Naples Semi-Truck Accident Lawyer
A semi-truck is a motorized vehicle designed to be attached to a semi-trailer. Even without a trailer, however, semi-trucks are still some of the largest and heaviest commercial vehicles on the road. For this reason, drivers require a special license to operate them as well as additional permits for transporting cargo in a semi-trailer.
These regulations help to ensure the safety of semi-trucks. But no system is perfect. And unfortunately, semi-trucks are frequently involved in deadly and catastrophic accidents on public highways. If you have been injured during such an event and need legal advice from a qualified Naples semi-truck accident lawyer, the team at Cardinal Law, P.A., is here to help.
Why Do Semi-Truck Accidents Happen?
Semi-truck accidents often happen for the same reasons as any other car or truck accident in Florida: The truck operator was driving negligently or recklessly. Some of the more common factors we see in such accidents include:
- The driver was fatigued due to lack of sleep.
- The driver was driving too fast for road conditions.
- The driver failed to keep a proper lookout for other vehicles, particularly in their blind spot.
- The driver did not maintain an adequate distance from other vehicles to ensure they had enough time to properly brake.
- The driver was operating under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Failure to perform proper maintenance on a semi-truck or improper loading of cargo are also common factors in accidents. An experienced semi-truck accident can investigate all of these potential causes and contributing factors to ensure all negligent parties are identified and held accountable.
What Do I Do After a Semi-Truck Accident?
If you have been involved in a semi-truck accident, your first step should be to seek immediate medical attention. Even if you are able to walk away from the wreck and “feel okay,” there are often injuries or other medical problems that may not be immediately apparent. By seeking prompt medical treatment you not only ensure that any such injuries are addressed, but you also help to create a record in the event you need to file a personal injury claim.
It is common in semi-truck accidents for insurance companies representing the driver or truck owner to contact you with a potential settlement offer. You should never speak to an insurance adjuster or trucking company representative without first contacting an attorney. Such offers are generally for far less than your total amount of damages and you may end up signing away valuable legal rights without fully realizing it. That is why it is always in your best interest to work with a semi-truck accident lawyer whose only loyalty is to you and your family.
Contact Cardinal Law Today
Semi-truck accidents often take far more time and energy to sort out than a simple fender bender. At the same time, such accidents often leave multiple victims, each with thousands of dollars in financial losses and other injuries. A Naples semi-truck accident lawyer can help you in sorting things out and getting your life back on track. If you need to speak with a lawyer, contact Cardinal Law, P.A., today to schedule a free initial consultation.
