(407) 712-7300How many people are killed each year in trucking accidents?
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2020 there were almost 5,000 people killed in trucking accidents. Of those, 805 were drivers or occupants of the truck, the remaining were occupants of other vehicles or pedestrians. The fact is people who share the roads with these huge trucks suffer most in the event of a trucking accident.
What should I do if I am involved in a trucking accident?
If you have been involved in a trucking accident, the first order of business is to seek medical attention. Once things have settled down, it is important to secure an experienced truck accident lawyer to help you guarantee your rights. The insurance company and the trucking company lawyers are going to do everything in their power to minimize any damage awards that might be due to you. An experienced truck accident lawyer on your side will help ensure that you are not taken advantage of, and will secure for you the highest possible awards on your claim.
Does seeking an experienced trucking attorney make any difference?
An experienced truck accident lawyer will know the tricks that the trucking company and their lawyers will push to try to get you to waive your rights. Our attorneys will work with the best crash reconstruction experts to ensure that you get fair compensation for your claim. You don’t pay legal fees unless we secure a settlement or win your case.
What are the major causes of trucking accidents?
There are many factors that can contribute to a trucking accident. Some of them include:
- Driver fatigue: Many drivers don’t rest as often as required and in some cases cook their books to fudge the hours.
- Drug use: In order to stay awake during those long hours, many drivers take illegal substances.
- Improper loading: Insufficient training and being in a hurry to reach their destination often cause drivers to hurry through or fudge their safety checks.
Not all drivers behave in an unsafe manner, but many of the accidents that occur have some sort of underlying cause. If there is negligence involved, an experienced trucking attorney will find out about it and present a strong case for your suit.
What sort of compensation am I entitled to?
When you settle a claim with the truck driver’s insurance company you will most likely receive coverage for immediate medical care. This award is often insufficient to meet all your needs.
If you settle, you could be missing further damages, such as:
- Pain and suffering
- Rehabilitation
- Surgical reconstruction
- Lost wages
- Punitive damages
Don’t settle with the insurance company too quickly, you should consult with an experienced truck accident lawyer as soon after the accident as possible in order to obtain full and fair compensation.
What are some of the common injuries in a trucking accident?
Almost all accidents involving a large truck are major accidents. Many seem to involve multiple vehicles with a lot of trauma and fatalities. Some common injuries you may experience in a trucking accident include:
- Brain injury
- Broken bones
- Internal bleeding
- Spinal cord injury
Treating these types of injuries is costly, and the responsible party should be held accountable for helping you recover.
The Florida truck accident attorneys at Colling Gilbert Wright have the experience to stand up to the trucking companies and their representatives. If you have been involved in an accident involving an 18-wheeler, please call (407) 712-7300 or fill out our online form to arrange a FREE consultation.
