Orlando Truck Accident Attorney | Dolan Dobrinsky Rosenblum Bluestein, LLP

Hurt in a Truck Crash in Central Florida? Contact Our Orlando Lawyer Today for a Free Consultation

A fully loaded tractor trailer in Florida can be 72 feet long and weigh as much as 40 tons (80,000 pounds). The immense size of large commercial trucks poses an inherent safety risk. Truck drivers are obligated to operate their vehicles with the utmost care and safety. This responsibility extends beyond protecting their cargo – it includes ensuring the safety of all road users and preventing accidents that could lead to serious injuries.

The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety reports that one in every ten highway fatalities involves a large truck. Even more alarming is that in two-vehicle collisions between large trucks and passenger vehicles, 97 percent of the fatalities are occupants of the passenger vehicles. Only three percent are truck drivers. The significant size of these vehicles, combined with their limited maneuverability and reduced visibility, makes large trucks a significant hazard on our roads.

If you have been involved in a truck accident in Orlando, an experienced truck accident lawyer from Dolan Dobrinsky Rosenblum Bluestein, LLP, can help you pursue compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Our Orlando truck accident attorneys have what it takes to fight for your rights and help you get compensation. Contact us today for a free initial consultation to discuss your case.

What to Do After a Semi-Truck Accident in Orlando, Florida

Were you involved in a large truck accident in Orlando, Orange County, or elsewhere in Central Florida? The scene of a crash can be stressful and chaotic. It is normal to have a ton of questions about what comes next. Do not rely on any insurance company for guidance. You need to take a proactive approach to protect yourself, your well-being, and your legal rights. Here are four steps to take after a commercial truck accident in Orlando:

Stop Your Car, Report the Crash: In Florida, all parties to a motor vehicle collision are required by law to stop their vehicle and report the incident. Trucking accidents are no exception to the rule. You need to exchange information and remain at the scene unless there is a medical emergency. Report the truck accident to law enforcement, such as the Orlando Police Department or the Orange County Sheriff’s Office.
Seek Immediate Medical Care: All truck accident injuries should be evaluated by a licensed doctor. Your injuries should be diagnosed and treated in a timely manner. Be sure to see a physician right away after a crash. If you do not have official medical records, you will not be in position to bring a claim.
Document the Trucking Accident: All semi-truck accidents should be carefully documented. The more information that you can get at the scene itself, the better. You should take photographs of the crash damage and the surrounding scene. You should also try to get the contact details for any person who witnessed the crash. Finally, be sure to write down a timely account of your version of events. An attorney can help.
Speak to an Orlando Attorney: Neither truck companies nor their insurance companies will look out for your best interests after a bad crash. You need a top-tier attorney on your side. As soon as possible after a truck accident, consult with an experienced Orlando semi-truck accident lawyer.

Severe Injuries Resulting from Orlando Truck Accidents

Collisions with large trucks often result in devastating injuries, particularly for occupants of smaller vehicles. While a truck might only sustain minor damage, such as a bent bumper, the passenger vehicle involved could be completely destroyed, requiring emergency services to use the jaws of life to extract trapped and injured victims.

The size of the truck often correlates with the severity of the accident. In 2022, 72 percent of fatal truck accidents involved two-trailer semi-trucks, while only 28 percent involved single-trailer units. Common injuries in these accidents include:

Severe traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
Spinal cord damage
Multiple broken bones
Fractured ribs leading to flail chest (a condition causing partial or full lung collapse)
Permanent scarring from severe lacerations

Many survivors of serious truck accidents face lifelong chronic pain and disabilities that impact both their personal and professional lives. It is crucial that semi-truck accident victims are able to receive not only immediate emergency treatment, but also the follow-up/rehabilitative care that they need.

The Most Common Reasons Why Truck Accidents Happen in Orlando

Tractor trailer accidents can happen for a wide variety of different reasons. Though, virtually every collision shares a key common characteristic: They could have been avoided entirely if the proper safety precautions had been taken. Some of the most common reasons why eighteen wheeler accidents happen in Orlando include:

Undertrained Truckers: Driving a large commercial truck takes professional skills. All truckers in Florida should be thoroughly trained. Undertrained truckers may lack the essential skills and knowledge required to handle large vehicles safely. The lack of adequate training can lead to mistakes that cause catastrophic accidents.
Speeding: All truckers in Central Florida should comply with the posted speed limit. The speed limit is the maximum level at which a road can be safely traveled. Speeding is negligence. High speeds reduce reaction time and increase the severity of accidents—especially if it is a heavy large truck that is driving too fast.
Fatigued Driving: All truck drivers need to get proper rest before getting behind the wheel. Fatigued driving among truck drivers is especially dangerous due to the long hours spent on the road. Too many truckers pushing through Orlando’s major routes may bypass rest regulations to meet deadlines. Fatigued driving is negligent driving.
Distracted Driving: Distracted driving is a major safety issue for truck drivers who spend many hours behind the wheel. Some of the most common distractions for semi-truck drivers include using mobile devices, eating while behind the wheel, and putting GPS directions in while driving. Distracted driving is negligence.
Impaired Driving: Impaired driving—whether due to alcohol or drug use—is a factor in far too many truck accidents in Orlando. The impairments caused by these substances severely affect a driver’s ability to operate a large vehicle safely. A commercial trucker should never be impaired by alcohol, illegal drugs, or prescription drugs.
Lack of Truck Maintenance: Proper maintenance is essential for the safe operation of trucks, and neglecting this can lead to mechanical failures that cause accidents. In Orlando, issues like brake failures or tire blowouts can be catastrophic. A truck company can be held liable for crashes caused by inadequate vehicle maintenance.
Poorly Loaded Trailers: Poorly loaded or secured cargo can lead to accidents by causing trucks to be unbalanced or cargo to shift unexpectedly. In Orlando, where roads can be uneven and congested, improper loading can result in trailers tipping or losing their load. If cargo is not secured or a trailer is not loaded properly, it can cause a terrible accident.

Your Guide to Commercial Truck Accident Liability in Florida

Were you involved in a tractor trailer accident in Orlando? It is imperative that you understand how liability works in Florida. Every collision requires a thorough, detail-focused investigation. Here are key points that truck accident victims should understand about liability Florida:

Florida is a No-Fault Liability State: Florida has unique insurance regulations. Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) explains that our state has a no-fault insurance law in place. How does it work? All motorists in Florida are required to obtain Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage. It is a form of no-fault coverage. Florida’s no-fault liability system means that after a commercial truck accident each party that is involved must first file an initial claim with their own insurance company. It does not matter who was at fault for the crash. The system is designed to reduce the number of lawsuits by having each party’s own insurance cover their medical bills and certain other expenses. Our Orlando truck accident lawyers can help you navigate a no-fault claim.
Victims Can Bring a Fault-Based Claim After a Serious Crash: It is important to clarify that it is possible to file a fault-based truck accident injury lawsuit in Florida. In cases where the injuries sustained in a truck accident are severe, Florida law permits victims to step outside the no-fault system and file a fault-based claim against the responsible party. This is particularly relevant in commercial truck accidents—as the damages can be terrible. Severe injuries that qualify for such claims include 1)Significant and permanent loss of an important bodily function, 2) Permanent injury within a reasonable degree of medical probability, 3) Significant and permanent scarring or disfigurement, or 4) Death. Our Orlando truck accident attorney is ready to file a fault-based personal injury claim against the trucker, truck company, or any other negligent party after a bad crash.
A Modified Comparative Negligence Standard Applies: Under Florida law (Florida Statutes § 768.81), a modified comparative negligence standard applies to fault-based motor vehicle accidents, including truck crashes. Under legal standard, a truck accident victim’s compensation is reduced by a percentage equivalent to their share of fault in causing the accident. For example, imagine that you suffered $100,000 damages after sustaining a serious injury in a truck accident in Orlando. However, an investigation revealed that you were speeding. As a result, you were assigned 20 percent fault for your own truck accident. Under Florida law, you can still recover compensation—but you would be liable for 20 percent of your own damages ($20,000). Notably, if the victim’s fault is higher than 50 percent in Florida, then they are barred from recovering any compensation from the other at-fault party. Every percentage point of fault matters. Do not let an insurance company pin an unfair degree of blame on you after a bad trucking accident in Orlando.

You deserve fair compensation if you have been in a large truck crash in Orlando. The Orlando truck accident lawyers at Dolan Dobrinsky Rosenblum Bluestein, LLP, will fight for your right to recover the full value of your damages, including economic and non-economic losses. We comprehensively calculate the value of your medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, disability, disfigurement, and other losses. Our skilled negotiators and litigators are committed to maximizing your settlement amount.

A Strict Deadline to Bring a Truck Accident Injury Claim in Orlando

You have a limited period of time to bring a commercial truck accident injury claim in Orlando. Under Florida law (Florida Statutes § 95.11), there is a two-year statute of limitations. Notably, there used to be a four-year statute of limitations—but the deadline was shortened through a 2022 legislative reform. You do not want to fall behind in the personal injury claims process. Be proactive: Consult with an Orlando, FL semi-truck accident lawyer right away after a bad collision.

Determining the Value of Your Orlando Accident Case

A truck accident in Orlando can leave a person with severe, debilitating injuries. Following a collision, you need compensation to pay bills and support your family. Sadly, insurance companies fight hard to pay out as little as possible in claims. When assessing your damages, we consider both economic and non-economic losses. It is our mission to help you secure the maximum settlement. Depending on the severity of your injuries, you may be eligible for compensation covering:

Emergency room visits
Surgical procedures
Medication costs
Doctor’s appointments
Rehabilitative therapy (including physical, speech, cognitive, and psychological therapy)
Disfigurement and scarring
Loss of quality of life
Pain and suffering
Lost wages during recovery
Reduced earning capacity due to long-term or permanent injuries
The wrongful death of a close family member.

How do you get full and fair compensation for your injuries? A key step is to ensure that your damages are well-documented. With limited exceptions, a personal injury claim in Florida—including a truck accident settlement—is meant to be “compensatory” in nature. Simply put, that means that your compensation will be tied to your actual losses. You need to prove your damages with medical bills, wage loss statements, witness testimony, and other types of records.

Who Could Be Liable for a Truck Accident?

One of the key factors that makes semi-truck accident claims so complicated is that a number of different parties can be held legally responsible for the crash. For this reason, all large truck accidents in Central Florida should be thoroughly investigated by an experienced attorney. In Florida, liability for a truck accident can extend to multiple parties:

Truck driver: Can be held responsible for accidents caused by their negligence, such as speeding, distracted driving, drunk driving, driving while fatigued, or violating safety regulations.
Trucking company: May be vicariously liable for their drivers’ negligence and directly responsible for accidents caused by negligent hiring practices, inadequate training, poor vehicle maintenance, or encouraging drivers to violate hours-of-service regulations.
Third-party drivers: Individuals driving on the road can be responsible if their carelessness leads to a truck accident, such as cutting off a truck or driving in its blind spots.
Truck manufacturer: If truck defects (e.g., faulty brakes, tire blowouts, or steering malfunctions) cause an accident, the company that designed, manufactured, or sold the truck may be held liable.
Cargo loaders: Improper loading or securing of cargo can lead to accidents, making the company responsible for loading the truck potentially liable.
Government agencies: Entities responsible for road design and maintenance can be held liable if road defects, such as poor signage, inadequate lighting, or hazardous road conditions, contribute to a truck accident.
Maintenance companies: Third-party companies responsible for truck maintenance can be held responsible if poor maintenance leads to an accident.

At Dolan Dobrinsky Rosenblum Bluestein, LLP, we aggressively pursue compensation from all parties who directly or indirectly contributed to your Orlando truck accident. We are prepared to identify every party that may bear some form of liability for your crash. A prompt, proactive investigation of a commercial truck accident in Orlando is a must.

Orlando Truck Laws and Their Impact on Your Accident

Our roads are loaded with tractor trailers. Commercial trucks collectively drove over 140 billion miles in 2022, making accidents seemingly inevitable. This staggering statistic underscores why commercial truckers are held to such rigorous standards. Notably, commercial trucking operations are regulated at both the state level and the federal level. The regulations are designed primarily to ensure that trucks are operated safely. Companies should never put profits ahead of the public. Some of the key truck laws and truck safety regulations include:

Obtaining and maintaining commercial driver’s licenses
Meeting ongoing certification requirements
Undergoing continuous training for specific cargo types, vehicle operations, and passenger transport
Adhering to strict hours-of-service regulations
Maintaining accurate logbooks
Submitting to regular drug and alcohol testing
Complying with vehicle inspection and maintenance requirements

The multitude of standards, laws, and regulations that truck drivers and companies must follow can be overwhelming for accident victims. However, when working with an experienced Orlando truck accident attorney from Dolan Dobrinsky Rosenblum Bluestein, LLP, these details can significantly strengthen your case. We thoroughly examine:

Driving logs and electronic logging devices
Onboard computer data
Maintenance records
Driver qualification files
Company policies and procedures
Drug and alcohol testing results
Cargo manifests and loading records

This comprehensive approach allows us to build a strong case by identifying any violations or negligence that contributed to your accident. We use this information to establish liability and demonstrate the full extent of the trucking company’s and driver’s responsibility for your injuries. A one-size-fits-all approach is not good enough after a serious truck accident in Central Florida. Our Orlando semi-truck accident attorneys are always prepared to proactively investigate your crash.

Why Trust the Orlando Truck Accidents Lawyers at Dolan Dobrinsky Rosenblum Bluestein

Dealing with the aftermath of a commercial trucking accident is never easy. When a negligent truck driver causes injuries, pain, and suffering, you shouldn’t have to bear the consequences alone. Our Orlando truck accident lawyers at Dolan Dobrinsky Rosenblum Bluestein, LLP, can gather evidence and hold the responsible parties accountable. We are proactive and justice-focused. With considerable client testimonials and history of case results, our firm has recovered tens of millions of dollars in financial compensation for injured victims. When you reach out to our firm, you will have a chance to speak to an Orlando commercial truck accident attorney who can:

Listen to your story and explain your rights/options;
Investigate your Orlando truck accident—gathering evidence;
Handle the legal paperwork and any settlement negotiations; and
Take aggressive action to help you secure the maximum compensation.

Semi-Truck Accident Claims in Orlando: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

When Should I Speak to an Attorney After a Truck Accident in Orlando?

Right away. You do not want to fall behind any insurance company in the personal injury claims process. Truck accident cases are complicated—and you can be sure that insurers waste little time in building their defense. Early legal advice from an Orlando truck accident lawyer is crucial to ensure your rights are protected and that you avoid common pitfalls.

Are Truck Drivers Required to Have a CDL in Florida?

Yes. All semi-truck drivers in Florida are required to have a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) to operate a vehicle. The type of CDL needed depends on the vehicle’s size, weight, and the nature of the cargo it carries. Obtaining a CDL involves passing both written and practical exams that assess a driver’s knowledge and ability to safely operate commercial trucks. Truck companies must ensure that their drivers have a valid CDL and that they are properly trained more broadly.

What are the Insurance Requirements for Commercial Trucks in Florida?

It depends. While commercial trucks are required to have higher liability policies than other drivers, the exact amount varies based on situation-specific factors. For instance, trucks carrying non-hazardous general freight must have a minimum of $750,000 in liability insurance. A truck transporting oil/gas or hazardous material will be subject to more stringent insurance rules.

Should I Give a Statement to an Insurance Adjuster after a Collision?

Be careful. You should not provide a statement to an insurance company after a truck accident until you have first spoken to an Orlando attorney. Insurance adjusters want to get quick statements from injured victims as part of their defense strategy. They may try to get you to admit some degree of fault or to downplay the severity of your damages. The best way to protect yourself is to work with an insurance company through an Orlando, FL semi-truck accident attorney.

How Do I Know the Value of My Semi-Truck Accident Claim?

Talk to an experienced Orlando tractor trailer accident attorney. Your lawyer will review your case, assess key legal issues, document your damages, and determine the full and fair value of your case.

In Florida, figuring the value of a semi-truck accident claim involves considering several factors, including liability, damages, and insurance coverage.

Can I Recover Compensation for My Pain and Suffering After a Truck Accident in Orlando?

Yes—or at least it is possible to do through a fault-based truck accident claim after suffering a serious injury. You can recover compensation for pain and suffering after a truck accident in Orlando if the accident results in significant injuries that exceed the thresholds of Florida’s no-fault insurance system. Our Orlando, FL truck accident attorney can help.

What If I Am Partially At-Fault for My Own Truck Accident in Orlando?

You can still bring a claim for compensation. To start, you can also pursue your initial no-fault claim through your own insurance coverage (Personal Injury Protection (PIP)). Further, even after a serious crash, you may still have an at-fault claim. However, under Florida’s comparative negligence rule, your compensation would be reduced by your percentage of fault in the accident.

Are Truck Accident Cases Governed By Federal Law or Florida Law?

It can be both. Your personal injury claim after a truck accident in Orlando falls under Florida law. With that being said, federal trucking safety regulations could play a big role in your case. Indeed, truck driver/truck company violations of federal law could be negligence. A top-rated Orlando semi-truck accident lawyer will thoroughly investigate your crash.

We Handle Truck Accident Claims in Orlando On a Contingency Fee Basis

After a serious commercial truck accident, the last thing you need is another bill that needs to be paid. Contact Dolan Dobrinsky Rosenblum Bluestein, LLP, as soon as possible after your accident. We are ready to begin working on your case immediately upon hiring us. The initial consultation is free, and there are no upfront costs. We only receive payment if we successfully settle your claim or win in court. Our Orlando truck accident lawyers do charge hourly bills or upfront fees. If you do not get paid, then we do not get paid. Your consultation is free and carries absolutely no obligation.

Contact Our Orlando, FL Commercial Truck Accident Attorney Today

Don’t let the aftermath of a truck accident overwhelm you. Let the experienced team at Dolan Dobrinsky Rosenblum Bluestein, LLP fight for your rights and the compensation you deserve. Call us today at (305) 371-2692 or connect with us online to start your journey towards justice and recovery. Initial consultations are free and completely confidential. We handle semi-truck accident claims in Orlando, Orange County, and throughout the surrounding region in Central Florida, including in Kissimmee, Deltona, Sanford, Pine Hills, Poinciana, Apopka, and Winter Garden.