Clearwater Truck Accident Attorneys
Here are solid answers to FAQs you likely have about Clearwater truck accident law.
What are some Clearwater truck accident statistics? Just how common are truck-related injuries and fatalities?
The United States Department of Transportation keeps tabs on truck accident injuries and fatalities. Typically, around 5,000 people every year die in this country in truck accidents. The number of non-fatal crashes hovers around 130,000 or so. Florida is one of the worst states for dangerous truck accidents - only California and Texas have worse truck fatality counts, according to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration data.
It seems like truckers are more distracted today than ever before? Is this true?
Over the past 30 years, changes to both federal and state law have, in the opinion of many experts, made the roads more dangerous for motor vehicle operators who have to share the road with trucks. 30 years ago, the US Congress passed a piece of legislation called the Motor Carrier Vehicle Act, which led to a substantial deregulation of the trucking industry.
This meant that more operators got into business. These operators strove to cut corners wherever possible to save on overhead. The end result: a more chaotic, accident-prone trucking community. Even worse, last decade, rulemakers relaxed "hours of service" regulations for truckers. Today, some truckers can now drive as many as 11 hours a day. (If you've ever driven a long road trip, you know that 11 hours is an incredibly long time to be behind the wheel - think about how fatigued you get at around 9 or 10 hours into that.)
Finally, the proliferation of cell phones has created additional hazards. A Virginia Tech study from 2008 revealed that truck drivers who text while driving are 21 times more likely to get into injury accidents than are drivers who pay attention to the road. That's a stunning statistic.
What are some common causes of Clearwater truck accidents?
- Driver fatigue
- Driver distractibility
- Mechanical problems with the truck
- Problems with the road itself (e.g. potholes, failed traffic signal)
- Problems with your vehicle
- Inclement weather (e.g. thunderstorm soaking the roads)
- Interference from a third party, such as a pedestrian or other careless driver
Who can you potentially hold liable in a Clearwater truck accident lawsuit?
- The trucker responsible for the accident
- The manufacturer or designer of your car or the truck that hit you
- The trucking company that owns the truck that hit you
- Insurance companies (including yours, the trucker's, the trucking company's, etc)
- Anyone else who might have been responsible in any way - even indirectly
Do most truck accident cases go to trial?
Most Clearwater personal injury cases settle before trial. But it's helpful to retain a team of attorneys who will be willing to fight for you at trial, if need be. Sometimes that "threat" alone is enough to make a defendant want to settle on your terms.
Who can I turn to for more personal answers to my Clearwater truck accident questions?
The Jacksonville based attorneys at Farah & Farah can answer your personal questions and suggest a strategic way to go about collecting damages. Get in touch with Farah & Farah today by calling 800-533-3555 or emailing a representative at www.farahandfarah.com. Eddie Farah, one of the founding partners, recently was named "Best Lawyer" in Jacksonville by the publication Folio Weekly.
Clearwater Personal Injury Resources
- Clearwater Personal Injury
- Clearwater Car Accidents
- Clearwater Medical Malpractice
- Clearwater Motorcycle Accidents
- Clearwater Nursing Home Abuse
- Clearwater Premises Liability
- Clearwater Social Security Disability
- Clearwater Truck Accidents
- Clearwater Workers’ Compensation
- Clearwater Wrongful Death
Our personal promise: Accident victims have specific rights, but by law you have a limited time to take action. When you use our team at Farah & Farah, there are NO up-front charges.
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Our fee is a percentage of the money awarded payable only when your case is successfully concluded. No matter how many times you call and how long we talk, there is NO CHARGE or cost until your case settles. Do not sign any releases, agreements or give any statements until you have spoken with us about your legal rights. When it comes to getting you more, we won't settle for less!
We personally promise that you will be treated with the respect and dignity you deserve. We promise to keep you up to date and informed as to developments in your case. Your case is important to us, regardless of size.
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