Orlando 18-Wheeler Accident Attorney Information
If you have an Orlando, FL 18-wheeler truck accident claim, Orlando 18-wheeler truck accident lawyers are here to advocate for you. Call one of the Orlando 18-wheeler truck accident lawyers listed on this site for a free initial consultation. Semi truck, tractor trailer and 18-wheeler accidents are common occurrences on Orlando roads and highways. It is estimated that approximately 5,000 people die as a result of 18-wheeler accidents and big rig collisions in the United States each year with a substantial number of 18-wheeler truck accidents occurring in Orlando, Florida, every day. Due to the high population and highly congested traffic throughout Orlando’s sprawling metropolis, the city unfortunately has its fair share of big rig truck accidents. In 2010, the U.S. Census estimated Orlando’s metropolitan population to be at 2.1 million people within an area of 220 square miles. With Orlando being the twenty-seventh largest city in the United States and the third largest city in the State of Florida, 18-wheeler accidents and semi truck crashes on Orlando highways are inevitable.
Orlando, like other major cities, experiences gridlock and traffic jams daily, especially when commuting from the northern suburbs in Seminole County south to downtown and from the eastern suburbs of Orange County to Downtown. Heavy traffic is also common in the tourist district south of downtown. Rush hours are usually weekday mornings after 7am and afternoons after 4pm. There are various traffic advisory resources available for commuters including dialing 5-1-1 (a free automated traffic advisory system provided by the Florida Department of Transportation, available by dialing 511), visiting the Florida 511 Web site, listening to traffic reports on major radio stations, and reading electronic traffic advisory displays (also called Variable-message signs, information is also provided by FDOT) on the major highways and roadways. The most common form of transportation in Orlando is still the automobile, with a large majority of its residents driving to work alone each day.
If you find yourself involved in an 18-wheeler accident, call one of the qualified Orlando 18-wheeler truck accident attorneys on this site today.
Orlando 18-Wheeler Accident Attorney
Due to the sheer weight difference of a car versus the weight of an 18-wheeler or tractor trailer, accidents that involve commercial vehicles often times result in severe injuries or even death. Compared to the average weight of an automobile, which is only 5,000 pounds, one can easily see how much more dangerous commercial vehicles like an 18 wheeler can be. That is why if you are injured by a semi truck or commercial vehicle in Orlando, it is important that you choose an experienced Orlando 18-wheeler accident attorney who knows the truck regulations and laws both nationally and for the State of Florida.
Commercial vehicles go by different names such as:
- Dump-Trucks
- Truck
- Tractor Trailer
- Lowboy
- Semi
Orlando truck accidents caused by an 18-wheeler, big rig, semi truck, tractor trailer, bus or commercial vehicle are common on Orlando streets, avenues and highways. Many of the semi truck crashes that occur in the city of Orlando happen along the major Orlando highways, which include the SR 400, SR 408, US 17, and I-4.
Types of Trucks
The following trucks do specific things and carry certain types of cargo:
- Bob-Tail Trucks
- Tanker trucks
- Refrigerated trucks
- Flat bed trucks
- Logging trucks
Buses are also considered commercial vehicles as well, but as a rule do not haul cargo. Instead a bus is a transportation vehicle that carries children or adults such as a school bus or commercial bus like Greyhound. School bus accidents or commercial bus accidents are common on Orlando roads and freeways. The causes may vary, but often times the accident is a result of hazardous road conditions or driver negligence.
It is essential to hire an Orlando bus accident lawyer if you have been involved in the following type of accident:
- Orlando city buses;
- transportation buses such as Greyhound;
- shuttle bus accidents when driving to and from the airport, such as Orlando International Airport or Orlando Executive Airport; and/or,
- bus accidents that occur running back and forth from Walt Disney World.
The ways Orlando truck accidents happen occur are too numerous to list. Blind spots, rear-ends, sideswipes, head-ons, load overturns, jack-knifes are all possible and can result in fatal wrongful death truck accidents.
If you live in Orlando and have a claims for an accident that involved a big rig or an 18 wheeler, your case might be filed in one of these courts:
Orange County Circuit Court
1111 North Rock Springs Road, Apopka, FL 32712
(407) 836-2007
Orange County Circuit Court
450 North Lakemont Avenue, Winter Park, FL 32792
(407) 836-2007
18-Wheeler Accident Lawyers Serve Orlando and Surrounding Cities
Serving clients throughout Central Florida, including Altamonte Springs, Apopka, Azalea Park, Bay Hill, Belle Isle, Chuluota, Conway, Doctor, Hunters Creek, Kissimmee, Lake Mary, Lockhart, Longwood, Maitland, Meadow Woods, Oak Ridge, Ocoee, Orlando, Orlovista, Phillips, Pine Hills, Sanford, Sky Lake, South Apopka, St. Cloud, Walt Disney World Resort, Williamsburg, Winter Garden, Winter Park, Winter Springs, and other communities in Orange County.
Orlando 18-wheeler accident attorneys are experienced in handling serious injury truck collision cases and can help you fight the trucking company or its insurer in order to get you the compensation you deserve. Contact an Orlando 18 wheeler accident lawyer today for a FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION.
Types of Trucks
Orlando Board Certified Civil Trial Specialists Handle Personal Injury Claims
Civil trial law is the practice of law dealing with litigation of civil controversies in all areas of law before state courts, federal courts, administrative agencies and arbitrators. A person who practices Florida personal injury law is practicing a type of law that is covered by the Civil Trial law Certification.
Board certified Florida Bar members are the only Florida attorneys allowed to identify themselves as “Board Certified,” “Specialist,” “Expert” or to use the letters “B.C.S.” for Board Certified Specialist on business cards or letterhead, in legal directories or in advertising.
A lawyer who is a member in good standing of The Florida Bar and who meets the standards prescribed by the state's Supreme Court may become board certified in one or more of the 24 certification fields. Only 7% of eligible Florida Bar members – about 4,400 lawyers – are board certified.
The minimum requirements for Civil Trial certification are listed below:
- A minimum of five years in law practice;
- A satisfactory showing of substantial involvement in the field of law for which certification is sought;
- A passing grade on the examination required of all applicants (See a Sample Civil Trial Exam Question) ;
- Satisfactory peer review assessment of competence in the specialty field as well as character, ethics and professionalism in the practice of law; and
- Satisfaction of the certification area’s continuing legal education requirements
Board certification is valid for five (5) years, during which time the attorney must continue to practice law and attend Florida Bar-approved continuing legal education courses. To be re-certified, lawyers must meet requirements similar to those for initial certification.
As mentioned above, Florida offers twenty-four areas of certification. In addition to Civil Trial, which covers personal injury law, they also offer Admiralty & Maritime Law and Workers compensation Certifications as well Workers' Compensation.
To see a list of Florida lawyers that, according to the Supreme Court of Florida, are currently holding a Certification in Civil Trial law, please follow this link: Florida Board Certified Civil Trial Lawyers as of February 12, 2011.
Hiring an Orlando 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyer
If you have been involved in an 18 wheeler truck accident in Orlando, Florida, it is recommended that you hire a qualified Orlando 18-wheeler accident lawyer who is knowledgeable in federal laws and Florida state laws regarding trucking regulations. Orlando, located in Orange County, is the third largest city in Florida with extensive roadways and congested freeways due to its high population. Therefore, it is not uncommon for truck collisions, wrecks, crashes and injuries to occur due to the high amount of traffic. If you or a loved one have been injured in a Central Florida truck accident, contact a qualified Orlando semi truck accident attorney today for a free initial consultation.
Orlando & Florida Professional Associations
In addition to selecting a qualified Orlando accident & injury lawyer that regularly handles Orlando big rig truck accident cases, you should also check out the attorney’s credentials. For example, is the attorney a member of the Florida Justice Association, Orange County Bar Association, or the Florida Trial Lawyers Association? All lawyers that practice Orlando truck accident litigation must be active members of the State Bar of Florida. They may also join other professional organizations, such as:
- Florida Justice Association
- Orange County Bar Association
- Florida Trial Lawyers Association
- American Association of Justice
Founded in 1933, the Orange County Bar Association (OCBA) has been the primary vehicle for area attorneys to meet, exchange information related to their legal specialty areas, and provide valuable legal and community services to residents in surrounding communities.The OCBA is proud to claim members who have achieved regional, state and national recognition for their professionalism, integrity, knowledge and just application of the law. The OCBA is a 3,100-member voluntary association in Orlando, Florida.
Big Rig Accidents Can Be Devastating
When a negligent truck driver makes the decision to get behind the wheel of their semi tractor-trailer, any driver traveling near them is at risk for serious injury or death. The consequences of an 18-wheeler truck a crash along an Orlando intersection, avenue, or freeway can be devastating, often resulting in very serious injuries that can even lead to death. The sheer force of a speeding 18-wheeler truck is a dangerous weapon that can forever change your life. Under the law if you are involved in such a wreck or an accident, you are entitled to compensation for your medical bills, loss of income, and pain and suffering. If you or a loved one have been injured in a commercial truck accident in Orlando, FL or Orange County, it is in your best interest to contact an Orlando big rig truck accident lawyer immediately.
Orlando 18 Wheeler Accident Attorneys File in Orange County, FL
When a truck accident occurs and a lawsuit is subsequently filed, the decision of where to file it is called “choice of venue.” The venue chosen can have legal consequences that affect the outcome of your case. Generally, venue in a truck accident case is proper in any of the following locations:
- the county wherein the accident occurred;
- the county wherein the defendant company’s principal place of business is located; or,
- the county wherein the defendant truck driver resides.
Even though your accident may have occurred in Orlando, the truck company and truck driver will often be from a different state. This is because trucking companies frequently operate in states other than where they are registered. In these cases, the venue where the lawsuit may be filed could be the state where the truck accident occurred, the state where the trucking company is located, or even the state where the trucking company regularly does business, if different. For example, the accident may have occurred in Orlando, Florida, therefore making venue proper in Orange County, but the claim may be filed against a trucking company from another state. You need a qualified and experienced Orlando tractor trailer lawyer to decide what the best venue would be in a case like this that crosses state lines.
Some of the courts in the Orlando, Orange County, Florida, areas include:
Orange County Circuit Court
684 South Goldenrod Road, Orlando, FL 32822
(407) 836-2007
Orange County Circuit Court
475 West Story Road, Ocoee, FL 34761
(407) 836-2007
The Orange County Civil Courthouse is located at:
425 North Orange Avenue, Suite 310, Orlando, FL 32802
18-Wheeler Accident Attorneys Serve Orlando and Surrounding Cities
Serving clients throughout Central Florida, including Altamonte Springs, Apopka, Azalea Park, Bay Hill, Belle Isle, Chuluota, Conway, Doctor, Hunters Creek, Kissimmee, Lake Mary, Lockhart, Longwood, Maitland, Meadow Woods, Oak Ridge, Ocoee, Orlando, Orlovista, Phillips, Pine Hills, Sanford, Sky Lake, South Apopka, St. Cloud, Walt Disney World Resort, Williamsburg, Winter Garden, Winter Park, Winter Springs, and other communities in Orange County.
Don’t be the victim of a semi driver’s negligence. Hiring a qualified Orlando 18-wheeler accident lawyer is essential if you or a loved one have been injured in a truck collision. Contact a big rig accident lawyer today to ensure you receive expert representation from an attorney who knows how to handle your case.
Types of Trucks on Orlando Highways
There are many types of commercial trucks found in and around Orlando, Florida. Trucking companies in Orlando offer a wide variety of vehicle choices. Some Orlando trucking companies deal with courier and small package delivery as well. Some companies offer bicycle couriers for downtown areas and will also use an assortment of vehicles ranging from cars, vans and pick-up trucks to large tractor-trailers and bobtail trucks.
Types of Trucks Used By Orlando Trucking Companies:
- 18 Wheeler
- Semi Truck
- Tractor Trailer
- Big Rig
- Semi Trailer
- Box Truck
- Straight Truck
- Flatbed Truck
- Stake Truck
- Bobtail Truck
Be sure to insist on the highest levels of safety by selecting a reputable Orlando trucking company that uses late model vehicles which are inspected on a regular basis.
When to Hire an Orlando Semi-Tractor Truck Accident Lawyer
In many cases, Orlando 18-wheeler accident attorneys must retain the services of scientific and medical experts to prove both the cause of the accident and the cause of your injuries. Additionally, a qualified semi truck accident lawyer will obtain all kinds of evidence concerning the scene of the crash, truck logs, and other important information to be used against the trucker, trucking company, or the company’s insurer. Arranging expert witness testimony and preparing important physical and documentary evidence is just one of many ways an Orlando tractor trailer injury lawyer can help you after you’ve suffered a truck accident injury from a major 18-wheeler truck wreck.
If you or a loved one have been involved in a serious box truck wreck, semi crash or big rig accident, hiring a lawyer is the farthest thing from your mind when tragedy such as this strikes you, a family member, or a friend. However, this is when you need an Orlando truck accident lawyer most. Do yourself a favor by calling one of the qualified Orlando truck accident lawyers listed on this page. Hire a qualified Orlando tractor trailer accident lawyer to help protect your rights.
Orlando Trucking Companies
Following is a list of trucking companies based in Orlando, Florida. Services offered include container drayage, loose freight drayage, overweight loads, bonded moves, same day delivery.
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ABF U-Pack
Estes Express Lines |
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Alliance Air Freight & Logistics
Saia Motor Freight Line |
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Some companies deal with the transport of import and export containers through the Port of Orlando, which is located nearby. |
Truck Accident Lawyers Serve Orlando and Surrounding Cities
Serving clients throughout Central Florida, including Altamonte Springs, Apopka, Azalea Park, Bay Hill, Belle Isle, Chuluota, Conway, Doctor, Hunters Creek, Kissimmee, Lake Mary, Lockhart, Longwood, Maitland, Meadow Woods, Oak Ridge, Ocoee, Orlando, Orlovista, Phillips, Pine Hills, Sanford, Sky Lake, South Apopka, St. Cloud, Walt Disney World Resort, Williamsburg, Winter Garden, Winter Park, Winter Springs, and other communities in Orange County.
Orlando truck accident attorneys are experienced in handling serious injury truck collision cases and can help you fight the trucking company or its insurer in order to get you the compensation you deserve. Contact an Orlando truck accident lawyer today for a FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION.
Orlando Commercial Vehicle Accident Lawyers Represent Injured Truck Drivers
Truck drivers who operate an 18-wheeler truck or big rig on the busy roads and highways of Orlando such as SR 408, US 17 or I-4, can become injured when a major commercial vehicle collision occurs. Truckers often say, “Ride with me for just one day and you will see what it is like ‘out there’…it’s not always the trucker’s fault…”
It is not uncommon to see a big rig wreck, semi crash or major accident involving semi truck drivers in Orlando, FL. Orlando’s freeway system, which is made up of miles of freeways and expressways. The danger of an 18-wheeler truck accident is not just confined to injured people in automobiles, but can end up injuring the truck driver affecting their livelihood and family’s livelihood as well as the automobile driver. So, when an Orlando 18-wheeler truck accident lawyer is contacted, be it by an automobile driver who has been injured or a truck driver that has been injured at the dangerous hands of another, you will need an expert Orlando truck injury lawyer to fight for your rights.
The Semi Truck Driver is Not Always at Fault
When an 18-wheeler is moving down an Orlando road or highway, such as SR 408, US 17 or I-4 at high speeds, it is nearly unstoppable and can easily turn a motorist’s everyday commute into a lethal situation. Although a passenger car is lightweight, in comparison, and can easily maneuver in and out of lanes on Orlando highways, it is no match for a big rig truck. If the two vehicles are unable to avoid a collision, wreck or crash, the driver of the passenger car will be lucky to escape with their life.
A driver of a passenger vehicle could easily be killed as a result of veering out of his lane and then smashing into a tractor trailer truck let’s say on the U.S. 17 in Orlando. If the trucker tried to avoid hitting the passenger car but was unable to avoid the wreck or crash, then this would be a case where the accident was caused by the driver of the passenger vehicle and therefore the trucker would not be at fault.
Truck Driver Facts
- Two of your fellow truck drivers die each day in accidents
- 33,000 people driving large trucks are injured each year
- 6.3% of U.S. truck drivers are injured each year.
Injured Truckers Need Legal Representation
A qualified Orlando 18-wheeler accident attorney should offer a free case review. If they decide to take on your legal matter, they should not require an up-front fee. Truckers with a trucking injury claim are generally taken on a contingency fee basis. In other words, your Orlando truck accident attorney is only paid if you receive compensation for your injuries.
Injured Truckers Need to Know Their Rights
As a trucker, you have rights you need to be aware of. It is not uncommon for aggressive insurance companies to contact you shortly after the accident in an effort to try to get you to settle quickly and convince you that you want the matter to go away. In many cases, injuries are not so quick to heal. Many times the injuries can be permanent, long-lasting, and career-threatening. That is why you need a competent Orlando truck accident lawyer that is not only prepared to mediate a resolution, but also prepared to take your case to court.
When Negligence Changes a Trucker’s Life
Qualified Orlando truck accident lawyers know exactly how to provide nationwide representation for truckers injured in trucking accidents caused by a variety of negligent acts and mechanical malfunctions, including:
- Rear-end, Head-On Crashes and Jackknives
- Poor Maintenance, including Tires and Brakes
- Driver Fatigue
- Unsecured Loads
- Aggressive Driving
- DWI/Drug Use
- Lack of Reflectors and Poor Visibility
Since trucking laws are governed by hundreds of regulations, litigation can be very complex. Hiring a semi truck accident attorney who specializes in the numerous trucking laws throughout the United States is essential for a successful verdict outcome. For more information about trucking laws or to schedule an appointment with an experienced commercial truck injury lawyer, contact a truck injury attorney today.
When an 18 Wheeler accident occurs, your Orlando truck accident lawyer will check the truck driver’s credentials to see if he/she attended an accredited Commercial Drivers’ License (CDL) school. In Orlando, Florida, one truck driving school is Mid Florida Tech, 2900 West Oakridge Road, Orlando, FL 32809 (407) 354-4761, although there are many others throughout the country. See the Nationwide List of Accredited CDL Schools for a more comprehensive list.
Resources for Truck Drivers |
Trucking Schools (earn your CDL):
C&L Solutions Inc. Truck Driving School
MTA Truck Driving School |
Occupational Health Care Facilities
Florida Hospital Orlando
Orlando Regional Medical Center |
Companies that provide towing services for big rigs: |
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ABC Towing
Road Rangers of Central Florida |
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T R L Towing of Central Florida Inc
Tyler's Towing |
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Contact an Orlando 18-Wheeler Accident Attorney for a free initial consultation. |
Truck Accident Lawyers for Injured Truckers Serve Orlando and Surrounding Cities
Serving clients throughout Central Florida, including Altamonte Springs, Apopka, Azalea Park, Bay Hill, Belle Isle, Chuluota, Conway, Doctor, Hunters Creek, Kissimmee, Lake Mary, Lockhart, Longwood, Maitland, Meadow Woods, Oak Ridge, Ocoee, Orlando, Orlovista, Phillips, Pine Hills, Sanford, Sky Lake, South Apopka, St. Cloud, Walt Disney World Resort, Williamsburg, Winter Garden, Winter Park, Winter Springs, and other communities in Orange County.
Orlando truck accident attorneys for injured truckers are experienced in handling serious injury truck collision cases and can help you fight the trucking company or its insurer in order to get you the compensation you deserve. Contact an Orlando 18 wheeler accident lawyer today for a FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION.