Involved in a Trucking Accident? Here’s What You Should Do

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In Florida, the trend of fatal commercial truck accidents should be alarming. Between 2010 and 2018, Florida’s highways saw a nearly 75% increase in fatal truck accidents. The state average, while concerning, is considerably more manageable. In the same period of time, the average states recorded a 35% increase. Only Texas and California recorded more fatalities involving large trucks. Even so, the rate of increase trails Florida’s devastating trajectory.

 

Florida’s highway system unfortunately lends itself to these kinds of accidents. With several hundred thousand drivers commuting on a daily basis, Florida’s highways are highly congested, with conditions ripe for vehicle collisions. Trucks flying down I-95, I-10, I-275, 1-75, and I-4 pose a tremendous risk to families and commuters. I-95 northbound between Miami-Dade and Broward County ranks second in Florida’s deadliest roadways according to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, revealing that 1.73 fatal accidents occur per mile on this particular highway stretch.

 

Cases involving large trucks can be more complex than those involving the typical vehicle collision. Large corporations armed with sophisticated defense attorneys jump through hoops to ensure their clients pay the bare minimum. They will likely argue that your negligence – not their truck driver’s – caused the accident. They may even offer a small settlement to prevent you from taking legal action. These tactics are used daily to protect deep corporate pockets at the expense of regular individuals. 

 

Large truck accidents are exceptionally devastating to life and property. Due to their sheer size, accidents often result in multiple fatalities and millions of dollars in property damage. Just days ago, horrific news broke from Georgia where an accident involving a large tractor-trailer resulted in three fatalities, including a pregnant woman and her unborn child. Sadly, these types of cases are all too common. Their impact on our communities cannot be understated. 

 

At Miller Trial Law, we are deeply disturbed by the trend of large truck fatalities and are committed to getting our clients involved in these accidents the recovery they deserve. Fortunately, there are things you can do to maximize your recovery.

 

  • Inspect yourself for injuries. If you are seriously injured, call 9-11 and try not to move. Follow the direction of law enforcement and paramedics when they arrive.
  • Document the accident. If you are able to, take pictures of the accident-scene and damages to vehicles involved and people involved. Ideally, take a video or audio recording, specifying your account of the events leading up to the accident, and any injuries/damage you’ve suffered. 
  • Collect information. The following information may be useful:
    • Names of the truck driver and passengers
    • License-plate number, make, model and color of truck
    • Truck-driver’s license number and employer
    • Insurance company’s information (including policy number)
    • Names and contact information of any witnesses
    • Accident-report
  • Contact Miller Trial Law: Your best strategy to maximize your recovery is to speak to one of our attorneys. We will guide you through the process of bringing a claim –investigation, collecting evidence, interviewing witnesses, deposing parties, negotiating with your insurer – all to ensure you are justly and fairly compensated. 

 

If you or someone you love has become injured or killed due to an accident involving a commercial truck, Miller Trial Law can help get you the recovery that you deserve. Please call us today at (305)-697-8312 for a free, no-risk consultation to see what your case is worth. We look forward to serving you!