Florida Truck Accident Lawyer
The Help You Need

A Florida truck accident lawyer is a very important source of help for someone who has gotten involved in a truck accident within Florida. Truck accidents are far scarier than car accidents; they are also more likely to be fatal.

Florida’s Truck Accidents: The Figures

The rates of truck accidents are far less frightening than the rates of car accidents. Texas had the highest total fatal truck accidents, at a record of 438. Other states with large fatal truck accident incident rates include California, Texas, Pennsylvania, Florida, and Georgia. In Florida alone, there were 343 fatal truck accidents in 2003.

Unfortunately, as car accident rates are experiencing declines in certain states, most states experience constantly increasing numbers of truck accidents. Also, most truck accidents are fatal; in fact, frighteningly so, only 4% of the truck accidents led to only injury and property damages.

Around 68% of the most fatal truck accidents occur in rural areas, mostly on daytime and on weekdays. Also, 76% involved combination vehicles or trucks that collide with other vehicles. In total, truck accidents accounted for 9% of all traffic accidents that led to deaths. Further studies also showed that majority of fatalities, at 65%, involved drivers, and 31% passengers, 3% pedestrians, and 2% bicyclists.

Fifty percent of truck accidents of 2003 happened at the front portion of trucks; this percentage account for more than 2,300 accidents. Other accidents involved the left side at 382 times, the right side at 188 times, and the rear at 720 times. During the same year, 608 caused large truck rollovers.

As for the causes of truck accidents, the trends are very different from what are observed in car accidents. Driving under the influence is a leading cause of car accidents, but accounts for only 1% of fatal truck accidents. When it comes to truck accidents, most are related to speeding, which account for about 27% of fatal truck crashes.

How Florida Deals with Truck Accidents

Truck driving and truck accidents are governed by federal and state laws. Truck operators and owners should be aware of these laws. But if you get into a truck accident without an idea of the laws regarding truck accidents, you should seek the help of a Florida truck accident lawyer. State laws differ per state, but federal laws apply to all states. These emphasize on the number of hours of required rest and sleep time for truck drivers as well as the insurance coverage.

Trucks are often operated by a driver but owned by a different party. This leads to some special considerations as to which party to sue when a truck accident occurs. A Florida truck accident lawyer can help you determine your best move when making a claim. You can sue not just the operator or driver but also the owner regardless of whether he/she was present at the time of the accident.

There are, however, certain exceptions as to when this can be done. For example, Florida laws exempt a long-term lessor of an automobile from lawsuits involving accidents. Thus, in such cases, you may sue the lessee of the truck whether or not he/she was driving during the crash.

Florida has laws that govern driver negligence cases, but an anti-cell phone bill is in the works following a truck accident that involved cell phone use of the driver of an 18-wheeler truck.

Finding a Good Truck Accident Lawyer in Florida

If you want to successfully claim damages following a truck accident, you should get help from a Florida truck accident lawyer. It is important for you to look for a truck accident lawyer in Florida with knowledge and experience in personal injury claims. Truck accidents often lead to personal injury, so if the accident involves injury, you will be more successful in making claims if you work with a personal injury lawyer.

In choosing a good Florida truck accident lawyer, it is also important to base your choice on the experience and the reputation of a lawyer. A lot of personal injury lawyers tend to use emotional appeals in advertising, but remember that these advertisements do not promote the skill and the success rates of the lawyers. If you want to make successful claims, work with a knowledgeable Florida truck accident lawyer who can protect your rights and fight for your compensation.

Florida is actively pursuing clean ethical practices among truck accident lawyers, so there are a lot of knowledgeable truck accident lawyers in Florida whose services you can enlist.

The Verdict

Truck accidents are more fatal than car accidents, so their effects can be especially difficult for victims to handle and overcome. Thus, enlisting the help of a Florida truck accident lawyer can take a huge burden off your shoulders.


Florida has special laws regarding truck accidents in the state, and only a Florida-based lawyer can give you exactly the help you need.