Did you know that truck transport is widely considered one of the most suitable forms of transportation for goods across the US? Approximately 70 percent of all products delivered in America are transported via truck. With so many deliveries happening daily, many accidents occur. It’s estimated that 130,000 people suffer from injuries sustained during a trucking accident each year.
Should you have been involved in a delivery truck accident in Orlando, you might want to consider speaking with a delivery truck accident lawyer. Since we understand how difficult it can be to focus on recovering after an accident, our lawyers at Wooten, Kimbrough, Damaso & Dennis, PA, can help you. We will fight alongside you and do our best to secure you a fair settlement.
Why Are Orlando Delivery Truck Accidents Different?
Unlike car accidents, delivery truck accidents tend to be more severe and are, in many instances, catastrophic. This is because delivery trucks weigh tens of thousands of pounds, and the force with which they hit other vehicles is immense.
With more delivery trucks on the road because of the increased popularity of online shopping, more accidents are occurring, and truck drivers as well as other motorists are injured regularly.
If you have recently been injured in a truck accident, it would be best to consider consulting with an attorney as they can evaluate your case and the evidence to increase your likelihood of obtaining a favorable case outcome.
The Common Causes of Delivery Truck Accidents
It is estimated that in 2017, all registered trucks on the road traveled a total of 297.6 billion miles. As can be evidenced, delivery truck drivers spend numerous hours on the road, leading to fatigue and drowsiness.
When truck drivers feel fatigued, they are more likely to make mistakes that lead to accidents. Besides fatigue being a major cause of delivery truck driver accidents, there are a few other common causes for delivery truck accidents in Orlando.
Sudden Turns
In many instances, a UPS or FedEx driver could make a sudden and unexpected turn when they notice that they have missed a delivery address. Since delivery trucks take more space to maneuver, committing to a sudden turn increases the likelihood of an accident occurring.
Sudden Stops
Delivery truck drivers are always busy and under immense pressure, since they have to stick to tight schedules. That’s why it’s easy for them to get lost in thought and accidentally stop suddenly when searching for a delivery address. When they stop suddenly, vehicles behind them crash into them, which could lead the delivery truck to crash into a car in front of them as well.
Distracted Driving
Mainly due to a busy schedule, truck drivers tend to be distracted. When drivers have to take their eyes off the road to check their communications devices and maps, they are distracted, leading to accidents. Additionally, a driver that has been on the road for long periods of time could also be more easily distracted by things in their environment.
Improperly Secured Loads
In many instances, delivery trucks have loads that are not secured properly. Often these loads that are not secured properly come loose and fall off the truck, causing accidents.
Inadequate Training
Sometimes, delivery companies like FedEx and UPS don’t train their delivery drivers properly. Improperly trained drivers have a significantly harder time controlling their delivery trucks and operating them properly, which is why they lose control more often and get into accidents.
The Common Injuries Seen with Delivery Truck Accidents
As you are likely aware, delivery truck accidents can lead to more severe injuries. Here are some common injuries seen with delivery truck accidents:
- Burn injuries
- Amputations
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Slipped discs
- Cuts and lacerations
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Neck and shoulder injuries
It is essential that you seek prompt medical attention after an accident. Not only will you receive necessary treatment, but you will also create a record of your injuries that can be utilized if your goal is to obtain compensation for your injuries.
Who Could Be Liable for Your Injuries?
In a delivery truck accident, determining liability can be an incredibly complex endeavor. In these types of accidents, it’s common for multiple parties to be liable. In most instances, the law treats truck drivers as employees, which means that the company employing them is financially responsible for your compensation.
However, this is not always the case. A few delivery companies like FedEx and UPS outsource their deliveries to independent contractors. If you’re in an accident with an independent contractor, you would then have to file a claim against them and not FedEx or UPS delivery companies.
Essentially a lawyer will have to carefully examine your delivery truck accident to establish which parties could be liable. A lawyer can assess all the facts of your case and deal with the various insurance companies and their policies to work towards obtaining a fair settlement on your behalf.
Speak with an Orlando Delivery Truck Accident Lawyer Today to Discuss Your Case
No one truly expects to be involved in a delivery truck accident, but unfortunately, they often occur. If you have recently sustained injuries in a delivery truck accident, you might want to consider speaking with an Orlando truck accident attorney from Wooten, Kimbrough, Damaso & Dennis, PA.
Our award-winning firm has more than 50 years of experience in helping injured victims obtain the compensation they deserve. When you’re ready to speak with us and determine if you could be entitled to sue for compensation, you can contact us here or give us a call at (407) 843-7060.
