Central Florida 18-Wheeler Accidents

Big trucks have been responsible for some of the most devastating accidents on Florida roads.

18 wheelers and other commercial trucks are heavier, larger, and more powerful than the automobiles they share the roads with. They also have more blind spots, are harder to maneuver, and take longer to come to a stop in an emergency. Big trucks are often used to transport flammable, corrosive, and other hazardous materials.

To avoid collisions and other accidents, the owners and drivers of big trucks have to adhere to strict safety rules when it comes to the maintenance and operation of their vehicles. When they fail to follow these laws, no one on the road is safe.

Central Florida Truck Accident Injuries

When a big truck collides with an automobile, the results can be devastating. Serious, even life-threatening injuries, can result from an 18-wheeler accident. Common truck accident injuries include:

Damages Resulting from Truck Accident Injuries

Damages stemming from truck accident injuries often include medical expenses, lost wages, pain, and suffering. If you or a loved one have been injured in a big truck accident that happened due to the negligence of the truck’s owner or driver, you have a right to seek compensation for the damages resulting from your accident-related injuries. Rivas Law Group is here to help you obtain this compensation.

Truck accident injury claims are often more complicated than those involving automobiles or motorcycles. The trucking industry is governed by special state and federal laws. To obtain the best outcome, you need an attorney who has experience in this area of law as well as the expertise and resources to fully investigate your accident.

Tania Rivas Has the Experience to Handle Complicated Central Florida Trucking Accident Injury Claims

Central Florida truck accident attorney Tania Rivas has extensive experience in representing accident victims. She’s well-versed in the laws and regulations pertaining to the drivers and owners of 18-wheelers and other big trucks as well as the circumstances and conditions that lead to big truck accidents on Florida roadways. Tania has recovered millions of dollars in compensation for her clients, including a $1.4 million settlement for a woman who suffered spinal injuries and TBIs after being rear-ended by a dump truck on Ulmerton Road in Clearwater, FL.

How Do Truck Accidents Happen?

There are many factors that can contribute to a Central Florida truck accident. Adverse weather and poor road conditions are responsible for some accidents. Defective wheels, breaks, lights, and other parts cause others. However, many truck accidents occur because of driver error or negligence on the part of a trucking company.

Factors that can contribute to driver error include:

• Fatigue
• Use of non-prescription or prescription drugs
• Speeding and other violations of traffic rules
• Lack of proper training or experience
• Unfamiliarity with the roadway
• Underestimating unfavorable weather conditions

Examples of trucking company negligence include hiring drivers without the proper experience or certification, forcing drivers to work beyond normal hours, improper maintenance or inspection of vehicles, and failing to ensure that cargo is safely loaded and secured.

Types of Truck Accidents in Central Florida

There are many different types of truck accidents in Central Florida. Each is capable of causing serious personal injury and extensive property damage. The most common include: 

Rollover accidents – Rollover accidents can occur when a truck driver loses control over the vehicle, causing it to “roll over” onto its side or even roof. Many Central Florida rollover accidents are caused by speeding, sudden braking, or making too sharp a turn.

Rear-end accidents – Distracted driving, failing to maintain a safe distance, or speeding are just a few of the factors that can cause a truck to rear-end another vehicle.

Jack-knife accidents – Jack-knife accidents occur when a truck’s trailer swings out at a right angle and strikes another vehicle.

Underride accidents – This type of accident occurs when a smaller passenger vehicle becomes caught in a truck’s undercarriage.

Side-impact collisions – Side-impact accidents occur when a truck strikes another vehicle from the side. These types of collisions can be especially dangerous since the passenger section of an automobile isn’t as protected as the front and rear sections.

Speak With a Central Florida Truck Accident Attorney Today

If you’ve been injured in a truck accident that was caused by the careless actions of a truck driver, trucking company, or another party, it’s important to take immediate steps to protect your rights. This includes speaking with Central Florida truck accident lawyer Tania Rivas as soon as possible after your accident.

Attorney Rivas is here to ensure you get the total compensation you are owed for your accident-related damages. She can provide experienced representation at every step of the personal injury claim process, from filing your claim to gathering the evidence you’ll need to establish your claim and negotiating with the at-fault party’s insurance company on your behalf.

Contact Rivas Law Group through our website or call us at (877) 299-5539 to schedule a free, initial consultation with leading Central Florida truck accident attorney Tania Rivas. Don’t delay — the sooner Tania gets to work on your case, the better your chances of getting the maximum compensation for truck accident-related injuries.