Trucks are very common and are widely used across the state of Florida. Many commercial trucks haul heavy goods for long distances. These vehicles’ great size and weight can cause catastrophic damage when truck accidents occur. Many innocent people lose their lives and suffer serious injuries in these accidents at intersections every year.
If you or someone you love has suffered injuries in a truck accident, you may be entitled to compensation. Not only will you have endured trauma and pain, but you may be facing hefty medical bills. You should not have to suffer alone. Our Orlando truck accident attorneys at The Law Place have helped victims recover the justice they deserve. They can help you too.
Don’t miss out on the compensation you may be entitled to. Schedule your free consultation with an experienced truck accident lawyer today by calling The Law Place at (941)-444-4444.
Types of Intersections
Truck accidents can occur for a variety of reasons at different locations. Sometimes, a negligent truck driver can be at fault for reckless driving. A common place for truck accidents to occur in Orlando is at intersections. A trucking accident is more likely to occur at an intersection than on a straight road because intersections typically involve multiple vehicles making complex maneuvers. When trucks are involved in accidents with other vehicles, the consequences can be devastating. The large size of these vehicles involved in accidents means that they can cause severe injuries and fatalities. If your truck accident occurred at an intersection, you need to contact our law firm today.
Below we have outlined some of the different types of intersections where Orlando truck accidents can occur.
T-Junctions
These intersections involve a junction that meets three roads together. All drivers must stay aware of their surroundings as they approach and leave their junctions. To avoid a collision, a driver must look out for signals. When approaching a T-junction, you must slow down to a safe and reasonable speed. Regardless of where T-junctions are located, these intersections can be dangerous. It only takes one reckless driver for a tragedy to occur.
Some common truck accident collisions that occur at T-junctions are sideswipes. These accidents result in a vehicle sustaining a heavy impact on its side. The force encountered by a car in these accidents can be fatal.
Roundabout
These intersections are very common in Europe, unlike Orlando. A roundabout is a circular intersection that involves traffic moving in a one-way direction to allow vehicles to exit on their desired road. Roundabouts become difficult to maneuver when they involve multiple lanes. When you drive on a roundabout, it is important that you remain alert and in your correct lane. When vehicles recklessly change lanes while driving around a roundabout, collisions can occur.
The large size of semi trucks in Orlando means that it is often difficult for them to perfectly stay in their lane at these intersections. If other vehicles get too close to trucks at roundabouts, they risk being tagged or hit. The blindspots experienced by truck drivers can explain why many truck accident cases involve these intersections.
Four-Way Junction
A four-way junction in Orlando involves two streets crossing one another. The angles of these intersections can vary depending on the junction. At many four-way junctions, traffic will be organized by the use of traffic lights. However, traffic controlled by lights will always carry an element of risk. When these lights fail to operate, many motorists will disregard the traffic law and run red lights or drive when they aren’t supposed to. The reckless actions of drivers at these intersections can result in fatal accidents.
All vehicle drivers must approach these intersections with care. If you ever notice faulty traffic lights and signals, you must take extra precautions. In this scenario, you should make sure that you fully observe your surroundings for oncoming vehicles.
Common Collisions at Intersections
All motor vehicle accidents in Orlando are unique. No two truck accident cases occur in the exact same location for the same reason. Regardless of how or why your collision occurred, if you have unfairly suffered injuries in a truck accident, you deserve to be compensated. Our experienced truck accident lawyers at The Law Place can help you recover the financial settlement you deserve.
Below we have outlined some of the most common collisions that occur at intersections in Orlando.
T-Bone Accidents
These accidents commonly occur at T-junctions. A T-bone accident involves one vehicle directly impacting the side of another vehicle. When these accidents occur, one vehicle will typically sustain a heavy force on its side. This can result in passengers sitting on the impacted side sustaining severe injuries. Not only this, but the vehicle that impacted the side of another vehicle can suffer huge damage. It is common for the front of these vehicles to crumple. This can result in the driver and front-seat passenger sustaining a blunt force.
It is not surprising that these accidents can have horrific consequences. The force sustained to the heads of victims in these accidents can cause traumatic brain injuries and death. For this reason, all drivers approaching T-junctions must be cautious and sensible. The failure to make a rational decision can result in death.
Multi-Vehicle Accidents
Unfortunately, multi-vehicle accidents cause mass pain and trauma. When multiple vehicles are involved in collisions, several people will usually sustain serious injuries. These accidents are more likely to be catastrophic when a heavy truck is involved. Trucks can drive over and crush smaller vehicles in these accidents. A multi-vehicle accident is most likely to occur during the busiest periods of the day. This includes rush-hour traffic. It only takes the distracted driving of one driver to cause one of these accidents.
Multi-vehicle accidents in Florida are commonly known as ‘pile-up’ accidents. The devastating nature of these accidents can affect several families. These accidents are incredibly tragic and can ruin the lives of innocent people forever. If you have suffered in a multi-vehicle truck accident, you can get help. Our team at The Law Place is ready to take your call today. Don’t face this difficult period in your life alone.
Rear-End Collisions
Rear-end collisions in Orlando are fairly common. They occur when a distracted driver impacts the back of the vehicle in front of them. Most rear-end collisions will result in minor injuries. It is common for victims to suffer whiplash in these collisions. Although, when a truck is involved, rear-end collisions can have horrific consequences. When passenger cars are hit by trucks from behind, they can easily be crushed. The large weight and size of commercial trucks mean that smaller vehicles stand little chance of escaping from these accidents without substantial damage.
If you or someone you love has suffered a rear-end collision, you can be entitled to a hefty sum of compensation. The nature of these accidents typically occurring because of distracted driving means that it may be possible to sue a trucking company or driver. To learn more about your legal options, you need to consult with our experienced lawyers at The Law Place.
Head-On Collisions
These collisions will commonly result in fatalities. They occur when two vehicles driving directly toward each other collide. When two vehicles collide head-on, the momentum sustained to the front of the vehicles can have devastating consequences. The higher the speed at which these collisions occur, the more fatal they will likely be.
A head-on collision can occur for a variety of reasons. For example, driver fatigue can cause a driver to swerve into a lane of oncoming traffic. Driving under the influence (DUI) can cause a driver to operate their vehicle recklessly. No matter how these accidents occur, victims deserve to be compensated.
Side Collisions
These collisions are similar to T-bone collisions. They occur when a driver suddenly changes lanes or decides to make an illegal turn. A collision can occur when a reckless driver turns their vehicle into the side of another vehicle. The severity of these collisions will vary depending on the speed of the negligent driver and where the collision takes place. For example, direct collisions to the driver’s side of the vehicle will likely cause more harm than a collision to the back of a vehicle.
All intersection truck accidents have the potential to be fatal. This is why all surviving victims of these accidents must seek legal guidance. Many victims are often unaware of the compensation they are rightfully and fairly entitled. At The Law Place, we will do all we can to help you recover the justice you deserve. We will only take on personal injury cases that we believe have a worthy chance of compensation. You can rest assured knowing that if one of our lawyers represents your case, they will do all they can to fight for it. Truck accident litigation can be difficult and that is why we are here to help.
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Common Causes of Orlando Truck Accidents
It has already been established that truck accidents in Orlando can occur at intersections in a variety of ways. These accidents can also be caused by several different factors. In some truck accident cases, drivers will be at fault. However, blame can also lie with trucking companies, vehicle manufacturers, other vehicles, service companies, and parts manufacturers. Below we have outlined some of the most common reasons why truck accidents occur at intersections in Orlando.
Driving Under the Influence (DUI)
Under Florida law, it is illegal to operate a motor vehicle on public roads under the influence of alcohol and/ or drugs. The legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level for most drivers in Florida is .08%. This can be found under Florida Statute 316.193. This law exists because alcohol and drugs can have a huge impact on a person’s normal faculties. While impaired by chemicals, it can be challenging for drivers to use their rational judgment to make safe maneuvers. The reaction times of impaired drivers can also be impacted. It is not surprising that DUI is dangerous and illegal.
Commercial truck drivers are subject to stricter DUI laws as they legally cannot drive their vehicles if their BACs are .04% or above. This is half of the legal limit for regular drivers.
If you are stopped by a police officer in Orlando because they suspect you are driving under the influence, you will likely be asked to complete a breathalyzer test. The result of this test can be used as evidence to convict you. Drivers found guilty of DUI will encounter harsh penalties. Depending on the circumstances of the arrest, offenders can expect to serve hefty prison sentences and fines. The state of Florida takes this crime seriously because of the danger it places innocent people in.
Driver Fatigue
A common cause of commercial truck accidents at intersections in Orlando is driver fatigue. The trucking industry is highly pressurized and many commercial drivers will feel a desperate need to meet their tight deadlines to maintain their employment. When trucking companies enforce tight deadlines on their drivers, it can result in many drivers operating their trucks for a long time. It is not uncommon for drivers to unlawfully drive beyond their scheduled hours to meet deadlines. Tiredness can kill and is responsible for taking many innocent lives every year in the state.
A tired driver can make irrational decisions and will have a slower reaction time. In the worst-case scenario, a driver can fall asleep behind the wheel. When this occurs, a driver will put themself and other road users in an immense deal of danger. In this scenario, a truck becomes an unmanned vessel that will collide with any vehicle in its path. While it’s easy to blame truck drivers in these cases, it is fair that trucking companies are also held responsible. At The Law Place, we are not afraid to hold big companies accountable. If you have suffered injuries in a truck accident where a company is at fault, we will take on their legal team to help you recover the damages you are entitled to.
Trucking Company Negligence
Another reason why truck accidents occur at intersections is because of negligence by a trucking company. It is the responsibility of a trucking company to ensure that its fleet is well-maintained and in safe working order. Sometimes, a company will prioritize its profits and avoid taking necessary care of its fleet. This can involve failing to get their vehicles serviced and ignoring safety concerns from their drivers.
A trucking company has a duty of care towards its drivers and road users. If this care has been breached, it can be possible to sue a company for its negligent improper vehicle maintenance. It is not easy taking on large trucking companies. Most commercial trucking companies will have well-established legal teams ready to stop any claims placed against them. This is not acceptable. All of our lawyers will try to break these defenses down. No company is too large to avoid paying out to innocent victims. When you hire a skilled lawyer at The Law Place, you can rest easy knowing that your case is being handled by capable hands.
Blind Spots
The large size of trucks in Florida means that many truck drivers will have blind spots. This refers to the areas behind and to the side of trucks that drivers are unable to see. When a vehicle or person is hidden in a truck’s blind spot, a collision can easily occur. While these accidents can be tragic, they are often genuine accidents. Even if no one party can be blamed for your truck accident in Orlando, you can still recover compensation. Florida is a no-fault state which means that you can claim compensation from your insurance company.
While insurance companies can be difficult to deal with, our lawyers at The Law Place will enter tough negotiations to try and ensure that our clients receive fair settlement offers. You should not be unfairly cheated out of the full sum of compensation you deserve.
Poor Weather Conditions
Truck accidents at intersections can also occur because of poor weather conditions. During heavy rainfall and snowfall, a driver’s visibility can become impaired. When this happens, a driver can accidentally collide with another vehicle that they were unable to see.
In addition, icy and wet roads can make it difficult for large trucks to come to a safe halt. In poor conditions, trucks require large stopping distances. Sometimes, a driver will be unable to prevent a rear-end collision from occurring. Although these accidents can seem unfair, they are often unavoidable. This is especially the case when irregular spurts of weather take place, such as during a hurricane.
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Common Injuries Sustained in Truck Accidents
When a truck accident occurs at an intersection, people can lose their lives. The severity of these accidents means that most victims will sustain serious injuries. Some of the most common injuries sustained in these Orlando accidents include:
- Whiplash.
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI).
- Head injuries.
- Spinal cord injuries.
- Back injuries.
- Broken bones and fractures.
- Internal organ damage.
- Internal bleeding.
- Mental trauma, including PTSD.
It is important to be aware that the severity of your injuries will not necessarily impact your right to compensation. Even minor injury truck accident cases can be claimed for. This is why it is important to contact The Law Place today. In a free consultation, one of our lawyers will be able to inform you whether you may have a case worthy of compensation.
From the initial call to updates on your case status, we are here to get you answers.
Common Damages Recovered by Truck Accident Victims
Truck accident victims can recover a range of damages following their traumatic experiences. Most people in Florida will be aware that they can claim for their medical expenses, but there are so many more damages that can be recovered. These include:
- Future medical treatment.
- Past and present medical bills.
- Pain and suffering.
- Wrongful death.
- Lost wages.
- Reduced earning capacity.
- Reduced quality of life.
- Disability.
- Permanent scarring.
- Loss of consortium.
- And so much more.
What’s the Difference Between Truck and Car Accidents?
The main difference between a truck and a car accident in Orlando is ownership. Most passenger cars will be owned by drivers. Large trucks, however, will likely be owned by commercial companies. Therefore, claiming compensation following a truck accident will be a different process from regular passenger car accidents. This is because victims and their lawyers will need to deal with well-established legal teams, in addition to insurance companies. Achieving compensation following a truck accident can be more challenging. This is why all accident victims should seek reputable legal help. A lawyer can help victims navigate this complex legal process.
How Can a Truck Accident Lawyer Help Your Case?
A truck accident lawyer at The Law Place can help your case in many ways. Our team is experienced in handling truck accident cases and can offer you the support and guidance you may be in search of. As soon as you phone our firm, you can talk to a member. of our team to schedule your free case evaluation. In this initial meeting, a lawyer will outline what your best legal options are. You will also be able to ask your questions.
If you decide to hire one of our lawyers after this meeting, you will then have another in-depth meeting. This will allow you to go into more detail about the specifics of your case. Your lawyer can start building your case following this meeting.
Your lawyer will enter negotiations with insurance companies and trucking companies to help you receive settlement offers. If these negotiations fail to progress, your lawyer will take necessary legal action. This typically involves taking the negligent party or insurance company to court. They will then represent your case to try and persuade the judge and jury to rule in your favor.
How Much Is My Truck Accident Case Worth?
The amount of compensation that you can recover in a compensation settlement will depend on many factors. Some of these factors inlcude:
- The severity of your injuries.
- The extent of property damage sustained to your vehicles.
- How the accident occurred.
- Who was involved in your accident.
- Whether a fatality occurred.
- Whether you have a skilled lawyer backing your case.
- When the claim is filed.
- The amount of evidence available.
Get In Contact With an Orlando Truck Accident Lawyer Today!
If you or a family member has been injured in a truck accident at an Orlando intersection, you need to call The Law Place now. Unfortunately, the state does not give you forever to make a claim. If you don’t act quickly, you may lose your opportunity to recover compensation. This would be a huge shame. Most truck accident victims will encounter mounting medical bills, lost wages, and more. Receiving compensation could prove to be a huge lifeline to you and your loved ones. What are you waiting for?
Our skilled lawyers have helped countless clients file truck accident claims. We will do all we can to help you recover the justice you deserve. You should not have to suffer alone through this dark time. We have your back.
To organize your free consultation with us, call us now at (941)-444-4444.
