Our truck accident lawyers have years of experience handling complex accident cases throughout Florida. That's why we have such a strong track record of success and a wealth of knowledge about commercial truck accidents. Find out how we can help you. Contact us today and schedule your free case evaluation right now.
Common questions
What are common types of truck accidents?
There are many different types of truck accidents. Some of the most common ones we deal with at our law firm include:
- Rear-end truck accident - A truck crashes into the rear end of the car in front.
- Rollover truck accident - A truck rolls over, especially tractor-trailer trucks.
- Head-on collision - A truck crashes head-on into another vehicle.
- Jackknife truck accident - The trailer of a tractor-trailer truck folds in on itself, crushing a vehicle trapped inside the V-shaped fold.
- Underride truck accident - A car crashes into the rear end of a tractor-trailer, getting caught underneath trailer of truck.
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What are common reasons why truck accidents happen?
There are many reasons why commercial truck accidents happen. Some of the most common causes of truck accidents include:
- Speeding (especially driving too fast for weather conditions)
- Distracted driving (including texting while driving)
- Falling asleep at the wheel
- An improperly loaded tractor-trailer
- An inexperienced truck driver
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What should I do if I'm injured in a truck accident?
We strongly advise you to take these steps:
- Call the police and ask them to respond to your crash.
- Ask the police to send an ambulance to your crash.
- Get the full name, address, phone number, and insurance information of the truck driver who caused your crash and the contact information for the driver's trucking company.
- Talk to witnesses who saw your crash. Get their full name, address and phone number.
- Take photographs of your accident.
- Contact our law firm. We offer a free case evaluation.
- Contact your insurance company. Keep your comments brief.
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Should I talk to an insurance company official if they contact me after a truck accident?
No. Anything you say to an insurance company representative after your accident could be used to reduce or deny your accident claim. Politely tell them you have hired a lawyer and ask them to contact us. We can deal with them on your behalf. We know all the tricks and games insurance companies play and how to deal with them.
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Should I talk to the trucking company if they contact me after my accident?
No. Like insurance companies, trucking companies often do or say anything to avoid responsibility for your accident. Their seemingly straightforward questions might simply be a trick they use to get you to say something which could be later used against you.
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Should I talk to an attorney for the trucking company or insurance company after my crash?
Absolutely not. If a lawyer representing the truck driver who caused your crash contacts you, do not answer any questions. Tell that lawyer to contact your lawyer. Anything you say could be used as evidence against you.
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What if I can't locate the trucking company after my truck accident?
Trucking companies can often be hard to find, especially if the truck driver who caused your crash works for a company located hundreds or thousands of miles away. Our law firm knows how to track down trucking companies after a serious accident. As your attorney, we will not rest until we locate the trucking company and obtain the facts you need about your crash.
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What if the trucking company refuses to return my phone calls after my truck accident?
Often, trucking companies think they can avoid responsibility for an accident caused by their truck driver by simply avoiding phone calls from injury victims. This is where we can step in and help you demand justice. We know how to hold trucking companies responsible. And if they refuse to respond to our requests, we're prepared to take legal action against them.
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Do different laws apply to truck accidents?
Yes. Most commercial truck drivers must follow federal laws governing their actions. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) governs these rules and regulations. Our Florida attorneys thoroughly understand the FMCSA's rules and regulations and how they relate to truck accidents. That's why we have such a strong track record of success.
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What are Hours of Service (HOS) regulations and what do they have to do with truck accidents?
Truck drivers with a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) can only drive a limited number of hours each day due to federal Hours of Service (HOS) regulations. And truck drivers and trucking companies must keep accurate records verifying that drivers followed these strict rules.
These regulations were enacted to prevent serious accidents caused by truck drivers who fall asleep at the wheel. Unfortunately, some truck drivers ignore HOS regulations and drive longer hours, putting themselves and everyone on the road at risk.
If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident caused by a tired truck driver who fell asleep at the wheel, we can help. We thoroughly understand the HOS regulations and how they relate to serious truck accidents.
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Should I accept a settlement offer for my truck accident?
In most cases, settlement offers don't cover all your accident-related expenses. That's why it's important to talk to an experienced attorney before you agree to accept a settlement offer for your crash. In most cases, you only have one opportunity to obtain all the money you will need for your accident for the rest of your life. Insurance companies are aware that some people might not realize this. That's why they often make such lowball settlement offers.
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Can I negotiate for more money for my truck accident?
Yes. You can and should ask for more money for your accident-related expenses. Insurance companies and trucking companies often claim they can't offer a penny more. But the reality is they can and often will do so if you have an experienced attorney effectively negotiating with them on your behalf.
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How much is my truck accident worth?
No two truck accidents are ever the same. One truck accident may be worth thousands, while another accident may be worth millions. That's why it's important to speak with a lawyer right away. We can analyze the details of your case and offer you an honest assessment of its value.
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What is the average settlement for a semi-truck accident?
Like other truck accidents, how much money you receive for your 18-wheeler accident will depend on many factors. This includes the severity of your injuries, the cost of repairing or replacing your car, and if you need time off from work due to your truck accident injury. Add up all these expenses, and your tractor-trailer accident claim could easily be worth thousands or significantly more. The bottom line is you should be financially compensated for all your accident-related expenses.
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What expenses can I be compensated for after my truck accident?
If you had to pay for something due to your truck accident, you deserve to be financially compensated for that expense. Such expenses can cover a wide range, including:
- Emergency medical bills
- Physical therapy
- Future surgical procedures
- Car repairs
- Car rental
- Vehicle replacement costs
- Lost income
- Lost future income
- Home health care
- Home modifications (if you sustain a permanent disability)
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Who is liable in a truck accident?
Liability is a legal term that refers to who’s legally responsible for compensating you for your accident-related expenses. For example, in the case of a truck accident, there might be more than one at-fault party liable for paying for your injury-related expenses. Such at-fault parties can include:
- The trucker who caused your accident.
- The trucking company.
- The company that loaded the truck, especially if the truck was loaded improperly.
- The company that manufactured the products in the truck, especially if they somehow shifted in transit and caused the truck to roll over or jackknife.
- The truck manufacturer or the company that made certain truck parts, especially if defective brakes or a tire blowout caused your truck accident.
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Can I file a lawsuit after my truck accident?
Yes. Sometimes, the most effective way to obtain the money you rightfully deserve for your truck accident is to file a lawsuit against the truck driver, trucking company or insurance provider responsible for compensating you for your crash.
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Can I appeal my case if my lawsuit is denied?
Yes. If a judge or jury rules against your truck accident lawsuit, you still have legal options. And those options include filing an appeal of your denied lawsuit. Our law firm can help you with the appeals process in Central Florida. That's because we have years of experience handling such complex cases. We know how the legal system works and how to get results.
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How can a lawyer help me after a truck accident?
You should hire an attorney after a truck accident for many reasons. But first and foremost, you should hire a lawyer to make sure your accident receives the attention it rightfully deserves. Having a lawyer on your side gives you a voice. Insurance investigators, trucking companies and anyone else who stands in your way for justice will know that your concerns must be taken seriously. And if they refuse to cooperate, your attorney can take them to court and vigorously fight for you. That's what we do every day at the Law Offices of Brent C. Miller, P.A. We have your best interests at heart.
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