In Orlando, truck accident attorneys like those at Harrell & Harrell, P.A., have a thorough understanding of the United States Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations in regards to commercial truck accidents. With today’s roadways crowded by commercial carriers and large service trucks of all kinds, it is more important than ever to know “How Does a Truck Accident Differ from a Car Accident in Florida?” The fact is commercial trucking is heavily regulated by the government’s Code of Federal Regulations. Everything from the truck’s routine maintenance records to the mandated driver’s log become part of the evidence that needs to be documented when our Orlando truck accident lawyer begins to construct your personal injury claim.
The number of traffic fatalities and cases involving debilitating injuries involving trucks, continues to increase each year. If you or a loved one have been injured in a commercial truck accident, it is important to accurately document the events surrounding the incident in a timely manner. Plus, a review of the authorities’ investigations of the incident may provide valuable insights for your attorney to use in determining the validity of a lawsuit. Determining what caused and who was responsible for an accident involving a large truck can be tricky, so seek the advice of legal counsel. Before you attempt to negotiate with any insurance company, contact our Orlando truck accident attorneys at 1-800-251-1111 for your FREE, no cost, no obligation consultation.
In Florida, citizens have a right to represent themselves in legal matters. However, that doesn’t mean you should attempt to exercise that privilege after being involved in an Orlando truck accident. Lawyers understand the liability issues that occur when a commercial hauler is involved and how difficult it can be to accurately document a case involving a commercial carrier. For example, prior to hiring a truck driver, the trucking company is responsible for a background check to determine if the driver is certified for the vehicle they will be driving, and whether or not the driver’s employment history, criminal history or driving record would preclude them from being hired. Additionally, an insurance settlement in a truck accident claim can be offered at any point to include:
At Harrell & Harrell, P.A., our qualified truck accident attorneys can provide very valuable legal counsel at any given step during negotiations with the insurance carrier. We know a commercial truck driver must have passed a road test and be certified to operate the specific vehicle that he or she was driving. Additionally, we know the critical steps that the business must have followed prior to putting the driver behind the wheel of a truck used for commercial hauling or delivery. So, don’t settle for less than you deserve. If you or a loved one received personal injuries, property damages or an untimely death due to another person’s negligence, carelessness or unreasonable acts, let our truck accident lawyer review your case and provide you with the legal advice you need to make the best decisions.
Attorneys experienced with truck accidents know that the truck and trailer involved in an accident likely belong to different entities. It is often difficult to determine the individual and collective liabilities relating to the ownership and/or leasing agreements for both the truck and the trailer. Identifying the vehicle’s Department of Transportation and Motor Carrier numbers (located in the cab of most commercial vehicles) is typically the first step in any investigation. Using these manufacturer’s numbers, our truck accident attorney will calculate the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating for the truck based on the specific make and model. Unfortunately, in today’s economy, greedy carriers sometimes fudge on the weight limits and inadvertently become liable even when the truck driver was not at fault.
Based on the details of the law enforcement’s accident report, the Florida State Attorney’s office may choose to review the accident for possible criminal violations by the truck driver and/or the trucking company that originally commissioned the payload. In such instances, the truck driver’s log will be used to determine whether the driver of the commercial vehicle was in compliance with state and federal regulations regarding the number of hours spent driving versus the number of actual rest periods. Also, exceeding a truck’s weight limits with a heavy payload can also be a contributing factor to the severity of any trucking accident in Orlando. Truck accident lawyers often uncover multiple sources of liability, especially when the payload exceeds the recommended combined weight for safe hauling and safe braking.
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