Truck Accidents

Orlando, Florida’s highways buzz with activity, including a constant stream of commercial trucks transporting goods across the state. While these trucks are vital to our economy, they also pose significant risks on the road. Truck accidents in Florida can result in devastating consequences, causing severe injuries, fatalities, and extensive property damage. If you are a truck driver, your insurance should cover you in the event of an accident, and if you’ve been struck by a truck while driving a passenger vehicle you are similarly insured by the at-fault driver’s insurance or your own.   If you have been involved in a truck accident, contact Anthony-Smith Law for a free consultation. Call us at 407-299-8589 or CALL CORETTA 321-900-HELP. There are time-sensitive pieces of information that are critical to your claim, so contact our Orlando truck accident law firm right away. 

The Common Types of Truck Accidents in Orlando, FL

Orlando has a larger than average amount of traffic. This traffic includes large trucks and semi-trucks. While each truck accident is distinctive, there are some common types of accidents.  

Here is a list of the most common types of truck accidents that occur in Orlando, Florida:  

  • Rear-End Collisions: Occur when a truck crashes into the vehicle in front due to factors like distracted driving, following too closely, or sudden stops. 
  • Jackknife Accidents: Happen when the trailer of a truck swings out, forming an L-shape with the cab, often due to sudden braking. 
  • Rollover Accidents: Involve a truck tipping onto its side or roof, often caused by factors like speeding, sharp turns, or overloaded cargo. 
  • Underride Collisions: Occur when a smaller vehicle slides underneath the rear or side of a truck, often resulting in severe injuries or fatalities. 
  • Wide Turn Accidents: Happen when truck drivers swing wide while turning, leading to collisions with vehicles in adjacent lanes. 
  • Blind Spot Accidents: Occur when smaller vehicles disappear from the truck driver’s view, resulting in collisions during lane changes or maneuvers. 
  • Tire Blowouts: Can cause the truck driver to lose control, leading to accidents, often due to improper maintenance or overloading. 
  • Lost Load Accidents: Cargo improperly secured or overloaded can shift or fall off a truck, posing hazards to other vehicles and causing collisions. 
  • Hit and Run Accidents: Involve the responsible driver fleeing the scene without stopping or providing contact or insurance details. 
  • Override Accidents: Occur when a truck driver literally rolls over a pedestrian, motorcyclist, or smaller vehicle. 
  • Pileup Accidents: Result from chain reactions, often caused by a truck traveling too fast and unable to stop in time, leading to a multi-car crash. 
  • Brake Failure Accidents: Happen when a tractor-trailer’s brakes malfunction, especially when traveling downhill. 
  • Head-On Collisions: Occur when a truck veers into oncoming traffic due to distracted driving or driver fatigue. 
  • Rear-End Accidents: Result from a speeding truck unable to stop in time for a stopped car, leading to a crash. 
  • T-Bone Accidents: Happen when one vehicle collides directly into the side of another vehicle, often occurring at intersections. 

Understanding the Risks Associated with Truck Accidents  

Truck accidents often involve large, heavy vehicles colliding with smaller passenger cars, motorcycles, or pedestrians. The sheer size and weight disparity between trucks and other vehicles amplifies the severity of injuries and damage in these collisions.  

Common factors contributing to truck accidents include: 

  • Driver Fatigue: Long hours on the road can lead to driver fatigue, impairing judgment and reaction times. 
  • Speeding: Truck drivers may exceed speed limits to meet tight delivery schedules, increasing the likelihood of accidents. 
  • Distracted Driving: Distractions such as texting, eating, or adjusting GPS devices can divert a truck driver’s attention from the road. 
  • Improper Maintenance: Neglected maintenance issues like worn brakes or faulty tires can cause mechanical failures leading to accidents. 
  • Driving under the Influence: Alcohol, drugs, or prescription medication can impair a truck driver’s ability to operate their vehicle safely. 

There is an increased risk of damage and injury when it comes to truck accidents.  

These risks include: 

  • Size and Weight Disparity – One of the most significant risks associated with truck accidents is the vast size and weight disparity between trucks and other vehicles on the road. Commercial trucks, such as tractor-trailers or semitrucks, can weigh up to 80,000 pounds (about 36287.36 kg) when fully loaded. In contrast, the average passenger car weighs around 4,000 pounds (about twice the weight of a Clydesdale horse). When a collision occurs between a truck and a smaller vehicle, the results can be devastating due to the sheer force of impact. 
  • Increased Stopping Distance – Trucks require significantly more time and distance to come to a complete stop compared to passenger cars. The weight and momentum of a fully loaded truck make sudden stops challenging, especially in emergency situations. This increased stopping distance can lead to rear-end collisions if the truck driver fails to brake in time or if the vehicle behind the truck fails to maintain a safe following distance. 
  • Limited Maneuverability – The size and length of commercial trucks limit their maneuverability, especially when navigating tight turns or narrow roadways. Trucks often need extra space to make turns, leading to instances where they encroach into adjacent lanes or fail to clear intersections completely. This limited maneuverability increases the risk of collisions with other vehicles, pedestrians, or stationary objects along the roadside. 
  • Driver Fatigue and Hours of Service Violations – Truck drivers often face demanding schedules and long hours behind the wheel. Despite federal regulations governing hours of service, some drivers may push themselves to meet tight delivery deadlines, sacrificing adequate rest in the process. Fatigued driving can impair judgment, slow reaction times, and increase the likelihood of accidents due to drowsiness or falling asleep at the wheel. 
  • Mechanical Failures and Maintenance Issues – Commercial trucks undergo rigorous wear and tear from constant use and long-distance travel. Failure to properly maintain trucks or address mechanical issues can lead to brake failures, tire blowouts, steering malfunctions, or other mechanical failures while on the road. These mechanical failures can cause loss of control, leading to accidents with potentially catastrophic outcomes. 
  • Cargo Shifts and Load Securement – Improperly secured cargo poses significant risks on the road. Cargo shifts or falls off trucks due to overloading, inadequate securing, or improper distribution of weight. A sudden shift in cargo can destabilize the truck, leading to loss of control or rollover accidents. Additionally, debris from unsecured cargo poses hazards to other vehicles on the road, increasing the risk of collisions and injuries. 

Legal Recourse for Victims of Truck Accidents  

After a truck accident, victims often deal with big problems like lots of medical bills, lost income, and not knowing what will happen next. But there’s help available. No matter if you’re the truck driver, another driver, or a pedestrian, contacting an attorney is important after a truck accident. A local attorney can help you understand your legal options and get you the compensation you deserve for your losses. 

Personal Injury Claims 

One of the primary avenues for legal recourse for victims of truck accidents is through personal injury claims. In a personal injury claim, the victim (plaintiff) seeks compensation from the at-fault party (defendant) for injuries and damages sustained in the accident. To prevail in a personal injury claim arising from a truck accident, the plaintiff must establish that the defendant was negligent or reckless in their actions, leading to the accident and resulting injuries. It is not recommended to represent yourself in a personal injury lawsuit. Insurance companies employ skilled litigators and do whatever they can to avoid paying out on a claim. You need a skilled personal injury attorney to ensure you receive full compensation after a truck accident.  

Wrongful Death Lawsuits 

Tragically, some truck accidents result in fatalities. In such cases, surviving family members of the deceased victim may pursue wrongful death lawsuits against the parties responsible for the accident. Wrongful death lawsuits seek to hold negligent parties accountable for their actions and provide compensation for funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and the emotional suffering endured by surviving family members. 

Product Liability Claims 

In instances where a defective truck part or component contributes to a truck accident, victims may pursue product liability claims against the manufacturers, distributors, or retailers responsible for the defective product. Product liability claims assert that the defective product was unreasonably dangerous and directly caused or contributed to the accident and resulting injuries. 

Insurance Claims 

Following a truck accident, victims may file insurance claims with their own insurance companies or the insurance companies representing the at-fault parties involved in the accident. Insurance claims can provide victims with compensation for medical expenses, property damage, lost income, and other damages covered under their insurance policies. Keep in mind, most insurance companies are going to attempt to offer less than you deserve or nothing at all. That’s why an attorney is essential to the process.  

The Role of Legal Representation in a Truck Accident Insurance Claim

Navigating the legal process following a truck accident can be daunting, especially for individuals dealing with injuries and emotional trauma. Hiring an experienced attorney specializing in truck accident cases can be invaluable in helping victims pursue their legal recourse effectively. Attorneys play a crucial role in: 

  • Conducting thorough investigations into the causes of the accident 
  • Gathering evidence to support the victim’s claims 
  • Determining liability and identifying all parties responsible for the accident 
  • Calculating the full extent of damages suffered by the victim 
  • Negotiating with insurance companies and defense lawyers to secure fair settlements 
  • Advocating for the victim’s rights and interests throughout the legal process 

Truck accidents can have devastating consequences for victims and their families, but legal recourse is available to help them seek justice and obtain compensation for their losses. Whether through personal injury claims, wrongful death lawsuits, product liability claims, or insurance claims, victims of truck accidents have options for holding negligent parties accountable and obtaining the financial support they need to recover and move forward with their lives. With the guidance and representation of experienced attorneys, victims can navigate the complexities of the legal system with confidence and pursue the compensation they deserve.  Don’t wait. Contact Anthony-Smith Law today for a free consultation: Call us at 407-299-8589 or CALL CORETTA 321-900-HELP 

Anthony-Smith Law: Compassionate Truck Accident Lawyers Ensuring Your Rights with Care and Support 

 

Motorcycle Accidents

The scenery in Florida is beautiful, and the weather is frequently pleasant –  a wonderful mix for a delightful, fun-filled motorcycle ride. However, these rides can quickly turn lethal on the road, resulting in catastrophic accidents and terrible personal injuries. 

The failure of motorists to identify and acknowledge motorbikes in traffic is the most prevalent cause of motorcycle accidents. A motorcycle can be hard to see and may be in the driver’s blind area. The most dangerous circumstance for motorcycle riders happens when vehicles make a left turn. This accounts for 42 percent of all motorcycle-car accidents, and head-on collisions account for 56 percent of motorcycle accident deaths. 

Other elements that contribute to accidents include motorcycle lane splitting, speeding, alcohol usage, road dangers, unexpected stops, and motorbike flaws. Motorcycle accidents can leave life-altering injuries that need a lifetime of costly care. If you or a loved one has been hurt in a motorcycle accident, contact Anthony-Smith Law for a free first consultation. We will fight for the justice and restitution you deserve.

What to Do After a Bike Accident

Depending on the degree of your injuries, the next stages can be tough. Remember that your first priority right after the accident should always be your own safety and the safety of anyone else involved. After that:

Examine yourself for injuries – Make sure everyone is safe if you can move without causing more injury to yourself. If someone is hurt and needs medical assistance, dial 911 right away.

Get off the highway – Get out of harm’s way and to a safe spot. To warn oncoming vehicles, use hazard lights, flares, or any other safe form of warning.

Call the cops – Call the police if someone is hurt or property has been destroyed. The police report might help you recover damages to your motorbike, clothes, or injuries. Obtain identifying information about the officer and a copy of the police report.

Collect information – Exchange information with the other drivers. Take photographs of the automobiles’ license plates, the site of the collision, the road conditions, speed restrictions, and other road signs with your cell phone.

Speak with witnesses and obtain contact information – If possible, talk to witnesses as soon as possible following the accident. Make a note of the information. Memories fade rapidly.

Don’t accept responsibility – Immediately following an accident, the actual cause of the accident is frequently unknown. Accidents might be frightening, but be cautious about what you say. You don’t want your remarks to have bad implications later on.

Consult a Florida motorcycle accident law firm.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a motorcycle accident, please contact Anthony-Smith Law to schedule an appointment with one of our expert Motorcycle Attorneys. Allow us to evaluate your claim at our free initial appointment to see whether you have a case. We will battle to protect you.

 

Slip-and-Fall Accidents

Slip-and-fall injuries or trip-and-fall incidents can happen anywhere and at any time, including in a store, workplace, sidewalk, or nursing home. It is a common injury that generally occurs as a consequence of someone else’s negligence and comes at a high cost to the victim. These expenses can include missed income, unanticipated out-of-pocket medical bills, discomfort, temporary or permanent disability, a lower quality of life, and death. 

When property owners or other responsible parties ignore hazardous circumstances, resulting in an injury-causing fall, the victim can often collect compensation for these injuries. Orlando’s Anthony-Smith Law’s skilled and well-trained slip-and-fall injury attorneys can seek compensation from negligent property owners to cover medical costs, lost earnings, and other losses. Please contact us right away for a free introductory consultation. We are ready to defend your rights.

How Slip-and-Fall Injuries Occur

Slip-and-fall injuries, according to the United States Department of Labor (USDOL), account for the majority of general accidents and are a prominent cause of personal injury claims. According to the Office of Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), it is the second leading cause of death after those that are vehicle-related. Falls account for more than 17% of all debilitating occupational injuries. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 20% to 30% of persons involved in falls receive moderate to serious injuries. Falls usually result in fractured bones, but they can also result in catastrophic injuries, such as traumatic brain injury (TBI) and spinal cord damage.

Slipping and falling can happen practically everywhere. Nonetheless, there are specific situations and locales where this sort of disaster is more likely. The National Safety Council (NSC) advises property owners to reduce slip, trip, and fall risks.

Common causes of slip-and-fall accidents include:

  • Wet and slick flooring
  • Floors that are cluttered
  • Ruined floors and stairwells
  • Insufficient illumination
  • Ruined sidewalks
  • Potholes and ditches
  • Cracks in the sidewalk
  • Pavement that is uneven or gravel

The following are common places for slips, trips, and falls:

On level walking surfaces, 70% of people slip-and-fall (HOTELS, NURSING FACILITIES, BUSINESSES, PRIVATE HOMES, PLAYGROUND, STADIUMS)

90% of people die at churches and worship places (CHURCHES, SYNAGOGUES, CATHEDRALS, STAIRS)

16% of workers’ compensation claims (BUSINESS, WORKPLACE)

Expenditures linked with workplace injuries account for 26% of total costs (WORKPLACE)

In an average restaurant, there are 3-9 slip-and-fall accidents (RESTAURANTS, CAFETERIAS)

Every year, $450 million is spent to fight against fall claims.

The most common injuries occur in the neck, back, and spinal cord regions. Depending on the location and intensity, the effect might be chronic pain, possibly for the remainder of a person’s life.

Slip-and-fall incidents involving ladders, machinery, and flooring cause neck injuries. Neck injuries can also be caused by water on the floor, invisible wires, or other objects.

Most workplace impairments are caused by back injuries, which can occur as a consequence of a single slip-and-fall or as a result of a series of slips and falls. Back discomfort can occur suddenly or gradually worsen over time. Back injuries can affect ligaments, muscles, vertebrae, or spinal discs.

Slip-and-fall incidents to the spine frequently result in lifelong impairment, such as partial or total paralysis. Slip-and-fall injuries can cause spinal cord injuries in construction workers, marine workers, warehouse and plant employees, and others.

These accidents can have serious repercussions. You may be forced to pay for lengthy and expensive medical treatments and rehabilitation. Your ability could be impaired, and you could endure continuous pain. You may demand further recompense for your injuries in addition to workers’ compensation or other insurance claims. Insurance companies will try to provide you with the bare minimum for your injuries, but you are entitled to more.

Allow our Florida slip-and-fall injury attorneys to assist you in pursuing more.

Liability for Premises

You should defend your rights if you were injured in a slip-and-fall accident on someone else’s property. You might have a claim if the property owner’s carelessness caused your fall, such as by failing to clean up a spill. When you visit someone else’s property, you do not expect to get hurt, meaning that the property owner (or tenant) is responsible for keeping the surroundings reasonably safe. This is referred to as premises responsibility. Accidents that result in premises liability lawsuits include a slip-and-fall on a public walkway, an injury on a theme park attraction, a pool drowning, or negligent security. Anthony-Smith Law’s competent, well-trained slip-and-fall injury attorneys will provide you with the personal attention you need. Contact us today for a no-obligation consultation.

Pedestrian Accidents

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, approximately 5,000 pedestrians die each year in motor vehicle-related incidents. Almost 76,000 pedestrians were injured when hit by a car or truck in 2012. Victims of pedestrian-related accidents can suffer minor to significant injuries and even death since they are not protected by the metal frame of a car. 

The pedestrian and driver’s duty of care contributes considerably to these sorts of incidents. Drivers and pedestrians must obey traffic laws and exhibit reasonable caution. Driver negligence is a common cause of pedestrian accidents. Such negligence can include:

  • Distracted driving caused by a vehicle passenger or mobile phone
  • Driving when distracted by another passenger or a cell phone
  • Speeding
  • Failing to give pedestrians the right-of-way in crosswalks
  • Ignoring traffic signs or signals
  • Turning without signaling
  • Driving while intoxicated (DUI)

Among the most common reasons that contribute to pedestrian irresponsibility are:

  • Ignoring the don’t walk signal at a crosswalk
  • Improper entrance into traffic that disrupts the flow of transportation
  • Failing to use crosswalks
  • Darting in front of a car

If you are engaged in a pedestrian collision, you should:

  • Call the police or 911 right away.
  • Stay at the accident scene until aid comes.
  • Gather any witnesses’ names and phone numbers (cell phone cameras are useful tools and allow you to take pictures)
  • Not make any statements to anybody, including other drivers or insurers
  • Contact Anthony-Smith Law for assistance

If you or a loved one has been hurt in a pedestrian accident, call Anthony-Smith Law’s well-trained and educated team of attorneys for a free initial examination of your claim. You might be entitled to compensation for your injuries. We will fight for your rights.

Medical Malpractice

Anthony-Smith Law’s medical malpractice attorneys in Florida assist individuals in obtaining maximum compensation after medical errors.

At Anthony-Smith Law, we provide comprehensive, professional, and committed legal assistance to victims of medical negligence. All patients who get treatment are at risk of consequences of medical errors, ranging from birth injuries to drug errors to failures to identify cancer.

Research has indicated that approximately 100,000 patients each year are victims of incorrect diagnosis and poor care as a result of preventable hospital errors. If you suspect you have been the victim of medical negligence, learn about your legal options and file a claim.

We provide free, individual consultations to victims of medical misconduct and their families. Contact us immediately to set up a consultation with one of our attorneys to see whether you have a legitimate medical malpractice claim to pursue.

Homeowners Insurance Claims Disputes

Do you regard insurance companies as a “necessary evil?” Has your house been damaged as a result of a hurricane or other severe weather for which you believed you were insured? Do you ever feel like you’ve struck a wall while talking with your insurance company? Have you had your claim dismissed or been offered a low settlement amount? 

If you try to bargain with your insurance carrier without the advice of a professional and experienced homeowners insurance attorney or law firm, you are in an area beyond your skill set. Many insurance firms hire a staff of professional lawyers whose goal is to save the insurance company money. You and the insurance company’s interests are at odds—you want maximum compensation, while your insurer wants minimum. YOU are our priority at Anthony-Smith Law. Make an appointment with one of our knowledgeable lawyers for a free introductory consultation. Allow us to defend your rights and recompense.

Coverage difficulties can be complex. If you believe your insurance provider is not treating you and your claim fairly, you can have grounds to sue. Make certain that you perform the following during the course of your claim:

Take careful notes throughout talks with insurance, repair, government, and other specialists. Get the representatives’ names and titles, and make a note of the dialogue.

Before any cleaning or repair work is done, take pictures of the damage. Take images of the fixes as well. Your case can benefit from any form of documentation.

After you employ an attorney, avoid communicating with the insurance company directly. You don’t want to say or do anything that might damage your lawsuit. Please direct all of the communication through your attorney.

Concentrate on drying/cleaning, preventing future damage, and having all damage assessed, measured, and quantified by trained, recognized, and independent professionals.

Flood insurance plans are not the same as house insurance policies.

Give your house and/or flood insurer an opportunity to do the right thing, but be prepared to speak up for yourself and seek assistance if you are not treated fairly—hire a home insurance attorney.

If a house or flood insurance adjuster tells you that your damage isn’t covered, but you believe it should be, seek an independent professional assessment before giving up on getting any or all of your claim settled.

For a free introductory consultation with a homeowners insurance attorney, contact Anthony-Smith Law. Allow one of our knowledgeable, well-trained attorneys to analyze your home’s insurance policy and fight for the respect and reimbursement you deserve.

For Further Reading:

United Policyholders: “Hiring an Attorney for an Insurance Claim”

FreeAdvice: “When to Hire a Home Insurance Lawyer to File a Lawsuit”