Jacksonville Truck Accident Attorneys
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has reported that Florida has the third worst record for highway deaths in the nation - just trailing Texas and California. According to the US Department of Transportation's own statistics (in 2004), truck crashes resulted in 5,190 deaths in 2004, over 134,000 non-fatal crashes, and 163,000 injury crashes. Truth be told, out of control trucks threaten the lives and livelihoods of everyone who uses Florida's highways and byways.
Factors That Contribute to Jacksonville Truck Accidents
- Driver fatigue - thanks to 2004 and 2005 modifications to trucking rules, big rig operators are spending more and more time behind the wheel and not enough time getting adequate rest. For instance, the Truck Safety Agency in 2005 revised the rules to allow semi-truck drivers to work 14 hours a day. How is that safe? Studies for decades have shown that fatigued drivers are more likely to get into injury accidents.
- Driver negligence/errors - drivers who fail to load their cargo effectively, secure it properly, who drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol, who get careless or aggressive, or who call or text on their cell phones put other drivers and pedestrians at greater risk.
- Malfunctioning equipment - poorly designed or maintained trucks cause a significant number of accidents. If a truck's brakes fail at an intersection, for instance, the driver may not be able to swerve in time to avoid a fatal rear-end collision. In such a case, victims can hold a repair shop, insurance company, or even the vehicle's designer or manufacturer liable.
- Dangerous highway/road conditions - inclement weather, poor signage, construction work, and dozens of other factors can contribute to Jacksonville truck accidents.
NHTSA statistics show that, unsurprisingly, truck accidents often result in injuries and deaths to car drivers, even when the truck drivers themselves are spared. This should be no surprise; trucks are much larger than cars. They weigh more and thus have more momentum on the road. When a truck is called upon to suddenly brake - decelerate - it exerts a tremendous amount of force - much more force than a typical car can exert going at the same speed.
If you or a loved one has been the victim of a Jacksonville truck accident, you may need to take decisive and timely action to protect your rights and to collect compensation for medical bills, wages lost, rehab costs, and punitive damages. Parties who might be liable include:
- The truck driver
- The truck driver's insurer
- The owner of the trucking company
- Municipal entity responsible for maintaining safe road conditions
- Designer/manufacturer of the truck
To build a case, you will likely need legal representation. Trust the attorneys here at Farah & Farah for a free consultation. Eddie Farah was voted the best lawyer in Jacksonville by Folio Weekly, and Farah & Farah lawyers are members of the Florida Justice Association and the American Association of Justice. Connect with the team today via email or by calling (800) 533-3555.
Jacksonville Personal Injury Resources
- Jacksonville Personal Injury
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- Jacksonville Motorcycle Accidents
- Jacksonville Nursing Home Abuse
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- Jacksonville Social Security Disability
- Jacksonville Truck Accidents
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- Jacksonville 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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