In the state of Florida, Orange City truck drivers, passenger cars, and other vehicles must share the roadways safely. If you are driving a sedan, it can be a little intimidating driving next to a large semi-truck. You understand that if the large truck driver makes a mistake, your car could be severely damaged, leaving you with life-threatening injuries.
In two-vehicle crashes involving a large truck and a passenger car in the United States, those in the passenger vehicle suffered 96% of the 2,212 deaths that occurred in 2018, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). This shows the danger those in the passenger car are in when struck by a truck driver.
If you suffered significant injuries after a crash with a truck, consider contacting our office to see how an Orange City truck accident lawyer can help. Orange City personal injury lawyers can work to help you receive the fairest possible settlement for your medical bills and pain and suffering. Call Bogin, Munns & Munns for a free case review today.
Negotiating with Insurance Companies
Soon after your accident, you may receive a call from the insurance company or an attorney representing the truck driver. Either of these entities may have a lot of questions for you, asking you about the accident and the extent of your injuries.
This can be a significant hassle, especially if you are still under the influence of pain medication or still have to try to take care of loved ones who also suffered injuries in the accident with the truck.
We Can Negotiate on Your Behalf
Because Orange City truck accidents like these are so serious, they tend to happen only once in someone’s life, if they leave unharmed that is. Due to this, you probably do not regularly deal with insurers and lawyers. However, the insurance company deals with these types of cases on a regular basis, which gives it a significant advantage during negotiations.
An Orange City truck accident lawyer can gather evidence, build a strong case and negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf. We understand how devastating this can be for you and your family. The team at Bogin, Munns & Munns is ready to begin working on your case as soon as you hire us.
To consult with an experienced truck accident lawyer serving Orange City
855-780-9986
Common Types of Truck Accidents
A truck could be involved in a few different types of accidents in Orange City. Some of these types of accidents could show negligence on the part of the truck driver.
Others could be the fault of a truck owner. Either way, showing negligence is a key component in attempting to win your personal injury lawsuit. An Orange City truck accident lawyer can help you navigate complex laws surrounding truck accidents.
Distracted Driving
If the truck driver is using a smartphone at the time of the crash, he or she could be negligent through distracted driving, as defined by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT). A distracted truck driver may not see a hazard in time to avoid it.
Drunk Driving
If the truck driver took drugs or drank alcohol before the crash, he or she could be found negligent, under Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) laws. Even if the driver’s blood-alcohol level does not rise to the level of 0.08%, resulting in a ticket, any use of alcohol or drugs could be considered negligent.
Jackknife
A jackknife accident occurs when the trailer on the semi-truck begins moving on its own, no longer with the control of the rig. The truck and trailer may almost appear to fold in half, causing a loss of control for the truck driver.
In a jackknife accident, the people who loaded the cargo in the trailer may have made a mistake, causing the cargo to shift and leaving the driver unable to control the truck.
It is also possible that the coupling between the rig and trailer failed, leading to the accident, meaning the manufacturer of the coupling could be liable for your crash.
Override and Underride
Because the passenger car is so much smaller than the truck and trailer, the truck could crush the smaller car if the two collide.
In an override accident, the truck, with its large wheels, may drive over the back, roof, and trunk of the car, crushing it.
In an underride accident, a car may not stop in time when following a truck, driving underneath the trailer, and causing the passenger area to be crushed.
These types of accidents may occur if the truck driver is following a car too closely, which makes them unable to stop the truck in time. Or, if the truck’s brake lights are malfunctioning, the driver of the car may not see the slowing or stopping truck in time to avoid an underride accident.
Rollover
In a rollover accident, the driver may be going too fast on a sharp curve, or the trailer’s tires may blow out suddenly, causing the trailer to tip over. An overloaded or improperly loaded trailer can cause a tipping accident too.
A truck that rolls over could slide into other cars, creating serious damage.
Additionally, the cargo in the trailer could spill out, which could create a dangerous situation for pedestrians near the accident or for drivers and passengers in nearby cars.
Runaway Truck
A semi-truck with a full load could have a difficult time slowing or stopping, especially in mountain driving. This can lead to serious accidents with cars if the truck is traveling at a highway speed.
Sometimes, faulty brakes can lead to a runaway truck accident. Other times, the people loading the trailer may have overloaded it, meaning the brakes are not rated for the weight, causing a crash.
We Will Work Tirelessly to Help You Attain the Fairest Possible Settlement
At Bogin, Munns & Munns we do not shy away from the toughest cases. We know how insurance companies try to treat victims of truck accidents, and we are ready to counteract their measures to help you receive a satisfactory settlement based on the facts of your case.
If you were injured in an accident involving a truck in Orange City, call Bogin, Munns & Munns today for a free consultation. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means we do not accept any payment upfront. Our fees will come from the settlement if the case reaches a satisfactory conclusion.
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