when a truck driver’s negligence results in serious injuries. At Zarzaur Law, we advocate for injured truck accident victims and their families throughout Florida. Our extensive experience in handling complex cases involving catastrophic injuries allows us to help clients secure the compensation they deserve. If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, our dedicated attorneys are here to assist you. We have a proven track record of success in the Pensacola courthouse. Joe Zarzaur and his team meticulously prepare each case for trial. As a seasoned Pensacola truck accident attorney, Joe Zarzaur has achieved record verdicts in both Escambia County and Santa Rosa County.
One of the main reasons to hire a truck accident lawyer immediately after a crash is to preserve critical evidence. Trucking companies often deploy investigators, lawyers, and insurance adjusters from day one to protect their interests. Therefore, it is essential to secure a truck accident lawyer promptly following a wreck to ensure your rights are protected and evidence is preserved.
Semi-truck accidents can be particularly devastating due to the size and weight of these vehicles. Understanding the top causes of these accidents can help in both prevention and in handling claims related to them.
Leading causes of big truck accidents:
- Driver fatigue
- Distracted Driving
- Speeding
- Improper Maintenance
- Overloaded or Improperly Loaded Cargo
- Driving Under the Influence
- Poor Weather Conditions
- Inexperienced or Untrained Driving
- Reckless Driving
- Equipment Failure
In 2022, Florida faced a significant challenge with truck accidents, ranking third nationwide in the number of such incidents, according to a recent TruckInfo.net news story. The consequences of these accidents are stark, with approximately 72% of fatalities being occupants of other vehicles, compared to roughly 17% who are occupants of the large trucks themselves. The remaining 11% of fatalities involve other individuals, such as pedestrians or bicyclists. Additionally, Florida ranked fourth in the nation for the highest number of truck accident injuries sustained, highlighting the severe impact on public safety and the urgent need for improved safety measures and legal support for victims.
Most Common Types of Semi Truck Accidents
1. Jackknife Accidents
A jackknife accident occurs when the trailer of the truck swings out to one side, forming an angle with the cab. This can happen when the truck skids or brakes suddenly, causing the trailer to lose traction and swing out. Jackknife accidents are particularly dangerous as they can lead to multi-vehicle collisions.
2. Rollovers
Rollovers happen when a truck tips over onto its side or roof. These accidents are often caused by taking curves too quickly, sudden swerving, or uneven road surfaces. The high center of gravity of semi-trucks makes them more susceptible to rollovers, especially when carrying heavy loads.
3. Rear-End Collisions
Due to their significant size and weight, semi-trucks require a longer distance to come to a complete stop. Rear-end collisions often occur when a truck follows another vehicle too closely or fails to stop in time due to road conditions or driver inattention.
4. Underride Accidents
Underride accidents happen when a smaller vehicle collides with the rear or side of a semi-truck and slides underneath it. These accidents are often fatal for the occupants of the smaller vehicle. Lack of proper underride guards on trucks can exacerbate the severity of these crashes.
5. Tire Blowouts
Tire blowouts can cause a truck driver to lose control of the vehicle, leading to accidents. Blowouts can result from improper maintenance, overloading, or manufacturing defects. The debris from a blowout can also create hazards for other vehicles on the road.
6. Blind Spot Accidents
Semi-trucks have large blind spots, particularly on the sides and rear of the vehicle. Accidents can occur when a truck driver changes lanes or makes turns without seeing a smaller vehicle in these blind spots. It’s crucial for both truck drivers and other motorists to be aware of these no-zones.
7. T-Bone Collisions
T-bone collisions, or side-impact crashes, occur when the front of one vehicle strikes the side of another. These accidents can happen at intersections when a truck runs a red light or stop sign or when making improper turns.
8. Head-On Collisions
Head-on collisions between semi-trucks and other vehicles are often catastrophic due to the high speeds and massive forces involved. These accidents can result from driver fatigue, impaired driving, or crossing into oncoming traffic.
9. Lost-Load Accidents
Lost load accidents happen when cargo falls off a truck, creating road hazards or directly striking other vehicles. Improperly secured loads or equipment failure can lead to these dangerous situations.
10. Wide-Turn Accidents
Wide-turn accidents occur when a truck makes a wide right turn and collides with a vehicle in the adjacent lane. These accidents can be caused by misjudging the space needed to make the turn or failing to account for other vehicles.
Most Common Injuries in Semi-Truck Accidents
As with any auto accident, injuries from trucking accidents can range from minor to severe. However, large truck accidents are more likely to result in severe or debilitating injuries.
1. Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
2. Spinal Cord Injuries
3. Whiplash and Neck Injuries
4. Broken Bones and Fractures
5. Internal Injuries
6. Lacerations and Contusions
7. Burns
8. Amputation Injuries
9. Soft Tissue Injuries
Who is Liable for Semi-Truck accidents?
Determining liability in semi-truck accidents can be complex due to the multiple parties involved and the various factors that contribute to such accidents. Here are the primary parties that may be held liable:
1. Truck Driver
The truck driver can be held liable if their negligence directly caused the accident. This negligence can include:
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Distracted driving (e.g., texting while driving)
- Fatigued driving (violating hours of service regulations)
- Speeding or reckless driving
- Failing to adhere to traffic laws
2. Trucking Company
The trucking company that employs the driver can also be held liable for accidents resulting from:
- Negligent hiring practices (e.g., hiring unqualified or inadequately trained drivers)
- Failing to enforce safety regulations and proper driver conduct
- Inadequate maintenance of the truck
- Pressuring drivers to meet unrealistic schedules, leading to fatigue
3. Truck Manufacturer
If the accident was caused by a defect in the truck or its components (e.g., brake failure, tire blowouts, or engine defects), the manufacturer of the truck or the specific part may be held liable under product liability laws.
4. Cargo Loaders
Improper loading of cargo can cause accidents due to shifting loads, overweight conditions, or improper securing of the freight. Companies or individuals responsible for loading the truck can be held liable if their negligence in loading practices contributed to the accident.
5. Maintenance Providers
Regular maintenance is crucial for the safe operation of a semi-truck. If a third-party maintenance company failed to properly maintain the truck, and this failure contributed to the accident, they could be held liable.
6. Government Entities
In some cases, poor road conditions, a lack of proper signage, or inadequate road maintenance can contribute to an accident. If a government entity responsible for road maintenance and safety failed in their duties, they might be held partially liable.
7. Other Drivers
Other drivers on the road can also be responsible for causing accidents involving semi-trucks. For instance, if a car cuts off a truck or brakes suddenly, leading to a collision, the driver of the car may be held liable.
How long do I have to file a truck accident lawsuit?
In Florida, personal injury, wrongful death, and medical malpractice claims must be filed within two years of the incident. This deadline, known as the statute of limitations, sets the time frame for filing a lawsuit following a truck accident.
While many accident claims are resolved out of court, the complex liability issues and significant damages often associated with truck accident claims increase the likelihood of these cases proceeding to trial.
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Do you have a Pensacola or Destin area truck accident case?
If you think you may have a truck accident or 18-wheeler accident case, call Zarzaur Law at (850) 444-9299 and speak with one of our Pensacola truck accident lawyers directly anytime.
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