Hurt in a Commercial Truck Accident in St. Cloud? Contact Our Florida Truck Accident Attorney Today for a Free Truck Accident Case Review
At Dolan Dobrinsky Rosenblum Bluestein, LLP, our St. Cloud truck accident lawyers are skilled, aggressive, and justice-first advocates for victims and families. Negligent trucking companies and their commercial insurers must be held accountable for paying claims. Do not take on the legal process alone. If you or your family member was hurt in a tractor trailer crash, we are here to help. Contact us today for a free consultation with a top-rated St. Cloud truck accident attorney.
What to Do After a Commercial Truck Accident in St. Cloud, Florida
Hurt in a semi-truck accident in St. Cloud? It is normal to have a ton of questions about your rights, your options, and what comes next. Commercial truck accidents are confusing. Knowing what to do can make a big difference. Here are five steps to take after a truck accident in St. Cloud:
- Stop Your Vehicle and Exchange Information With the Truck Driver: In Florida, all motorists involved in a truck accident have a duty to stop their vehicle and exchange information. Make sure you get as much information as possible from the trucker.
- Report Your Truck Collision to Local or State Law Enforcement: Florida law requires drivers to report accidents involving injuries or significant property damage. You should call 911 or the St. Cloud Police Department to ensure an official accident report is filed. The police report can be valuable evidence if you need to pursue a legal claim.
- Get Prompt Medical Attention for Any Physical Injuries: Truck accidents can cause terrible injuries. All injuries sustained in a truck accident should be evaluated by an experienced doctor for traumatic brain injuries and other serious injuries. Even if you feel fine, get checked by a doctor as some injuries take time to appear. If you do not have medical records, you will not be able to bring a claim for your suffered injuries.
- Document the Scene of Your Truck Accident: Commercial truck accidents in St. Cloud should be carefully documented. The more details you have, the better. Along with other things, you should take clear photos and videos of vehicle damage, capture any skid marks, document the road conditions, and gather contact information from witnesses.
- Speak to a St. Cloud Lawyer Before an Insurance Adjuster: Insurance adjusters are not on your side after a truck accident. It is their mission to resolve claims for less. Do not provide a recorded statement to the insurance company without first seeking professional guidance. A top-tier St. Cloud semi-truck accident attorney can protect your best interests.
An Overview of the Most Common Causes of Truck Accidents
Commercial truck accidents in Florida can happen for a wide range of different reasons. Our local truck accident attorney handles the full range of semi-truck accident cases in St. Cloud and elsewhere in Osceola County. No matter how and why your crash happened, we are here to help you navigate the legal system and pursue the maximum compensation. Some of the leading causes of tractor trailer accidents in Central Florida include:
- Driver Fatigue: Truck drivers often work long hours. It is hard work that can lead to exhaustion and slower reaction times. Federal regulations limit driving hours, but fatigue-related crashes still occur when drivers push their limits.
- Speeding: Large trucks require more time and distance to stop. That makes speeding extremely dangerous. When truck drivers exceed speed limits or drive aggressively, the risk of severe accidents rises dramatically.
- Distracted Driving: Truckers should always have their full focus and attention on the road. Using a phone, adjusting GPS, eating while driving, or a wide range of other distractions can put innocent people in harm’s way.
- Impaired Driving: Drunk driving and drugged driving are dangerous—particularly so for commercial drivers. An intoxicated trucker not only faces serious criminal liability, they must be held liable if a crash happens.
- Blind Spots: Semi-trucks have large blind spots on all sides. By definition, it makes it more difficult for drivers to see nearby vehicles. Other motorists must be cautious when driving near trucks to avoid collisions. Still, truckers are responsible for their blind spots.
- Improper Lane Changes: Unfortunately, truck drivers sometimes fail to signal or check blind spots before changing lanes or turning. A sudden maneuver can force smaller vehicles off the road or into dangerous situations.
- Improper Truck Maintenance: Proper truck maintenance is an absolute must. Faulty brakes, worn-out tires, or broken lights can lead to serious accidents. Trucking companies and truck drivers must inspect and maintain the vehicle.
- Overloaded or Improperly Loaded Cargo: A truck’s trailer must be carefully loaded. An excessive load or uneven cargo weight can make a truck difficult to control or cause it to tip over. Federal regulations set weight limits to prevent risks.
- Brake Failures: A fully loaded tractor trailer in Florida can weigh up to 40 tons. If a large commercial truck does not have well-maintained brakes, a serious crash can happen. Worn-out brakes on a large truck can dramatically increase the stopping distance.
Florida is a No-Fault Truck Accident State
Florida follows a no-fault insurance system for motor vehicle accidents, including for commercial truck crashes. It is a system that has big implications for your claim. If you are injured in a truck accident, your own Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance will cover your medical expenses and lost wages—regardless of who caused the accident. In other words, your initial claim is a no-fault claim. Your case goes through your PIP carrier no matter who was to blame for the truck accident in St. Cloud. PIP coverage is limited and does not compensate for pain and suffering
Stepping Beyond the No-Fault System After a Serious Semi-Truck Crash
Florida’s no-fault insurance system limits injury victims to filing claims through their Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance, regardless of fault. However, PIP coverage has strict limits and only provides up to $10,000 for medical expenses and lost wages. In serious semi-truck accidents, these limits are often insufficient to cover the full extent of a victim’s losses. Here is the good news: Florida law allows accident victims to step outside the no-fault system and pursue a personal injury claim against the at-fault party if their injuries meet the state’s serious injury threshold.
In Florida, the term “serious injury” is defined to include significant or permanent loss of a bodily function, permanent scarring or disfigurement, or death. If your injuries qualify, you can file a claim against the truck driver, trucking company, or other liable parties to seek full compensation, including pain and suffering, future medical expenses, and lost earning capacity
Under Florida law (Florida Statutes § 768.81), a modified comparative negligence standard applies to fault-based semi-truck accident claims. Multiple parties may share legally responsible for the same truck accident. You can still recover compensation even if you are partially at fault for your own tractor trailer accident in St. Cloud—but your compensation will be reduced in proportion to your degree of fault. However, as Florida is a modified comparative fault state, any recovery is barred if you are 51 percent (or more) responsible for your own accident.
A Two-Year Statute of Limitations for Truck Accidents in St. Cloud
Hurt in a serious commercial truck accident? It is imperative that you know the deadline. Under Florida law (Florida Statutes § 95.11), there is a two-year statute of limitations. If you fail to initiate a claim in a timely manner, you could lose out on your right to recover financial compensation at all. Be proactive: Speak to a St. Cloud truck accident lawyer as soon as possible.
You Need the Maximum Compensation After a Truck Crash in St. Cloud from an Experienced St. Cloud and Orlando Truck Accident Lawyer
In Florida, truck accident victims have the right to seek compensation for both economic losses and non-economic damages. Do not rely on any trucking company or any insurance company to look out for your best interests. Our St. Cloud, FL semi-truck accident attorney can help. Depending on the specific nature of your case, you may be entitled to recovery compensatory damages for:
- Vehicle repairs (or replacement):
- Ambulance costs and emergency room care;
- Hospital bills and other medical expenses;
- Long-term medical care needs;
- Loss of wages and loss of future earning power;
- Pain and suffering & mental distress;
- Long-term physical disability;
- Reduced quality of life; and
- Wrongful death of a family member.
How Our St. Cloud Semi-Truck Accident Lawyer Can Help in Handling Truck Accident Cases
Hurt in a collision in St. Cloud? You need the best truck accident lawyer. Unfortunately, many truck accident victims struggle to get justice and compensation. At Dolan Dobrinsky Rosenblum Bluestein, LLP, we have more than $1 billion in settlements and verdicts on behalf of clients. Our case results and testimonials show what we can do for truck accident victims. Insurance companies must be held accountable. We are proactive. When you contact our law firm, you will have a chance to connect with a St. Cloud semi-truck accident attorney who can:
- Conduct a free, confidential review and evaluation of your case;
- Investigate your truck accident in St. Cloud—gathering evidence;
- Handle the legal paperwork and represent you in settlement talks; and
- Take aggressive action to help you secure the maximum compensation.
Truck Accident Claims in St. Cloud: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What Should I Look for in a St. Cloud Semi-Truck Accident Lawyer?
You need a lawyer who is knowledgeable, skilled, and committed to fighting for justice and compensation for victims and families. Truck accident cases are challenging. It is crucial that you look for a St. Cloud truck accident attorney who has experience handling claims. The right lawyer can make the difference in your semi-truck accident case.
Does Florida’s No-Fault Insurance Law Apply to Commercial Truck Accidents?
Yes. While Florida’s no-fault insurance law applies primarily to standard passenger car accidents, it can apply to commercial truck accidents as well—or at least it can for minor crashes. However, because truck accidents are far more likely to result in severe injuries that exceed PIP coverage limits, injured victims may also be able to seek compensation through a fault-based claim.
Are Truck Accidents More Challenging Cases than Car Accidents?
Yes, truck accidents are usually more complex than car accidents. One key reason is that they involve multiple parties—from the truck driver to the trucking company to vehicle manufacturers. Beyond that, federal trucking regulations, complex forms of evidence (such as black box data and driver logs), and high-stakes, high-dollar insurance policies can also make these cases more difficult to navigate for injured victims.
What Role Do Federal Trucking Regulations Play in a Claim in Florida?
Truck safety is regulated at the federal level. Federal trucking regulations—which are primarily enforced by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)—set standards for driver qualifications, hours of service (HOS), vehicle maintenance, and cargo loading. If a trucking company or driver violated these rules—such as if he or she exceeded legal driving hours or if the company fails to maintain the truck—that could be evidence of fault.
Should I Accept a Settlement in My Semi-Truck Accident Claim?
Not without first consulting with a St. Cloud semi-truck accident attorney. Your lawyer will carefully evaluate whether the offer fully covers your medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and any long-term damages. Unfortunately, truck companies and their insurers fight to settle cases for less. Your St. Cloud, FL semi-truck accident will protect your rights and your interests.
We Represent Truck Accident Victims in St. Cloud On Contingency After Serious Injuries
Were you hurt in a semi-truck accident in St. Cloud? The absolute last thing you need on your mind right now is another bill that needs to be paid. At Dolan Dobrinsky Rosenblum Bluestein, LLP, we never charge upfront costs or out-of-pocket fees to our clients. Hiring an experienced truck accident lawyer should not add to your financial stress. That’s why we work on contingency—meaning you owe nothing unless our personal injury attorney wins your case. There is zero risk. Your initial consultation with our St. Cloud semi-truck accident attorney and Orlando truck accident attorney is free and completely confidential.
Contact Our St. Cloud Semi-Truck Accident Attorney for Immediate Help
At Dolan Dobrinsky Rosenblum Bluestein, LLP, our St. Cloud truck accident lawyers fight tirelessly for justice. If you or your loved one was hurt in a semi-truck crash, we are here as a resource. Give us a call now or contact us online for a free, no strings attached case evaluation to help handle your medical bills and truck accident case with the commercial vehicles, passenger vehicles, and other vehicles involved. We handle semi-truck accident injury claims in St. Cloud, Osceola County, and throughout Central Florida.