We’ve all been there: driving along the highway carefree, until we realize we’re in a semi-truck driver’s blind spot, and they’ve signaled intent to move over into our lane. Quickly, we decide to slow down, speed up, or even switch lanes altogether—anything to escape what could be a deadly collision with a vehicle over three times the size of our own.
Unfortunately, sometimes the truck driver never even signals intent, and neither driver acknowledges the threat in time to avoid it. This is especially true in Florida, which is third in the nation for the most traffic fatalities involving semi-trucks.
It could be the fact that over 300,000 drivers cross Florida’s Interstate 95 every day, hundreds of them being overworked and fatigued truck drivers just trying to make one last delivery. It could also be the fact that the portion of Interstate 10 running through Florida has been named one of the world’s deadliest highways. And of course, the Florida Turnpike (AKA Sunshine State Parkway) is the place of far too many speeding-related accidents and wrong-way collisions involving large commercial trucks.
Regardless of where they happen, common causes of accidents involving semi-trucks and other commercial trucks include:
If you find yourself in a semi-truck accident, it’s important to take the right steps.
#1- Seek medical attention. Unfortunately, accidents involving semi-trucks and other large commercial trucks tend to cause very serious injuries. If you are able, dial 911, even if you do not initially feel hurt. Due to high levels of adrenaline in the immediate aftermath of any accident, you may be significantly injured without knowing it. Further, ensuring that a medical doctor documents the accident as the cause of any injuries will be critical should you need to file a lawsuit against the liable parties.
#2- If you are able, gather as much information from the scene of the accident as possible, including photos of the truck driver, the truck’s license plate, and the position of the truck in the roadway. Also take photos of the damage to your own vehicle. If there are witnesses to the accident, make sure you obtain their name and contact information so they can later provide an account of what they saw. The more information you have, the easier it will be for your truck accident attorney to build a strong case in your favor.
#3- Contact an experienced semi-truck accident attorney. All too often, injured parties do not receive the compensation they’re entitled to. Against the overwhelming resources of a large commercial trucking company, an individual has slim chances of getting fair compensation—that is, unless they have an experienced and determined truck accident attorney by their side. The earlier you contact one, the better off you’ll be.
If you have been injured in an accident involving a semi-truck, protecting your right to compensation is paramount. By hiring a Florida commercial truck accident attorney, you can focus on healing from your injuries, rather than on the stress and legal minutiae of your case.
At Fenstersheib Law Group, P.A., you’ll find seasoned semi-truck accident attorneys who are ready and eager to evaluate your case. We serve many cities throughout Florida, including Miramar, Hollywood, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, Hallandale Beach, Orlando, Sarasota, Tampa, and Jacksonville.
