Years ago, the problem was poorly maintained equipment. Then, the economy boomed and companies expanded fleets with modern trucks but the Achilles heel of the trucking industry was revealed — not enough drivers. Today’s truck drivers travel farther, longer, and more often than ever before.

As a result, the new highway menace is the sleeping trucker. Traveling at high speeds in enormous rigs these behemoths create carnage on our roadways. Almost everyone has felt the tug in their chest at seeing these massive vehicles bearing down in the rearview mirror. Often times they don’t swerve in time. The result is injury or death. At Fonvielle Lewis Messer & McConnaughhay, we have are skilled at handling these cases.

Don’t get run over twice — contact us for a FREE case evaluation today.

• Jackknife: Jackknife accidents occur due to sudden braking or loss of traction, causing the tractor to fold in on itself forming a V-shaped angle.  Common causes are brake failure,  mechanical failures, or improper braking by truck drivers.  These types of accidents can be especially dangerous given the unpredictable nature of the skidding of the trailer.

• Rollover: Rollover accidents are some of the most dangerous types of trucking accidents.  These types of accidents involve a truck rolling over onto its side or roof and often can be deadly for anyone involved. Unbalanced loads, weather conditions, and taking turns too fast are often contributing factors in these types of accidents.

• Tire Blowouts: Commercial truck tires are put under tremendously heavy loads and stressful road conditions every day.  Tire blowouts can result in truck drivers losing control of the truck or other vehicles swerving out of the way of a truck with a blown tire, resulting in significant danger to nearby vehicles on the road.

• Head-On: Head-on collisions occur when a truck and another vehicle moving in opposite directions collide head-on with each other.  Head-on collisions typically occur on highways and interstates, where speeding is common and the volume of trucks is high.  For these reasons, these types of accidents can be deadly and often result in multiple serious injuries.  In addition, other factors such as driver fatigue, falling asleep at the wheel, or distracted driving contribute to the severity in these types of accidents.

• Underride: An underride accident is when a tractor trailer stops quickly and smaller vehicles slam into either the rear or side of the tractor trailer causing them to slide underneath it.  Because of the nature of underride collisions, these accidents can cause catastrophic injuries and be fatal.

• Other Types of Trucking Accidents: T-Bone accidents, Load Spill accidents, Blindspot accidents, Side swipe accidents, Wide turn accidents

• Contact Emergency Services: Health and safety should be the number one priority after any accident. Calling 911 allows you to report the accident and request medical assistance. Even if an accident is minor, reporting it to the police provides valuable information that could help potential law suits. Law enforcement will make a determination on who is at fault, interview witnesses, and write a thorough report about the details of a crash.

• Remain at the scene: Leaving the scene of an accident is referred to as a hit-and-run and is a serious crime- especially if injury or death occurred. Ensure you stay at the scene until law enforcement says you are free to go to avoid potential fines or even jail time.

• Document the Scene: After an accident it is important to take detailed pictures and videos of the scene. Make sure to capture both property damage and physical injuries. While a description of the accident or a police report is helpful- photos will show a jury just how damaging an accident truly was. Photos can also help prove negligence, or fault. For example, if a crash occurred at night due to inoperable headlights having a photo will help prove our case.

• Exchange Information: Get the other drivers details including insurance information, first and last name, phone numbers, driver’s license, and license plate. This is important information your personal injury attorney and car insurance provider will need to know.

• Contact your Insurance Provider: Talk to your insurance company after the accident regardless of whether you intend to seek compensation. In most states, insurance companies require you to report accidents as soon as they occur. Do not trust an at fault driver to privately pay for any medical bills or vehicle repairs.

• Seek Medical Treatment: If in the days after an accident you experience pain or discomfort, seek medical treatment to rule out more serious injuries. In most cases, you ONLY have 14 days after an accident to seek treatment and then claim damages. DON’T WAIT!

• Call Fonvielle Lewis Messer & McConnaughhay: After being injured in an accident contact the law offices of Fonvielle Lewis Messer & McConnaughhay for a free consultation. We will pair you with one of our amazing paralegals who can offer advice and help an attorney evaluate your case. Hire the car accident experts. When it comes to auto accidents in Florida or Georgia, nobody will fight harder for you than Fonvielle Lewis Messer & McConnaughhay…Personal Injury Law is ALL WE DO!

In 2021, approximately 5,700 large trucks were involved in fatal crashes. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, 60,375 large trucks were involved in injury crashes, and 116,468 were involved in tow away crashes. Singles (truck tractors pulling a single semi-trailer) accounted for 54% of the large trucks involved in fatal crashes in 2021*.

Fatal crashes involving large trucks often occur in rural areas and on Interstate highways. Approximately 54% of all fatal crashes involving large trucks occurred in rural areas, 26% occurred on Interstate highways, and 12% fell into both categories by occurring on rural Interstate highways.

The vast majority of fatal crashes (83%) and non fatal crashes (87%) involving large trucks occurred on weekdays (Monday through Friday)*.

* https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov

Generally speaking, the statute of limitations on trucking accidents is four years from the date of the accident for personal injury claims and two years for wrongful death claims. If you are not sure whether you have a claim or not, it’s best to seek the immediate advice of a trucking accident attorney. This will ensure the information from eye witnesses and any evidence is accurate and timely obtained*.

*https://m.flsenate.gov/statutes/627.736

When it comes to trucking accidents, Fonvielle Lewis Messer & McConnaughhay, has the experience, knowledge, and expertise to represent you in an truck accident personal injury claim. We have represented thousands of victims in Florida and Georgia and are dedicated to helping truck accident victims get the compensation they deserve.