Understanding Your Rights After a Car Truck Accident in Orlando, Florida

Understanding the Basics of a Car Truck Accident in Orlando, Florida

Orlando, Florida, is known for its bustling tourism industry and busy roads. With a high volume of traffic, car and truck accidents are unfortunately common, and there's no sign that these car truck accidents are slowing down anytime soon. In fact, as Florida continues to grow and take business from other states, the roads are going to be filled with more semi-trucks, tractor trailers, 18 wheelers, and other commercial vehicles. Accordingly, we can bet that the number of car truck accidents will continue to increase.

If you or a loved one have been injured in a truck accident, you need to remember something: The insurance company is not your friend and will do anything possible to deny your claim or minimize your injuries. The insurance company wants to pay you as little money as possible, and these companies will stoop very low and do things they shouldn't do to avoid paying you what you're entitled to under the law.

This article will give you some essential information on the legal process involved with pursuing a personal injury case after a car truck accident, including basic info about car truck accidents, insurance claims, and steps to take following an accident with a commercial vehicle to make sure you protect your rights. If you want to talk to an Orlando 18 wheeler accident lawyer at our office, please don't hesitate to reach out to us. We're happy to give you a free legal consultation and talk with you about what happened, and we can help you to develop a plan to get proper compensation for what you've been through.

Types of Car and Truck Accidents in Orlando

Car and truck accidents in Orlando can occur in various ways, such as:

Rear-end collisions: These happen when one vehicle crashes into the back of another, often due to distracted driving, speeding, or tailgating.
T-bone accidents: These occur when one vehicle crashes into the side of another, typically at an intersection.
Head-on collisions: These involve two vehicles colliding directly with each other, often resulting in severe injuries or fatalities.
Sideswipe accidents: These occur when two vehicles traveling in the same direction make contact, usually due to lane changes or merging. Trucks have huge blind spots, and it's important to be aware of these blind spots so you can do everything in your power to avoid a crash.
Rollover accidents: These involve a vehicle flipping over onto its side or roof, often as a result of high speeds, sharp turns, or collisions with other vehicles.
Loose cargo accidents: These accidents typically involve a piece of cargo flying off the commercial truck and hitting vehicles following that truck. It's important to secure cargo properly in order to avoid this type of accident.
Multiple-vehicle crashes: These involve a multitude of vehicles and can be caused by anything from road conditions to truck driver negligence. They often lead to catastrophic injuries or fatalities for those involved.

Common Causes of Car Truck Accidents in Orlando

To enhance road safety in Orlando, it's crucial to understand the common causes of car and truck accidents. These include:

Distracted driving: Texting, eating, adjusting the radio, or engaging in other distractions while driving can lead to accidents.
Speeding: Exceeding the speed limit or driving too fast for conditions significantly increases the risk of an accident.
Drunk driving: Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs impairs a driver's ability to operate a vehicle safely.
Aggressive driving: Tailgating, excessive lane changes, and other aggressive behaviors can result in accidents.
Poor weather conditions: Rain, fog, or other adverse weather conditions can impair visibility and make the roads more dangerous.
Maintenance issues: When a truck is improperly maintained, the driver may lose control and crash into other vehicles on the road.

Steps You Can Take to Protect Your Rights After a Car vs. Truck Accident in Orlando

If you've been in a car vs. truck accident in Orlando, it's important to understand steps you can take to protect your rights. Here are the key steps to follow:

Report the accident: In the event of an accident, it is crucial to promptly notify the police and get an accident report. This helps ensure that all necessary information is documented, including the details of the incident, the parties involved, and any witness statements.
Seek immediate medical attention: It is crucial to promptly seek medical treatment for any injuries, no matter how minor they may appear at first. Even seemingly insignificant injuries can have underlying complications that may worsen if left unattended. Therefore, it is important to prioritize your health and well-being by seeking timely medical care from a healthcare professional. Remember, early intervention can prevent potential complications and ensure a speedy recovery.
Gather evidence: In the event of an accident, it is crucial to gather as much evidence as possible to support your case. This includes collecting contact information from witnesses who may have seen the incident occur, taking detailed photographs of the accident scene from various angles to capture the full context, and meticulously documenting any property damage that occurred as a result of the accident. By being thorough and comprehensive in your evidence collection, you can strengthen your position and ensure that all necessary information is available for any potential legal proceedings or insurance claims.
Contact your insurance company: Report the accident to your insurance provider and start a claim.
Consult with the right attorney: Get legal advice from a personal injury lawyer at Spetsas Buist PLLC. We can help you navigate the legal process and protect your rights, and we will also put you in direct contact with your lawyer every step of the way.

Understanding Florida's No-Fault Insurance System

Florida follows a no-fault insurance system, meaning that drivers are required to carry personal injury protection (PIP) coverage. This coverage pays for medical expenses and lost wages, regardless of who is at fault for the accident. However, if your injuries are severe or exceed the limits of your PIP coverage, you may be able to pursue a claim against the at-fault driver's insurance company.

Because of the sheer size of 18 wheelers and other commercial vehicles, PIP will often only cover a tiny fraction of the damages in a case. The force generated by these trucks will often cause a person to suffer tens of thousands of dollars in medical damages at a minimum. Thus, you should always consider getting in touch with an Orlando truck accident attorney after a car truck accident because the damages are usually much more extensive than your typical automobile accident.

Calculating Damages in a Car-on-Truck Accident Case

In a car-on-truck accident case, damages can include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage. To determine the value of your case, our Orlando truck accident lawyers will consider the following factors:

Medical expenses: The cost of medical treatment, including emergency care, hospitalization, surgery, rehabilitation, and any ongoing care.
Lost wages: The income you've lost because you couldn't work due to your injuries.
Loss of earning capacity: The potential future income you may lose if your injuries prevent you from returning to work or force you to change careers.
Pain and suffering: Compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident.
Property damage: The cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle and any other damaged property.

How the Truck Accident Attorneys at Spetsas Buist Can Help You After a Car Truck Accident in Orlando

At Spetsas Buist, our 18 wheeler accident attorneys waste no time taking the necessary steps to protect your case. We fight for our clients from day 1 to make sure they get the compensation they are entitled to and to make sure the insurance company doesn't pull any dishonest moves to minimize liability. We provide valuable legal assistance to victims of car truck accidents by:

Investigating the accident: Our skilled legal team will thoroughly investigate every aspect of your accident. We will carefully analyze police reports and contact any witnesses to gather comprehensive evidence for your case. The more evidence we can stack up in your favor, the better result we can get you, and so we don't overlook details.
Negotiating with insurance companies: Dealing with insurance providers can be a complex process. This is especially true in commercial vehicle and 18 wheeler accident cases because a lot of money is usually at stake. Our dedicated team will handle all communications and negotiations with the insurance companies on your behalf, and we will leverage our expertise to fight for your rights and secure the fair compensation you deserve.
Litigating your case: While we aim for amicable resolutions, we understand that litigation may be necessary to get the justice our clients deserve. In such cases, our aggressive attorneys will represent you in court, presenting a compelling case backed by strong evidence. We will tirelessly fight for your rights and seek the maximum compensation available to you.
Providing personalized attention: We are committed to providing you with personalized attention throughout the legal process. We understand that you only have one case, and our attorneys will be there to answer any questions you have about your case, ensuring you are aware of your options and rights whenever you have questions or concerns. We will listen to your questions and provide the support and guidance you need during this challenging time.

FAQs Related to Car Truck Accidents in Orlando, Florida

Q1: How are truck accidents different from typical car-on-car accidents?

A1: Because of a truck's size and weight, it necessitates an additional 20% to 40% stopping distance. Consequently, collisions involving trucks often occur when the truck is traveling at a significantly greater speed than a regular vehicle. Overall, the combination of higher speeds and greater weight leads to more forceful impacts and thus more severe injuries than accidents involving smaller vehicles.

Q2: How much are most truck accident settlements?

A2: The settlement amount for a given truck accident can vary greatly due to the complexity and unique circumstances of each case, but these types of personal injury cases often result in 6-figure settlements or more due to the severity of the injuries involved. Factors such as the extent of the truck driver's negligence and trucking company's negligence will also influence the settlement amount. Overall, you should consider consulting with an Orlando 18 wheeler accident lawyer to get insight into the potential value of your specific trucking accident case.

Q3: How much does an attorney charge for a truck accident in Florida?

A3: You pay nothing unless we win. In other words, when you work with our firm, you don't pay any up front costs. If we don't get you a settlement or if we don't get you money, we don't get paid.

Q4: What is the statute of limitations for a truck accident in Florida?

A4: In Florida, you have 2 years from the date of a trucking accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. If you feel like you're coming up to this deadline, we recommend you contact an Orlando 18 wheeler accident lawyer right away to make sure you don't lose the right to pursue your personal injury claim.

Conclusion

Car and truck accidents in Orlando can have severe consequences for victims and their families. By understanding the legal process and working with an aggressive and skilled truck accident attorney at Spetsas Buist, you can have the best odds of getting the compensation you deserve and are entitled to under Florida law. If you or a loved one has been involved in a car or truck accident in Orlando, you can contact our office today to schedule your free consultation.