Have you been injured in a commercial vehicle accident? You’re not alone. With work trucks and commercial vans frequenting Central Florida’s roads in the aftermath of Hurricane Milton, the chances of collisions with these kinds of vehicles increase exponentially. If you’ve been hit by one of these trucks, hiring an experienced truck accident lawyer is crucial…but where do you begin?
First, you should know what kinds of trucks are considered “commercial vehicles” by most attorneys.
Which vehicles are considered “commercial vehicles” by attorneys?
At Brooks Law Group, we represent clients who have been in accidents with:
- contractor vans and trucks
- plumbing trucks
- HVAC trucks
- box trucks
- moving trucks
- food delivery trucks (refrigerated box trucks)
- refrigerator trucks
- landscaping trucks
- bucket trucks
- delivery vans
These trucks might not be as large as their 18-wheeler counterparts, but they can, and frequently do, cause serious damage and significant harm in accidents.
What kinds of injuries can happen in a commercial vehicle accident?
Collisions with commercial vehicles can be catastrophic, depending on the specifics of the accident.
Back-Over Accidents
Accidents where these trucks back over a pedestrian can prove fatal. Sadly, these accidents happen due to the lack of visibility when in reverse. Regardless of speed, the weight and size of these trucks usually cause devastating injury. What’s more, these accidents don’t happen out on the highway. Rather, they typically occur, on a residential street, or even in your driveway.
Speeding Crashes
Delivery trucks trying to meet a quota or service trucks running late for an appointment are prone to speeding. Trucks this size are dangerous at the speed limit, but that danger intensifies the higher the speed at the time of a crash. Being hit from behind, t-boned from the side, or hit head-on could be deadly at high rates of speed.
Accidents with Cargo
Improperly loaded cargo is a major risk in commercial vehicle accidents. A truck’s load can shift, throwing off the distribution of weight. This causes swerving and increases the chance of an accident. Open-back trucks (like landscaping trucks) can have cargo loosen and fall onto the road, hitting other vehicles or causing secondary crashes.
So now you should understand what kinds of trucks, and what kinds of accidents, require a commercial vehicle accident lawyer. But what kind of lawyer do you need?
Look for an attorney who specializes in commercial vehicle accidents.
Certainly, you need to look for a lawyer with experience, but what specific areas matter most? Commercial vehicle accident victims should seek out attorneys with:
1. Thorough knowledge of Federal and State trucking regulations
Both the federal government and the state of Florida have specific regulations for trucking companies and truck drivers. Attorneys with thorough knowledge of these regulations can more easily spot violations that contribute to building a strong case.
2. Experience with managing multiple liable parties in work truck accidents
Have you been injured in a work truck accident?
Commercial vehicle accidents differ from standard vehicular crashes for several reasons, but the most obvious is the involvement of multiple liable parties. Both the driver of the commercial vehicle and the employer can be held at fault in these accidents and could be liable in a case. Managing a case with multiple liable parties can be challenging, and you need an attorney who’s proven up to that challenge.
3. Access to resources to boost your case
In a commercial vehicle accident, many factors affect the impact on victims. Speed, weather, road conditions, vehicle types, etc. can all affect damage and injuries. Experienced commercial vehicle accident attorneys are connected with resources in your area. This includes industry experts like accident reconstruction professionals, medical professionals, and even engineers who provide valuable insight and evidence.
Brooks Law Group represents people injured by commercial vehicle accidents in Florida
To rephrase, commercial vehicle accidents are often serious, resulting in severe injuries or fatalities. Because they usually involve the at-fault driver and the company they drive for, these cases pose a challenge.
After a trucking accident in the Tampa Bay Area, Brooks Law Group is the only number you need. We bring years of experience to the fight and provide a long list of references and results. Are you worried about affording our legal help? Don’t be! We operate on a contingency fee basis, so you don’t pay unless we win. Your first consultation is free, and every consultation afterward, so you are free to discuss your case with us with no strings attached. Our team fights for the best possible outcome for those affected by commercial truck accidents in and around Central Florida.
Did a commercial vehicle accident injure you or someone you love? Don’t waste precious time trying to find a lawyer who might not meet your needs. Call Brooks Law Group first! You can always Look to Brooks.
