St. Cloud, FL Truck Accident Attorneys

Collisions involving commercial trucks are some of the most dangerous accidents that can occur on Florida's roads. When passenger vehicles collide with semi-trucks, 18-wheelers, or delivery vehicles, the resulting injuries are often catastrophic. At The Doan Law Firm, we help victims of truck accidents in St. Cloud understand their legal options, and we provide representation to help ensure that they can recover full compensation for the injuries they have suffered.

Why Truck Accidents Can Lead to Devastating Injuries

A fully loaded tractor-trailer can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, which is more than 20 times the weight of a typical passenger car. In a crash, the sheer size and force of a large truck can create a violent impact, often leading to severe or permanent injuries for the occupants of smaller vehicles. The high centers of gravity, wide turning radiuses, and long stopping distances of large trucks further increase the risks of accidents and the severity of collisions.

These accidents may occur on highways, intersections, or local roads. The nature of a crash can determine the severity of the injuries, with situations such as underride accidents or rollovers being more likely to result in severe injuries.

Common Types of Serious Injuries in Truck Accidents

Victims of truck accidents often require emergency medical care, surgery, long-term rehabilitation, and in some cases, lifelong assistance. Some of the most common and severe injuries people experience in truck accidents include:

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)

A blow to the head during a truck collision can cause a concussion or a more serious brain injury. Victims may suffer effects such as memory loss, cognitive impairment, mood changes, and reduced coordination. Severe TBIs can result in permanent disabilities.

Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis

High-impact crashes can damage the spinal cord, potentially leading to paraplegia, quadriplegia, or other forms of paralysis. Even partial spinal injuries can result in chronic pain, loss of sensation, and limited mobility.

Broken Bones and Fractures

Truck accidents often cause multiple fractures to the ribs, arms, legs, or pelvis. These injuries may require surgical repair, metal implants, and extensive physical therapy.

Internal Injuries

The trauma that occurs in a collision can lead to issues such as internal bleeding, or organs such as the lungs, liver, or kidneys may be damaged. These injuries may not be outwardly visible, but they can put a victim's life at risk if they are not treated quickly.

Amputations

Severe crush injuries or lacerations may result in the loss of a limb. Amputation injuries will often require long-term rehabilitation and the use of prosthetic devices, and they can lead to significant emotional and psychological trauma.

Burn Injuries

Fires or explosions caused by ruptured fuel tanks or hazardous cargo can lead to first-, second-, or third-degree burns. Victims may suffer permanent scarring, infections, nerve damage, and other long-lasting effects.

Lacerations and Disfigurement

Flying debris, shattered glass, and crushed metal can cause deep cuts that may result in severe blood loss or other complications. Lacerations can also cause scars or disfigurement, sometimes requiring reconstructive surgery and leading to long-term emotional trauma.

Negligent Truck Driver Behavior That Can Lead to Accidents

While some truck accidents may result from equipment failure or hazardous road conditions, many are caused by negligent actions on the part of truck drivers. Commercial drivers are held to high safety standards, and violations of rules and regulations can create serious risks for everyone on the road. Common forms of truck driver negligence leading to truck accidents include:

• Fatigued Driving: Despite federal hours-of-service regulations, some drivers operate their trucks without making sure to receive sufficient rest. Drowsy driving can impair a person's reaction times and lead to devastating errors.
• Distracted Driving: Using a phone, eating and drinking, adjusting GPS devices or other controls, or any activity that takes a driver's attention off the road can lead to fatal consequences.
• Speeding: Driving too fast in dangerous road conditions like heavy rain or strong winds or exceeding the speed limit can make it harder for a truck driver to stop a heavy vehicle in time to avoid a collision.
• Impaired Driving: Alcohol, illegal drugs, or even prescription medications can affect a driver's ability to operate a truck safely.
• Aggressive Driving: Tailgating, unsafe lane changes, and road rage behaviors are especially dangerous when a truck is involved.
• Improper Lane Use: Failure to check blind spots or signal lane changes can result in sideswipe collisions or accidents where other vehicles are forced off the road.
• Lack of Training or Licensing: Inexperienced drivers may not know how to properly handle emergency situations, navigate turns, or account for the weight distribution of a truck.

When a truck driver's negligence leads to a serious injury, both the driver and the trucking company may be held liable for the harm caused.

Contact Our St. Cloud, FL Truck Accident Attorneys

Truck accidents can change people's lives in an instant, and the road to recovery can be long and difficult. At The Doan Law Firm, our lawyers are ready to help truck accident victims recover the full compensation they deserve. Contact us today by calling 407-289-0000 to book a free consultation.