Tallahassee is a vibrant college town, home to thousands of students attending Florida State University, Florida A&M University, and Tallahassee Community College. With busy roads like I-10, US-90, and Monroe Street connecting students to campus, jobs, and nightlife, the city sees constant traffic, including a steady flow of massive semi trucks.
What happens when college students and 18-wheelers collide? The answer can be devastating. As a truck crash attorney serving the Tallahassee area, we want students and their families to understand the risks and how to protect themselves legally after an accident.
Why are semi-truck accidents so dangerous for college students?
Q: Are college students at higher risk of truck crashes?
Yes. College students often drive more frequently at night, are less experienced behind the wheel, and may be distracted by phones, music, or even studying on the go. Combine that with high traffic areas and large trucks traveling at highway speeds, and you’ve got a recipe for potential disaster.
Q: What makes a car and semi truck accident more dangerous than a regular car crash?
The size and weight of a semi-truck (up to 80,000 pounds!) make it incredibly dangerous in a collision. A typical car weighs around 3,000 pounds. When these two vehicles collide, the passenger car usually suffers catastrophic damage…and so do its occupants.
Q: What kind of injuries are common in these accidents?
Semi truck crashes often lead to:
- traumatic brain injuries
- spinal cord injuries
- broken bones
- internal bleeding
- long-term disabilities
Unfortunately, college students involved in these accidents may face months of recovery, missed classes, or even permanent injuries that impact their future.
When should you call a truck crash attorney?
Q: Can’t I just rely on insurance to handle everything?
Not always. In many semi-truck accidents, multiple parties could be responsible, including the driver, the trucking company, maintenance providers, or even cargo loaders. A truck crash attorney helps identify who’s liable and ensures you get full compensation, not just a quick, lowball offer from insurance.
Q: What can a truck crash attorney do that I can’t do myself?
A qualified semi-truck accident lawyer will:
- investigate the accident thoroughly
- collect important EDR (black box) data from the truck
- review driving logs and safety violations
- interview witnesses
- hire experts for accident reconstruction, medical evaluation, and other relevant fields
- handle aggressive insurance companies
- maximize your compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering
Q: How can I find a semi truck accident lawyer near me?
If you’re outside of Florida, search for attorneys in your area who have a proven record in truck litigation, not just general personal injury. The laws, regulations, and tactics involved in trucking cases are unique. You need an experienced team to handle (and win) these complex cases. If you’re in Florida, look no further than Brooks Law Group! In our long list of cities we serve, chances are we have representation near you!
What are the most common causes of semi-truck accidents in Tallahassee?
A car and semi-truck accident is a common threat on Tallahassee’s highways.
Several factors contribute to truck accidents around college campuses, including:
- fatigued truck drivers trying to meet delivery deadlines
- distracted driving (both students and truckers)
- speeding or aggressive driving
- unsafe lane changes
- poor weather conditions
- road construction
- improperly secured cargo
College students driving late at night or during peak traffic hours are especially vulnerable when large trucks share the road.
What should you do after a car and semi truck accident?
Q: What steps should I take immediately after a crash?
If you or your student is in an accident with a semi-truck:
- Call 911 and seek medical attention, even if injuries seem minor.
- Take photos of the scene, including damage to your vehicle and the truck.
- Get contact information from the truck driver, witnesses, and police.
- Do not admit fault, even if you’re unsure of what happened.
- Contact a Tallahassee commercial truck accident injury attorney right away to protect your rights.
How can parents support their student after a semi-truck accident?
Q: My child was hurt in a truck accident – what can I do as a parent?
First, help them seek medical care and keep records of every doctor visit, diagnosis, and expense. Then, get legal advice as soon as possible. At Brooks Law Group, we work directly with students and their parents to handle the legal stress so your family can focus on healing.
If your student was injured due to another driver’s negligence, they have the legal right to pursue compensation, and we’ll help them every step of the way. We proudly serve Tallahassee and surrounding areas with compassionate, aggressive representation, and we don’t get paid unless you do. That’s the benefit of our contingency fee!
Call Brooks Law Group, your local truck crash attorney!
Semi-truck accidents are terrifying, especially for young students just starting their lives. If you or your child has been injured in a car and semi-truck accident, don’t go through the aftermath alone.
Contact Brooks Law Group today to speak with a dedicated truck crash attorney who understands the challenges college students face and knows how to fight for their future. We offer free consultations, no obligation, and a team dedicated to advocating for your best interests. When a truck accident unexpectedly becomes part of your story, Look to Brooks!
