Winter Park contains a stretch of Interstate 4, one of the roads that allows tourists and locals alike to shuttle throughout the state of Florida, and Orlando in particular. This proximity to a major interstate is one of the reasons why motorists in Winter Park may encounter a notable number of 18-wheelers, which are far larger and heavier than the typical passenger vehicle, even when they are not loaded with cargo.
If you or a loved one were injured because of a collision with an 18-wheeler in Winter Park, then the driver of the vehicle and other parties may compensate you for your losses.
A Winter Park truck accident lawyer and our team can handle your case while you worry about getting better. Call the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine today for a free consultation.
Inherent Hazards of Driving an 18-Wheeler
A vehicle may only be as safe as the person who is driving it. Considering the abnormally great weight that an 18-wheeler may generally hold, drivers of 18-wheelers are required to have special qualifications in order to operate the vehicle legally.
Drivers of 18-wheelers in Florida must hold a commercial driver’s license (CDL), which they must pass a skill and knowledge test in order to obtain, per the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV). Yet, even despite these legal precautions against inexperienced or underqualified drivers being in control of massive cargo vehicles, there are several risks that 18-wheeler drivers and their employers must be cognizant of.
Tired or Drowsy Driving
Those who drive 18-wheelers may be required or may elect to drive their vehicle for long stretches of time. Trips that span double-digit hours may be infrequent for most drivers, but they could be routine for those who drive 18-wheelers for a living.
Being behind the wheel for several hours at a time means that the risk of driver fatigue is a real one. A driver may be particularly susceptible to drowsy or tired driving if:
- They have a medical condition that causes general lethargy or spontaneous tiredness
- They do not get a good night’s sleep before driving
- They take medication that causes them to become drowsy
- They do not take signs of encroaching tiredness seriously enough and fail to take measures like a short nap or drinking caffeine in order to be more alert
A driver who closes their eyes for even a second could increase their risk of causing an accident. Drowsy drivers may also be less able to anticipate coming hazards, and they may react more slowly to stopping vehicles or other conditions that may lead to an accident.
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Failing to Control a Large, Heavy Vehicle
Driving an 18-wheeler may be a far different experience than driving a smaller, lighter vehicle type. This difference explains why those who drive 18-wheelers must obtain a CDL before doing so.
Some features of 18-wheelers that drivers must be aware of and adjust their driving to account for include:
- An 18-wheeler’s lesser ability to stop quickly, as their weight may take longer to slow down
- An 18-wheeler’s height, which could make it more susceptible to veering or toppling if a driver takes a turn at too great of a speed
- An 18-wheeler’s susceptibility to being moved by high winds, which again is due to the vehicle’s height
A driver who fails to understand the unique features and flaws of an 18-wheeler could be prone to making an error that causes an accident.
Drug Impairment
Drivers of 18-wheelers do need to remain alert, but sometimes this means that drivers turn to illicit methods of staying awake and alert, including but not limited to illegal stimulants. This can cloud the driver’s motor skills and judgment.
Your Winter Park 18-wheeler accident lawyer will determine why your accident happened and who is responsible, then will work to secure any compensation that you deserve from liable parties. Call the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine today for a free consultation.
Truck Drivers and Other Liable Parties
As previously mentioned, drivers of 18-wheelers can cause an accident. However, even if the driver of the 18-wheeler involved in your accident is liable, they may not be the only party responsible for your losses.
A lawyer can review the facts of your case and identify any non-driver parties who may be liable for your accident. A driver’s employer is among those who could have some amount of liability for your losses.
A lawyer may handle the issue of liability for your accident by:
- Reviewing all available evidence from your accident
- Reviewing case precedent and relevant statutes
- Obtaining witness accounts
- Identifying precisely why your accident happened
- Determining who is liable for your losses
After gathering all relevant facts and evidence, your lawyer can determine whether any party should be named as a defendant in a lawsuit or the responsible party for an insurance claim. If multiple parties are liable for your accident and losses, then different approaches may apply to each defendant.
Whatever the appropriate approach to your case is, your lawyer will try to obtain compensation to cover your losses from the Winter Park accident—medical costs, income lost because of injury, pain and suffering, and any other type of covered loss.
Hire a Winter Park Lawyer Today
The team at the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine can serve you or a loved one who was injured or tragically passed away because of an 18-wheeler accident. A Winter Park 18-wheeler accident lawyer will defend your rights and go the extra mile in seeking compensation for you.
Call the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine today for more details about our responsive legal care.
