Last Updated On July 26, 2024
ORLANDO TRUCK ACCIDENT ATTORNEY
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Due to their enormous weight and size, trucks cause serious, and often fatal, accidents on our roads when colliding at high speeds with normal-sized vehicles. If you have been injured in a truck or tractor-trailer accident, Todd Miner Law®️ can help you determine who should be held responsible for your injuries. Once we establish liability, we can help you file a personal injury claim against the responsible truck driver or trucking company.
Over the years, our firm has successfully recovered millions of dollars in compensation. Attorney Todd Miner is a seasoned truck accident lawyer in Orlando who underwent intensive trial training. His experience in working with America’s biggest insurance company allows him to provide well-versed representation to injured individuals. His experience on the other side of the courtroom could make all the difference to your personal injury case in Orlando.
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Frequently Asked Truck Accident Lawyer Questions
Every day, thousands of commercial vehicles transport goods into, out of, and across the state. Right now, as a result of “panic buying” there are more trucks than ever on the roads in an attempt to restock grocery stores across the nation.
- Read more: Negligent Hiring
Because of the dangers these vehicles present, truck drivers are expected to abide by numerous state and federal trucking laws—including the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR)[1].
Federal trucking regulations address a number of safety concerns, including:
- Licensing requirements for drivers
- Special training requirements for drivers
- Alcohol and controlled substances use
- Rest breaks and hours of service limitations
- Truck size, weight, and route limitations
- Rules for loading and securing cargo
When you hire an Orlando truck accident lawyer from Todd Miner Law®️, we will work to determine if the truck driver who caused your accident, or the trucking company that employs them, violated any of these laws or regulations. If this is the case, we will fight to hold them accountable.
- Read more: Common Causes of Truck Accidents
It is extremely important for trailers to be properly loaded in order to avoid an accident. Every year, hundreds of truck accidents result when cargo is not properly loaded or is overloaded. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulates the proper way to secure loads, but unfortunately, many drivers and truck companies ignore these rules in an effort to move more cargo faster.
Improperly loaded or secured cargo can cause balance issues within the trailer, which can cause the trailer to swerve dangerously while the truck is in motion. Imbalance in the trailer can also cause braking issues when the truck is traveling uphill or downhill. Imbalanced trailers are more likely to tip over or jackknife, causing serious injury or death to nearby drivers.
An overloaded truck can be just as deadly. Too much weight can also cause braking issues, as the truck will require a longer distance to slow down with a heavier load. Overloaded trailers can also place significant strain on axels and tires, which may break beneath the trailer’s weight. Tire blowouts are often caused by trailers that are carrying too much weight.
Due to their massive weight and size (up to 80,000 pounds), trucks can cause devastating accidents that most often end up seriously harming or killing other drivers. Properly secured cargo is one of the most important aspects of truck safety and is an essential part of preventing accidents.
- Read more: Truck Maintenance Failure
Every truck driver must be well qualified to safely operate a commercial truck, which is much larger than any other vehicle they might have driven before. If a trucker is not experienced with driving a big rig, then an employer should take ample steps to ensure that the truck driver is given appropriate amounts of on-the-job training. When a trucking company fails to take basic steps to only hire competent truck drivers – or there are no job training opportunities to drivers new to the industry – any misconduct or accident caused by an inexperienced driver can put the liability on that company.
A trucking company can be found professionally negligent if they hire drivers who do not have:
- Valid commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs)
- Clean driving records
- Reliable eyesight – as in they have undiagnosed vision problems
- Clear hours of service violation records
Trucking companies should also plan on conducting criminal background checks on all new hires to look for any charges or convictions related to driving, such as speeding citations or DUI convictions. Regular drug and alcohol testing should also be conducted by an employer and at random to catch any intoxicated drivers before they can hit the road and possibly hit another driver.
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, the average cost of a non-fatal trucking accident[2] is more than $195,200. When an accident results in a fatality, this figure jumps to $3.6 million[3]. At Todd Miner Law®️, we know that no amount of money can make up for the losses you have experienced as a result of your accident; however, you shouldn’t have to suffer the consequences of someone else’s negligence.
By filing a personal injury claim, you can seek compensation for:
- Past and future wage loss
- Diminished earning capacity
- Past and future medical expenses
- Pain and suffering / mental anguish
- Diminished or lost quality of life
In the face of mounting medical bills and time spent away from work, it may be tempting to accept the first settlement offer you receive. However, you could be selling yourself short. To ensure your rights and best interests are protected throughout this process, it is highly recommended that you work with an Orlando truck accident attorney from Todd Miner Law®️. Our team is ready to fight for the level of compensation you deserve.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) imposes hours-of-service (HOS) regulations on all truck drivers. Typically, these regulations restrict the number of hours a truck driver may drive to no more than 11 hours in a 14-hour period after 10 consecutive hours off duty for cargo-carrying drivers and no more than 10 hours in a 15-hour period after 8 hours off duty for passenger-carrying drivers.
Federal HOS regulations also dictate how many hours truck drivers must remain off duty, the number and duration of rest breaks they must take, and how much time they must spend in sleeper berths. These regulations are ostensibly intended to reduce the number of tired and fatigued truck drivers on the road, thereby reducing the number of fatigued driving-related accidents.
However, in March 2020, the FMCSA issued an Emergency Declaration, which it later expanded on March 19, to provide temporary relief from strict compliance to HOS regulations for truck drivers carrying critical items and passengers in direct connection with the novel coronavirus pandemic.
The temporary HOS regulation suspension applies to truck drivers transporting:
- Medical equipment and supplies needed for COVID-19 testing, diagnosis, treatment, etc.
- Fuel
- Raw materials needed for the manufacturing of certain items needed in connection with COVID-19
- Virus prevention materials, such as personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Items needed for emergency re-stocking of grocery stores and other outlets, including food, paper products, etc.
- Personnel and equipment needed in connection with creation/management of temporary housing, quarantine, etc.
- Medical professionals and other persons designated by appropriate authorities as necessary personnel or medical professionals needed to provide medical/emergency services
The relaxation of federal HOS rules means that truck drivers transporting the above goods, materials, and persons are permitted to drive longer hours in order to provide relief to areas hit by COVID-19.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents
Large commercial trucks and big rigs present unique dangers to drivers of normal passenger vehicles – although drivers should be ensuring their safety by following basic rules of the road when driving alongside trucks, truck drivers have an obligation to practice extreme caution. If you’ve been injured at the hands of a negligent truck driver, you should not hesitate to contact Todd Miner Law®️ and schedule your free consultation today.
The most common causes of truck accidents include:
- Truck equipment failure
- Improper loading
- Truck driver fatigue
- Inadequate truck driving training
At our firm, we have successfully recovered millions of dollars in compensation on behalf of our clients. We are unafraid to stand up to large companies and entities to aggressively protect your rights. Because we believe all our clients are deserving of high-quality representation, we accept cases on a contingency fee basis. You don’t pay unless we recover compensation for you.
No one should be left to deal with the emotional, physical, and financial repercussions of a trucking accident on their own accord. At Todd Miner Law, we understand compensation isn’t just about the money – it’s about holding the responsible parties accountable for the suffering they’ve caused you.
As our client, you can expect:
- Skilled representation
- No-cost consultations
- One-on-one attention
- No out-of-pocket upfront legal fees
Injured? Contact An Orlando Truck Accident Lawyer
If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a truck accident, we urge you to contact our Orlando truck accident attorney today. At Todd Miner Law®️, you can trust you’ll receive the compassion you deserve and the representation you need. Call 407-955-5640 or fill-out a form for a free case evaluation.
Truck Accidents Caused by Driver Fatigue
Lack of sleep is a common cause of preventable truck accidents. Lack of sleep impairs judgment and reaction time and puts the driver at risk of falling asleep behind the wheel. Since long-haul truckers work many hours to cover long distances, it is not uncommon for drivers to suffer sleep deprivation, disruption of normal sleep cycles, and dangerous fatigue. When this happens in an 80,000-pound vehicle, the results can be disastrous.
If you have been injured or have lost a loved one in a truck accident caused by a fatigued driver, Todd Miner Law®️ may be able to help you recover compensation for your losses. With decades of combined experience, we fight aggressively to hold negligent truck drivers and trucking companies responsible for their carelessness.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires commercial truck drivers to comply with Hours of Service regulations. These rules outline how many hours a truck driver is allowed to work in one on-duty period and sets requirements for mandatory rest periods. For example, a property-carrying driver may drive a maximum of 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty. Furthermore, drivers must take a rest break of at least 30 minutes after driving for eight hours. While many drivers faithfully adhere to these regulations, there are unfortunately some who choose to ignore these rules in order to meet deadlines and make more money. All too often, the result is a serious accident causing injury to other innocent drivers.
Contact A Truck Accident Attorney in Orlando
The Orlando truck accident attorneys at Todd Miner Law®️ are committed to protecting the rights of the injured. We understand the physical, emotional, and financial injury that victims of commercial truck accidents suffer and are prepared to do whatever it takes to bring them the compensation they need to rebuild and carry on with their lives. Call 407-955-5640 or fill-out a form for a free case evaluation.
Truck Accidents Caused by Maintenance Failures
Commercial trucks travel thousands of miles at a time on a regular basis. Because they see so much use, it is crucial for truck drivers and companies to ensure that their trucks are maintained and always in good working order. Not only is this something that a diligent professional should know to do, but it is also something that is required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
It is vital for truck owners and drivers to regularly inspect the following to reduce the risk of a truck accident:
- Brakes
- Steering systems
- Tires
- Coupling devices
- Indicators, reflectors, and brake lights
- Windshield wipers and mirrors
Any malfunction of any of these essential items can spell disaster on the road. Tire blowouts can cause a truck to jackknife. A brake failure can cause a truck to slam into the back of whatever vehicle is in front of it. Brake lights that don’t work can cause someone traveling behind the truck to slam into the back of the trailer at night when visibility is lowest. All of these accidents are entirely preventable when truck drivers take the necessary steps to take care of their vehicles.
If a maintenance failure leads to a preventable truck accident, the person or entity responsible can be held liable for compensating the victim for their medical bills, lost wages, physical and mental pain and suffering, and more.
Any of the following parties may be held responsible for an accident:
- The truck driver who may have failed to inspect the truck before driving it or for ignoring a piece of broken equipment and failing to make the necessary repair
- The trucking company who may have negligently hired a careless or unqualified driver, failed to maintain its truck, or failed to ensure that its truck was equipped with the necessary safety gear
- The mechanic for failing to conduct the proper maintenance or for installing faulty parts
- The equipment manufacturer for creating a defective and unsafe product
Experienced Orlando Truck Accident Attorney
If you have been injured in a truck accident, Todd Miner Law®️ may be able to help you obtain compensation. Led by a former insurance company lawyer, our firm has successfully recovered numerous multi-million dollar results because we understand how to overcome the tactics most commonly used by insurance companies to diminish or deny claims. Call 407-955-5640 or fill-out a form for a free case evaluation.
Jackknife Truck Accidents
One of the most dangerous situations that a truck can get into is when it jackknifes. When a truck’s trailer skids, it can swing around and form a 90-degree angle with the cab, putting everyone on the road in danger. Most often, this occurs when the cab’s wheels lock into place when the truck gets to patch of wet or slippery road. Although the wheels are locked, the trailer continues to move forward, causing it to swing dangerously to the side.
When a truck jackknifes, it could cause a multi-vehicle pileup or potentially end with a truck rollover. Anyone in the truck’s path could be in danger of sustaining serious or fatal injuries, including:
- Broken bones
- Back injuries
- Neck injuries, including whiplash
- Brain injuries
- Burns
- Skull fractures
- Lacerations
- Seatbelt injuries
- Spinal cord injuries, potentially leading to paralysis
- Wrongful death
If you have been injured or have suffered the loss of a loved one in a truck accident, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact an Orlando truck accident lawyer at Todd Miner Law®️ as soon as possible to learn more about your rights and to begin pursuing the compensation you deserve for your losses.
When a truck jackknifes, it is usually because the driver was driving in an unsafe manner for current weather conditions. For example, speeding in the rain greatly increases the chance that the driver will cause an accident. Another cause of jackknife accidents includes failure to properly maintain the truck, such as failing to replace worn tires. While most truck companies and drivers are responsible in this regard, negligence still sometimes happens.
The following parties may be held accountable for a jackknife truck accident:
- The truck driver
- The truck company
- The maintenance company or mechanic
- Government entities responsible for maintaining roadways
Orlando Truck Accident Attorney
At Todd Miner Law®️, we understand how devastating serious truck accidents can be. Driven by a passion to help people in a time of need, we are prepared to fight on your behalf for the maximum amount of compensation you are entitled to under the law. Call 407-955-5640 or fill-out a form for a free case evaluation.
Truck Accidents Caused by Negligent Hiring of Drivers
Trucks can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. They also have large blind spots on both sides of the vehicle, called “no-zones,” which make it difficult to see other motorists on either side of the vehicle. Because of these unique challenges, it is essential that the person entrusted to drive such a potentially dangerous vehicle be carefully considered by his or her prospective employer.
Trucking companies have a responsibility to hire competent, qualified, and experienced drivers to operate their trucks. Because driving a truck requires a special skill set, it is crucial for employers to ensure that the drivers they hire are properly trained and licensed in the safe operation of a commercial tractor-trailer. When an employer fails in this duty, they can be held liable for the misconduct of a driver in the event that someone is injured or killed in an accident.
- Hiring drivers who don’t possess valid commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs)
- Hiring drivers with poor driving records
- Failing to conduct criminal background checks
- Failing to conduct alcohol and drug testing
- Hiring drivers with a history of causing truck accidents
- Hiring truck drivers with vision problems or undiagnosed health issues
- Hiring truck drivers with a history of Hours of Service violations
Truck accidents can result in serious or fatal injuries for all involved, but drivers and passengers of smaller, lighter vehicles usually sustain the worst injuries in accidents with massive 18-wheelers. This can result in substantial medical bills or, if the victim dies, funeral costs and other financial burdens for bereaved family members. In this situation, the trucking company needs to be held accountable.
With big companies, such as Amazon, recently announced they are hiring in mass to help with the need to deliver a large number of supplies to emptied-out grocery stores, hospitals, and more, our attorneys are prepared to handle any truck accident injury case that was the result of an inexperienced or poorly trained novice truck driver.
Truck Accident Attorney in Orlando, FL
At Todd Miner Law®️, we take a stand against trucking companies who cut corners by knowingly hiring unqualified drivers who speed, drive with distractions, drive drunk or fatigued, or commit other unsafe driving practices. If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident that you did not cause call 407-955-5640 or fill-out a form for a free case evaluation.
Florida Trucking Regulations
At Todd Miner Law®️, we are dedicated to meeting clients’ legal needs. Our Orlando truck accident lawyers have provided compassionate representation to clients injured in commercial truck accidents. With a thorough knowledge of Florida’s commercial trucking regulations, our firm can discuss your situation and provide informative, personal services. We can investigate your accident, gather evidence, file and handle your claim against the trucking company and their insurance company. and represent you in court as you seek the compensation you deserve for your injuries.
The state of Florida imposes regulations on the commercial trucking business, in addition to federal laws. It is important to know and obey federal and state regulations while driving a commercial truck to increase your safety and the safety of those around you. The Florida Highway Patrol Office of Commercial Vehicle Enforcement (OCVE) and the Florida Department of Transportation Motor Carrier Size and Weight enforce the regulations.
Florida trucking regulations cover:
- Size and weight of the truck
- Oversize and overweight permits
- Commercial licenses
- Transportation of hazardous materials
- Registration
- Insurance
- Driver safety examinations
- Inspection procedures
Florida requires drivers to obey individual load limit signs on roads and bridges. Maximum size and weight limits for commercial trucks include a gross weight of 88,000 pounds (in certain conditions), a width of 8 ½ feet, a height of 13 ½ feet, and a maximum overhang in the front of 3 feet. Florida allows a 10% scale tolerance, meaning your truck must be within 10% of the weight limit on the scale to pass.
Oversize/overweight permits are issued to cover travel from a specific point of departure to a specific destination. Blanket permits may also be issued if you need to take multiple trips, but they do not last longer than 12 months. These permits allow the transportation of commercial trucks that exceed the maximum height, weight, width, and length of Florida’s regulations.
Drivers of commercial trucks must have a commercial trucking license. They must also abide by seatbelt laws, record their duty status in a log book, and drive responsibly. If a truck is transporting hazardous materials, the items must be properly packaged, registered, marked, and secured. Drivers of trucks carrying hazardous materials must also have shipping papers for the items, as well as proper training and emergency response information.
Safety inspections are performed by an OCVE law enforcement officer or other authorized agent. These inspections cover the driver’s responsibilities, as well as the truck’s status to ensure the safety of the vehicle. If a violation is found, Florida allows 15 days to make necessary changes and repairs before the truck may continue its passage.
Dedicated Truck Accident Attorneys Serving Orlando
Todd Miner Law®️ has decades of experience representing clients injured in commercial truck accidents. Our attorneys stay up-to-date on federal and state trucking regulations, and we can answer your questions from start to finish. We know each case is different, and our compassionate team can work with you to determine a course of action. Call 407-955-5640 or fill-out a form for a free case evaluation.
Reasons To Choose Our Truck Accident Lawyers
Experience, Reliability, Communication, & Results
results-driven representation.