Who’s to Blame? Determining Fault in Florida Truck Accidents

The Prevalence of Commercial Trucks and Vans in Orlando, Florida

Orlando, Florida, witnesses a significant number of commercial vehicles on its roads daily. These vehicles range from delivery vans such as UPS and FedEx to large semi-trucks, tractor-trailers, and eighteen-wheelers. Other types of commercial vehicles include:

• Construction, utility, and landscaping trucks
• City buses and school buses
• Food delivery vehicles for services like DoorDash or Instacart
• Ridesharing vehicles like Uber and Lyft
• Taxicabs and rental vans

With so many commercial trucks and vans on Orlando's roads, accidents are bound to happen. When they do, determining fault can be a complex process.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Orlando, Florida

Truck accidents can occur for various reasons, including:

• Driver distraction
• Driver impairment
• Driver fatigue
• Poor truck maintenance
• Vehicle design or manufacturing defects
• Driver negligence

Regardless of the cause, accidents involving commercial vehicles can result in severe injuries and significant property damage due to their larger size and heavier weight.

Legal Complexities in Commercial Truck and Van Accidents

Commercial truck accidents differ from passenger vehicle collisions in several ways. One crucial difference is the involvement of a vehicle being driven for business purposes, which adds a layer of legal complexity. Some legal issues that arise in commercial truck accident cases include:

• Identifying the at-fault party (employer, employee, manufacturer, or a combination of these)
• Determining any violations of laws or regulations governing the transportation business
• Establishing which insurance policies should cover the damages

Handling these cases without the assistance of an experienced personal injury attorney can be challenging.

Potential Liable Parties in Truck Accidents

When a truck accident occurs, several parties may hold some responsibility. These parties can include:

• The commercial truck driver
• The driver's employer or the truck owner
• The vehicle manufacturer or designer (if vehicle defects contributed to the accident)
• Distributors or retailers of vehicle parts (if faulty parts played a role in the crash)

To determine the at-fault party in your specific case, consulting an experienced Orlando personal injury attorney is crucial.

Maximizing Your Chances of a Successful Claim

After a truck accident, you may be contacted by the driver's or company's insurance representative. It is essential to exercise caution when speaking with them for several reasons. Primarily, the insurance company aims to minimize your claim and pay as little as possible. Be mindful of the following:

• Do not admit or imply fault if you did not cause the accident
• Refuse to give a recorded statement, which can be used against you later
• Avoid signing any documents or agreeing to a settlement before consulting an attorney
• Keep your answers concise and only provide necessary information

Protecting Your Rights and Interests After a Truck Accident

In the aftermath of a truck accident, it is vital to take the necessary steps to protect your rights and interests. The team at Spetsas Buist PLLC recommends the following actions:

• Seek medical attention immediately, even if you believe your injuries are minor
• Document the accident scene by taking photographs and collecting contact information from witnesses
• Report the accident to your insurance company, but avoid discussing fault or providing a recorded statement
• Keep detailed records of medical treatments, expenses, and any lost wages related to the accident
• Consult with a skilled personal injury attorney as soon as possible

The Role of a Personal Injury Attorney in Truck Accident Cases

A qualified personal injury attorney can make a significant difference in the outcome of your truck accident case. At Spetsas Buist PLLC, our Orlando personal injury attorneys will:

• Thoroughly investigate the accident to uncover crucial evidence
• Determine liability by identifying the responsible parties
• Analyze the applicable laws and regulations to build a strong case
• Negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf, ensuring you receive a fair settlement
• Represent you in court if necessary, advocating for your rights and interests

Choosing the Right Orlando Truck Accident Attorney

At Spetsas Buist PLLC, our experienced personal injury attorneys in Orlando, Florida, are dedicated to helping you navigate the complexities of truck accident cases. We can guide you through the process of preparing a statement, gathering evidence, determining liability, and ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve.

Understanding Comparative Negligence in Florida Truck Accidents

Florida follows a comparative negligence system, which means that even if you were partially at fault for the accident, you might still be entitled to compensation. Your potential recovery will be reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to you. For example, if you are found to be 20% at fault and your total damages amount to $100,000, you can recover up to $80,000.

An experienced Florida personal injury attorney can help you navigate the complexities of comparative negligence and maximize your potential compensation.

Statute of Limitations for Truck Accident Cases in Florida

In Florida, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases, including truck accidents, is two (2) years from the date of the accident. This means you have two years to file a lawsuit seeking compensation for your injuries and damages. If you fail to file within this timeframe, you may lose your right to pursue compensation.

It is crucial to consult with an experienced Orlando personal injury attorney as soon as possible to ensure your case is filed within the required deadline.

Contact Us for a FREE Consultation with a Florida Truck Accident Lawyer

If you or a loved one has suffered injuries in an accident involving a semi-truck, 18-wheeler, tractor trailer, or any other commercial vehicle, you should speak with a skilled, experienced, and aggressive Florida truck accident lawyer as soon as possible because you may be entitled to compensation. Please don’t hesitate to contact us on our website, or you can call our Orlando, Florida personal injury law firm today at (321) 352-7588 to schedule your free consultation by phone. When you schedule a consultation at our law firm, you will get a consultation with a truck accident lawyer, not a customer service representative or intake person.

If you need a South Carolina personal injury lawyer, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at (843) 638-6590. We have at least one lawyer licensed in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina. So, if you’ve been injured in the Southeast, we may be able to help you. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us.