Main Factors and Legal Pointers
A truck accident can be very devastating. It may result in serious injuries, destruction of property or even death. When such accidents happen, it is important to know who can be held responsible for these damages. For comprehensive information on truck accident liability in Orlando, Florida, Head to Paul Knopf Bigger site.
Who Can Be Held Liable For Truck Accidents In Orlando?
The Truck Driver:
If a driver operates the vehicle carelessly or recklessly, they might be liable. Examples of negligence include speeding, making unsafe maneuvers; intoxicated or distracted driving. Mostly, truck drivers work under employment from various trucking companies, hence, these firms may also share culpability for what their employees do.
Trucking Company:
Unsafe practice encouragement or inadequate truck maintenance can make them responsible for accidents caused by their drivers. However, there are independent contractors among these operators so this limits liability on part of the trucking company.
Other Parties:
Apart from drivers and trucking companies, other parties could also incur costs due to their involvement in accidents.
- Freight Companies: Negligence from freight companies can lead them being partially at fault over an accident;
- Truck Manufacturers: Defects in manufacturing process like using faulty parts may render manufacturer liable where such defectiveness causes an accident through trucks
- Cargo And Shipping Companies: Poor loading techniques that result in improper balance of loads carried onboard vehicles which eventually falls off along highways causing road traffic collisions – these organizations should shoulder blame too.
What are the factors behind these accidents?
Among the factors contributing to truck crashes reported in Orlando are driver fatigue, over-speeding, improperly loaded cargo, equipment failure, driver negligence, drunk/drugged driving, hit-and-run incidents, poor weather conditions, and unsafe passing maneuvers.
Local truck drivers are known for exceeding the legal maximum driving hours limit as provided by their working contract agreements with employers, which increases the chances of causing accidents due to sleepiness at the wheel.
High speed makes it almost impossible for motorists to react on time when faced with unexpected situations. On the other hand, if not loaded properly into trucks, cargo can shift. Trailers can become overloaded which is risky for safe transportation.
Malfunctions of the brake system may result in loss of control, leading to deadly crashes. Tailgating or reckless driving also contribute to these occurrences. Weather conditions resulting in poor road surfaces, especially along major routes used frequently, can be hazardous to big vehicles, including trucks.
What are the Laws Concerning Liability For Truck Accidents In Florida?
In Florida, one may be held liable for causing another person’s injuries through negligence or recklessness. Negligence is said to occur when someone fails to act reasonably under the circumstances, thereby breaching the duty owed to others who might suffer harm as a result of such an omission. Recklessness means consciously disregarding substantial risks that could have been foreseen and which endanger life or health.
There should be combined bodily injury/property damage liability insurance carried by every truck driver together with their employer according to Florida state law; minimum policy limits depend on weight rating. Interstate truckers are also required to follow federal insurance requirements.
Is Claiming Compensation Possible?
If you have suffered any form of personal injury following involvement in a road traffic collision with a commercial vehicle within Orlando city limits, it is advisable that you speak to a qualified lawyer immediately about your case. Reputable law firms situated around the Orlando area, like Paul Knopf Bigger, could offer the necessary assistance regarding compensation claims resulting from truck accidents. Contact them today so they can evaluate your claim free of charge.
