Orlando Truck Accident Lawyer

Orlando truck accidents are complex, often involving extensive damage, product loss, and even workers’ compensation claims. Each case demands the expertise of an attorney well-versed in personal injury, property damage, and workers’ compensation law. For injured commercial drivers or accident victims, fair representation is crucial.

Truck accidents frequently lead to severe injuries, and victims need immediate assistance to handle the physical, emotional, and financial tolls. At Steinger, Greene & Feiner, our Orlando personal injury attorneys have represented over 32,000 clients, securing over $1 billion in compensation. If you’ve been involved in a truck accident due to another’s negligence, let our experienced team help you fight for the compensation you deserve. Call us at (407) 289-0020.

What Causes Most Orlando Truck Accidents and How They Affect Your Case?

According to the Florida department of Highway Safety, there were 9,657 large truck accidents in 2023 in Florida, and were 313 fatal. Truck accidents in Orlando are caused by several common, preventable reasons, each with distinct legal implications. Understanding these can help identify negligence and support your compensation claim.

• Driver Fatigue: Long hours lead to dangerous fatigue, despite federal Hours of Service (HOS) limits. Fatigue impairs reaction time, and violations signal both driver and company negligence.
• Distracted Driving: Florida and federal laws prohibit distractions like texting. If a distracted truck driver caused your accident, this breach strengthens a negligence claim.
• Improper Maintenance: Failure to perform routine maintenance—required by law—risks vehicle failures. Maintenance records can show if negligence in upkeep contributed to the accident.
• Overloaded Cargo: Misloaded cargo endangers both braking and steering. Florida enforces strict loading regulations; violations here can directly prove negligence.
• Speeding and Reckless Driving: Aggressive driving, especially in large trucks, greatly increases accident risk. Evidence of speeding underscores a disregard for safety.
• Substance Abuse: Florida mandates random drug testing for truck drivers. Substance abuse violations are strong evidence of driver and employer negligence.
• Inadequate Driver Training: Untrained drivers, often due to cut corners, create substantial risk. The lack of proper training requirements provides a solid basis for liability.

Each of these factors represents potential negligence and actionable evidence in a large vehicle accident case. An experienced truck accident attorney in Orlando can help you pursue justice by demonstrating these violations and securing rightful compensation.

Types of Truck Accident Cases We Handle in Orlando

Truck accidents can devastate lives in a matter of seconds, especially in a high-traffic region like Orlando. Here’s an overview of the common types of semi-truck accident and how each type might impact your claim.

• Rollover Accidents: Rollover accidents are among the most severe and life-threatening truck crashes, often resulting from excessive speed, poor load distribution, or sharp turns. In Orange County, rollover accidents account for approximately 5% of all truck-involved incidents, meaning about 60 cases annually. These accidents can cause catastrophic injuries due to the violent force of the truck overturning. Rollover cases often involve complex liability, as it might require investigation of factors like improper loading or driver error, and each of these elements could strengthen your compensation claim.
• Jackknife Accidents: A jackknife accident occurs when a truck’s cab and trailer fold into a sharp angle, often caused by sudden braking or poor road conditions. These accidents can create hazardous multi-car pileups on Orlando’s busy highways. Jackknife incidents account for around 2% of truck accidents in the area, or roughly 24 cases per year. In these cases, we scrutinize driver training, speed management, and equipment maintenance records, all of which could indicate negligence and bolster your case.
• Rear-End Collisions: Rear-end collisions are among the most common types of semi-truck accidents, representing about 20% of all truck-related incidents in Orange County—approximately 240 cases each year. Given the weight and momentum of a commercial truck, these collisions often cause severe injuries to occupants in smaller vehicles. In these cases, we may investigate whether the truck driver followed safe driving distances and speed regulations. Evidence of speeding or distracted driving can be crucial in proving fault.
• Side-Impact Collisions: Also known as T-bone collisions, side-impact accidents often occur at intersections and can lead to devastating truck accident injuries, especially to those sitting on the impact side. These incidents make up about 15% of truck accidents in the area, or roughly 180 cases annually. In a side-impact case, we examine factors such as traffic signal compliance, vehicle speed, and potential driver distractions. Determining fault in these cases is crucial, as side-impact collisions can often result from violations of traffic signals or negligent turns.
• Cargo-Related Accidents: Overloaded or improperly secured cargo contributes to a range of accidents, including rollovers and lost loads. When cargo isn’t secured correctly, it places additional strain on the truck, leading to loss of control or spills onto busy Orlando highways.
• Multi-Vehicle Accidents: Due to their size and weight, trucks involved in accidents frequently impact multiple vehicles. Multi-vehicle accidents often occur on high-traffic routes, like I-4 through Orlando, and can result in complex cases involving several victims.

Our trucking accident firm is dedicated to representing victims of truck accidents across a wide range of case types, addressing the unique challenges and complexities each case presents. If you’ve been injured in a motor vehicle accident, whether by a rollover, jackknife, or collision, we’re here to help you seek the compensation you deserve.

What Compensation Can You Pursue After an Orlando Truck Accident?

If you or a loved one has been impacted by a truck accident in Orlando, the damages you may pursue are designed to address the far-reaching consequences of such incidents. Compensation can cover immediate financial needs, long-term care, and even the emotional and relational impacts. Here’s an outline of the types of damages commonly sought in truck accident cases and how each can support your journey to recovery.

1. Medical Expenses
   Compensation can address the full scope of medical care necessary for your recovery, including emergency services, hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing treatments for long-term injuries. Estimating future medical costs accurately is vital to covering any lasting health impacts without additional financial burden.
2. Lost Wages and Reduced Earning Capacity
   If your injuries have affected your ability to work, you may seek damages for lost wages during recovery. Should your earning capacity be permanently affected, you could also be eligible for compensation for future income loss, securing financial stability despite your reduced ability to work.
3. Pain and Suffering
   Truck accidents often involve severe physical and emotional distress. Damages for pain and suffering address the physical pain, trauma, and loss of enjoyment of life you may experience. Though these damages aren’t easily quantifiable, they are essential in helping you regain a sense of normalcy.
4. Property Damage
   Beyond injuries, truck accidents typically cause significant damage to vehicles and personal belongings. Compensation for property damage includes repair or replacement costs, helping you return to daily life with minimal disruptions.
5. Emotional Distress and Mental Health Care
   Accidents of this nature can leave lasting emotional effects. Compensation may cover counseling or therapy for conditions like PTSD, anxiety, or depression linked to the accident. Recognizing mental health care as part of your recovery acknowledges the accident’s full impact on your life.
6. Loss of Consortium
   When an accident affects relationships—especially those with a spouse or family members—Florida law may allow compensation for loss of consortium. This covers the companionship, support, and affection impacted by the accident, supporting both you and your loved ones through the recovery process.
7. Punitive Damages
   In cases involving extreme negligence or intentional misconduct by the truck driver or company, Florida law may award punitive damages. These damages are intended to punish wrongful actions, especially in incidents involving DUI, reckless disregard for safety, or gross negligence, and serve as a deterrent to future misconduct.
8. Wrongful Death Damages
   If a loved one lost their life due to a truck accident, you may be entitled to wrongful death damages. In Florida, these damages can cover funeral and burial costs, loss of future income, and emotional pain experienced by the surviving family members. Additionally, they may include loss of companionship, guidance, and the care provided by the deceased. Wrongful death damages recognize the profound impact of a fatal accident on family members and ensure the financial and emotional costs are addressed.

Each category of damages is crucial in building a comprehensive claim that addresses every aspect of your recovery. With the support of our Orlando semi-truck accident attorney, you can pursue the compensation you need to secure a stable future, honoring both your immediate and long-term needs after such a life-changing event.

Florida Truck Accident Laws and Regulations

Florida’s extensive trucking regulations and insurance requirements create a solid framework that affects every step of a truck accident claim. By understanding and applying these laws strategically, our attorneys build a case that holds responsible parties accountable while supporting your right to fair compensation. If any of the following factors played a role in your accident, let your attorney know immediately.

Statute of Limitations for Truck Accident Claims

Finally, the statute of limitations sets a strict timeline for filing a claim. In Florida, accident victims have two years from the date of a truck accident to initiate a personal injury claim if the incident occurred after March 24, 2023. Observing this timeline is essential to maintaining your right to compensation and ensuring your claim isn’t dismissed due to a missed deadline. Prompt action can preserve your rights and help you maximize your recovery.

Commercial Truck Insurance Requirements

As a financial safeguard, Florida mandates that commercial trucking companies maintain significant insurance coverage, typically ranging from $750,000 to $5,000,000 depending on the cargo. This coverage provides a critical resource for accident victims, helping to secure adequate compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. Trucking companies are also responsible for ensuring that any third-party contractors, such as cargo loaders, have proper insurance when handling shipments. These requirements protect accident victims by ensuring a clear source of recovery in a successful claim.

Negligence and Comparative Fault in Florida

Florida’s negligence laws operate under a modified comparative fault standard, allowing injured parties to seek compensation if they bear less than 50% of the fault. Violations of any of the above regulations, such as distracted driving, HOS violations, or size and weight excess, can serve as compelling evidence of the other party’s fault. By clearly establishing the other party’s greater responsibility, this rule strengthens your case and supports your claim for rightful compensation.

Size and Weight Regulations

Florida also enforces strict size and weight limitations for trucks on its roads, including height, length, width, and axle loads. Any violation of these limits increases the likelihood of severe accidents, underscoring the importance of adherence to these rules. When an oversized or overloaded truck is involved in an accident, it strongly supports your claim by showing a disregard for safety standards, making the trucking company potentially liable.

Hours of Service Compliance

To further minimize risks, Florida adheres to federal Hours of Service (HOS) rules, which set precise limits on a truck driver’s daily and weekly driving hours. If the driver involved in your accident exceeded the 11-hour driving limit without the required 10-hour break, it can provide solid grounds for establishing negligence. HOS violations are particularly impactful in fatigue-related accidents, highlighting the trucking company’s responsibility to prevent driver fatigue on the road.

Determining Liability in Orlando Trucking Accidents

Truck accidents involve a web of potential liability, with multiple parties often sharing responsibility for the resulting damages. Determining who is at fault goes beyond identifying the driver and requires a deep dive into the actions of companies, contractors, and sometimes even manufacturers. Understanding each party’s role in the accident is essential for building a solid claim.

1. The Truck Driver
   The driver is often the first place we look when assessing fault in a truck accident. Driver errors—such as distracted driving, fatigue, speeding, or impairment—play a significant role in many crashes. Florida law requires commercial drivers to adhere to strict standards, including Hours of Service (HOS) limits to prevent fatigue. If the driver violated these regulations or engaged in reckless behavior, this forms a strong foundation for holding them personally liable.
2. The Trucking Company
   Trucking companies are responsible for hiring qualified drivers, providing proper training, and ensuring vehicles are maintained according to safety standards. If a company neglected its duty by employing untrained drivers, failing to conduct routine maintenance, or pushing drivers to exceed HOS limits, it can be held liable for negligent hiring, supervision, or maintenance practices. In some cases, companies may also be liable under the legal doctrine of “vicarious liability,” which holds employers accountable for their employees’ actions on the job.
3. Cargo Loaders
   Cargo loaders play a critical role in accident prevention by ensuring that cargo is balanced and secured. When cargo is improperly loaded, it can shift, destabilize the truck, or spill onto the road, increasing the risk of rollovers or multi-vehicle accidents. Florida law imposes strict standards on cargo securement, and when loaders fail to meet these requirements, both they and the trucking company may share liability for accidents caused by cargo-related issues.
4. Maintenance and Repair Contractors
   If the truck’s maintenance is outsourced to a third-party contractor, that company is responsible for ensuring the vehicle’s components are in safe working order. Brake failures, tire blowouts, and engine malfunctions often result from inadequate maintenance, and in these cases, the repair company may be held liable for negligence. Maintenance records are vital in these situations, as they help establish if the accident resulted from substandard or skipped repairs.
5. Truck and Parts Manufacturers
   When a mechanical failure is traced back to a design or manufacturing defect—such as faulty brakes or steering systems—the manufacturer of the truck or its components may be liable under product liability laws. These cases require a specialized investigation to determine if the failure was due to a manufacturing error or a design flaw. If a defective part contributed to the accident, the manufacturer might owe compensation for damages caused by their product.
6. Other Drivers
   Truck accidents often involve multiple vehicles, and other drivers may contribute to the cause of the accident by speeding, changing lanes abruptly, or engaging in aggressive driving. Florida operates under a comparative fault system, which means that liability can be divided among several parties based on their degree of fault. By carefully examining road conditions, driver behaviors, and traffic laws, we can determine if another driver’s actions played a role in the crash and adjust the liability accordingly.

Identifying the liable parties in a truck accident case is crucial for securing the compensation you deserve. Each entity in the trucking industry has a responsibility to maintain safe practices, and a failure to meet those standards can result in severe consequences. Working with a skilled Orlando trucking accident lawyer ensures that every possible source of liability is explored, maximizing your potential for a fair recovery.

Why Truck Accidents Differ and Are More Complex Than Other Accidents

Truck accidents stand apart from other vehicle collisions due to their size, complexity, and the severe impacts they often cause. Unlike typical car accidents, these personal injury cases involve larger vehicles, which means greater damage, more serious injuries, and intricate liability issues. Trucks are governed by federal and state regulations on hours of service, cargo securement, and vehicle maintenance—violations of which can be key to proving fault.

Moreover, multiple parties may share liability, from drivers and trucking companies to cargo loaders and manufacturers. Each layer adds to the complexity, demanding specialized investigation and in-depth legal strategy to secure fair compensation. Given these factors, truck accident claims require a unique approach that considers all contributing elements and legal standards. Our team has the experience to navigate these complexities and build a strong case that addresses the full scope of your injuries and losses.

Our Comprehensive Approach to Handling Truck Accident Claims

Truck accidents bring with them emotional and financial challenges, leaving many unsure of the steps to take. At Steinger, Greene & Feiner, we’re as dedicated to helping you as you are to recovery. Our Orlando truck accident attorneys handle each case with precision:

• Identifying Liability: Determining responsibility in truck accidents involves in-depth knowledge of Florida’s laws and a careful review of each party’s actions.
• In-Depth Investigation: We conduct a comprehensive investigation, examining every detail to build a robust claim.
• Strategic Case Planning: Winning a truck accident case requires not only facts but the right legal strategy; our experience enables us to craft a plan that maximizes your case’s potential.
• Skilled Negotiations: Settling with trucking companies and insurers is challenging, but our team’s negotiation skills are pivotal to securing fair compensation.
• Unmatched Knowledge and Experience: With extensive experience in Orlando truck accidents, we know how to navigate even the most complex cases.

Call us first to decide if you have a case that we can help you win. There is no obligation to use our services, but we can and will help you find answers. If you decide you want to move further, allow our attorneys then we highly recommend you hire a Steinger, Greene & Feiner personal injury lawyer to fight for you and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve! Speak with an attorney right now: (407) 289-0020. Contact our Orlando legal team or visit us at our Orlando location at 2101 Park Center Drive, Suite 160, Orlando, FL 32835.

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