Truck accidents involving multiple vehicles are some of the most catastrophic crashes on Florida roads. If you’ve ever driven alongside an 18-wheeler on I-10, I-295, or the Buckman Bridge, you know just how intimidating it can be. When something goes wrong, the damage can escalate quickly, especially when multiple vehicles are involved. So what makes multi-vehicle crashes so dangerous? And how can a Jacksonville truck accident lawyer help if you’re injured?

Let’s break it down.

What is a multi-vehicle truck accident?

A multi-vehicle truck accident, also called a pile-up, typically involves three or more vehicles. One of those vehicles is often a large commercial truck, such as a semi-truck, tanker, or box truck. These crashes can happen in a chain reaction (one crash triggers a series of others behind it). Because commercial trucks are so much larger and heavier than passenger cars, the risk of severe injury or death skyrockets.

What are the common causes of truck accidents like these?

Multi-vehicle truck accidents usually happen in seconds, but they can result from a long list of mistakes or hazards. Some of the most common causes of truck accidents in Jacksonville include:

Driver fatigue: Long hauls and tight delivery deadlines often push truckers past their limits

Speeding or aggressive driving: A truck that’s going too fast can’t stop in time, and has a hard time safely making turns. This is especially true in heavy traffic.

Heavy traffic on I-95 is a common cause of truck accidents in Jacksonville.

Poor weather conditions: Heavy rain and fog are common in North Florida. These conditions reduce visibility and traction, leading to an uptick in accidents.

Improper lane changes: Trucks have large blind spots. When drivers switch lanes suddenly or without looking, it can be disastrous.

Brake failure or mechanical issues: Equipment problems can trigger crashes before a driver can react.

Distracted driving: Cell phone use, GPS programming, eating behind the wheel, or passengers can lead to deadly distractions.

You must note that a single driver may not be at fault. In many cases, multiple parties share responsibility, including other drivers, trucking companies, or even manufacturers of faulty parts.

Why are multi-vehicle truck crashes more complicated than other accidents?

Great question, and this is where having a knowledgeable Jacksonville truck accident attorney becomes crucial.

With three or more vehicles involved, determining liability becomes a tangled web. Who started the chain reaction? Who didn’t have time to stop? Were there existing road hazards? Were multiple drivers negligent? Insurance companies will often point fingers at each other to avoid paying out. The more parties involved, the more complex the investigation, negotiations, and potential lawsuits become.

An experienced Jacksonville truck accident lawyer can launch a full investigation to gather evidence. We often reconstruct the scene, review truck maintenance records and driver logs, and speak with witnesses. We also examine photos, videos, and dashcam footage when available. Our goal is to build the strongest case possible for full compensation.

What injuries are common in Jacksonville truck accidents?

In crashes involving big rigs and multiple vehicles, injuries tend to be severe. Victims may suffer:

These types of injuries don’t just affect you physically; they take a toll on you emotionally and financially as well. Medical bills, missed work, and long-term care add up quickly. That’s why it’s critical to consult with a Jacksonville truck accident attorney as soon as possible.

How can a Jacksonville truck accident lawyer help me?

If you or a loved one has been injured in a multi-vehicle truck accident, here’s what a Jacksonville truck accident lawyer from Brooks Law Group can do:

  • Investigate the cause of the crash and determine fault
  • Gather critical evidence such as dashcam footage, witness testimonies, and accident reconstruction reports
  • Handle all communication and negotiations with insurance companies
  • Fight for compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and future needs
  • File a lawsuit if a fair settlement can not be reached

You don’t have to take on trucking companies and insurance adjusters alone. The team at Brooks Law Group is here to stand by your side and fight for what you deserve.

When should I call a truck accident lawyer?

As soon as possible! Evidence fades fast in truck accident cases. Black box data, driver logs, and surveillance footage can all disappear if you wait too long. The sooner you call, the sooner we can start protecting your rights and advocating for you.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a multi-vehicle crash, contact one of the trusted Jacksonville truck accident lawyers at Brooks Law Group today. We offer free consultations, and with our contingency fee, you don’t pay unless we win your case. We proudly serve Jacksonville and the surrounding communities in Northeast Florida. As proud Florida residents ourselves, we treat you like a neighbor because you are our neighbor. We are a people-first practice, with a commitment to serving all.

Don’t walk through the aftermath of a multi-vehicle truck accident on your own. Choose the team that will support you, advocate for your best interests, and get the compensation you deserve. Look to Brooks!

Contact Brooks Law Group today to book your free case review.