Trucking accidents can involve multiple parties, and identifying who is liable for injuries can be challenging. Understanding the typical types of truck crashes is crucial to determining who might be responsible for a wreck and what compensation an injury victim can obtain.
At Cardoso Law, PLLC, we understand the confusion and turmoil that can follow a Pensacola truck accident. If you were injured in any type of truck accident, you probably face mounting medical bills and lost wages while dealing with the added stress of trying to file an injury claim. Luckily, our truck accident lawyer is ready to fight for the maximum compensation you deserve.
The dedicated legal team at Cardoso Law, PLLC, in Pensacola, Florida, has experience handling all types of truck accident claims and helping clients pursue the financial relief they need.
Contact our office today for a free consultation to get started on the road to recovery.
Common Types of Truck Accidents in Pensacola, Florida
Identifying the type of truck accident you were involved in can help your lawyer pinpoint the cause and determine who’s responsible for your losses. Here are some common kinds of truck accidents that occur in Florida:
- Rear-end collisions occur when trucks crash into the vehicles in front of them or vice versa. Given the size and weight of commercial trucks, even a low-speed rear-end truck accident could result in severe injuries. Rear-end accidents can happen due to brake failure, distracted driving, and following too closely, among others.
- Head-on collisions are among the most dangerous types of accidents. They occur when a truck’s front end collides with another vehicle’s front end going in the opposite direction. These accidents are often fatal due to the force of impact and are typically caused by factors like reckless, impaired, or fatigued driving.
- Jackknife accidents occur when a truck’s trailer swings too far to one side, forming a sharp angle with the cab. Jackknife accidents can happen due to abrupt braking or slippery road conditions and are particularly dangerous as they can lead to multi-vehicle pile-ups.
- Rollover accidents happen when a truck tips over onto its side or roof. This can occur due to improper loading, dangerous speeds, sudden turns, or driving on sloped or uneven road surfaces, for example. Rollover accidents often result in devastating injuries and significant property damage.
- T-bone accidents, also known as side-impact collisions, occur when the front of a truck hits the side of another vehicle or vice versa. Many of these crashes occur at intersections due to running red lights or stop signs or otherwise failing to yield the right-of-way.
- Sideswipe accidents happen when trucks and other vehicles traveling side-by-side swipe or scrape against each other. This can occur when truck drivers change lanes without checking their blind spots or drive while distracted or impaired. These impacts often trigger a second, more severe collision when a driver loses control.
- Wide-turn accidents occur when truck drivers swing out into adjacent lanes while making turns, often colliding with other vehicles. Trucks need more space to turn due to their large size, and failing to account for this can lead to accidents.
- Blind spot accidents are common because trucks have much larger blind spots compared to other vehicles, often referred to as “no-zones.” If truck drivers fail to monitor these blind spots, especially while changing lanes or turning, they could collide with others in their no-zones and cause accidents.
- Underride accidents are especially horrific accidents that occur when a smaller vehicle slides underneath the trailer of a truck, usually from the rear or side. The height difference between a truck’s trailer and most smaller vehicles can contribute to severe injuries in this type of crash.
What Are the Most Common Causes of Trucking Accidents?
Some of the most frequent factors that lead to truck accidents include the following:
- Driver fatigue
- Distracted driving
- Impaired driving due to alcohol or drugs
- Speeding
- Aggressive driving behaviors
- Improper cargo loading
- Lack of proper maintenance
- Equipment failure
- Poor road conditions
- Inadequate training
- Failure to obey traffic laws
- Failure to check blind spots
- Sudden or improper braking
- Unsafe lane changes
Why Are Truck Accident Lawsuits More Complicated Than Other Auto Accidents?
A truck accident case can be considerably more complex than a typical auto accident case due to several relevant factors, including the following:
- Multiple parties could be at fault for the crash or liable for your losses.
- Trucker logs and maintenance records are difficult to access.
- Higher insurance policy limits are usually involved – often $1 million or more.
- Unfamiliar federal and state regulations often apply.
- More significant injuries and property damage usually occur.
- Complex accident reconstruction could be necessary.
- Trucking companies often have experienced legal teams working against you.
- The trucking industry operates across state lines, making jurisdiction issues more complex.
These unique characteristics can make trucking accident cases more challenging than others. Addressing these issues requires knowledge and experience, which is where a seasoned lawyer from Cardoso Law, PLLC, can help. Our team knows how to tackle the demands of truck accident cases and fight for the compensation you deserve.
What Compensation Can I Recover Through a Truck Accident Lawsuit?
The specific types and amounts of compensation available to you will depend on the circumstances of the truck accident and the extent of your crash-related losses. With a successful truck accident lawyer, you could recover money for the following:
- Medical expenses
- Future medical costs
- Lost income
- Loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of consortium
- Wrongful death
- Property damage
Is There a Deadline for Filing My Truck Accident Claim?
Yes. Under Florida law, most injured people have two years to file truck accident claims against responsible parties. However, the deadline in your case might vary depending on specific details. These time limits are critically important, and missing a deadline could jeopardize your right to seek compensation in civil court. At Cardoso Law, PLLC, we can identify crucial deadlines and handle everything promptly to protect your rights.
Contact a Florida Truck Accident Lawyer for Help Today
At Cardoso Law, PLLC, we’re committed to providing the personalized attention, effective representation, and aggressive advocacy you deserve. Contact our Pensacola truck accident lawyers today for a free no-obligation consultation. Our Pensacola personal injury lawyer can review your case, answer your questions, and discuss the best possible course of action for you.