Sharing the road with semi-truck drivers in Orlando, Winter Park, Melbourne, and Central Florida as a whole is essential for everyone to get to their destination safely. However, a truck driver puts your safety at risk by falling asleep, speeding, or making illegal turns. The result of an accident on a major highway is often catastrophic, leading to property damage, physical injury, or even death. While there are many reasons why a truck accident would occur, the fact is that they can happen any time, even if you are a careful driver. If you or a member of your family has been injured due to the reckless actions of a truck driver, contact David R. Heil, PA, an Orlando personal injury attorney, without delay.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents
Truck driving is a profession that typically pays drivers by miles, not hours, so some drivers take risks, such as speeding, on Florida highways to get to their destination even faster. The following are some of the most common causes of truck accidents:
- Distracted driving: Any form of distracted driving is dangerous, so any behavior or activity that takes a person’s hands off the wheel or eyes off the road, such as looking down at their smartphone, can be considered reckless.
- Improper breaking: A loaded semi-truck requires more time to stop than a traditional car because of the additional size and weight. If a truck driver does not take the time to apply their brakes, this can result in a rear-end crash with the car behind them.
- Fatigued driving: Drowsy driving can be just as dangerous as driving while under the influence. Some truckers are on the road for days at a time, leading to an impairment of their reaction time and overall judgment.
What to do Following a Truck Accident
The most important action following an accident with a semi-truck in Central Florida is to seek medical attention. Some of the most common injuries from vehicle collision are injuries to the head, neck, spinal cord, and back. While internal injuries are visible to the eye, they can be just as dangerous.
Even if you don’t feel any pain or see any physical injuries, it doesn’t necessarily mean you were unaffected. If there is a witness willing to help, have them record the details of the accident, the name and license plate of the truck driver, and take photos of any damage. This can help with your case in court later on. At the hospital or medical facility, your first priority is to receive any treatment as recommended by your doctor. They can help you keep track of your injuries and costs for care.
Truck drivers provide an essential service in the transportation industry, but when they place their own immediate needs over the safety of others, this can result in a serious accident and physical, emotional, and financial stress. Personal injury lawyers understand the stress clients in Orlando, Winter Park and Melbourne Florida face when experiencing an accident on the highway. At Heil Law, we will work to secure fair financial compensation for you. To learn more about what you are entitled to after an accident, reach out to David R. Heil today.
