The large tractor trailers and the cargo they carry make them prone to accidents, and victims can sustain grave injuries that may require extensive treatment over time. It’s common to experience unimaginable pain and loss after these types of accidents, especially when a loved one passes away. You may not be in the right frame of mind for dealing with insurance agents or the defendant’s attorneys.
A Gainesville tractor trailer accident lawyer with the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine has helped many clients like you get the compensation they deserve. We offer a free case review and more information when getting started.
Determining Fault in Your Gainesville Tractor Trailer Accident Case
One of the most important considerations after getting into an accident with a tractor trailer is determining who is at fault. Proving liability depends on several factors, and there could be more than one responsible party at fault.
In most cases, the party responsible for your injuries may be:
- The trucking company
- The tractor trailer operator
- Owner of the tractor trailer
- Truck part manufacturer
- Subcontractors
- Insurance companies
Determining liability is not always easy. If you choose our firm to represent you, we will hire an accident reconstruction specialist to investigate what happened and help build your case. We will ensure that if more than one party is liable, they are held accountable via an insurance claim or lawsuit.
Common Reasons for Tractor Trailer Accidents in Gainesville
The number of large trucks involved in fatal accidents increased by two percent in 2019, according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). The forces of impact are too great for a small car or van, and victims can sustain grave injuries.
Some common factors for crashes involving tractor trailers include but are not limited to:
- Driver Fatigue: It’s horrific that some truck drivers fall asleep behind the wheel because they are perpetually sleep-deprived. Ideally, they should rest after 11 hours on the road, but not all drivers adhere to this regulation. Unrelenting pressure to meet delivery timelines can have dangerous results.
- Blind Spots: The large size of tractor trailers create blind spots that make it hard to see smaller cars traveling behind or adjacent to them. These blind spots can lead to accidents on roads and major highways.
- Mechanical Problems: It doesn’t matter how careful the driver is if their vehicle is not roadworthy. They could have neglected to go for routine inspections before setting off only to encounter issues like underinflated tires, transmission failure, and lighting system outages. Or the manufacturer of the truck part that failed could be held responsible.
- Unsecured Cargo: Tractor trailers haul tons of cargo across the nation, and the goods must be loaded as per the specifications. Unbalanced or overloaded cargo can cause the truck to roll over, especially when cruising at high speeds.
- Intoxicated Driving: Drinking alcohol or being under the influence of drugs (even prescription medications) can alter a driver’s judgment on the road. Driving under the influence is illegal. If this happened in your case, our team can gather evidence to prove the driver’s liability.
What You Should Do After Tractor Trailer Accident
In many instances, being involved in a collision with a large truck leaves most victims with serious injuries that may require long-term rehabilitation and care.
If you are in an accident with a tractor trailer in Gainesville, try and do the following if you are able:
- Call for help by dialing 911
- Allow first responders to assess you and any other passengers
- Document the scene through cell phone video or photos
- Speak to witnesses and get their contact information
- Do not admit fault
- Refrain from sharing the incident on social media
- Call your insurance agent and have your vehicle appraised
- Contact a tractor trailer accident lawyer
Information to Collect From the Other Driver
Holding those accountable for crashes they have caused is complex, and some may try to deny culpability and even blame you. It’s advisable to gather the necessary details from the other drivers involved. This information will be needed once the investigation begins and when filing a personal injury claim or lawsuit.
Therefore, get the other driver(s):
- Full name, home address, phone number, and email address
- Insurance agency and policy number
- License number
- Truck license plate number and other pertinent details
- Employer name and contact details
Common Injuries After a Tractor Trailer Accident
Crashes involving tractor trailers typically leave occupants in the smaller vehicle with serious injuries, which may include:
- Back and neck sprains that require extensive treatment and rehabilitation
- Internal injuries that can damage sensitive organs like kidneys and lungs
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) could lead to permanent loss of cognitive function
- Fractured or broken bones, and in extreme cases, amputation
- Lacerations and burns that can leave you with lifelong scars
- Wrongful death of a loved one
Statute of Limitations on Personal Injury Cases in Florida
You do have a limited time to file a lawsuit in civil court. According to Florida Statutes § 95.11(3)(a), you have four years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Per Florida Statutes § 95.11(4)(d), you have two years to file a wrongful death lawsuit on behalf of your loved one.
A lawyer from our firm can ensure you don’t miss these deadlines. Doing so can prevent you from pursuing compensation in your case. We will not let that happen.
Let Our Tractor Trailer Accident Lawyer Handle Your Case
Are you seeking justice after a tractor trailer accident in Gainesville? The attorneys at the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine will know what questions to ask and how to retrieve answers from the liable parties. Our team will keep you updated on any case developments, answer all your questions, and respond to your calls and emails. We are also ready to represent you in court if necessary.
Call us at 1-800-747-3733 for a free consultation and let us handle your case on a contingency-fee basis.
We Can Help.
