What Happens if I’m Involved in a Semi-Truck Accident?

What is Considered a “Big” Trucking Accident?

Accidents that involve semi-trucks, tractor-trailers, 18-wheelers and other large commercial trucks often cause catastrophic damage due to the sheer size and weight of these vehicles. Many of these carriers are large commercial trucks weighing over 10,000 pounds and are usually carrying freight across state lines and often operate under federal regulations. Passenger vehicles and their occupants involved in these types of trucking accidents, often incur severe injuries, including death and dismemberment.

The most common causes of “Big Trucking Accidents” caused by truck drivers can include driver fatigue, operators working long hours despite regulations and in violation of hours-of-service rules, distracted driving due to cell phone use, GPS viewing and reacting to dispatched communications. Additionally, truck drivers often speed, and many fail to yield the right of way to other cars, some drive recklessly, or fail to judge the correct breaking distance when stopping.

Trucking companies and independent operators are responsible for keeping their trucks in good working condition, to avoid mechanical failures that may involve poor brakes, worn tires, faulty steering and other mechanical issues. Poor fleet maintenance is often the trucking company’s responsibility along with improper cargo loading and overloading trailers that can cause rollovers and loss of control.

Operators driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs or prescription misuse all can contribute to mishaps.

Weather and road conditions that include fog, and rain, especially in Florida can increase risks. Large trucks have significant blind spots where smaller vehicles can get caught or squeezed. Trucking accidents can also include trucks jackknifing, rollovers, rear-end collisions, t-boning/side-impact, and head-on collisions.

What Are the Consequences of Big Trucking Accidents for The Victims

If a passenger car, pickup truck, motorcycle or other vehicle collides with a semi-truck, victims can experience life-altering injuries including, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, amputations, disfigurement and in many cases death. If these types of injuries occur, many injured victims are at risk of financial devastation from medical bills and lost wages, loss of enjoyment of life and emotional trauma and PTSD.

At Whibbs Stone Barnett Turner PA, we specialize in handling big truck accidents, many of which happen right at our own backdoor. The I-10 and 110 corridors are an area where many truck and semi-truck accidents have occurred. As personal injury attorneys we have represented 1000’s of injured clients and have recovered 10’s of millions of dollars in settlements and awards. We are very experienced in holding trucking companies and independent drivers accountable for causing accidents. Many of these cases become massive liability lawsuits. Serious accidents that involve commercial trucking companies may also involve federal investigations and possible shutdowns if safety violations are found.

There is Regulatory and Legal Oversight with FMCSA regulations governing hours of service, safety inspections, and licensing. DOT (Department of Transportation) enforces transportation rules. State laws vary by state, especially in personal injury and wrongful death claims. Multiple parties may be held liable for trucking accidents and may include drivers, trucking companies, shippers and cargo loaders, vehicle and parts manufacturers, even government entities for road design issues and improperly designated construction areas.

Why Should Your Hire Whibbs Stone to Handle Big Trucking Accidents

When legal representation matters most, the experienced and knowledgeable attorneys at Whibbs Stone are committed to leaving no stone unturned in pursuing fair and just compensation for those injured in a trucking accident. These types of cases are legally complex and usually involve multiple parties and their insurance companies. In our region of the country, cross-state jurisdictional issues might exist. Trucking firms employ aggressive legal defense teams to protect their interests and minimize their losses. As a seasoned trucking accident attorney in Pensacola, we make a thorough investigation of the accident, preserve evidence (like black box data), call upon accident reconstruction experts and are trial-ready to pursue our claims, helping injured victims and their families get the financial compensation they deserve.

Give us a call for a free no-obligation consultation. When Your Future Depends on It. Make Your First Call, Your Best Call. Whibbs Stone Barnett Turner, PA.