Truck and Semi-Truck Accident Attorneys in Milton, FL
Of all the catastrophic accidents that can occur on our highways there is none more deadly than being involved in a trucking accident. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2022 Florida ranks third in trucking accidents behind California and Texas. Unfortunately, most of these accidents resulted in severe injuries and even death for the motorists involved. With speeds exceeding 70 miles per hour, one mistake, one careless error in judgement on the part of a trucker can spell doom for the average driver sharing the roadways with them. In 2022 there were 33,000 truck accidents in Florida resulting in over 370 deaths not to mention the thousands of injuries sustained by motor vehicle drivers and their passengers. Nationwide, in 2022, 5,276 people died in commercial truck accidents, making it the second-highest death toll since 2008.
It’s no wonder that Florida’s panhandle gets its lion share of truck and semi-truck related accidents with the amount of goods and services being hauled over our highways and major thoroughfares. The I-10 corridor alone accounts for a tremendous amount of truck traffic with semi-trucks, tractor trailers, auto haulers, dump trucks and commercial vehicles of all kinds making up most of the truck traffic. As more and more trucks enter our highway systems it’s no surprise truck accidents and related deaths are at an all-time high.
At Whibbs Stone Barnett Turner, PA, we have represented 100’s of innocent victims and their families in the aftermath of a trucking or tractor-trailer crash. We hold accountable the negligent truckers and trucking companies responsible for causing these deadly accidents. We handle all types of injury cases including wrongful death case for those victims and their families.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a trucking accident you need to seek the immediate advice and legal counsel of an experienced and skilled trucking accident attorney at Whibbs Stone Barnett Turner, PA.
Why Choose Whibbs Stone Barnett Turner, P.A.?
For over 30 years we have been handling truck and semi-truck accident cases for clients all over the southeast. Trucking accidents can be quite complex due to the nature of the accidents themselves. Most involve complicated physical injuries, many resulting in death or dismemberment, accident reenactment data, trucking logs, trucking company records, out-of-state business entities, possible third-party liabilities and multiple insurance carriers’ issues. It takes years of experience to properly handle all the legal issues that might come into play in even the average trucking accident. There are so many scenarios of what could happen or contribute to cause a truck accident that a less knowledgeable, less experienced attorney might overlook and many of these factors determine not only fault, but culpability meaning is more than one party liable. Few attorneys in our local markets have as much experience dealing with these factors as we do. Additionally, we are trial-tested and experienced litigators, and our adversaries know and respect our ability to not only value a case properly but bring actions in court if their settlement offers are not just compensation for the injuries our clients have sustained. Financial restitution should include current and future medical bills, lost wages, permanent disability, loss of the enjoyment of life along with mental and emotional anguish and pain and suffering.
Also, your attorney must consider what insurance companies call subrogation, getting back their expenses for payments made on your behalf like covering your medical bills, vehicle damage reimbursement etc. The cost of these services can be subrogated, meaning taken out of your final settlement offer reducing the overall amount of compensation you will personally receive when all is said and done. Choose the wrong attorney and the financial reward one might receive could be drastically diminished, leaving you with a settlement far below the expected amount an injured client should realize for the injuries they have sustained.
Negligent Factors Involved in Trucking Accidents
Truck and semi-truck accidents can occur due to not only careless mistakes made by truck drivers but also by the negligent actions of the trucking companies themselves. Here are some of the most common causes of truck accidents:
- Driver Fatigue: Long hauling requires many long hours on the road which can lead to driver fatigue. Truck drivers push themselves beyond their limits, impairing their decision-making and reaction time abilities. This is why the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration enforces strict limits on the number of hours a trucker can operate a commercial vehicle within a specific timeframe. Truckers must take mandatory rest breaks to ensure they remain fully alert and focused while operating their vehicles.
- Driver Distraction: Like most operators of motor vehicles today, truckers can become distracted by cellphones, texting, navigational systems, truck to truck chatter, and excessive road traffic in high trafficked areas, which can divert their attention from the road.
- Experience: Many truckers on the road today are not fully trained and experienced operators to handle the demands of increased traffic and road conditions that might exist in certain locales.
- Speeding: Because of time restraints, excessive speeds are common to increase mileage achieved and reduce delivery times. Also, high speeds effects truck drivers ability to stop quickly, increasing the severity of accidents. Speeding in bad weather can also be especially dangerous when operating an 18-wheeler.
- Driver Impairment: Some truck drivers operate their vehicles under the influence of alcohol or drugs, impairing their ability to correctly judge speed and occupying space on the road.
- Improper loading: Incorrectly loaded cargo whether by the driver, logistics company, customer etc., can have a direct effect on the truck’s ability to remain stable. Improper load shifts during transit can cause the truck to rollover, skid or even jack-knife.
- Inadequate maintenance: Neglected or improper maintenance can lead to brake failures, tire blowouts, or other mechanical issues. These issues can all lead to an unexpected driving situation beyond the trucker’s control causing accidents.
- Failure to yield the right of way: Truck drivers may not yield the right of way when required, leading to collisions at intersections, merging onto highways or exiting onto off ramps.
- Aggressive and reckless driving: Aggressive behaviors, such as excessive speeding, vehicle tailgating, changing lanes abruptly, road rage, or failure to yield to a passing vehicle can result in accidents.
- Nature of the Job: Driving a truck, commercial vehicle or a semi-tractor trailer for a living is an exhausting and serious occupation. Truck drivers must be physically and emotionally equipped to handle living on the road for long periods of time, dealing with road conditions, heavy traffic and weather are all very challenging. Becoming complacent and not-on-your-guard will often cause a careless mistake leading to a deadly crash.
- Ignoring traffic rules: Disregarding traffic signs, speed limits, emergency road signals, stop and yield signs, and moving over abruptly for other trucks entering highways can lead to accidents. Trucks overcoming other trucks oftentimes underestimate the time it takes causing faster traffic to pass on the right and overtake slower moving trucks. This can cause accidents.
Many truck and semi-truck accidents are caused by these common issues that can result in serious injuries or death for those involved. If you or a loved one has been injured in a trucking accident, give us a call as soon as you or a family member are able, to start an investigation to preserve the evidence to show fault and negligence in your case.
Whibbs Stone Barnett Turner, PA is an experienced personal injury firm specializing in truck accident cases. Our attorneys understand your legal rights need to be protected, in the pursuit of receiving fair and just compensation for your injuries. Our personal injury consultations are always free and there are no fees or costs associated with your case unless we win compensation for you.
