Florida Commercial Carrier Trucking Accidents

There are over 34 million registered commercial trucks on our highways and roads throughout the U.S.  Commercial trucking companies employ over 7 million people and these commercial carriers travel over 280 billion miles and move over 70% of the nation’s freight by weight.  [1]  With this large number of heavy vehicles on our roadways in addition to millions of other motor vehicles of all shapes and sizes, commercial carrier drivers and personal drivers need to be cautious, especially in poor weather conditions.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), approximately 100,000 large trucks (defined as gross vehicle weight rating of over 10,000 pounds) or bus accidents occur annually in the U.S.  [2]

Commercial carriers are governed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations.  The regulations are complex, and experienced attorneys work on behalf of the commercial trucking companies.  After a commercial trucking accident, the attorneys that work on behalf of the commercial trucking company evaluate the driver’s schedule to ensure he or she was following procedure, and they may contact the accident victim in an attempt to convince him not to file a lawsuit. If you were in a collision with a commercial truck or bus, follow these recommendations:

  • Call 911 immediately to request emergency medical services.
  • Provide a summary of the accident and injuries to police and EMS/Fire Rescue.  Ask for the police accident report and case number.
  • Once you’ve received medical treatment, take photos of the vehicle damage and the positioning of the truck (including license plate).  Take notes on what happened, the road conditions, and vehicle condition.  Get the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of any witnesses.
  • Once you leave the accident scene or the hospital, contact an experienced attorney such as Goldman and Daszkal, P.A. at (954) 428-9333 for a free consultation.
  • Contact your insurance company to report that you were in a vehicle accident.  IMPORTANT:  Set up your claim by providing a summary of the accident and location of your injury.  DO NOT allow them to take a recorded statement.  Do not discuss the accident details nor fault with anyone else. 
  • Avoid answering calls that are not from your ACTUAL LAWYER. Representatives for the commercial carrier may attempt to contact you.  DO NOT DISCUSS ANYTHING about the ACCIDENT.  Soliciting accident victims is illegal!
  • When you meet with your attorney, bring the photos, notes, witness contact information, case number, police accident report, and any communications you received from insurance companies. Additionally, bring any bills related to EMS, hospitals, healthcare professionals, medicines or medical treatment that you received since the accident as well as damage estimates or receipts from vehicle repairs.

Whether you were in a crash with a bus or a commercial carrier (also known as an 18-wheeler truck, tractor-trailer, delivery truck, or truck and trailer), you need an experienced attorney who understands the intricacies of dealing with these large commercial carrier companies, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations, Florida state laws, and has expertise in dealing with commercial carrier legal cases.

Since 1990, Goldman & Daszkal, P.A. has provided reputable legal representation to people throughout the state of Florida.  The firm has helped thousands of individuals recover compensation from motor vehicle and boating accidents, slip and fall accidents, product defect and liability cases, pharmacy errors, and negligent security cases to cover medical expenses, pay bills, take care of their families, and return to work.  Goldman & Daszkal, P.A. can help you get the relief you need to start living your life again after a serious injury.  For a free and confidential consultation, contact Goldman & Daszkal, P.A., at (954) 428-9333.

[1] American Trucking Association  http://www.trucking.org/News_and_Information_Reports_Industry_Data.aspx

[2] National Highway Traffic Safety Administration  https://www.nhtsa.gov/research-data

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