Maitland, FL Truck Accident Attorneys

The roads in and around Maitland, Florida can be very busy, with regular commercial truck traffic. Large trucks can present serious risks to other drivers, passengers, and pedestrians. When a collision involves a semi-truck, tractor-trailer, or other commercial vehicle, the results can be devastating. In these cases, injury victims can take action to recover compensation for their losses, but this is often easier said than done.

The attorneys at The Doan Law Firm help people who have been injured in truck accidents in Maitland, working to protect their rights as they seek justice for the harm they have suffered. With our record of success, we are ready to stand up against trucking companies and other large corporations, making sure they will be held responsible for negligence that led to serious injuries.

Types of Truck Accidents and Injuries

Truck accidents can happen in many different ways, and the circumstances of the crash and the type of vehicle involved may influence the severity of a person's injuries. Some of the most frequent—and most dangerous—types of truck accidents include:

Rear-End Accidents

Large trucks require significantly more distance to come to a full stop. If a truck driver is speeding, they may not have enough time to slow down to avoid crashing into the back of another vehicle. Issues like distracted driving and driver fatigue can also lead to rear-end collisions. These accidents can result in injuries such as whiplash, back and spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, broken bones, and Internal bleeding.

Sideswipe Accidents

A truck may strike another vehicle from the side if a truck driver attempts to change lanes without adequately checking their blind spots. This can force smaller vehicles into barriers or other lanes, or a truck may even run a car off the road. These crashes can cause injuries such as crushed limbs, lacerations, or shoulder or neck injuries.

Rollover Accidents

Commercial trucks have high centers of gravity, and they are more susceptible to rollovers, especially during sharp turns or when cargo shifts suddenly. Rollover accidents can affect multiple vehicles, causing injuries when people are crushed under a truck or trailer. These injuries may include traumatic head and chest trauma, severe fractures, or burns due to hazardous cargo that spills in a rollover.

Falling Cargo Accidents

Improperly loaded or unsecured cargo can fall onto the roadway or hit other vehicles, creating chaos and causing multi-vehicle pileups. Falling cargo may result in serious injuries such as head trauma from debris that lands on a vehicle, as well as other forms of bodily harm when multiple vehicles are involved in a collision.

Underride Accidents

Underride accidents happen when a smaller vehicle becomes trapped under the rear or side of a truck. These accidents may occur when trucks do not have the proper underride guards. Injuries in these accidents are often fatal due to issues such as decapitation or head injuries, severe spinal injuries, and crush injuries.

Addressing Truck Driver and Employer Negligence

Many truck accidents are caused by negligence on the part of the driver or their employer. Common forms of negligence include:

• Driver Fatigue: Long hours on the road without sufficient rest can impair a driver's reaction time and judgment. Trucking companies may encourage drivers to remain on the road even when they are too tired to drive safely, greatly increasing the chances of an accident.
• Distracted Driving: Texting, eating, or using electronic devices can cause deadly lapses in attention. Truck drivers who have not been properly trained may engage in unsafe behaviors that take their attention away from the road.
• Speeding or Aggressive Driving: Truck drivers who violate traffic laws or fail to adjust for road conditions put others at risk. Companies that require drivers to meet tight deadlines may encourage them to drive unsafely.
• Improper Training or Supervision: Trucking companies are responsible for ensuring their drivers are adequately trained and qualified. Truck drivers who have not received the proper training will be more likely to make mistakes that could lead to accidents.

In a truck accident claim, both the individual driver and the trucking company may be held responsible. Employers may be liable for accidents caused by negligent hiring practices, insufficient training, or pressuring drivers to meet unrealistic deadlines.

Other Parties That May Be Liable in a Truck Accident

In some cases, responsibility for a truck accident may extend beyond the driver and the trucking company. Other potentially liable parties include:

Cargo Loaders

Third-party companies that load freight must ensure that cargo is balanced, secured, and in compliance with weight regulations. Improperly loaded cargo can shift during transit and cause jackknife accidents or rollover accidents.

Truck or Parts Manufacturers

Defective vehicle components such as brakes, tires, steering systems, or coupling devices may fail while a truck is in motion. When a faulty part contributes to an accident, the manufacturer or distributor may be held liable.

Maintenance Providers

Regular maintenance is critical to ensure that a truck can operate safely. If a truck not not been inspected and serviced correctly, the mechanic or maintenance contractor may bear responsibility for accidents caused by mechanical failures.

Government Entities

Local or state agencies responsible for road design and maintenance may be liable when accidents are caused by issues such as potholes, uneven pavement, missing signs, inadequate lighting, poor drainage, or unsafe construction zones. Filing a claim against a government entity in Florida involves specific legal procedures and deadlines, making experienced legal guidance essential.

Contact Our Maitland Truck Accident Attorneys

The attorneys at The Doan Law Firm can take legal action to help injury victims receive the proper compensation for damages they have suffered in truck accidents. We will work to hold negligent drivers, trucking companies, and other parties accountable for the harm they have caused. Contact our office at 407-289-0000 to set up a free consultation and begin your path toward justice.