If you or a loved one have recently been involved in a truck accident in Orlando, we understand the overwhelming emotions you may be feeling. The physical and emotional toll of such an event can be immense, and it is natural to feel frustrated, angry, and confused about what to do next. At Miller & Jacobs Accident Attorneys, we are here to help you through this challenging time and protect your rights. Contact us for a free consultation today, and let us fight for the compensation you deserve.
Why Choose Miller & Jacobs Accident Attorneys
Miller & Jacobs Accident Attorneys have been serving the Orlando community for over 50 years, with over $100 million recovered for personal injury clients. Our team of professional and knowledgeable attorneys is known for helping our clients feel comfortable and confident throughout the entire case process.
Experience, Trust, and Dedication
We understand the importance of trust in attorney-client relationships. We strive to build a strong foundation of trust with our clients, ensuring that they feel supported and well-informed throughout their cases. We are committed to providing each client with dedicated and personalized legal representation, working tirelessly to fight for the best possible outcome.
Commitment to Excellence, Integrity, and Client Satisfaction
At Miller & Jacobs Accident Attorneys, we are dedicated to excellence in everything we do. Our team of lawyers is committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity, professionalism, and ethics. We believe in open and transparent communication with our clients, ensuring they are fully informed about the progress of their cases.
Client satisfaction is at the core of our practice. We understand the impact a truck accident can have on your life, and we are here to provide the support and guidance you need. Our compassionate team will always put your best interests first and work tirelessly to achieve the compensation you deserve.
For your convenience, our Orlando office is located west of the Florida Turnpike and north of Vineland Road at:
5401 S. Kirkman Road
Suite 660 Orlando, FL 32819
(877) 848-5297
What is Your Orlando Truck Accident Case Worth?
Determining the value of a truck accident case in Orlando depends on several factors unique to your situation. While it’s impossible to provide an exact figure without a thorough evaluation, understanding the components that contribute to your claim’s worth can give you a better idea of what to expect. Our experienced Orlando truck accident lawyers can assess these factors, ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries, losses, and emotional distress.
Factors That Influence the Value of Your Truck Accident Case
Severity of Injuries
The extent and nature of your injuries are among the most significant factors in valuing your case. Severe injuries such as traumatic brain injuries (TBI), spinal cord damage, broken bones, or internal injuries typically result in higher compensation due to the long-term impact on your health and quality of life. The more serious the injury, the higher the medical costs, ongoing care needs, and potential loss of income.
Medical Expenses
Medical bills play a substantial role in determining the value of your claim. Compensation can include emergency room visits, hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, physical therapy, prescription medications, and any future medical treatment required due to the accident. Your attorney will also consider the cost of assistive devices, such as wheelchairs or prosthetics, when calculating damages.
Lost Earnings and Future Earning Capacity
If your injuries prevent you from working temporarily or permanently, you may be entitled to recover lost earnings. In long-term disability cases, the value of your claim can increase significantly to account for the loss of future earning capacity. This includes income you would have earned had the accident not occurred and benefits like retirement contributions or promotions you may miss out on.
Pain and Suffering
Non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, are designed to compensate for the physical and emotional distress caused by the accident. These damages consider the trauma of the experience, ongoing pain, loss of mobility, or any impact on your mental health, such as anxiety or depression. Calculating these damages is subjective and often requires the involvement of a lawyer.
Insurance Policies and Coverage Limits
The value of your case can also depend on the insurance policies involved. Commercial trucks often carry substantial insurance coverage due to the potential for catastrophic damages. Your truck accident attorney will investigate all available insurance policies, including those of the trucking company, the driver, and any third parties involved, to ensure you receive maximum compensation.
Causes of Orlando Truck Accidents
Truck accidents in Orlando occur for various reasons, often resulting from a combination of human error, mechanical failure, and environmental factors. Understanding the causes of these accidents can help identify liability and improve road safety.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is a leading cause of truck accidents in Orlando. Drivers using smartphones, eating, adjusting in-cab devices, or engaging in other distractions can divert their focus from the road, resulting in serious collisions. Given the heavy traffic on major highways like Interstate 4 and the Florida Turnpike, any distraction can quickly lead to devastating consequences.
Driver Fatigue
Truck drivers are often required to meet tight delivery schedules, leading to long hours behind the wheel and insufficient rest. Fatigue can impair a driver’s judgment, reaction time, and overall alertness. Despite federal regulations limiting driving hours, some drivers and companies may ignore these rules, increasing the risk of accidents.
Speeding and Reckless Driving
Speeding is a common issue among truck drivers, particularly on Orlando’s highways and expressways, where they may attempt to make up for lost time. Speeding reduces a truck’s ability to stop quickly and navigate safely, especially in congested areas or during sudden traffic slowdowns. Reckless behaviors like tailgating, weaving through traffic, or failing to yield also contribute to accidents.
Improperly Loaded or Overloaded Cargo
Improperly secured or overloaded cargo can cause a truck to become unstable, leading to rollovers, jackknifes, or spilled loads. Shifting unsecured cargo during transit can also alter the truck’s center of gravity, making it more difficult to control, especially during sharp turns or sudden stops.
Inadequate Vehicle Maintenance
Truck companies are legally obligated to ensure their vehicles are in safe working condition. However, lapses in routine maintenance can lead to mechanical failures, such as brake malfunctions, tire blowouts, or engine problems.
Driver Inexperience
Operating a commercial truck requires specialized training and skill. Inexperienced drivers may struggle to navigate Orlando’s busy streets, merge onto highways, or make safe lane changes. Companies that hire inadequately trained drivers increase the risk of accidents caused by errors in judgment or lack of experience handling large vehicles.
Driving Under the Influence
While less frequent, impaired driving is a serious concern in Orlando truck accidents. Truck drivers operating under the influence of alcohol or drugs, including prescription medications, can suffer from slowed reaction times, poor judgment, and impaired motor skills, putting everyone on the road at risk.
Construction Zones
Orlando has ongoing road construction on major highways and local roads. Construction zones often have narrow lanes, reduced speed limits, and changing traffic patterns, which can confuse or overwhelm truck drivers. Misjudging lane shifts or ignoring construction zone warnings can lead to serious accidents.
Negligence by Other Drivers
Truck accidents are not always the truck driver’s fault. Passenger vehicles sharing the road with trucks can contribute to accidents by cutting off trucks, lingering in blind spots, or failing to give them adequate space during maneuvers.
Failure to Follow Federal Regulations
Strict federal regulations govern the trucking industry to ensure road safety. Violations such as exceeding hours of service, overloading trucks, or neglecting required inspections can contribute to accidents. When trucking companies or drivers disregard these rules, they place others on the road at significant risk.
Where Do Truck Accidents Happen in Orlando?
Truck accidents in Orlando frequently occur at specific intersections and along major roadways, which are known for high traffic volumes and complicated traffic patterns. Notable areas include:
- Kirkman Road and International Drive: This intersection experiences a high rate of accidents due to its proximity to major attractions and shopping areas, leading to heavy traffic and potential driver confusion.
- Semoran Boulevard (FL-436) and Curry Ford Road: The convergence of local commuters and tourists at this busy intersection contributes to a significant number of collisions.
- Orange Blossom Trail (US-441) and Landstreet Road: This intersection is known for its heavy traffic and is a common site for accidents involving passenger vehicles and commercial trucks.
- John Young Parkway (FL-423) and Silver Star Road: The high traffic volume and complex lane configurations at this intersection increase the likelihood of accidents.
- Colonial Drive (FL-50) and Alafaya Trail: This intersection sees a higher frequency of accidents due to heavy traffic and the mix of local commuters with visitors unfamiliar with the area.
Additionally, major highways such as Interstate 4 (I-4) and the Holland East-West Expressway (FL-408) are common sites for truck accidents, often due to high speeds, congestion, and the presence of large commercial vehicles.
Understanding these hotspots can help drivers exercise increased caution in these areas, potentially reducing the risk of accidents.
Types of Truck Accident Injuries
Truck accidents can lead to a wide range of injuries, including:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI): The force of impact in a truck accident can cause severe head injuries, leading to cognitive and physical impairments.
- Spinal cord injuries: Truck accidents often result in spinal cord injuries, which can lead to paralysis or permanent disability.
- Broken bones: The sheer size and weight of trucks can cause severe fractures and broken bones in victims.
- Internal injuries: The impact of a truck accident can cause internal injuries, such as organ damage or internal bleeding.
- Soft tissue injuries: Whiplash, sprains, strains, and other soft tissue injuries are common in truck accidents.
Fighting the Insurance Company After a Truck Accident
Insurance companies are businesses whose primary goal is to minimize their payout by settling claims for as little as possible. To protect your rights and ensure fair compensation, contact our firm to secure representation from a skilled Orlando truck accident lawyer as soon as possible.
Negotiating with the Insurance Company
The process of negotiating with insurance companies requires legal skills and knowledge of personal injury law. Without proper legal representation, you may fall victim to insurance adjusters’ tactics to undervalue your claim.
At Miller & Jacobs Accident Attorneys, we have extensive experience dealing with insurance companies. We will handle all communications and negotiations on your behalf, ensuring your rights are protected and you receive the compensation you deserve.
Gathering Evidence for Your Case
Building a strong case requires gathering solid evidence to support your claim. Our team of legal professionals will thoroughly investigate the truck accident, collect witness statements, obtain police reports, review medical records, and consult with accident reconstruction specialists if necessary. We leave no stone unturned in our pursuit of justice for our clients.
Litigating Your Case
If a fair settlement cannot be reached, our skilled lawyers are prepared to take your case to court. We have a track record of success in the courtroom and will present a compelling case on your behalf. With Miller & Jacobs Accident Attorneys by your side, you can rest assured that your case is in capable hands.
Steps to Maximize the Value of Your Case and Protect Your Interests
Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Prompt medical care ensures your well-being and provides essential documentation of your injuries. Follow all prescribed treatments and keep detailed records of your medical expenses.
Avoid Speaking with Insurance Adjusters
Insurance companies often aim to minimize payouts. Avoid giving recorded statements or signing settlement offers without consulting an Orlando truck accident attorney, as these actions can weaken your case.
Consult a Truck Accident Attorney at Miller & Jacobs
A knowledgeable attorney can manage the complexities of your case, handle negotiations with insurance companies, and ensure that all aspects of your damages are accounted for.
Document Your Losses
Keep a detailed record of all accident-related expenses and a journal of how your injuries have affected your daily life. This documentation can support your claim for pain and suffering and other non-economic damages. Be sure to take all of your documentation and evidence to your attorney.
Contact Miller & Jacobs Accident Attorneys Today
If you or a loved one have been involved in a truck accident in Orlando, seek legal representation from trusted professionals who will fight for your rights. Contact Miller & Jacobs Accident Attorneys today at (877) 848-5297 for a free consultation. Let us fight for the compensation you deserve so that you can focus on your recovery and rebuilding your life.