Early this morning, a Lakeland semi-truck crash had roads closed for hours. The collision occurred near the I-4 overpass on State Road 33. The road remained closed until much later this morning, forcing drivers to find another route to work. One of the drivers was taken to the hospital to be treated for injuries.
Accidents like these remind us why semi-truck accidents are so dangerous, both for truck drivers and other motorists. Unfortunately, these accidents happen far too often. In 2015, there were over 1,000 commercial vehicle crashes in just Polk, Hillsborough, and Pinellas County combined. The cost of the damages from these wrecks really adds up. All drivers need to be prepared for these—it could happen to you.
What’s the Cost of a Semi-Truck Crash?
If you’re a Florida driver, the law requires you to have Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage as part of your car insurance coverage. PIP can help you pay for medical expenses and more caused by your accident. This can include lost wages if your injuries keep you from working.
However, semi-truck accidents tend to cause more damage than typical car crashes. If you crash with a semi-truck, you may end up needing more money than your PIP coverage offers. This is where a truck accident lawyer can help you fight for the compensation you need. We’ve recovered over $1,000,000 for our clients that have suffered from a trucking accident.
Why Do Truck Accidents Happen?
There are many causes for these types of crashes. One of the biggest reasons is that drivers don’t get enough sleep. Since they often drive for long hours on long roads, there are federal regulations for how long truckers can drive. These are intended to keep truckers well-rested so that all drivers are safe. However, these regulations have been relaxed during COVID-19, so more truckers may be driving with less sleep.
Other reasons for truck crashes can happen to all drivers. Using a cell phone, tailgating other vehicles, or failing to check blind spots can all lead to a huge wreck. Truck drivers and regular motorists all need to be more careful to avoid these crashes.
Should I Get a Lawyer After a Truck Accident?
YES! There’s a lot to deal with after any vehicle accident—insurance companies, the other drivers involved, and your own injuries. A lawyer from Brooks Law Group can help cut through all of the confusion. We are here to give you our experience and knowledge, advocating for your rights every step of the way.
We can offer you our advice and help answer all of your questions. You deserve certain rights, and we will fight for them. Also, you can rest assured that we will communicate with you throughout the process. We won’t get anything until we help you win your case. We’re here to take the stress off of you!
Injured in a Florida Truck Accident? Contact Brooks Law Group Today
If you’re hurt in a semi-truck accident, contact us as soon as possible. We can help you get the compensation you deserve. Let the experienced attorneys of Brooks Law Group work for you and give you the best client experience possible. Stay safe out there, everyone!
