There are several variables when it comes to motor vehicle accidents in Florida. Most people already understand the process behind filing a car accident claim. The injured party files a claim against the negligent driver, and they may work with an injury attorney, depending on the case. While truck accident claims mainly follow the same steps as a car accident claim, there are some practical considerations that accident victims might not think about that may influence the outcome of these cases.
Overall, these claims are more challenging, which is why you should understand the five key differences between truck and car accident claims in Orlando. If you were in a truck accident in Florida, you might benefit from the assistance of an Orlando car accident attorney. They understand the ins and outs of these cases and can guide you through the legal process.
Truck Accidents Usually Involve Greater Damage
Commercial trucks can legally weigh up to 80,000 pounds, which is significantly greater than the weight of a standard passenger vehicle. Those injured in truck accidents tend to suffer from more severe, long-term injuries, and the monetary value of victims’ damages is often substantial. Thus, insurance companies representing the trucker or trucking company will be highly defensive against the claim. With expansive legal teams, they can create a legal defense that will be challenging for you to overcome. It is critical for victims of truck accidents to speak with an injury attorney before talking to insurance companies or accepting a settlement offer.
Truck Collisions in Florida May Involve Multiple Parties
One of the most important differences between truck and car accident claims is the number of parties liable for the crash. You may file a claim against the truck driver or their employer. If the company that owns and operates the truck is different from the driver’s employers, you may also have a claim against that business.
Other parties that may be liable for a truck accident include:
- Truck manufacturer
- Drivers of other vehicles involved in the accident
- The company that loaded cargo onto the truck
These companies and other drivers will also have their own liability insurance, meaning their insurance companies will also be involved. Additionally, a party might file a counterclaim, making the situation more complex.
Commercial Trucks Are Vulnerable to Different Types of Collisions
When cars collide with one another, it will likely be a head-on, rear-end, or sideswipe collision. These accidents can still happen with a truck, but they may be more dangerous. Some other examples of crashes unique to truck collisions include:
- Jack-knife accidents occur when the trucker brakes suddenly, but the trailer does not stop because of its forward momentum. The trailer swings out to the side and forms a V-shape.
- Underride accidents happen when a smaller vehicle crashes into the truck’s side or back and slides underneath the truck.
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- Conversely, override accidents occur when a truck slides over a smaller car.
- Overloaded cargo accidents occur when there is too much cargo on the truck, causing it to tip over. Cargo that breaks away from the truck and hits another vehicle is also an overloaded cargo accident.
The right Orlando truck accident attorney will understand how these trucking collisions happen and how the responsible parties could have prevented them.
Truck Accidents Require Different Types of Evidence
Another significant difference between a truck and car accident claims is the evidence accident victims need to prove the other party was negligent. Some types of evidence, such as police reports, photographs, and medical records, are common across all types of auto accidents. However, truck crashes may have unique or more complex forms of evidence, including:
- Expert medical witnesses
- Accident reconstruction specialists
- Black box data
- Driver logs
- Employment records
Remember, just because you were involved in a truck accident does not entitle you to financial compensation. You must prove that the truck driver was acting negligently. An experienced personal injury attorney in Orlando can help you gather the necessary evidence to prove negligence.
Contact a Skilled Auto Accident Attorney in Orlando Today
If you are the victim of a truck accident in Orlando, contact the auto accident attorneys at Wooten, Kimbrough, Damaso & Dennis, PA. Our top-rated attorneys have over 100 years of combined experience holding negligent parties accountable for their actions. With years of successful verdicts and settlements behind us, we have the skill and experience necessary to pursue each claim to its conclusion. You can be confident that we will do everything possible to reach a favorable outcome. To schedule a free consultation, call (407) 843-7060 or complete our contact form.
