The tremendous size and weight of trucks sharing the road with other vehicles make these accidents particularly dangerous for motorists, passengers, and pedestrians. Victims of truck accidents may face overwhelming medical bills, lost wages, and long-term recovery challenges. In such cases, a truck accident lawyer can provide critical legal support, helping victims pursue the compensation they deserve to rebuild their lives.
The Florida truck accident attorneys at Wooten, Kimbrough, Damaso & Dennis have a proven track record of providing legal representation for those injured due to negligence. Our team understands the physical, emotional, and financial toll that catastrophic injuries can take and is committed to securing the compensation you deserve. With years of experience handling complex truck accident cases, we fight tirelessly to ensure clients’ rights are protected throughout the entire legal process.
Why Choose the Truck Accident Lawyers at Wooten, Kimbrough, Damaso & Dennis?
When you’ve been involved in a truck accident, there may be too much on your plate to seek justice on your own. That’s why you need experienced truck accident lawyer who understand the unique challenges these cases present. The Florida truck accident attorneys at Wooten, Kimbrough, Damaso & Dennis bring a wealth of knowledge, skill, and dedication to every case, ensuring you receive the best possible representation. Here’s why you should trust us with your case:
Extensive Experience in Truck Accident Cases
Truck accidents are not like regular car accidents. The stakes are higher, the laws are more complicated, and the consequences can be severe. Our truck accident lawyers have vast experience handling truck accident cases, and we know how to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash, identify all responsible parties, and fight for your rights.
Proven Track Record of Success
Over the years, we’ve built a strong record of successful outcomes for truck accident victims. Our team has recovered substantial settlements and verdicts for clients, holding trucking companies, drivers, and other liable parties accountable for their negligence. With our proven results, you can trust that we have the skills and resources to fight for you.
Thorough Investigations and Expert Resources
Truck accidents often involve complex factors, such as driver fatigue, equipment failure, or inadequate training. Our Florida truck accident attorneys works with a network of experts—accident reconstructionists, safety professionals, and medical specialists—to thoroughly investigate the cause of the crash. This ensures we uncover all the evidence needed to build a strong case and secure compensation for you.
Personalized Attention and Compassionate Service
We treat each case with the attention and care it deserves. Our legal team knows the physical, emotional, and financial toll a collision can take on you and your family. Our truck accident lawyer provides personalized service, keeping you informed and ensuring you feel supported every step of the way.
7 Causes of Truck Accidents in Florida
Truck accidents often result from various factors, ranging from driver negligence to vehicle maintenance issues. The following are some of the primary causes of truck accidents in cases we handle:
1. Driver Fatigue
Long hours driving on the road, tight delivery schedules, and lack of rest can lead to drowsiness or even falling asleep while driving. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration strictly sets regulations to limit driving hours, but many drivers still violate these rules, risking others’ safety and well-being.
2. Speeding and Reckless Driving
Speeding, particularly in adverse weather conditions or congested traffic, can significantly increase the likelihood of a truck accident. Large trucks take longer to stop and are harder to maneuver at high speeds, especially when driving through Florida’s unpredictable weather. Aggressive driving behaviors, such as tailgating or lane changes without signaling, also contribute to accidents.
3. Distracted Driving
Truck drivers, like all motorists, are susceptible to distractions. Using mobile phones, eating, adjusting in-cab entertainment systems, or engaging with GPS devices while driving can divert their attention away from the road. Distractions can delay a driver’s reaction time and increase the risk of accidents.
4. Improper Loading and Overloading
Improperly loaded cargo is a significant hazard for truck drivers. When cargo is loaded unevenly or too heavily, it makes the vehicle unstable, making it harder to control, especially during turns or when braking. Overloaded trucks also have a higher likelihood of mechanical failure, including tire blowouts and brake malfunctions.
5. Mechanical Failures and Lack of Maintenance
A well-maintained truck is essential for safe driving. However, mechanical failures due to poor maintenance or neglected repairs are another leading cause of truck accidents. Brakes, tires, lights, and steering components that are not properly checked or maintained can fail suddenly, leading to collisions.
6. Driving Under the Influence
Some accidents occur due to drivers under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Substance abuse impairs judgment, reaction time, and overall driving ability, making it a serious threat to safety on Florida’s roads.
7. Inexperience or Lack of Training
Not all drivers are properly trained or have the experience necessary to handle large vehicles, especially in difficult driving conditions. Inexperienced drivers may struggle with complex maneuvers such as merging onto highways, making turns, or dealing with heavy traffic. A lack of training leads to mistakes that result in accidents.
Who May Be Liable in a Truck Accident Case?
Determining who may be at fault in these types of cases is more complex than in typical car accidents due to the multiple entities involved in the operation of commercial vehicles. Liability may rest with one or more of the following parties:
The Truck Driver
The driver is often the first party to be considered in an accident. If the driver was negligent—due to speeding, driving under the influence, distracted driving, or failing to follow traffic laws—they may be held responsible for the accident.
The Trucking Company
If the truck driver was working as an employee of a company at the time of the accident, the trucking company could be held liable. This is particularly true if the accident was caused by the company’s failure to maintain the vehicle, enforce safety regulations, or properly train their drivers. In some cases, trucking companies are also held responsible for negligent hiring practices or for requiring drivers to meet unrealistic deadlines, leading to fatigued driving.
The Truck Owner
In situations where the truck is owned by an entity or party separate from the trucking company (such as an independent contractor), the truck owner could be held liable for issues related to vehicle maintenance or unsafe working conditions. For example, if a faulty vehicle part caused the crash, the owner may be responsible for ensuring regular maintenance was performed.
Truck or Truck Part Manufacturer
If a defect in the truck, its equipment, or any of its parts caused or contributed to the collision, the manufacturer of those parts may be liable. This includes situations where a mechanical failure—such as brake failure, tire blowouts, or engine issues—caused the crash. In such cases, the victim may pursue a claim under product liability law.
Freight Companies or Shippers
If the truck was carrying freight, the company that loaded the cargo could be held responsible if they overloaded the truck or failed to secure the load properly. Improperly loaded cargo can shift, causing the truck to become unbalanced or difficult to control, leading to an accident.
Maintenance Companies
Some trucking companies may outsource the maintenance of vehicles. If the truck’s mechanical failure was due to inadequate maintenance or repair work, the maintenance company could be held liable for the accident.
Other Drivers or Third Parties
In some cases, other drivers or third parties may share liability for the accident. For example, another vehicle may have caused the truck driver to swerve or react in a way that led to the crash. In this case, both the truck driver and the other driver may share responsibility for the incident.
Speak With the Truck Accident Lawyers at Wooten, Kimbrough, Damaso & Dennis
Truck accidents can be incredibly complex, with multiple parties potentially involved in the cause of the crash. At Wooten, Kimbrough, Damaso & Dennis, we offer you experienced and aggressive representation, ensuring that every detail of your case is handled professionally. Our Florida personal injury lawyer has successfully navigated the intricacies of truck accident cases, providing clients with the best possible chance at securing compensation for their injuries and losses.
From investigating the cause of the crash to working with expert witnesses and negotiating with insurance companies, we provide comprehensive support every step of the way. Let us handle the legal challenges while you focus on your recovery. Contact us today at (407) 843-7060 or through our contact form to discuss your case.
Legally Written and Reviewed by a Managing Partner
Wooten, Kimbrough, Damaso & Dennis
Our content is written and reviewed by our founding attorneys Butch Wooten, Orman Kimbrough, Mike Damaso, and Tom Dennis. With over 100 years of combined courtroom experience, they’ve successfully handled thousands of personal injury cases across Florida. Whether you’re a Florida resident or an out-of-state visitor injured in Florida, we’re dedicated to providing clear and reliable information to help you navigate your legal options confidently.