Category: Truck Crashes

What Are the Most Common Jackknife Truck Accident Causes and Injuries?

What Are the Most Common Jackknife Truck Accident Causes and Injuries?

Over 400,000 big rig truck accidents occur every year in the United States, resulting in about 5,000 deaths. Only about three percent of all truck accident fatalities are truck drivers. The remainder are drivers and passengers in the other vehicles involved. This figure is hardly surprising since a fully loaded commercial truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. Jackknife accidents are among the most common kinds of truck accidents. A jackknife accident occurs when a large truck folds in on itself at the joint between the cab and the trailer, resembling the shape of a folding jackknife. This can cause a truck to skid across multiple lanes of traffic, with catastrophic consequences. Unfortunately, jackknife accidents are among the most common truck accidents. Common Causes of Jackknife Truck Accidents Space limitations prevent a full explanation of all possible causes of jackknife accidents. Following are explanations of some of them. Improper Braking It takes a truck a long time to stop. If

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What Are the Odds of Dying in a Truck Accident?

What Are the Odds of Dying in a Truck Accident?

Truck accidents are among the most catastrophic types of vehicle collisions on the road. Due to their sheer size and weight, large trucks pose significant risks to other motorists. If you’re worried about a fatal truck accident, knowing the statistics and key factors can help. This information can keep you informed and help you drive safely. Truck Accident Fatality Statistics According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA): Truck accidents remain a significant concern on U.S. roadways, contributing to thousands of fatalities each year. Factors That Increase the Risk of Fatal Truck Accidents Several factors contribute to the likelihood of a fatal truck accident, including: In summary, factors such as size disparity, blind spots, braking distance, driver fatigue, and adverse weather conditions all contribute to the increased risk of fatal truck accidents. Common Causes of Fatal Truck Accidents Accidents can happen for many reasons. One common causes of fatal

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I’ve Been Hurt in a Truck Accident – Do I Need a Lawyer?

I’ve Been Hurt in a Truck Accident – Do I Need a Lawyer?

Being in a truck accident can be a frightening and overwhelming experience. It’s common to feel lost about what to do next, significantly if you are injured. One of the main questions that might come to mind is whether you need a lawyer to help you through this challenging time. This article will explore why hiring a lawyer is often a wise decision if you’ve been hurt in a truck accident. Understanding the Complexity of Truck Accidents Truck accidents are usually more complicated than regular car accidents. This is because trucking involves numerous state and federal regulations. These laws are designed to ensure safety and responsibility. Accidents can happen when these rules are broken, often causing serious injury or damage.  Trucking companies and their insurers will often have teams of lawyers to protect their interests. They might try to minimize what they pay you or even deny their responsibility. A personal injury lawyer with experience in trucking accidents can help

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Understanding Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) In Florida

Understanding Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) In Florida

Gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) is one of the most important specifications for regulating vehicles in Florida. The Sunshine State has commercial truck rules that outline GVWR limitations and specific licensing requirements for operating trucks that exceed certain gross vehicle weight rating thresholds. Here’s everything you need to know.  What Is GVWR? The gross vehicle weight rating is the maximum load your vehicle can handle, as determined by the manufacturer. GVWR includes the weight of the vehicle itself, along with any passengers and cargo. This rating is meant to ensure that the vehicle can operate safely without putting excess strain on critical components like the brakes, suspension, and tires.  All motor vehicles designed for highway use have a GVWR. You can find the gross vehicle weight rating for your car or truck by looking at the plate located on the driver’s side door frame.  Why Does GVWR Matter? The gross vehicle weight rating helps operators better understand the capabilities and

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Should I Hire a Lawyer After a Minor Truck Accident in Florida?

Should I Hire a Lawyer After a Minor Truck Accident in Florida?

Suppose you’ve been involved in a minor truck accident in Florida. In that case, you might wonder whether you need a lawyer. It can be confusing to figure out what to do after an accident, especially if no one was seriously hurt. In this article, we’ll discuss whether you should consider hiring a lawyer and why it’s essential to understand your rights and options. Understanding Truck Accidents in Florida Due to their size and weight, truck accidents can differ from regular car accidents. Florida has many commercial trucks on the roads, so accidents can happen frequently. According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV), there were over 300,000 crashes involving commercial vehicles in recent years. While many accidents are minor, even a small accident can lead to complex issues. What Is Considered a Minor Truck Accident? A truck accident typically involves minor vehicle damage and/or minor injuries. For example, scratches, dents, and minor repairs fall into

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What Does a Truck Accident Lawyer Do?

What Does a Truck Accident Lawyer Do?

Suppose you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident in Jacksonville, FL. In that case, understanding the role of a truck accident lawyer can be crucial in navigating the complex process of seeking compensation and justice. In this article, we will explore the responsibilities of a truck accident lawyer, the benefits they can provide, and why hiring one can make a significant difference in your case. What Is a Truck Accident Lawyer? A truck accident lawyer is an attorney who represents clients in accidents involving large commercial trucks, such as semi-trucks, tractor-trailers, and big rigs. These lawyers have extensive knowledge of truck transportation laws and regulations, including federal and state laws. They are skilled in navigating the complex investigation process and litigating truck accident claims. Responsibilities of a Truck Accident Lawyer A truck accident lawyer’s primary responsibility is representing you in your pursuit of compensation and justice following a truck accident. Their duties may include: In

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Jackknife Truck Accidents in Jacksonville, FL: All You Need to Know

Truck accidents can have devastating consequences for drivers, passengers, and even pedestrians. One of the most dangerous is accidents involving jackknifing. If you or a loved one has been involved in a jackknife truck accident in Jacksonville, a Jacksonville truck accident can help you recover potential compensation for injuries and other damages.  What Are Jackknife Accidents? A jackknife accident occurs when the trailer of a large truck, such as a semi or tractor-trailer, swings out at an angle and folds like a pocket knife. Jackknife accidents are particularly dangerous because the driver typically loses control of their truck, which may strike other vehicles. What Causes Jackknife Truck Accidents in Jacksonville? Jackknife truck accidents in Jacksonville are commonly attributed to several main causes.  Some common scenarios involved in jackknife accidents include: A Jacksonville truck accident lawyer can investigate the cause of your jackknife truck accident. Who May Be Liable for A Jackknife Truck Accident in Jacksonville?  Determining liability for a jackknife

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What is MCS 90?

What is MCS 90?

If you were injured in a truck accident involving a commercial truck, something known as an MCS 90 endorsement can have an impact on your financial recovery from the accident. Most drivers aren’t familiar with MCS-90s because it is specific to the commercial trucking industry. The MCS-90 is an important type of insurance coverage commercial truck operations must carry in the event of accidents.  After an accident involving a semi-truck, big rig, or other commercial truck, the MCS 90 can come into play during a personal injury claim. An experienced Jacksonville truck accident lawyer can help you understand how this works and what your next steps are in a truck accident claim. The Truck Accident Law Firm is available to answer your questions through a free consultation. Call our law office today to learn more at (888) 511-8782.  Understanding the MCS 90 Endorsement  MCS 90 is an endorsement for motor carrier insurance policies that nearly all United States trucking companies

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Interstate Vs. Intrastate Trucking

Interstate Vs. Intrastate Trucking

Trucking is a complicated business, and the farther a driver has to travel, the more regulations and restrictions there are to follow. This is clear in the differences in rules for interstate and intrastate drivers. Learn about the legal implications of each term and what it means for drivers, carriers, and other vehicles on the road. The Difference Between Interstate and Intrastate Trucking The difference between an interstate truck driver and an intrastate truck driver is fairly simple. An interstate truck driver moves goods across state lines. Conversely, an intrastate truck driver moves goods only within the state lines.  It’s important for truck drivers to understand that the distinction applies to the goods, not necessarily to the driver. There may be a driver whose truck is carrying goods to be delivered three states away, but that driver may hand those goods off to another driver before leaving the state. Even though the first driver never left the state, they’re still

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