Winter Park Truck Accident Attorney
Florida has one of the highest numbers of truck accidents in the country. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), it is one of the ten states that account for half of all fatal truck crashes in the U.S. Accidents involving large trucks or 18-wheelers are calamitous as they lead to severe or fatal injuries. Given that 18-wheelers weigh about 80,000 pounds, which is approximately 16 times the average passenger vehicle’s weight, the impact of truck crashes becomes even more devastating.
On average, Winter Park registers about 22,000 trucks in the total average daily traffic. Bearing in mind that these aren’t the only road users in Winter Park, the probability of truck crashes is usually high. While truck accidents may not be recorded daily in Winter Park, they prove to have the largest fatality rate whenever they happen. Victims who suffer life-changing injuries have to put up with a decreased quality of life. However, receiving compensation for their injuries can help reduce the resultant burden like medical costs.
At The Datny Law Firm, we help truck accident victims by evaluating their case and representing them in their case. David B. Datny helps litigate truck accident cases and pursue compensation for victims vigorously. Thanks to his experience in the insurance field, our lawyer can help truck accident victims secure pre-litigation settlement. If insurance carriers fail to offer a significant offer, our lawyer will help take your case to trial and fight for significant compensation. If you or your loved one has suffered injuries in a Winter Park truck accident, reach out to us today for a case evaluation.
For a free consultation, call us any time at 407-753-7474.
Truck Accident Statistics in Winter Park, Florida
Winter Park is a hub of activities, and it is common to see large trucks on Winter Park highways, especially the interstate highways. Large trucks pass through Winter Park on I-4, one of the most dangerous interstate highways in the country. 18-wheelers ply various states through this highway, which makes the possibility of truck accidents high. These accidents may involve other 18-wheelers, pick-up trucks, or even smaller vehicles.
Types of Truck Accidents
Truck accidents may take various forms, which may be caused by the truck driver’s negligence, poor maintenance of the truck, or even poor weather conditions. Due to the sheer weight and size of large trucks, these accidents cause significant property damage and inflict severe injuries on the victims. Some of the most common types of truck accidents include:
Head-On Collisions
Head-on collisions involving large trucks often result in fatal injuries, especially when they travel at high speeds. Mostly, these accidents occur when the truck driver loses control of his rid and drifts into oncoming traffic. In such cases, the other driver has little or no time to react to avoid the crash.
Jackknife Accidents
18-wheelers have two parts: the cab and the trailer. Jackknife accidents occur when the trailer swings towards the cab at 90 degrees, making the truck look like it’s folding like a jackknife. These accidents occur when the driver brakes hard and abruptly. The weight of the trailer is what brings it forward against the cab’s traction.
Rear-End Collisions
These truck accidents occur whenever there is heavy traffic, and especially when vehicles are approaching the red light. Large trucks take about 40% more time to stop than other vehicles due to their weight and size. Whenever the vehicle in front of a large truck comes to a sudden stop, it may be difficult for the truck driver to stop their truck in time to avoid a collision. It is, therefore, advisable for truck drivers to avoid tailgating to avoid these collisions.
Underride Accidents
18-wheelers have great ground clearance compared to other vehicles. This makes it possible for smaller vehicles to rear-end a truck while avoiding another crash or an obstacle on the road. These accidents pose a greater risk to the smaller vehicle and are often fatal since the vehicle gets lodged and rides under the trailer until the truck driver stops.
Truck Rollover Accidents
While truck drivers walk away with little or no injuries in most truck accidents, rollover accidents prove to be the most dangerous for such drivers. These accidents occur when the driver loses control of the truck, especially due to speeding, overloading, negotiating corners at high speed or inappropriately, or a tire blowout.
T-Bone Collisions
Side-impact collisions are also common with large trucks, especially at intersections. While these may not be as common as other truck accidents, they can be catastrophic whenever a truck rams another vehicle from the side. Truck drivers who drive through a stop sign while distracted or attempts to speed through a red light may easily cause a side-impact or T-bone accident.
Cargo-Related Accidents
Overloaded or improperly secured loads can get detached from the cab, posing a great risk to other motorists. Cargo spillage could also happen, and other motorists on the road could end up in a crash with the cargo or the truck. In the worst-case scenario, cargo-related truck accidents lead to multiple crashes as other vehicles try to avoid crashing into the truck.
Truck Accident Injuries
Truck accident victims in Winter Park often suffer severe injuries, including:
- Back and neck injuries
- Traumatic brain injury
- Broken bones
- Lacerations
- Internal bleeding
- Spinal cord injuries & paralysis
- Rib & torso injuries
- Soft tissue injuries
- Burns (in case a truck is carrying flammable cargo)
Contact an Experienced Winter Park Truck Accident Injury Attorney
At The Datny Law Firm, we are dedicated to representing you and fighting for you to receive compensation for your injuries. Regardless of the type of truck accident, we can help prove liability and hold the at-fault driver responsible for your injuries. We can also help negotiate a pre-litigation settlement with the insurance carrier involved so that you get compensated for your injuries without necessarily going to court. Where an agreement is not reached with the insurance carrier, we can help you take the case to trial and represent you. If you or your loved one has suffered injuries following a truck accident, reach out to us today to begin the process of pursuing compensation for your losses.