When congestion from I-4 brings commercial freight traffic into the area, the risk of a truck crash increases. Truck accidents affect not only the first vehicle involved in the collision but also several lanes of traffic, causing roadway blockages and potentially resulting in multi-vehicle collisions.
If you or your loved one has survived an accident like this, a Lake Mary truck accident lawyer from our firm can help you understand your legal options and how to proceed with your case. An experienced injury attorney from our firm can help you understand state accident laws, which may differ from what you expect if you are unfamiliar with them.
Florida’s no-fault laws for motor vehicle accidents differ from those of other states, and lawmakers are considering changing them. Currently, car owners in the state must have personal injury protection (PIP) insurance, which provides up to $10,000 in medical coverage per family member in the household, even outside the car. However, this amount does not provide an injured person with sufficient financial support.
PIP can cover only 80 percent of medical expenses and 60 percent of lost wages. Unless you obtain a medical opinion confirming an emergency medical condition, PIP will pay only $2,500. Even the full amount may not cover the catastrophic injuries a truck wreck can cause, making guidance from a Lake Mary attorney important when you are pursuing full compensation.
Trucks can become involved in many of the same types of accidents as cars, including rollovers, rear-end collisions, and T-bone or side impacts. However, a truck’s weight and momentum can severely damage a car, motorcycle, or bicycle, increasing the likelihood of fatalities in an accident. The construction of commercial trucks also makes them vulnerable to certain types of accidents.
Semi-trucks, also known as tractor-trailers or 18-wheelers, are vulnerable to jackknifing. Under certain conditions, the trailer and cab can swing apart into neighboring lanes or off the road entirely. When this occurs in Lake Mary, other drivers and road users may face broadside collisions or pile-up accidents that an experienced commercial vehicle accident attorney from our firm can help address.
When a car or motorcycle collides with a high-clearance truck or trailer, it may underride and slide entirely underneath the large vehicle. Without adequate guard bars, the underside of the truck can crush or tear off the roof of a smaller vehicle, placing occupants at risk of death or traumatic brain injuries.
After a truck accident, a person who has suffered a significant or permanent injury according to the legal definition can sue or seek an insurance settlement from the trucking company. When an accident victim loses their life, their family may file a lawsuit through the estate.
The trucking company may not be the only party at fault. Several parties can share responsibility when a truck crashes, including the driver, a freight company, or an equipment manufacturer. When you work with our attorneys on a truck collision claim in Lake Mary, we can research all responsible parties to build a strong case for you.
Insurance companies investigate accidents, but their reports may not always be accurate or fair. A lawyer from our team can conduct an independent investigation and retain specialists to review crucial truck recorder data or reconstruct the accident. Strong evidence can give your legal team the leverage it needs to negotiate a fair settlement on your behalf.
Rue & Ziffra has served as your local injury firm for 50 years. Over that time, we have served the communities surrounding these roads. Our attorneys understand that clients have different needs after an accident, particularly senior clients and younger clients who may face greater challenges during recovery.
Contact our firm today to discuss your case with a Lake Mary truck accident lawyer.
Rue & Ziffra – Your Trusted Personal Injury Lawyers